OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra and OnePlus 12R represent distinct approaches to the flagship-killer segment. The Ace 5 Ultra arrives with the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, aiming for raw power, while the 12R leverages the established Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, prioritizing a balance of performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and the latest technology, the OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9400+ chipset offers a theoretical performance advantage. However, the OnePlus 12R provides excellent value with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, impressive 14:32 hour battery life, and faster 26-minute charging, making it ideal for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 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
Announced2025, May 272024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 27Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 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
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCrystal Shield GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.73 GHz Cortex-X925 & 3x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9400+ (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G925 MC12Adreno 740
OSAndroid 15, ColorOS 15Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser 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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5, BLE Audio5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-bandWi-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
Charging100W wired, PD, 100% in 39 min 7.5W reverse wired Bypass charging100W wired, 100% in 26 min
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6700 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Black, TitaniumIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsPLC110CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
PriceAbout 310 EUR€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra

  • Potentially higher peak performance with Dimensity 9400+
  • More advanced CPU architecture with more X4 cores
  • 7.5W reverse wired charging
  • Latest generation chipset

  • Longer charging time (39 minutes)
  • Battery life potentially lower due to more powerful chipset
  • Camera specifications currently unknown

OnePlus 12R

  • Excellent battery life (14:32 hours active use)
  • Faster charging (26 minutes)
  • Proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • High peak brightness (1181 nits)

  • Chipset is one generation older
  • Less powerful CPU architecture compared to Ace 5 Ultra
  • No reverse wireless charging (based on provided data)

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a measured peak brightness of 1181 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. While the Ace 5 Ultra’s display specifications are currently unavailable, OnePlus typically equips its devices with high-quality AMOLED panels. The 12R’s display is likely to offer a more refined viewing experience due to its known brightness and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO information for the Ace 5 Ultra suggests the 12R may have an advantage in adaptive refresh rate efficiency, potentially contributing to better battery life.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications for the Ace 5 Ultra are currently unavailable. The OnePlus 12R’s camera system, while not explicitly detailed in the provided data, is expected to follow OnePlus’s typical approach of a strong main sensor paired with supporting lenses. Without knowing the Ace 5 Ultra’s sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the 12R’s image processing, honed over several generations, likely provides a more consistent and refined photographic experience. The absence of information regarding OIS on either device makes it impossible to assess image stabilization capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra features the Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm) with its Cortex-X925 prime core clocked at 3.73 GHz, while the OnePlus 12R utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) with a Cortex-X3 prime core at 3.2 GHz. The 3nm process of the Dimensity 9400+ *should* offer improved power efficiency and transistor density compared to the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, potentially leading to higher sustained performance. However, Qualcomm’s optimization of the 8 Gen 2 is well-established. The Ace 5 Ultra’s CPU architecture, with more X4 cores (3x @ 3.3 GHz) compared to the 12R (2x @ 2.8 GHz), suggests a stronger focus on multi-threaded workloads. Both devices utilize Octa-core CPUs, but the Ace 5 Ultra’s configuration leans towards raw processing power.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R shines in battery life, achieving an active use score of 14:32 hours. While the Ace 5 Ultra’s battery capacity is unknown, its more powerful chipset may consume more energy. Both devices support 100W wired charging, but the 12R achieves a full charge in just 26 minutes, compared to the Ace 5 Ultra’s 39 minutes. The Ace 5 Ultra also offers 7.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the provided 12R specifications. The 12R’s faster charging and longer battery life make it the more convenient option for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra if you demand the absolute fastest processing speeds for demanding games and applications, and are willing to potentially trade some battery life for that performance. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prioritize all-day battery life, consistently smooth performance for everyday tasks, and faster charging speeds, all at a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 9400+ in the Ace 5 Ultra overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 3nm process *should* improve thermal efficiency, the Dimensity 9400+'s higher clock speeds and core count mean it has the potential to generate more heat under sustained load. Effective thermal management will be crucial, and real-world testing will be needed to determine if throttling occurs during extended gaming.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R support high refresh rate gaming, and what frame rates can be expected in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The OnePlus 12R’s display is expected to support high refresh rates (likely 120Hz), enabling smoother gameplay. While specific frame rate support in PUBG Mobile isn’t confirmed, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is capable of delivering stable 60fps at high graphics settings, and potentially 90fps with optimized settings.
❓ Is the 100W charging on both phones compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
Both the OnePlus Ace 5 Ultra and OnePlus 12R support PD charging, allowing you to use compatible chargers for slower, but still convenient, charging speeds. However, to achieve the full 100W charging speed, you'll need to use the included OnePlus charger or a compatible SuperVOOC charger.