OnePlus has been expanding its presence into the so-called “flagship killer” segment. Well, one can say that the company is returning to its roots with lineups like the OnePlus R-series. The devices coming under this lineup bring flagship-like specifications but don’t cost as much as the brand’s actual flagships. For the next year, OnePlus seems to be ready to unveil another solid contender for the category, the OnePlus 12R. Ahead of its release, we are getting the first glimpse of this smartphone thanks to CAD renders from OnLeaks and MySmartPrice. They showcase the visuals of the new handset and the truth is that it looks similar to the OnePlus 11R.
OnePlus 12R Design and Specifications Have Been Revealed
Looking at the renders, it seems that OnePlus won’t be taking major departures from the design established with the OnePlus 11R. The OnePlus 12R will be very similar to its predecessor, which follows the design guidelines established with the OnePlus 11. The device will have a Circular Camera Island that comprises three cameras and an LED flash. Interestingly, the render shows a White Variant that reminds me of some of the first OnePlus smartphones.
In addition to the design, the sources also revealed some of the specifications of the OnePlus 12R. The device is not based on the upcoming OnePlus Ace 2 Pro but features the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The phone will bring up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of Internal Storage.
The phone brings significant upgrades over the past generations
The OnePlus 12R will introduce a remarkable change in the lineup. It will bring a 32 MP camera with 2x optical zoom. It will join the 50 MP main camera and the 8 MP ultrawide snapper. It’s the first time we see advanced zoom capabilities in the lineup. For comparison, the OnePlus 11R had a 2 MP macro instead of this zoom lens. The processor inside this phone already is a very appealing aspect of the phone, the powerful camera should attract consumers even further.
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The OnePlus 12R will pack a gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 2,772 x 1,240 pixels of resolution. The renders show subtle curves, but this is mostly a 2.5D glass than the actual curves we see on more premium smartphones. The phone sticks with the center punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.
Another big upgrade for the OnePlus 12R is the larger battery in comparison to the OnePlus 11R. The device will be equipped with a huge 5,500 mAh battery with 100W fast charging. That’s a 10% boost in comparison to the OnePlus 11R which has a 5,000 mAh battery. By the time of its release, the phone will run OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14.
The next flagship killer has a huge potential
The OnePlus 12R will launch in January in China and will hit India shortly after. One of the downsides of this lineup is its limited availability – China or India. There is no way global consumers can enjoy this device in a natural way. OnePlus could do well in global markets with this configuration, especially if it manages to cut the price of a Snapdragon 8 Gen2-powered phone significantly. However, the usual strategy does not seem to be going anywhere. Despite this, the device’s specifications make it a strong contender for the Indian market, which is one of OnePlus’s key strategic markets.
With a Strong Processor, Capable Camera Setup, and the favorite software experience of many users, the OnePlus 12R has a big potential. If OnePlus pick the right price, the device could be one of the best-selling phones for this series. Let us know what you think about this particular device. Does it seem to be worth the wait? There are still several months ahead of the phone’s release, more details will likely emerge in the coming months.