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OnePlus 12R vs iPhone 15: Value for money vs brand value

Affordable flagship showdown: OnePlus 12R vs iPhone 15, which one wins?

OnePlus 12ROnePlus 12R features a premium design, just like the iPhone 15 (Express Photo)

The OnePlus 12R is the latest affordable flagship from the Chinese smartphone market, just like the iPhone 15. And, it is also meant for those who want a premium experience but don’t want to spend a lot of money.

With a starting price of Rs 39,999 for the OnePlus 12R and Rs 79,900 for the iPhone 15, these phones belong to a different class. However, they have one thing in common and are meant for those looking for a premium smartphone experience at a much lower price tag.

If you are looking for a new phone and are confused between the OnePlus 12R and the iPhone 15 (review), our comprehensive comparison should help you pick the right device that works the best for you.

Built similar but look different

iPhone 15 which was launched in September is being hailed as the best non-pro iPhone ever. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

In terms of design, there is a lot of common ground between the OnePlus 12R and the iPhone 15, thanks to their industrial design, featuring a metal mid-frame and a glass sandwich design. However, when it comes to looks, these phones look drastically different from one another.

While the iPhone 15 has a more subtle look with a rectangular finish, the OnePlus 12R has a curved display and a curved back panel with a large circular camera island at the back, which gives the OnePlus 12R a dramatic look compared to the more simple looking iPhone 15.

However, the iPhone 15 offers a class-leading IP68 rating while the OnePlus 12R has a lower IP54 rating. In simpler terms, there is a high possibility of the OnePlus 12R getting water-damaged when compared to the iPhone 15.

Display

OnePlus 12R is based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Image credit: OnePlus)

The OnePlus 12R is leaps and bounds ahead of the iPhone 15 in terms of display. The OnePlus 12R not only has a bigger 6.78-inch display compared to the iPhone 15, but it is also a much superior one with support for 120Hz refresh rate along with LTPO (variable refresh rate) support in a curved form factor. While the iPhone 15 has a medium-sized 6.1-inch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, on top of that, the bezels on the iPhone 15 are also slightly bigger than one found on the OnePlus 12R.

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Both on paper and in the real world, the display on the OnePlus 12R will feel more premium than the iPhone 15, especially for those, who are already on a phone with a 90Hz or 120Hz display. However, some gamers might prefer the plat panel on the iPhone 15 over the curved display.

Performance of chips

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 also supports iSIM technology. (Image Source: Qualcomm)

Both phones get an older chip but offer the latest software experiences. Despite being the latest models from the respective brands, the OnePlus 12R and the iPhone 15 are based on the previous generation processor. While the iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic processor, which powered the iPhone 14 Pro, the OnePlus 12R is based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chip that powers the OnePlus 11 (review).

The performance of these chips is likely to remain similar to each other and both offer the latest and up-to-date software experience with their own set of customisations. From normal day-to-day usage to gaming, both chips should handle most tasks without any issues.

OnePlus 12R vs iPhone 15 cameras

The OnePlus 12R has a triple camera setup with a 50 MP primary shooter, 8 MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2 MP macro lens, while the iPhone 15 has a dual-camera setup with a 48 MP primary camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide angle lens.

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On paper, the OnePlus 12R seems to have a slightly better camera setup, however, with features like native 24 MP shots, and support for 4K video recording in Dolby Vision, the iPhone 15 should deliver a better camera experience in the real world.

Battery life and overall experience

Both phones have a USB-C port with a data transfer rate limited to USB 2.0 standard. However, the OnePlus 12R supports 100W fast charging, while the same is limited to 20W on the iPhone 15. In terms of battery, the OnePlus 12R has a much bigger 5,500 mAh battery, and in the real world, the OnePlus 12R will not only last longer but will also charge much more quickly.

The iPhone 15 could reach a max brightness of 2000 nits, a significant bump from the iPhone 14. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

Is the OnePlus 12R better than the iPhone 15?

The OnePlus 12R and the iPhone 15 are value-defining products from the respective brands. While the iPhone 15 costs a lot more, it also comes from a brand that is considered more premium, which also offers extended software support and plays well with the ecosystem.

Similarly, the OnePlus 12R is on the cheaper side, and despite that, it looks as good as the more expensive OnePlus 12. It is one of the best Android smartphones at around Rs 40,000, especially for those who want an Android phone that offers a refined software experience.

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