The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R were launched simultaneously but with a significant difference in price. Is it worth paying extra for the OnePlus 12, or is the 12R a viable alternative? We will outline the differences for you.
OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R
While OnePlus initially released only one device in the Netherlands in spring 2023, both the OnePlus 12 and the 12R are now available. So, what sets them apart? In this article, we will compare the two to help you decide which device is the best fit for you.
1. Cameras
The most significant difference between the OnePlus 12 and the 12R lies in their cameras. While the round camera island on the smartphones may look identical, there are differences in the lenses. The regular OnePlus 12 continues the tradition of being equipped with cameras developed in partnership with camera manufacturer Hasselblad.
The 12 boasts three lenses: a main camera with 50-megapixel resolution, a periscopic telephoto lens with 64 megapixels, and a wide-angle lens with 48 megapixels. This is in line with the high-resolution camera setup seen in previous OnePlus flagships.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R has less impressive cameras. The main camera has a resolution of 50 megapixels and can produce sharper images. The wide-angle lens only has 8 megapixels, and instead of a telephoto lens, the 12R features a 2-megapixel macro camera, which may not deliver top results in practice.
2. (Screen) size
Another minor difference is the size of the screens. The OnePlus 12 has a screen diagonal of 6.82 inches, while the 12R has a slightly smaller 6.78-inch screen. The difference is so minimal that it is hardly noticeable.
The screen resolution also differs: the 12 has 3168 by 1440 pixels, while the 12R has 2780 by 1264 pixels. It’s slightly less sharp, although the difference may not be visibly discernible. Additionally, both devices feature AMOLED panels and are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
3. Processor
As the flagship model, the 12 is equipped with the latest and fastest chip of the moment: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This not only ensures exceptional performance in games, but also increases battery life due to energy efficiency.
The OnePlus 12R runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – last year’s fastest processor – which still delivers strong performance. While the difference may not be immediately noticeable when comparing the devices, the boot time of the OnePlus 12R may be slightly longer. You can still play the most graphically intense games on it.
4. Versions and prices
The OnePlus 12 and 12R also vary considerably in terms of specifications, leading to different price points. The 12 is available in two versions and is priced at 949 euros for the 12/256GB variant and 1099 euros for the 16/512GB variant. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R is significantly cheaper at 699 euros but offers 16GB of RAM and 265GB of storage (!).
In summary: The OnePlus 12R offers a OnePlus 12 with a less extensive camera setup and a slightly less sharp screen. Additionally, its chip is a generation older, and the battery does not support wireless charging.
If these differences are not a priority for you, the OnePlus 12R may be a suitable choice. It features a very bright AMOLED screen, a fast chip, and supports 100 Watt charging. However, if you want the latest in technology, the OnePlus 12 may be the better option.
More about the OnePlus 12(R)
We will be conducting extensive tests on the devices, but we had the opportunity to work with the smartphones shortly before their release. For more details, read our in-depth preview or check out our latest articles about OnePlus below.