As a former iPhone user, OnePlus was new to me until I joined Digital Trends. However, the OnePlus 12 has quickly become one of my favorite smartphones this year, showcasing why OnePlus has a solid reputation in the mobile world.
But in addition to the OnePlus 12, OnePlus also launched the more affordable OnePlus 12R, which even has a stylish Genshin Impact Edition.
While Joe Maring, Digital Trends’ Mobile editor, reviewed the OnePlus 12R, I’ve been using the phone primarily for its camera for the past week. So, is it as good as the hype suggests?
There’s so much to like about the 12R
The OnePlus 12R’s design mirrors the sleekness of the OnePlus 12, with subtle differences like a matte aluminum frame and a slightly smaller size. Despite these distinctions, the two phones look quite similar.
I particularly appreciate the design of the OnePlus 12R, especially in the eye-catching Genshin Impact Edition variant I have. OnePlus phones have always impressed me with their unique aesthetics, and the Genshin Impact Edition stands out as one of the most visually striking phones I’ve used.
Although marketed as a “budget-friendly” option, the OnePlus 12R exudes flagship quality at a fraction of the cost. Its display matches the OnePlus 12 in brilliance and clarity, with smooth scrolling facilitated by the 120Hz refresh rate.
The OnePlus 12R’s display can reach impressive brightness levels of up to 4,500 nits, ideal for seamless outdoor usage in bright sunlight.
The OnePlus 12R excels in performance, boasting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage. While optimized for mobile gaming, the Genshin Impact Edition offers impressive speed and responsiveness, keeping up with demanding tasks effortlessly.
Every interaction on the OnePlus 12R feels seamless and fluid, matching the performance standards of the OnePlus 12. Despite utilizing the previous year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, it delivers exceptional speed and power.
One standout feature of the OnePlus 12R is its exceptional battery life, thanks to its hefty 5,500mAh battery and efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 combination. With support for 80-watt wired charging, it offers extended usage over two days on a single charge.
Although lacking wireless charging, the OnePlus 12R’s fast charging capabilities make up for this, refueling the battery to full capacity in about 30 minutes.
But it’s not perfect
While the OnePlus 12R offers many positives as a midrange phone, it does have its drawbacks.
One area of concern is the camera performance. Compared to the OnePlus 12 with Hasselblad color calibration, the OnePlus 12R’s photo quality falls short, displaying slightly washed-out colors in images.
Additionally, the OnePlus 12R’s camera setup, with a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens, lacks the versatility of a telephoto lens. It also struggles with motion sensitivity, leading to blurry photos with even slight movement.
Despite the impressive display, the curved edges of the OnePlus 12R’s screen can result in accidental touches, which, although not deal-breaking, can be frustrating.
Still an incredible value
Despite its imperfections, the OnePlus 12R remains a compelling device at just $500.
As mentioned in our review, it offers almost all the features of a flagship phone from the previous year at a fraction of the cost. With a stunning display, impressive performance, and ample power, including 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, it delivers great value.
Although the camera quality and curved display edges could be improved, the OnePlus 12R stands out as one of the best midrange phones available, offering exceptional performance and features for its price point.
Editors’ Recommendations
