OnePlus 12R review

Competition

The OnePlus 12R starts at $500/INR 40K for the 8GB/128GB version (apparently not available in Europe), while the 16GB/256GB option goes for $600/€700/INR 46K. Those price tags expose it to capable competition regardless of locale, though the OP does have a lot going for it.

One of the key contenders in our minds is the Galaxy S23 FE - Samsung's R model of sorts. With an MSRP of $630/€700/INR 54K, the Galaxy might appear more expensive at first, but retailers often sell it below those numbers, plus it just might have objective advantages even at a higher price. Wider-ranging video recording capabilities, somewhat better ultrawide camera, a telephoto - the FE may be a superior cameraphone overall. OneUI and Samsung's update policy might be considered advantages too, as can be the wireless charging support and better water resistance. The OP12R counters with a superior display, longer battery life and faster wired charging, plus a beefier chipset.

Some kind of Pixel also has to be on this list. The Pixel 7a ($500, but really $375 at the time of writing/€510/INR 41K) is one option, though the 8 might make more sense in other regions, those other regions really being the US (normally $700, but $550 at the time of writing/€800/INR 76K). You'll be getting much longer software support and Google's AI smarts, plus better ultrawide photos and video (with AF too on the Pixel 8), and either Pixel will appeal to someone looking for a more portable handset. Conversely, the 12R wins for display size, but also battery life and charging speed.

The Nothing Phone (2) also comes to mind as a 12R alternative. Not quite as water-resitant, the Phone (2) counters with a flashy back and it too has a more capable ultrawide than the OnePlus. The Nothing is as close as you can get to the 12R's battery life, though it doesn't charge as fast, but then again it does have wireless charging. The OP's chipset is more powerful, which can be some consideration, and at $600/€650/INR 30K for an 8GB/128GB spec, the Phone (2) is looking particularly appealing in India and less so in the US or Europe.

More of a Europe-focused option, the Xiaomi 13T Pro will set you back about €600 for a 12GB/512GB spec, and that's looking like quite the bargain. Not only less expensive, the Xiaomi is a more versatile cameraphone (large-sensor telephoto, higher-res ultrawide, better video), plus you don't have to sacrifice display quality or charging speed here. The OnePlus still wins for endurance though.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE • Google Pixel 8 • Google Pixel 7a • Nothing Phone (2) • Xiaomi 13T Pro

Verdict

The OnePlus 12R's specsheet already revealed some of its key weaknesses. The lack of wireless charging and the IP rating that doesn't promise submersion survival will possibly disqualify it for some potential buyer. More limiting, we reckon, is the camera system that features a so-so ultrawide and is missing a zoom unit - that's the weak point that rivals can readily exploit.

That said, stills performance is superb on the main camera and not half bad on the ultrawide, with both excelling in the dark - that's anything but a disappointing performance, if you don't particularly care for video. Add to that a wonderful display, class-leading battery life, and charging speed that's also among the best (in any class), and the 12R isn't looking too shabby, all things considered.

Ultimately, whether the OnePlus 12R is merely good enough or just great for you will be decided on exactly how much you want to be zooming in or out on your cameras. Less frequent zooming - go ahead and pick up a 12R; more zooming - have a look at some other options first.

Pros

• Excellent display, with Dolby Vision too.
• Class-leading battery life, super-fast charging.
• Excellent performance, solid sustained load handling.
• Superb photos from the main camera, particularly good in low light; better than expected low-light ultrawide stills too.

Cons

• IP64 rating when a lot of competitors offer submersion-grade IP67/IP68.
• No wireless charging.
• No zoom camera, low-res ultrawide without AF.
• Unremarkable daylight video quality, so-so stabilization.