Google Pixel 8 vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Performance, Camera, and Battery Life

Google's Pixel 8 represents a refinement of its AI-focused smartphone strategy, while the OnePlus 12R aims to deliver flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two 4nm-powered devices, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their respective strengths.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 8 is the better choice. However, the OnePlus 12R delivers superior battery life and significantly faster charging, making it ideal for power users and gamers who demand all-day endurance and quick top-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 8 OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GKWS6, G9BQD1, 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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GKWS61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, October 042024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, October 12Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm (5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~428 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 91.1 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUNona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G715s MC10Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP (12 MP eff.), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, AF-
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best TakeLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-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)
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB 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, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging27W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 18W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging100W wired, 100% in 26 min
TypeLi-Ion 4575 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, Hazel, Rose, MintIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsGKWS6, G9BQD, GA04851-US, GZPFO, GPJ41CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price€ 296.00 / $ 268.93 / £ 260.00 / ₹ 38,999€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Google Pixel 8

  • Superior camera and image processing
  • AI-powered features and software experience
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Shorter battery life compared to the 12R
  • Slower charging speed

OnePlus 12R

  • Exceptional battery life and endurance
  • Blazing-fast 100W charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor

  • Less refined camera experience
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 boasts a measured peak brightness of 1446 nits, exceeding the OnePlus 12R’s 1181 nits. While both displays are excellent, the Pixel 8’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. Both likely utilize OLED panels, but the Pixel 8’s panel is expected to have a variable refresh rate (LTPO) for improved efficiency, a feature not explicitly stated for the 12R. The difference in peak brightness is noticeable, making the Pixel 8 the better choice for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

The context data doesn't provide detailed camera specs, but the Pixel 8 is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s image processing algorithms. While the 12R likely features a capable camera system, the Pixel 8’s strength lies in its ability to extract detail and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 8’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G3’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP). Without specific sensor details for the 12R, it’s safe to assume the Pixel 8 holds an advantage in overall image quality and versatility.

Performance

The OnePlus 12R leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AB), an octa-core chipset with a peak clock speed of 3.2 GHz on its Cortex-X3 prime core. This contrasts with the Pixel 8’s Google Tensor G3, a nona-core chip clocked at 3.0 GHz. While core count differs, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is widely recognized for its superior GPU performance and thermal efficiency. The 12R’s CPU configuration (1x3.2GHz + 2x2.8GHz + 2x2.8GHz + 3x2.0GHz) provides a balanced approach, while the Tensor G3 prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s 4nm process node contributes to better sustained performance under heavy load, minimizing throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R shines in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 14:32h, significantly outperforming the Pixel 8’s 11:17h. This difference is further amplified by the 12R’s 100W wired charging, capable of a full charge in just 26 minutes, compared to the Pixel 8’s 27W charging which takes 30 minutes for 50%. The Pixel 8 offers 18W wireless and reverse wireless charging, features absent in the 12R. However, the 12R’s faster charging and longer battery life make it the clear winner for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 8 if you need a consistently excellent camera experience, seamless software updates, and benefit from Google's AI-powered features. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prioritize long battery life, blazing-fast 100W charging, and raw processing power for demanding tasks like gaming, all without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G3 is a capable chip, it's known to run warmer than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Pixel 8's thermal management is generally good, but extended gaming at maximum settings may result in some throttling. The OnePlus 12R, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is better equipped to handle sustained workloads without significant performance drops.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compare to other fast charging solutions?
The OnePlus 12R’s 100W SuperVOOC charging is among the fastest available, fully charging the device in approximately 26 minutes. This is significantly quicker than the Pixel 8’s 27W charging. While other phones offer similar wattage, OnePlus’s implementation is highly efficient and reliable, minimizing heat generation during the charging process.
❓ Is the Pixel 8's software support and update schedule a significant advantage over the OnePlus 12R?
Yes, Google guarantees at least 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8, including security patches and OS upgrades. OnePlus typically offers 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches for its devices. This longer support lifespan makes the Pixel 8 a more future-proof investment.