OnePlus 12R Review: Fine Line Between Affordability and Flagship Excellence

 Introduction:

The OnePlus 12R, unveiled alongside its flagship counterpart, the OnePlus 12, at the 'Smooth Beyond Belief' event in January, has sparked considerable interest with its promise to bridge the gap between affordability and flagship-level performance. Priced at a starting point of Rs. 39,999, the OnePlus 12R aims to deliver a premium smartphone experience without the hefty price tag.

The OnePlus 12R has entered the mid-range arena, promising to bridge the gap between affordability and flagship performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let's delve deeper into its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition to help you decide.

Oneplus 12R

Sleek Design with Familiar Flair:

The OnePlus 12R borrows design cues from its flagship sibling, the 12. While it ditches the fancy marble glass back for a regular glass option, it retains the distinctive camera module layout familiar to OnePlus fans.The Cool Blue variant, with its glossy back panel, exudes a sophisticated aesthetic, while the Iron Gray variant opts for a matte finish for enhanced grip. The phone feels premium thanks to its metal frame and both front and back glass panels. However, the glossy finish on the Cool Blue variant can be slippery, so consider using the included case for better grip. The matte finish on the Iron Gray variant might offer more grip, though.The phone's metal frame and glass construction contribute to a premium feel, and at 207 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between substance and style.

One noticeable change is the return of the Alert Slider to its original position on the left side, bringing back a touch of nostalgia for long-time OnePlus users.

Performance Powerhouse:

Where the 12R truly shines is in its performance. Packing the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC from last year, it delivers a smooth and responsive user experience. The phone is available in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 16GB RAM with 256GB storage both the variant has UFS 3.1 storage. While benchmark scores might not top the charts, you won't feel any lack of power in everyday tasks or even demanding games. The phone stays cool under pressure, avoiding the overheating issues that can plague some powerful phones.

False Advertising Regarding Storage:

At launch, OnePlus advertised the 256GB variant of the OnePlus 12R as featuring the faster UFS 4.0 storage technology. However, the phone actually used the older UFS 3.1 storage type. This discrepancy sparked outrage among customers who felt misled by the company's marketing claims.

Following the controversy, OnePlus faced a significant backlash. Customers demanded refunds and expressed disappointment in the company's practices.This controversy has undoubtedly tarnished OnePlus's reputation and raised concerns about its future marketing practices. While the company took steps to address the issue and offer refunds, the experience has left a mark on consumer trust.

Display and Ergonomics:

The 12R boasts a curved 6.78 inches 1.5k 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with minimal bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it provides good scratch resistance, but consider adding a tempered glass screen protector for extra peace of mind. The phone's IP64 dust and water resistance rating adds durability to its repertoire. The display gets impressively bright at 1600 nits, making it easily viewable even under harsh sunlight. While OnePlus includes a screen protector pre-installed, its quality is subpar, so an upgrade is recommended.

Camera Capabilities:

The camera system is perhaps the 12R's biggest compromise. While it features a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor, the same found in last year's OnePlus 11, the supporting cast falls short. The 8MP ultrawide sensor delivers inconsistent results, particularly in landscapes, and the 2MP macro sensor feels like a filler rather than a useful addition.

The primary sensor captures decent photos in good lighting, but details take a hit when zooming in digitally. Low-light performance is average, with noticeable noise creeping in. The 16MP selfie camera fares well for social media but struggles in low-light scenarios.

Video recording is good in well-lit conditions, with decent stabilization. However, low-light video suffers from noise and lacks the polish found in true flagship phones.

Software and Battery Life:

The phone runs the latest OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, offering a clean and customizable interface. OnePlus promises three years of software updates and four years of security updates, ensuring you stay protected and have access to the latest features. The company has also added new features like File Dock, Multi-Screen Connect 2.0, and Smart Cutout for enhanced functionality.

One area where the 12R excels is battery life. The massive 5500mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. The included 100W fast charger can top up the phone from 0 to 100% in a mere 30 minutes, making power anxiety a thing of the past.

Verdict: A Worthy Contender, But Not Without Caveats

The OnePlus 12R delivers excellent performance, a stunning display, and long battery life, all at a competitive price point. It successfully bridges the gap in these aspects compared to flagship counterparts. However, the camera system falls short, especially when compared to other options in the same price range.

If you prioritize raw performance, a smooth display, and long battery life, the OnePlus 12R is a compelling choice. However, if top-notch camera capabilities are essential, you might want to explore other options that offer a more balanced package.

Dear Reader, DeviceDiveDiaries extends heartfelt thanks to you for diving into the details of the Oneplus 12R. Your interest and engagement are truly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we hope the information adds value to your tech journey. Warm regards, DeviceDiveDiaries