OnePlus 12R Review: A Capable Mid Range Smartphone with Room for Improvement
Design and Durability
The OnePlus 12R has an attractive and professional-looking design that immediately identifies it as a OnePlus device. The feedback from users has been positive, with many finding the phone’s appearance appealing. However, when it comes to the actual usage experience, there are a few areas that could use some improvement.
The phone’s curved edges can be a double-edged sword. While the display’s curvature looks sleek, it also means that your fingers are more likely to accidentally trigger the touchscreen when holding the phone without a case. This can be an irritating issue, especially for those who prefer to use their devices without a protective case.
Another potential concern is the phone’s durability. During my testing, the device has already sustained a few minor scratches and bumps, despite my efforts to use it carefully. This suggests that the OnePlus 12R may not be the most rugged option on the market, and users who are prone to dropping or mishandling their devices may want to consider a more durable alternative.
Display and Visibility
The OnePlus 12R’s display is generally quite good, with no major issues in terms of color accuracy, contrast, or outdoor visibility. However, there is one area where the display falls short: HDR video performance.
When watching HDR content, the display doesn’t get as bright as it should, leading to a somewhat muted and less-than-ideal viewing experience. This is a limitation that users who enjoy HDR video content should be aware of before making a purchase.
That said, for general everyday use, the display is more than adequate, providing a smooth and visually pleasing experience. The phone’s curved edges also contribute to an immersive feel when using the device.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 12R is its impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities. The phone’s 5,500mAh battery consistently delivers a full day of usage, even with heavy use involving gaming, video calls, and benchmarking.
The 100W fast charging is also a significant advantage, allowing the phone to charge from 0 to 50% in just 10-15 minutes. This makes the OnePlus 12R an excellent choice for users who need a reliable, long-lasting battery and the ability to quickly top up their device when needed.
Software and Performance
The software experience on the OnePlus 12R is generally smooth and responsive, with no major issues encountered during my testing. The phone’s animations and overall system fluidity are commendable, and it handles demanding tasks like gaming and benchmarking without any notable hiccups.
However, there are a few software-related quirks that are worth mentioning. On a couple of occasions, I noticed that the phone would automatically turn off mobile data without any user intervention, requiring me to manually re-enable it. Additionally, there have been instances where the UI of certain apps would freeze when switching between them, although a simple force-stop and restart resolved the issue.
While these software-related problems are not deal-breakers, they do suggest that OnePlus still has some work to do in optimizing the user experience. Fortunately, the company has a history of providing timely software updates, so these issues may be addressed in future releases.
Camera Performance
The camera performance of the OnePlus 12R is a mixed bag. The primary 50MP camera is capable of capturing impressive details and handling a variety of lighting conditions well. The portrait mode also does a decent job of separating the subject from the background, and the skin tones generally look natural.
However, there are a few areas where the camera falls short. One notable issue is the inconsistent processing of consecutive shots in the same scene. Sometimes, the color and exposure can vary significantly between multiple photos taken in quick succession. Additionally, the 8MP ultra-wide camera, while usable, lacks the level of detail and sharpness one might expect from a smartphone in this price range.
The video recording performance is also a bit of a letdown, with noticeable shifts in brightness and color temperature throughout the recorded footage. This can be particularly problematic for those who rely on their smartphone cameras for vlogging or other video-centric content creation.
It’s worth noting that the camera performance, while not exceptional, is still reasonably good for the price point. Users who prioritize photography may want to consider other options, but for casual shooters, the OnePlus 12R’s camera should be sufficient for most everyday needs.
OnePlus 12R Highlights:
Pros:
- Impressive battery life with 5,500mAh capacity and lasting a full day on heavy use.
- Blazing-fast 100W charging that gets you from 0 to 50% in just 10-15 minutes.
- Generally smooth and responsive software experience with good animations and system fluidity.
- Attractive and professional-looking design.
- Capable primary 50MP camera for capturing details and handling various lighting conditions.
Cons:
- Accidental touches on the curved display due to its sensitivity.
- Durability concerns with scratches and bumps despite careful use.
- Underwhelming HDR video performance due to lower brightness levels.
- Inconsistent camera processing leading to variations in color and exposure between consecutive shots.
- Lack of detail and sharpness in the 8MP ultra-wide camera.
- Occasional software quirks like automatic mobile data turn-off and app UI freezing.
- Video recording with noticeable shifts in brightness and color temperature.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 12R is a capable midrange smartphone that offers a mixed bag of features and performance. While it excels in areas like battery life, charging speed, and overall system fluidity, it also has some notable shortcomings, particularly in the camera department and software optimization.
For users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a generally smooth user experience, the OnePlus 12R can be a solid choice, especially at the lower end of its price range. However, those who demand a more consistent and feature-rich camera experience or a more polished software implementation may want to consider alternative options in the same price bracket, such as the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S23 or the older but still capable OnePlus 8.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 12R is a decent midrange smartphone that offers good value for money, but it falls short of being a standout recommendation in a highly competitive market. As with any purchase decision, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs and priorities to determine if the OnePlus 12R is the right fit for you.