Highlights
- OnePlus 12R markets itself as the superior choice for Pixel users looking for an upgrade.
- Starting at $399 with a trade-in offer, making high-end features more affordable.
- Offers a significant performance and quality at a lower price point than its competitors.
- Trade-in deal promises at least $100 for any smartphone, including older Pixels.
OnePlus is challenging Pixel users to rethink their brand loyalty with the introduction of the OnePlus 12R, a device that the company is marketing not just as a new phone but as a direct upgrade from Google’s Pixel lineup.
The campaign, which emerged from an eye-catching ad spotted on Facebook in the US markets, positions the OnePlus 12R as offering “More Bang, Less Bucks,” a proposition that’s hard to ignore in today’s economy.
OnePlus 12R or the Latest Pixel?
Launched in February, the OnePlus 12R has been designed to bridge the gap between affordability and high-end smartphone experience.
Achieving this by utilizing an older, yet still capable processor and trimming features like the cutting-edge camera enhancements and wireless charging found in more premium models, the OnePlus 12R stands out with its competitive $499 price tag in the US.
However, the ad campaign sweetens the deal even further, dropping the starting price to $399 for those willing to trade in their current smartphone—making it an enticing offer for Pixel users considering an upgrade.
We reviewed the OnePlus 12R and commended it for its impressive performance, feature set, and exceptional value for money, highlighting it as a noteworthy contender in the budget smartphone category.
OnePlus’s marketing strategy is unapologetically aggressive, urging Pixel owners to consider the 12R as a significant upgrade.
The trade-in deal, offering a minimum of $100 for any smartphone, is especially appealing for Pixel users who might find their older devices fetching low resale values on the open market.
Not An Easy Decision
The decision to switch, however, might not be straightforward for every Pixel enthusiast.
OnePlus’s camera technology, while competent, often doesn’t match the photographic prowess of even older Pixel models.
Furthermore, OnePlus’s OxygenOS, despite its many merits, may not resonate with everyone’s taste, particularly those accustomed to Google’s Android implementation.
OnePlus’s challenge to Pixel users is audacious, reflecting the brand’s confidence in the 12R as a formidable rival within the smartphone ecosystem.
As the debate on whether the OnePlus 12R truly qualifies as an “upgrade” continues, it ultimately boils down to individual preference and priorities in a smartphone.
OnePlus’s offer, with its attractive pricing and trade-in incentives, certainly makes a compelling case, but will it be enough to sway Pixel loyalists?
ONEPLUS 12R SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 8 MP + 32 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5500 mAh |
| Display | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | January 24, 2024 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v14 |
| Custom UI | Oxygen OS |
Performance
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| CPU | Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X3 + 2.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A715 + 2 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A510) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 4 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 |
Display
| Display Type | AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2712 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 443 ppi |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 50 MP, Primary Camera 8 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 32 MP , Telephoto Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| OIS | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 8150 x 6150 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 16 MP, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5500 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Super VOOC, 100W |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 256 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
5G Bands:
FDD N3
TDD N40 4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
5G Bands:
FDD N3
TDD N40 4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) 5GHz |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.2 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | On-screen |
| Fingerprint Sensor Type | Optical |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
FAQs
Q: What makes the OnePlus 12R an appealing upgrade from a Pixel phone?
A: With its aggressive price point, especially with trade-ins, the OnePlus 12R offers a compelling package of performance and features for those looking to upgrade from a Pixel phone without breaking the bank.
Q: How does the trade-in offer work for the OnePlus 12R?
A: OnePlus is offering a minimum of $100 trade-in value for any smartphone towards the purchase of a OnePlus 12R, reducing the starting price to $399 and making it an attractive offer for Pixel and other smartphone users.
Q: Can the OnePlus 12R camera compete with that of Pixel phones?
A: While OnePlus cameras have traditionally been a step down from Pixel’s, the OnePlus 12R still offers a solid camera experience that many users will find satisfactory, especially considering the price difference.
Q: What are the major differences between OxygenOS and the Pixel’s Android version?
A: OxygenOS offers a unique take on Android with a focus on customization and efficiency, while Pixel phones provide a more stock Android experience. The choice between the two is largely a matter of personal preference.
Q: Is the OnePlus 12R considered a budget phone?
A: The OnePlus 12R is positioned as a “budget” phone only in comparison to high-tier smartphones, offering flagship-like features and performance at a more accessible price point.
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