OnePlus 12R Review: The Flagship Killer That’s Slaying the Competition

The OnePlus 12R is sparking immense anticipation thanks to its array of high-end features.

While the OnePlus R series has been making waves in select Asian markets for quite some time, this is its big debut on the global stage.

The OnePlus 12R is set to give the heavy hitters like the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Apple iPhone SE some serious competition. Reviewers are calling it an 'almost perfect phone' and the 'flagship killer’. Intrigued much? Us too! Join us as we unravel the mystery behind the hype and dive into our review of the OnePlus 12R.

Design: Feel the Difference

We’ve come to expect smartphones in this price range to often settle for composite plastic builds. But the OnePlus 12R breaks the mould with a sturdy matte aluminium frame alongside a sleek frosted glass back panel and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass. It’s a level of luxury usually reserved for devices double the price.

Display: Extremely Advanced 

OnePlus says that this is their most advanced display yet, and they're not exaggerating. The huge 6.78-inch screen offers an immersive screen-to-body ratio of 94.2%, an eye-popping peak brightness of 4 500 nits for hassle-free outdoor use and a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz with 4^th generation LTPO technology. A refresh rate like this is rarely found in a midrange phone. It allows you to conserve battery life by downshifting to 1Hz or taking it to the max for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

And just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be more, the OnePlus 12R hits us with an industry-first technology known as Aqua Touch. It can detect water droplets and retain functionality even when the screen is wet, meaning you can still swipe and tap. It works flawlessly – fast and smooth. A small downside is that it’s IP64 rated, meaning it's completely dustproof and resistant to water sprays and splashes, but it should never be submerged in water. So light rain is fine, but dropping your phone in the toilet is a definite no-no.

Performance: Too Gucci to handle 

The OnePlus 12R’s engine room sports the top-notch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with the Adreno 740 graphics processor. These chipsets powered most flagship Android phones priced above R20 000 just a year ago. Now, for a fraction of that cost, you get to experience the best.

But, brace yourself because things are about to get even more Gucci.

The OnePlus 12R offers two incredibly generous RAM and ROM options – these include 8GB RAM paired with 128GB internal storage and 16GB RAM with 256GB storage. The latter configuration will be hitting our shores.

With these internals, it’s no surprise that the device is an absolute beast that cuts through any task with ease, from extremely swift daily use to devouring demanding games like Genshin Impact, PUBG and Asphalt 9: Legends.

Coming for the Charging Crown 

Now, onto the 5 500mAh beefy battery, where the flagship vibes keep getting stronger. At this size, it’s bigger than the OnePlus 12, which is the actual flagship in the range. Talk about coming for the crown! The word from OnePlus is that this is their longest-lasting battery yet, delivering a full day of mixed use without breaking a sweat.

Here’s where things get even more mind-blowing: OnePlus has ramped up charging speeds to an extremely fast wired charge of 100W for the South African market. Yes, 100W! The device goes from empty to full in around 26 minutes. Incredible! It's safe to say that the OnePlus 12R is a flagship killer. However, one feature that you’ll likely find in a flagship but not in this device is wireless charging. But who's complaining when the wired charge is ridiculously good?

Adding to the already impressive package, you’ll receive a charging cable (Type-A to C) in the box. OnePlus knows we are tired of paying extra for accessories that should be included.

Vacay and Date Night Pics Everyone Will Envy 

There’s so much to appreciate about the snapping power of the OnePlus 12R. From its 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro, to the portrait-loving 16MP selfie lens. Now, on paper, this device is very much on par with the midrange segment. But we can’t forget about the Snapdragon chip powering the device as well as some innovative software features, which take these four cameras to a whole new level.

The main camera is just what you need to capture those perfect date night or vacay shots – photos are rich in colour, detail and contrast. Plus, with the added benefits of optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electronic image stabilisation (EIS), even shaky hands won't ruin your shots.

While it excels in daylight conditions, its performance at night or in dimly lit environments is equally impressive. It’s sharp with fast shutter speeds and minimal noise because grainy, poorly lit shots are so two thousand and late. And let's not forget about its zoom capabilities, with 2x zoom producing stunning results whether you're capturing distant landscapes or intricate details up close.

Trinity Engine: Good Things Come in 3

The OnePlus 12R has got one more trick up its sleeve: the proprietary Trinity Engine, a software-based feature that takes the performance of the hardware to unprecedented heights with a focus on RAM, ROM and CPU. It enhances every aspect of the device, from turbocharging mobile gaming to optimising storage capacity and power efficiency, even during high loads. Not stopping there, it also elevates everyday usage, ensuring lightning-fast app launches and seamlessly smooth transitions between tasks. We can’t deny that every aspect of the OnePlus 12R is simply iconic.

Verdict: OnePlus 12R slays in style 

The OnePlus 12R is poised to be one of, if not the best, midrange smartphones of 2024. If you had your eye on a fancy flagship, we say consider switching your focus to this budget beast. Sure, you might not have wireless charging or the highest IP rating for water resistance, but it’s a small price to pay.

Just think about it – you’re getting last year’s fastest chipsets from Snapdragon, a display packed with state-of-the-art features, blazing-fast charging that hits 100% in a flash, cameras worthy of capturing your special moments and software that enhances every aspect of your experience. This flagship killer is slaying the competition and doing it in style!