Realme 13 Pro vs OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The Realme 13 Pro and OnePlus 12R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While the Realme 13 Pro aims for efficiency with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, the OnePlus 12R leverages the flagship-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, creating a significant performance gap that dictates which phone suits different user needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the OnePlus 12R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 100W charging significantly outperform the Realme 13 Pro’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and 45W charging, justifying the price difference for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 13 Pro OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 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
Announced2024, July 302024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, August 06Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions161.3 x 73.9 x 8.2 or 8.4 mm163.3 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
Weight183.5 g or 188 g (6.49 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 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Adreno 740
OSAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional 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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB 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
Charging45W wired, 50% in 27 min100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type5200 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMonet Gold, Emerald Green, Monet PurpleIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsRMX3990CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price$ 499.00 / ₹ 18,500€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Realme 13 Pro

  • More affordable price point
  • Efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
  • Potentially lighter and more compact design

  • Significantly slower charging speed
  • Lower peak performance compared to the 12R
  • Likely less capable camera system

OnePlus 12R

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Ultra-fast 100W charging
  • Brighter and potentially more efficient display

  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially larger and heavier design
  • May run warmer under sustained load

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1181 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Realme 13 Pro’s display specifications are currently unavailable, it’s unlikely to match this peak brightness. The OnePlus 12R’s panel likely utilizes LTPO technology, enabling adaptive refresh rates for improved power efficiency, a feature not confirmed for the Realme 13 Pro. This brightness advantage benefits users who frequently consume content outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Realme 13 Pro, a direct comparison is limited. However, the OnePlus 12R is expected to feature a more capable primary sensor, benefiting from the processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Image processing algorithms on the 12R will likely deliver superior dynamic range and detail. While both phones may include standard features like night mode, the 12R’s hardware advantage will likely result in better low-light performance. We anticipate the Realme 13 Pro will focus on value, potentially sacrificing some camera quality to maintain a lower price point.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Realme 13 Pro’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm). The 8 Gen 2 features a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside higher-performing Cortex-A715 and A710 cores, compared to the 7s Gen 2’s Cortex-A78 and A55 setup. This translates to a significantly faster and more responsive experience, particularly in demanding games and applications. The 7s Gen 2 is efficient, but the 8 Gen 2 offers a level of sustained performance the 7s Gen 2 cannot match, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The OnePlus 12R’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances performance.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R excels in charging speed with its 100W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes. The Realme 13 Pro’s 45W charging, while respectable, takes considerably longer, reaching 50% in 27 minutes. The OnePlus 12R also demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving 14:32 hours of active use. While the Realme 13 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, the faster charging and longer runtime of the 12R provide a significant convenience advantage for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 13 Pro if you prioritize a balance of efficiency and affordability, and your usage primarily revolves around everyday tasks and moderate gaming. You'll benefit from a smooth experience without breaking the bank. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging. It’s the choice for those who want a near-flagship experience without the flagship price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 13 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is capable, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience some frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significantly smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compared to the 45W charging on the Realme 13 Pro in real-world use?
The 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R can fully charge the device in approximately 26 minutes, while the Realme 13 Pro takes significantly longer. This means you can quickly top up your OnePlus 12R during short breaks, providing a substantial convenience advantage.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R get noticeably warmer than the Realme 13 Pro during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R is a more powerful chip and will generate more heat under sustained load. While OnePlus likely implements thermal management solutions, it may still get warmer than the Realme 13 Pro, which has a less demanding processor.