OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: A great upgrade with some trade-offs

The OnePlus R series has become a favorite among mid-range smartphone enthusiasts, offering flagship-level performance at an affordable price. With the release of the OnePlus 13R, OnePlus is raising the bar yet again, promising better cameras, smarter software, and a sturdier design. But how does it compare to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, which was already a strong contender in this space?

In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into these two devices to highlight their key differences and similarities. While the 13R steps forward with features like a flat ProXDR AMOLED display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a telephoto camera, the 12R holds its ground with solid performance and a budget-friendly price tag.

As for pricing, the OnePlus 13R starts at $599.99, while the 12R can now often be found at a discount. However, only the OnePlus 13R is officially available in the United States, making it the go-to choice for U.S. buyers.

The OnePlus 13R features a flat aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 7i, which not only enhances durability but also offers a more premium feel in hand. The IP65 rating provides better water and dust resistance, protecting against light splashes and dust ingress. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R comes with a curved design and Gorilla Glass 5, offering less protection with its IP54 rating.

The 13R is only slightly smaller but feels a bit more sturdy thanks to its flatter sides and the slightly angled edges. It weighs 205g and is indistinguishable from the 12R’s 207g. But despite their differences, both phones remain ergonomic and easy to handle.

As for the color options, the 13R’s Nebula Noir and Astral Trail colors look contemporary, while the 12R’s Cool Blue and Iron Gray lean more traditional.

Both the 13R and 12R feature 6.78-inch AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and a fluid user experience. However, the 13R’s display includes ProXDR technology, which enhances HDR visuals by delivering deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and more vibrant colors. Whether you’re watching HDR movies or editing photos, the difference is noticeable. Additionally, the 13R’s display is TÜV Rheinland-certified for Intelligent Eye Care 4.0, reducing strain during long viewing sessions.

The design of the display also sees a shift. The 13R opts for a flat display, which is practical for gaming, typing, and preventing glare. The 12R, in contrast, features a curved-edge display, which offers a more immersive feel but can sometimes lead to accidental touches or distortion at the edges. For users who value precision and functionality, the flat design of the 13R may be more appealing, while the curved screen of the 12R still retains its allure for those who prioritize aesthetics.

Adding to the durability, the Gorilla Glass 7i on the 13R makes its display less prone to scratches and cracks compared to the Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the 12R.

Display Measurements:

The OnePlus 13R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering a jump in performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12R. The Gen 3’s advanced architecture ensures faster app launches, smoother multitasking. That said, we didn't notice too big of a difference when using the two phones.

The Snapdragon Gen 3 should also be better at preserving energy, but as you will later see from our battery life tests, we can't confirm that based on our results. And speaking of results, here are the performance benchmarks.

Performance Benchmarks:

The OnePlus 13R does visibly better in the multi-core benchmark, which is also true for 3D graphics. That said, it is not that far ahead from the 12R in terms of single-core and the 3DMark Extreme(Low) test, which tests how long the phone can keep its maximum performance before having to limit it to cool down.

The 13R also supports LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, which improve memory speed and data transfer rates, making everyday tasks like switching between apps or loading large files feel more fluid. The 12R, while equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, is no slouch but doesn’t match the snappiness of the 13R’s newer components. That said, in real life you don't notice too big of a difference most of the time.

Both phones ship with OxygenOS 15, a feature-rich and clean Android experience. However, the 13R takes better advantage of OxygenOS 15’s AI-driven features, thanks to its more powerful hardware. Some standout features exclusive to the 13R include:

• AI Unblur: Automatically sharpens blurry photos, making old or poorly captured images usable again.
• Reflection Eraser: Removes unwanted reflections from glass or water surfaces in photos.
• Intelligent Search: Faster and more intuitive file, app, and settings searches.

The OnePlus 12R will still receive OxygenOS 15 through an update, but its hardware may not fully support these AI enhancements. Additionally, the 13R promises longer software support with four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, outpacing the 12R’s three years of Android updates and five years of security support.

While the 12R will receive the same OxygenOS 15 update, some features might be exclusive to the 13R because of its more advanced AI processing capabilities.

PhoneArena Camera Score:

The OnePlus 13R takes a huge step forward in camera quality compared to the 12R, making it a better option for photography lovers. The 13R replaces the 12R’s 2MP macro lens with a more useful 50MP telephoto lens that has 2x optical zoom. This upgrade allows the 13R to take clearer zoomed-in shots and detailed portraits, something the 12R simply can’t do.

They both have an 8MP ultra-wide camera, but the 13R has better software, resulting in less distortion and more accurate colors. While both phones are good for landscapes or group photos, the 12R sometimes struggles with blurry edges or oversaturated colors.

They also share the same 16MP selfie camera, but the 13R adds software improvements that make selfies look sharper with more natural skin tones, especially in certain lighting conditions.

The OnePlus 13R’s 6,000 mAh battery is powered by Silicon NanoStack technology, a cutting-edge advancement in battery design that’s building momentum in the mobile phone industry.

By integrating silicon nanoparticles into the anode, this new type of batteries significantly increases energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries like the 5,500 mAh one in the OnePlus 12R. This allows the 13R to house a high-capacity battery without making the phone bulky or heavy, maintaining its slim and ergonomic design.

Another key benefit of this technology is the fact that it generates less heat during the charging process, which not only protects the device but also helps extend the battery’s lifespan.

In addition to fast charging, the Silicon NanoStack battery is designed for long-term durability. Thanks to its layered structure, it reduces the mechanical stress that typically causes wear and tear in conventional batteries. This means the 13R’s battery will retain more of its original capacity after extended use, making it a more reliable option for users who plan to keep their phone for years.

The combination of this advanced battery design with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset should mean that the OnePlus 13R has exceptional battery life. Of course, that remains to be seen after we finish with our battery life tests, so stay tuned.

Both phones support 100W fast charging, so you can get a full charge in under 30 minutes. However, it’s worth mentioning that just like with the 12R, the 13R will only go up to 80W when used in countries like the United States.

That’s because of differences in power supply standards. The U.S. uses 110V sockets, which deliver 80W charging, while regions with 220V sockets, like the EU, can achieve the full 100W. This limitation also ties into regulatory compliance and charger compatibility, as manufacturers optimize charging speeds for the electrical infrastructure and safety standards of each region.

PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:

According to our battery life tests, the OnePlus 12R can last approximately 40 minutes more than tha OnePlus 13R. That is surprising, given that the Snapdragon Gen 3 should be more power efficient and the larger 6,000 mAh battery in the newer model. The 12R also charges about twice as quick thanks to its smaller battery.

Here's a quick overview of the OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R specs comparison.

If you’re on the hunt for a smartphone that truly stands out, the OnePlus 13R might just be the one to grab your attention. Its biggest highlight? A brand-new 50MP 2X telephoto camera. This addition takes the phone’s photography game to another level, letting you capture sharp, zoomed-in shots and portraits with incredible detail—something the OnePlus 12R doesn’t quite deliver. Pair that with a flat ProXDR AMOLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a sturdier, premium design, and it’s clear the 13R is built for serious users—whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or someone who just wants the best.

But don’t count out the OnePlus 12R just yet. This phone still packs a punch, especially when it comes to battery life. In fact, it even outlasts the newer 13R in that regard. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset may not be the latest, but it’s more than capable of handling daily tasks and more. And let’s not forget the price; the 12R can be a more budget-friendly option if you find it with a nice discount, refurbished, or second hand.

The bottom line: