OnePlus 12R: A More Affordable Alternative to the OnePlus 12 with Key Tradeoffs
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone but find the price of the OnePlus 12 a bit too steep, then the OnePlus 12R might be the perfect alternative for you. Priced at $500 or £649 (approximately AU$1,250), this budget-friendly option shares some similarities with its pricier sibling, including a capacious battery and sleek design. However, it does make some tradeoffs to achieve its more affordable starting price.
Performance and Camera
The OnePlus 12R runs on a slightly older Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor compared to the flagship’s brand new 8 Gen 3 chip. This means that you can expect different performance levels between the two models. Additionally, the OnePlus 12R features a pared-back camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel camera with a macro lens. While the macro lens may seem redundant to some users, it’s worth noting that this is a common feature on previous OnePlus phones.
Support Period
One area where the OnePlus 12R falls short is in its support period. OnePlus offers three years of software updates and four years of security updates for the OnePlus 12R, which is one year less than what they offer for the standard OnePlus 12. This shorter support period is disappointing, as longer support means that your phone will remain usable for a longer period of time, benefiting both you and the environment. It’s disheartening to see OnePlus intentionally offering shorter support periods on their cheaper model, as it implies that sustainability is only available to those who are willing to spend more on the top model.
Battery Life and Display
On the upside, the OnePlus 12R boasts a whopping 5,500-mAh battery, which is even larger than the one found in the OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 12 already impressed with its battery life, so it will be interesting to see how the 12R performs in this aspect. It’s important to note that while a bigger battery may seem like it would last longer, the OnePlus 12’s cutting-edge 8 Gen 3 chip offers different power efficiency compared to the older 8 Gen 2 chip in the 12R.
The 12R features a frosted glass back, which provides a sturdy and premium feel when held. The 6.78-inch display is bright and vibrant, offering the same wet-touch technology seen on the OnePlus 12. This technology allows the screen to remain responsive even when wet, which is a convenient feature for users.
Additional Features
Other key features of the OnePlus 12R include IP64 water resistance, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, 80-watt fast charging (100W in the UK), and a vapor-chamber cooling system to ensure optimal performance during demanding tasks such as gaming. However, unlike the OnePlus 12, the 12R does not come with wireless charging.
Conclusion
While I am still in the process of testing the OnePlus 12R, it appears to be a capable phone with a reasonable price tag. Although it may not be a flagship killer, it offers a solid lineup of specifications for those seeking a good all-around Android phone without breaking the bank. It’s important to consider the tradeoffs made in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and support period when deciding between the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and budget constraints.
