OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R preliminary comparison: There's much to look forward to

By Aleksandar Anastasov

Published: Jan 03, 2025, 9:22 AM

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Man holding showing two phones to the camera with displays turned on.

Image is for illustration purposes only.

Intro

The OnePlus R series has carved out a solid reputation in the mid-range smartphone market, and the upcoming OnePlus 13R is looking like a promising addition. Following the success of the OnePlus 12R—which already offered a lot of flagship-like features for its price—the 13R seems to be gearing up with some key improvements while staying true to its mid-range focus.

From what we’ve seen in leaks and rumors, the OnePlus 13R could bring upgrades in design, display, and battery life. A potential ceramic back, a flatter display, and a larger battery are just some of the changes being talked about. If these upgrades hold true, the 13R might reset expectations for what a smartphone in its category can deliver. For now, the 12R remains a strong competitor, balancing solid performance with an accessible price point.

Let’s dive into the rumored differences between the two models to help you decide if upgrading will be worth it.

Reserve your OnePlus 13 at the OnePlus Store!

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Gift

Reserve at OnePlus

Reserve your OnePlus 13R at the OnePlus Store!

The OnePlus Store also lets you reserve a OnePlus 13R unit with its ongoing Early Bird campaign. You can pay a $50 deposit until January 7 at 11:30 AM EST to receive an additional $50 discount on the handset, plus a gift worth up to $229 (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Gift

Reserve at OnePlus

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R expected differences:

OnePlus 13R	OnePlus 12R
Premium feel with a flat aluminum frame and ceramic back for durability.	Sleek design with a glass back and curved edges that feel comfortable in hand.
Powered by the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8s Gen 4, offering faster performance and better power efficiency.	Runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is still powerful but slightly older.
A massive 6,000 mAh battery, expected to last longer even with heavy use.	A slightly smaller 5,500 mAh battery that still offers solid endurance.
Features the advanced 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor for brighter, sharper photos, especially in low light.	Equipped with the 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, which delivers good image quality but isn’t as cutting-edge.
Includes a 50MP telephoto lens for high-quality zoom shots, perfect for detailed photography.	Lacks a telephoto camera and instead uses a 2MP macro lens for close-ups, which has limited appeal.
Supports 80W fast charging for quick top-ups and has the larger battery for longer usage.	Also supports 80W fast charging but with a smaller battery, meaning quicker full charges.
Ships with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, packed with AI features and smoother multitasking.	Runs OxygenOS 14 on Android 14, will probably get OxygenOS 15 but possibly with less features.

Table of Contents:

Design and Size
Display Differences
Performance
Camera
Battery and Charging
Specs
Summary

OnePlus 13R preview: What to expect from the next mid-range flagship killer
OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 13R preliminary comparison: R stands for R U ready
OnePlus 12R review: All the goodies of a flagship for $300 less

Design and Size

A refined body

The 13R is rumored to introduce a more premium design, including a ceramic back and a flat aluminum frame. That’s a noticeable shift from the 12R’s curved edges and glass back, which, while comfortable to hold, don’t quite scream “high-end.” The ceramic material on the 13R could make it feel more luxurious, not to mention more durable.

There’s also talk of improved water and dust resistance on the 13R, possibly upgrading to an IP68 rating (compared to the 12R’s IP65). Both models will still feature OnePlus’s signature Alert Slider and familiar button placement.

As for colors, the 13R is expected to launch in Black Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, and Arctic Dawn, while the 12R sticks to Cool Blue and Iron Gray.

Display Differences

The OnePlus 13R is said to feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—very similar to the 12R. However, improvements in HDR, color accuracy, and overall display quality are expected.

Interestingly, the 13R’s move to a flat screen could appeal to users who found the 12R’s curved edges a bit distracting. Flat screens are generally better for gaming and reduce glare, which might make a difference if you spend a lot of time watching videos or playing games. Slimmer bezels on the 13R could also give it a sleeker, more modern look.

The fingerprint scanner is rumored to be faster and more accurate on the 13R, which is a nice bonus. Face unlock might also see improvements in low-light conditions.

Performance and Software

Flagship power and unparalleled smoothness

The OnePlus 13R could pack serious power, likely featuring either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 8s Gen 4. Compared to the 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, this would offer better energy efficiency and faster performance—perfect for gaming, multitasking, or even video editing.

On the software side, the 13R will launch with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. This new version introduces features like AI-driven task prediction, smarter voice recognition, and even better gaming optimization. It’s worth noting that the 12R’s OxygenOS 14 is still solid, but the added functionality in OxygenOS 15 might make the upgrade tempting for power users.

Camera

Bye-bye forgettable macro

The OnePlus 13R is expected to feature a triple-camera system that should be a significant step up from the 12R. At the heart of this setup is the 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor for the main camera, which comes with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size and an f/1.8 aperture. This larger sensor is designed to capture more light, improving low-light performance and offering better dynamic range compared to the 12R, which features the Sony IMX890 sensor (also 50MP but slightly smaller and less advanced).

The IMX906’s larger sensor size and improved image processing capabilities are expected to enhance overall image quality, with sharper details, richer colors, and reduced noise, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The OnePlus 12R’s IMX890 sensor, while still very capable, may fall slightly short in low-light photography and dynamic range performance.

In addition to the main camera, the 13R is rumored to include a 50MP Samsung JN1 telephoto lens, replacing the 2MP macro camera on the 12R. This telephoto addition brings true optical zoom capabilities, making the 13R far more versatile for photography enthusiasts.

The 8MP ultra-wide camera on the 13R is expected to be similar to that of the 12R, with reliable performance for landscapes and group shots. However, improved software optimizations could result in better distortion correction and more accurate colors.

The rumored OnePlus 13 triple-camera setup in a nutshell:

A 50MP main sensor with better low-light performance.
A 50MP telephoto lens, which adds versatility for zoom photography (a clear upgrade over the 12R’s 2MP macro lens).
An 8MP ultra-wide lens for landscapes and group photos.

The 13R is also expected to feature a 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.4 aperture, similar to the 12R. While the hardware remains unchanged, OxygenOS 15’s AI-driven enhancements could improve selfie quality, especially in portrait mode and low-light scenarios.

For video, the 13R may introduce 4K HDR recording with improved stabilization, ensuring smoother and more vibrant footage. This would represent a noticeable upgrade over the 12R, which, while reliable, lacks the rumored refinements of its successor.

Battery Life and Charging

Same charging but longer expected battery life

One of the most exciting rumors about the 13R is its larger 6,000 mAh battery—bigger than the 5,500 mAh unit in the 12R. Combined with the energy efficiency of the newer processor, this could mean a significant boost in battery life.

Both models support 100W wired charging, which is blazing fast. However, the 13R’s larger battery might take slightly longer to charge. Neither phone is expected to include wireless charging, which is still disappointing for some users.

Specs Comparison

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

OnePlus 13R	OnePlus 12R
Size, weight 161.3 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm; 205 g	Size, weight 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm; 207 g
Screen 6.78” AMOLED, flat, HDR 120Hz refresh rate	Screen 6.78” AMOLED, curved, HDR 120Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / 8s Gen 4 4nm	Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4nm
Versions: 12/256GB 12/512GB	Versions: 8/128GB 8/256GB
Cameras: 50MP main 8MP ultra 50MP 3X zoom 16MP front	Cameras: 50MP main 8MP ultra 2MP macro 16MP front
Battery: 6000 mAh*	Battery: 5500 mAh
Charging: USB-C 80W wired No wireless charging	Charging: USB-C 80W wired No wireless charging

Summary

The OnePlus 13R is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade over the 12R, with a more premium design, better cameras, and improved software. The larger battery and rumored performance boost could also be deciding factors for anyone on the fence.

That said, the 12R still offers fantastic value and remains a great choice for those who don’t need the absolute latest and greatest. Pricing will likely play a huge role here—if the 13R stays competitive, it could easily become one of the best mid-range phones in 2025.

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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.