OnePlus is at it again with its usual dual-release style. While the OnePlus 12 raced on ahead of its competitors with the expected specs for an early 2024 phone, the OnePlus 12R actually steps a few paces back to deal with the bigger mid-tier audience. As such, we can expect a considerable technical specification gap between the two.
Specifications Overview
| OnePlus 12 | OnePlus 12R | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (OxygenOS 14 – International) (ColorOS 14 – China) | Android 14 (OxygenOS 14) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 4nm | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 4nm |
| Display | 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 3168×1440 pixels, 120 Hertz, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 510 ppi | 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 2780×1264 pixels, 120 Hertz, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 450 ppi |
| Memory | 12/16GB | 8/16GB |
| Storage | 256/512GB | 128/256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP Main Camera: Sony LYT-808, 1/1.4″, 1.12 µm size, ƒ/1.6, 23mm, 7P, ALC coating, EIS/OIS support 48MP Ultra-wide Lens: Sony IMX581, 1/2″ 0.8 µm size, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 14mm, 6P, EIS, 114° FoV, Autofocus, Macro at 3.5 cm 64MP Telephoto Lens: OmniVision OV64B, 3X optical, 6X in-sensor, 1/2″ 0.7 µm size, ƒ/2.6, 70mm equivalent (3X), 140mm equivalent (6X), 4P, ALC coating, OIS/EIS support, 33° Telephoto, Autofocus | 50MP Main Camera: Sony IMX890, 1/1.56″ 1.0 µm size, ƒ/1.8, 24mm, 6P, PDAF, EIS/OIS support 8MP Ultra-wide: 112° FoV, Fixed Focus, 1.12 µm, ƒ/2.2 |
| Front Camera | 32MP, Sony IMX615, 1/2.74″, 0.8µm, ƒ/2.4, 21mm, 5P, EIS, Fixed Focus, 90° FOV | 16MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture, 24mm, 1.0µm, Fixed Focus, EIS |
| Sensors | In-display Fingerprint Sensor, Accelerometer, M-sensor Electronic Compass, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Sensor Core, Flick-detect Sensor, Infrared Sensor, 13-channel Accu-spectrum Light-color Identifier | In-display Fingerprint Sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic Compass, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Sensor Core, Rear Color Temperature Sensor, Infrared Blaster |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C 3.2, NFC, Wi-Fi 7 | Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0, NFC, Wi-Fi 7 |
| Colors | Emerald, Black, Silver | Gray, Blue |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 220g | 207g |
| Battery | 5,400 mAh, 100W SUPERVOOC (80W in the US), 50W AIRVOOC | 5,500 mAh, 100W 80W SUPERVOOC |
| Price | Starting from $800 | Starting from $500 |
Performance
The half-step back to still excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 might be a bummer for those eyeing an updated higher mid-range phone in 2024, but it is still way more than enough for the average user. In fact, it still beats most other mobile processors that are already within the “plays Genshin Impact well” line.
Still, those who really need the processing juice might find the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to be a better investment. At least in synthetic benchmarks, it is still considerably better than its predecessor.
Variants
Oddly enough, while the OnePlus 12 offers 12GB for its 256GB variant, the OnePlus 12R actually bumps this up to 16G for the same storage capacity. This means that the “downgraded” version within this product package actually has one single better spec than the premium version.
Regardless, 12GB and 16GB are still way overkill for mobile devices at the moment. For a bit of perspective, even though we are already moving to 32GB, 16GB is still the minimum accepted RAM for a PC. A whole computer. In 2024.
It's also worth noting that the 128GB variant of the OnePlus 12R uses UFS 3.1, so spending the extra $100 for the 16/256GB model, which uses the faster UFS 4.0 storage technology, is probably worthwhile. It's still not a huge downgrade since it's still more than snappy enough to compete with a SATA 6Gbps SSD. You might be tempted to opt for the USB Type-C 3.2 connection of the OnePlus 12 for its UFS 4.0 storage, though.
Camera
But by far, the biggest difference between the two is the camera. If you look at the numbers, it is not even a competition. The OnePlus 12 is far superior, with better specs and more options. Better technologies are also applied for each respective camera sensor, albeit the development gap between the two isn't that wide. The OnePlus 12 also has a telephoto lens, while the OnePlus 12R only has its primary and ultra-wide angle ones.
Which Should You Choose?
Pre order the One Plus & One Plus 12R here, direct from One Plus!
As you can see, the differences show an entire tier difference between the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. If you can make the splurge or have any professional use for the more premium model, go with the OnePlus 12. Its far superior cameras can provide significantly more value for any productivity application that requires image recording or photography. If you want a more practical unit for standard use, invest in the cheaper OnePlus 12R. It has a very fair compromise of specs for its price, remaining relatively competitive while being a third more affordable.
