Motorola Edge 50 Ultra vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance and Value

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra arrives as a fresh contender with the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, challenging the established OnePlus 12R, which leverages the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This comparison dissects these two 4nm powerhouses, focusing on where their architectural differences translate into real-world benefits for users, particularly concerning battery life, display quality, and sustained performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 12R emerges as the stronger overall package. Its significantly longer 14:32 active use battery life and proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offer a compelling blend of performance and endurance. While the Edge 50 Ultra boasts faster charging and a brighter display, the 12R’s efficiency and established track record make it the more practical choice.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge 50 Ultra OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 661, 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, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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
Announced2024, April 162024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 15Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), wooden back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions161.1 x 72.4 x 8.6 mm (6.34 x 2.85 x 0.34 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
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~92.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 2500 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 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 SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 735Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 3 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.4, 72mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF50 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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/1.9, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, HDR1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavICGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4USB 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
Charging125W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsForest Grey, Nordic Wood, Peach FuzzIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
Models-CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price$ 939.00 / C$ 1,299.00 / £ 490.00 / € 609.90 / ₹ 59,999€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

  • Blazing-fast 125W wired charging
  • Higher peak display brightness (1473 nits)
  • Latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset

  • Shorter battery life (12:56h active use)
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Camera specs currently unknown

OnePlus 12R

  • Exceptional battery life (14:32h active use)
  • Proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Efficient thermal management

  • Lower peak display brightness (1181 nits)
  • Slower charging speed (100W wired)
  • Older chipset architecture

Display Comparison

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s display leads in peak brightness, reaching a measured 1473 nits compared to the OnePlus 12R’s 1181 nits. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. However, both displays utilize a 4nm chipset, which means the difference in power draw will be minimal. While both are excellent, the Edge 50 Ultra’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor users. Details regarding panel technology (LTPO) and color accuracy are missing, but given the flagship positioning, both are expected to deliver vibrant and accurate colors.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is likely to feature a more advanced camera system, given Motorola’s recent focus on camera technology. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also newer, potentially offering improved image processing capabilities. The OnePlus 12R likely relies on a well-tuned, but slightly older, camera setup. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to be a significant factor in image quality.

Performance

The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (3.2 GHz Cortex-X3) holds a slight architectural advantage over the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (3.0 GHz Cortex-X4). The Gen 2’s Cortex-X3 core operates at a higher clock speed. However, the 8s Gen 3 benefits from a more modern architecture. The 12R’s chipset is known for its strong sustained performance due to the 4nm process and efficient thermal design. The Edge 50 Ultra’s 8s Gen 3 aims to close the gap, but real-world testing will be needed to determine if it can match the 12R’s consistency under prolonged load. Both phones feature ample RAM, likely LPDDR5x, ensuring smooth multitasking.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the OnePlus 12R truly shines, achieving an impressive 14:32h of active use. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, while still respectable at 12:56h, falls short. This difference is likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 12R and potentially a larger battery capacity (not specified). The Edge 50 Ultra compensates with significantly faster 125W wired charging, promising a full charge in under 30 minutes, alongside 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging. The 12R offers 100W wired charging, reaching 100% in 26 minutes – still very fast, but slower than the Edge 50 Ultra.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds (125W) and a peak display brightness of 1473 nits is crucial for outdoor visibility. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you value exceptional battery life (14:32h active use), a well-optimized and proven chipset, and a more balanced overall experience without compromising on flagship-level performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a powerful chipset, its thermal performance is still under evaluation. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has a proven track record of sustained performance due to its efficient 4nm process and optimized cooling system. The Edge 50 Ultra’s thermal management will be a key factor in determining its long-term gaming capabilities.
❓ How does the 125W charging on the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra compare to the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R in real-world usage?
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s 125W charging is demonstrably faster, fully charging the device in less time than the OnePlus 12R’s 26-minute 100W charge. However, the difference in convenience is lessened by the OnePlus 12R’s already-fast charging speed and significantly longer battery life, reducing the frequency of needing to charge.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
The 292-nit difference in peak brightness is most noticeable outdoors under direct sunlight. Indoors, or in shaded environments, the difference is less pronounced. Users who frequently use their phones outdoors will benefit more from the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra’s brighter display.