In the fast-paced world of smartphones, OnePlus has once again raised the bar with the introduction of its latest flagship duo – the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. With price points at Rs 64,999 and Rs 39,999, respectively, these devices promise a plethora of features catering to diverse user preferences. Let’s embark on an in-depth journey into the specifications, design, and capabilities of these two smartphones, shedding light on the nuances that distinguish them.
Design and Display – Aesthetic Choices
The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R share a common design language, showcasing OnePlus’s commitment to sleek and sophisticated aesthetics. The OnePlus 12 is marginally thicker and heavier than its counterpart, measuring 9.2mm and weighing 220g, compared to the 8.8mm thickness and 207g weight of the OnePlus 12R. The design diversity is expressed through color choices – Flowy Emerald and Silky Black for the OnePlus 12, and Cool Blue or Iron Gray for the OnePlus 12R.
Display Brilliance
Both devices feature cutting-edge displays, but with slight variations. The OnePlus 12 boasts a 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED screen, offering a resolution of 1440p and a rapid 120Hz refresh rate. This display is designed to peak at an impressive 4,500 nits and incorporates aqua touch technology to prevent ghost touches when wet. In comparison, the OnePlus 12R offers a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and the same 120Hz refresh rate, showcasing vivid colors and smooth visuals. Both displays come equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and support Dolby Vision playback.
Performance Prowess – Processing Power
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ensuring a seamless and powerful performance. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, delivering a commendable performance but with a slight difference in processing capabilities. Both smartphones run on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, promising a user-friendly interface and up to four years of software updates.
Memory Matters
Memory configurations cater to different user needs. The OnePlus 12 offers two variants – 12GB RAM with 256GB storage and 16GB RAM with 512GB storage, utilizing LPDDR5x RAM and UFS4.0 storage technology. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R presents more budget-friendly options with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage or 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, employing LPDDR5x RAM (128GB variant) and UFS3.1 storage technology.
Capturing Moments – Camera Innovations
The camera setups on these smartphones showcase OnePlus’s commitment to photography excellence. The OnePlus 12 boasts a triple camera system featuring a 50-megapixel main Sony LYT-808 sensor, a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 sensor behind an ultrawide lens, and a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B sensor behind a 3x periscope telephoto lens. In comparison, the OnePlus 12R opts for a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main sensor, paired with an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The front cameras also differ, with the OnePlus 12 sporting a 32-megapixel shooter and the OnePlus 12R settling for a 16-megapixel front camera.
Battery and Charging – Endurance and Convenience
Battery capacities play a pivotal role in the user experience. The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a 5,400mAh battery, supporting both 100W fast wired and 50W wireless charging. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R features a slightly larger 5,500mAh battery but supports only 100W fast wired charging, omitting wireless charging capabilities. The USB Type-C ports on both phones vary in version – the OnePlus 12 boasting version 3.2 gen 1, while the OnePlus 12R settles for version 2.0.
Connectivity Features – A Closer Look
Connectivity options contribute to the overall user experience. Both phones feature stereo speakers and lack a headphone jack, maintaining a modern and streamlined design. The OnePlus 12 supports Bluetooth 5.4 and eSIM connectivity, while the OnePlus 12R opts for Bluetooth 5.3, providing users with reliable and advanced wireless connectivity options.
Biometrics and Special Features – User-Focused Design
Biometric authentication and user-centric features define the OnePlus experience. Both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R integrate an in-screen fingerprint reader for convenient and secure biometric authentication. Additionally, OnePlus’s signature alert slider mute switch on the left side of the frame ensures quick and easy control over notifications.
Price Points – Making Informed Choices
The significant price difference between the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R prompts users to evaluate their priorities and preferences. The OnePlus 12, with its premium features, starts at Rs 64,999, targeting users seeking top-notch specifications and capabilities. In contrast, the OnePlus 12R, priced at Rs 39,999, offers a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
OnePlus 12: A Deeper Dive into Flagship Evolution
The OnePlus 12 marks the next step in OnePlus’s flagship evolution. Positioned as a challenger to the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, the OnePlus 12 arrives in India with a starting price of Rs 64,999. This flagship promises significant updates in specifications, including a doubling of storage at the base level compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. However, it’s essential to note that the OnePlus 12 also comes with an Rs 8,000 price increase at the entry level, urging consumers to consider the added features against the higher cost.
While the design may seem similar, OnePlus has introduced subtle changes in build materials for the OnePlus 12. The IP rating has been tweaked, enhancing the phone’s durability and resistance to water and dust. The back of the phone now features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, maintaining a premium look and feel. The frame, consistent with the OnePlus 11, remains all metal, ensuring a sturdy and durable construction.
The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger and brighter display, measuring 6.82 inches with a 1440p LTPO AMOLED screen. The peak brightness of 4,500 nits enhances visibility in various lighting conditions. The addition of aqua touch technology prevents ghost touches when the screen is exposed to water splashes, ensuring a seamless user experience. In contrast, the OnePlus 11 featured a 6.7-inch 2K 120Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, with Corning Gorilla Victus protection and up to 1,300 nits of peak brightness.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, representing the latest and fastest chip at the time of its release. This chipset ensures smooth multitasking.
The OnePlus 12 offers ample memory configurations, catering to diverse user needs. Users can choose between 12GB RAM with 256GB storage or 16GB RAM with 512GB storage, providing flexibility for those who demand higher performance and extensive storage capacity. In contrast, the OnePlus 11 came in two variants – 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 16GB RAM with 256GB storage.
Battery endurance and charging speed are critical factors for user satisfaction. The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a 5,400mAh battery, supporting 100W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The USB Type-C port, version 3.2 gen 1, ensures quick data transfer and efficient charging. On the other hand, the OnePlus 11 featured a 5,000mAh battery with 100W fast wired charging, lacking wireless charging capabilities.
Connectivity options receive an upgrade in the OnePlus 12, with Bluetooth 5.4 providing improved wireless communication. The USB Type-C port, with version 3.2 gen 1, offers faster data transfer rates and enhanced connectivity options. These advancements contribute to a seamless and modern user experience.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera improvements in the OnePlus 12. The triple camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main Sony LYT-808 sensor, a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 sensor behind an ultrawide lens, and a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B sensor behind a 3x periscope telephoto lens. This configuration introduces new sensors and more powerful lenses, enhancing the overall imaging capabilities. In contrast, the OnePlus 11 featured a triple camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor, 48MP Sony IMX 81 behind an ultrawide-angle lens, and a 32MP 2x telephoto with RGBW arrangement for portraits.
The front camera on the OnePlus 12 takes a leap forward with a 32-megapixel sensor, offering high-resolution selfies and video calls. In comparison, the OnePlus 11 featured a 16-megapixel front camera, highlighting the enhancement in selfie capabilities and overall imaging quality.
OnePlus has introduced 4K video recording to the front camera with the OnePlus 12, expanding the possibilities for content creation and video communication. This feature caters to users who prioritize high-quality video recording on their smartphones. In contrast, the OnePlus 11 limited the front camera to 1080p@30fps, showcasing the significant upgrade in video capabilities with the OnePlus 12.
Both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 11 run on OxygenOS, OnePlus’s customized Android interface. The OnePlus 12, however, debuts with OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, ensuring the latest software features and optimizations. This combination provides users with a seamless and intuitive software experience, coupled with the promise of up to four years of software updates from OnePlus.