Asus ROG Phone 8 vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Performance, Battery, and Gaming

The Asus ROG Phone 8 represents the latest in gaming-focused smartphone technology, boasting the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The OnePlus 12R, while a generation older with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offers a compelling alternative with a focus on balanced performance and rapid charging. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For dedicated mobile gamers prioritizing raw power, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the OnePlus 12R provides exceptional value with its impressive 14:32 active use battery life and 100W charging, making it ideal for users who want a powerful all-rounder.

PHONES
Phone Names Asus ROG Phone 8 OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, January 082024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, January 18Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight225 g (7.94 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple- International model - 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm - SEA/China/India model - 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type5500 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsPhantom Black, Rebel GreyIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsAI2401, AI2401_ACPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price€ 879.99€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Asus ROG Phone 8

  • Superior processing power with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • Advanced gaming features (likely)
  • Potentially better color accuracy and refresh rate

  • Regional charging speed variations
  • Potentially higher price
  • Battery life may be less than OnePlus 12R

OnePlus 12R

  • Incredibly fast 100W charging
  • Excellent battery life (14:32h active use)
  • More affordable price point

  • Older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Lacks wireless charging
  • May not match ROG Phone 8's gaming performance

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a bright display, peaking at 1181 nits measured, ensuring excellent visibility even outdoors. While the ROG Phone 8’s display specs aren’t provided, Asus typically prioritizes color accuracy and refresh rates for gaming. The OnePlus 12R’s brightness is a concrete advantage, but the ROG Phone 8 likely compensates with superior color calibration and potentially a higher refresh rate, crucial for smooth gaming. The absence of LTPO information for the ROG Phone 8 leaves a question mark regarding its adaptive refresh rate capabilities, potentially impacting battery life during less demanding tasks.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the ROG Phone 8, a direct comparison is limited. However, OnePlus typically focuses on delivering versatile camera systems. The 12R’s image processing is known for its natural color reproduction. The ROG Phone 8, being a gaming phone, may prioritize speed and computational photography for features like HDR gaming. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS on the ROG Phone 8 makes it difficult to assess its low-light performance relative to the 12R. We can assume the ROG Phone 8 will have a competent camera, but it’s unlikely to be a primary selling point.

Performance

The Asus ROG Phone 8’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant leap over the OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The Gen 3 features a new CPU architecture with the Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, compared to the 12R’s Cortex-X3 at 3.2 GHz. This translates to faster single-core performance and improved efficiency. The ROG Phone 8’s CPU configuration (1+3+2+2) also differs from the 12R’s (1+2+2+3), potentially impacting multi-core performance. While both chips are built on a 4nm process, the architectural improvements in the Gen 3 will result in noticeable gains in gaming and demanding applications. The ROG Phone 8 will likely maintain higher sustained performance due to its advanced cooling solutions, mitigating thermal throttling.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R shines with its 100W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes. This is significantly faster than the ROG Phone 8’s 65W (International) or 30W (India) charging. While the ROG Phone 8 offers 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging, the 12R lacks wireless charging. The 12R’s active use battery score of 14:32h demonstrates excellent endurance, potentially offsetting any capacity difference if the ROG Phone 8 has a smaller battery. The ROG Phone 8’s charging speed varies significantly by region, making the 12R a more consistent experience globally.

Buying Guide

Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding games, need advanced gaming features, and are willing to pay a premium. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prioritize long battery life, incredibly fast charging, and a more balanced experience at a significantly lower price point. The 12R is the smart choice for power users who don't *exclusively* game.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 8's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 get significantly hotter than the OnePlus 12R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful, it also generates more heat. Asus ROG Phones are known for their robust cooling systems, including vapor chambers and advanced heat dissipation materials. These systems are designed to mitigate thermal throttling and maintain performance during prolonged gaming. The OnePlus 12R will likely experience less peak heat, but may throttle sooner under sustained load. Real-world testing is needed to quantify the difference.
❓ Is the 30W charging speed in the Indian variant of the ROG Phone 8 a significant drawback compared to the 65W international version?
Yes, the 30W charging speed in India is considerably slower than the 65W offered in other regions. This translates to a much longer time to fully charge the device. If fast charging is a priority, the OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging is a compelling alternative, regardless of region.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R support high refresh rate gaming, and if so, what frame rates can it reliably achieve in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The OnePlus 12R’s display supports high refresh rates, enabling smoother gameplay. While specific frame rate performance varies depending on game settings and optimization, the 12R can reliably achieve 60fps in PUBG Mobile at high graphics settings. Achieving 90fps may require lowering graphics settings or utilizing game-specific optimization features. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is capable of handling demanding games, but it won't match the ROG Phone 8's potential for consistently higher frame rates.