OnePlus 12R vs. Oppo Reno12: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus 12R and Oppo Reno12 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The 12R, leveraging the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, aims for raw power, while the Reno12 focuses on a balanced experience with the newer, efficiency-focused Dimensity 7300 Energy. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 12R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers a noticeable performance edge. However, the Oppo Reno12 offers excellent battery life and a brighter display, making it a strong contender for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno12 OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - version 1HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - version 11, 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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - version 11, 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, June 182024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, June 25Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions161.4 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.30 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
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7iCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G615 MC2Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, ColorOS 14.1Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.1", PDAF16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging80W wired, PD2.0, 47% in 18 min, 100% in 46 min, Reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Brown, Sunset Pink, Astro SilverIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsCPH2625CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price€ 303.99€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Oppo Reno12

  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Excellent all-day battery life
  • Efficient Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset

  • Less powerful CPU and GPU compared to the 12R
  • Slower charging speed

OnePlus 12R

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Significantly faster 100W charging
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Slightly shorter battery life
  • May run warmer under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Oppo Reno12 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1378 nits, compared to the OnePlus 12R’s 1181 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the Reno12’s higher peak brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor use. We lack panel technology details (LTPO, PWM frequency) but the brightness difference is a clear win for the Reno12. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy is assumed to be similar given both brands’ focus on display quality.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera processing. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s superior ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the 12R will likely result in faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. We can assume both phones will offer capable main cameras, but the 12R’s processing power gives it an edge. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.

Performance

The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AB) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo Reno12’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy. The 8 Gen 2 features a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside high-performance A715 and A710 cores, offering significantly higher CPU and GPU performance. The Reno12’s Dimensity 7300 Energy, while efficient with its 4nm process, relies on older Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding games and multitasking. The 12R’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its performance capabilities. Thermal management will be crucial; the 8 Gen 2 is known to generate more heat, but the 12R’s larger chassis may mitigate this.

Battery Life

Both phones deliver impressive battery life, with the Oppo Reno12 achieving 14:53h of active use and the OnePlus 12R managing 14:32h. The Reno12’s slightly longer runtime is likely due to the more efficient Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset. However, the 12R compensates with significantly faster 100W charging, reaching 100% in just 26 minutes, compared to the Reno12’s 46 minutes. The Reno12 reaches 47% in 18 minutes, but the 12R’s full charge time is substantially quicker. The 12R’s charging speed is a major convenience factor.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno12 if you prioritize all-day battery life, a vibrant and bright display for media consumption, and a more balanced thermal profile. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand the highest possible performance for gaming and demanding applications, and value the significantly faster 100W charging for quick top-ups. The 12R is the choice for power users, while the Reno12 caters to a broader audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7300 Energy in the Oppo Reno12 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 7300 Energy is a capable chipset, it won't deliver the same level of performance as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R. Genshin Impact will be playable on the Reno12, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12R will provide a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much warmer does the OnePlus 12R get during extended gaming sessions compared to the Oppo Reno12?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is known to generate more heat than the Dimensity 7300 Energy. While OnePlus likely implemented thermal management solutions, the 12R will likely get warmer during prolonged gaming. The Reno12’s more efficient chipset should result in a cooler operating temperature, potentially reducing thermal throttling.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the Oppo Reno12 slow enough to be a significant inconvenience?
While 80W is still fast charging, the OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging is considerably quicker. The Reno12 takes 46 minutes for a full charge, while the 12R achieves the same in 26 minutes. If you frequently need to top up your phone quickly, the 12R’s charging speed is a significant advantage.