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. The Realme focuses on maximizing battery life and offering a bright display, while the OnePlus 12R leverages a previous-generation flagship chipset for raw performance. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus 12R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a significant performance advantage, and the 100W charging mitigates the slightly smaller battery. However, the Realme 13 Pro+ is a strong contender for those prioritizing battery longevity and display brightness.

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
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, glass backGlass 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
Weight185.5 g or 190 g (6.56 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
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/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.7, 73mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 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, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@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
Charging80W wired, 50% in 19 min, 100% in 49 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
ModelsRMX3920, RMX3921CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price$ 549.00 / ₹ 24,999€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Realme 13 Pro+

  • Exceptional battery life (13:39h active use)
  • Very bright display (1398 nits)
  • More affordable price point (likely)

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
  • Slower charging speed (49 minutes to full)

OnePlus 12R

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Ultra-fast 100W charging (26 minutes to full)
  • Superior gaming performance

  • Slightly shorter battery life (14:32h active use)
  • Less bright display compared to Realme 13 Pro+

Display Comparison

The Realme 13 Pro+ boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1398 nits, compared to the OnePlus 12R’s 1181 nits. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display tech differences are notable. We lack PWM frequency data, but the brightness advantage of the Realme is a clear win for outdoor users. The OnePlus 12R likely benefits from a higher refresh rate (assumed 120Hz based on brand standards) which isn't specified for the Realme, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations.

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 OnePlus 12R will likely result in faster image processing, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. We can assume both phones will feature multi-camera systems, but the Realme’s image processing will be constrained by its less powerful chipset. The absence of information on sensor sizes makes a definitive statement impossible, but the OnePlus 12R’s processing power gives it an edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AB) is a significant step up from the Realme 13 Pro+'s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (SM7435-AB). The 8 Gen 2 features a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside Cortex-A715 and A710 performance cores, offering substantially higher CPU and GPU performance. The Realme’s 7s Gen 2, while efficient, utilizes older Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. This difference will be most apparent in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, where the OnePlus 12R will maintain higher frame rates and smoother performance. The OnePlus also benefits from faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x) which further enhances responsiveness.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes, compared to the Realme 13 Pro+'s 49 minutes with 80W charging. While the Realme 13 Pro+ demonstrates excellent battery life with a 13:39h active use score, the OnePlus 12R isn’t far behind at 14:32h. The faster charging of the OnePlus 12R effectively mitigates any concerns about the slightly shorter battery life, offering more convenience for users who need to quickly top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 13 Pro+ if you need exceptional battery life for all-day use and value a very bright display for outdoor visibility. It’s ideal for users who prioritize efficiency over peak performance. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming and demanding applications, and appreciate the faster charging speeds. This phone is geared towards power users and those who want a flagship-level processor at a mid-range price.

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 exhibit frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compared to the 80W charging on the Realme 13 Pro+ in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The OnePlus 12R can fully charge in 26 minutes, while the Realme 13 Pro+ takes 49 minutes. This means you can add several hours of usage in the time it takes to grab a coffee with the OnePlus 12R.
❓ Does the Realme 13 Pro+ get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is generally more efficient than the 8 Gen 2, potentially leading to less heat generation. However, without thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively. The OnePlus 12R, while more powerful, may require more aggressive thermal throttling during prolonged gaming.