OnePlus 12R vs. ZTE nubia Focus Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The smartphone landscape is increasingly segmented, with the OnePlus 12R aiming to deliver a near-flagship experience at a more accessible price point. The ZTE nubia Focus Pro, meanwhile, represents a more budget-conscious approach. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine which best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 12R is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides significantly faster performance and better thermal management, while the 100W charging is a game-changer. However, the nubia Focus Pro offers a compelling option for those on a very tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Focus Pro OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 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, February 282024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, Q2Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions166 x 76.1 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 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
Weight222 g (7.83 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzLTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 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)
ChipsetUnisoc T760 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens50 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@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired100W wired, 100% in 26 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GoldIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
ModelsZ2351NCPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

ZTE nubia Focus Pro

  • Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • 100W fast charging for quick top-ups
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Higher price point than the ZTE nubia Focus Pro
  • May not offer expandable storage (typical for OnePlus)

OnePlus 12R

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor (depending on battery capacity)
  • May include a headphone jack (common in ZTE devices)

  • Slower processor with Unisoc T760
  • Slower 33W charging
  • Likely inferior camera performance

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 12R boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1181 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the nubia Focus Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls considerably short of this brightness level given its price point. The OnePlus 12R’s panel likely utilizes LTPO technology, enabling variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency, a feature likely absent on the Focus Pro. The OnePlus 12R’s higher brightness and potential for adaptive refresh rates provide a more premium viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the ZTE nubia Focus Pro, a direct comparison is limited. However, given its price bracket, it’s likely to feature a less sophisticated camera system. The OnePlus 12R, while not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typically features a flagship-level camera setup in its R series. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) also contributes to superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The OnePlus 12R is expected to deliver significantly better camera performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) is a flagship-level processor, featuring a prime Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside high-performance Cortex-A715 and A710 cores. This architecture delivers a substantial performance advantage over the ZTE nubia Focus Pro’s Unisoc T760 (6nm). The T760, while capable for everyday tasks, relies on older Cortex-A76 and A55 cores, resulting in slower processing speeds and less efficient multitasking. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The OnePlus 12R will handle demanding applications and games with ease, while the nubia Focus Pro may struggle with more intensive tasks.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 12R excels in charging speed with its 100W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 26 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the ZTE nubia Focus Pro’s 33W charging. While the nubia Focus Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the OnePlus 12R’s active use score of 14:32h demonstrates excellent battery life despite its faster charging. The combination of efficient power management and rapid charging makes the OnePlus 12R a more convenient option for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Focus Pro if you prioritize affordability above all else and your usage primarily involves basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. You'll accept compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you demand smooth multitasking, enjoy mobile gaming, and value fast charging – it's a substantial upgrade for a moderate price increase.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T760 in the ZTE nubia Focus Pro capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Unisoc T760 can *launch* Genshin Impact, expect significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates. The processor lacks the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, leading to potential stuttering and overheating during extended gaming sessions. It's best suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R affect battery health over the long term?
OnePlus employs charging algorithms designed to mitigate the impact of fast charging on battery health. While all batteries degrade over time, the OnePlus 12R's charging system optimizes the charging process to minimize heat generation and prevent overcharging, extending the battery's lifespan. The phone also offers customized charging options to further control charging speed.
❓ Does the OnePlus 12R support Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless connectivity?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 typically supports Wi-Fi 6E. This provides faster and more stable wireless connections when paired with a compatible router, offering a noticeable improvement over older Wi-Fi standards. The nubia Focus Pro likely supports older Wi-Fi standards.