Comparing OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 12R: what are the differences and upgrades?

OnePlus 13R launched in India alongside the flagship OnePlus 13. Like the previous generations, OnePlus 13R offers flagship-like specifications and features at a slightly more affordable price. It also has a similar design like the OnePlus 13 and is basically like a toned-down version of the flagship. 

The new smartphone succeeds the OnePlus 12R but how much of an upgrade does it offer? We find out in this detailed comparison between the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 12R. Do note that this is a spec-based comparison and does not determine the real-world performance of each phone. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: price in India 

OnePlus 13R has a starting price of Rs 42,999 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. While the 12R has a lower starting price of Rs 39,999, it’s for the 8GB + 128GB variant. Similarly for the 16GB + 512GB variant of the OnePlus 12R, it’s cheaper than the 13R but this one offers 512GB storage for Rs 49,999. OnePlus ditched the 8GB memory variant for the 13 series. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: design, display

OnePlus made some design changes with its latest smartphones. For starters, it’s a flat design for the OnePlus 13R and not the curved one on the 12R. The display is also flat, which should be better for gaming and streaming content as it will prevent accidental touches.

While the technical specifications remain the same, the OnePlus 12R’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers better protection than the 13R’s Gorilla Glass 7i. However, the 13R is more durable against water and dust than the 12R. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: processor, RAM and storage

OnePlus 13R’s chipset is a generation ahead than the 12R’s so it should offer a more reliable performance. But the OnePlus 12R has also proved to be a powerhouse (review) so the difference shouldn’t be that much. You do get more RAM and storage with the OnePlus 13 in comparison to the 12R. We’re yet to review the OnePlus 13R so we can’t draw a conclusive comparison between the two phones. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: cameras

In the camera department, the OnePlus 13R offers some notable upgrades with new sensors and the addition of a telephoto camera. The primary sensor has also been upgraded on the OnePlus 13R. How the phone actually performs in real-world scenarios is something we’ll have to wait for. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: battery, charging

OnePlus 13R has a larger battery than the 12R, which should result in a longer battery life. The charging speed remains the same with 100W SUPERVOOC and there’s still no wireless charging support on the 13R. 

OnePlus 13R vs OnePlus 12R: software

The software experience would be the same since both phones run OxygenOS. However, it’s the software update policy that can be a dealbreaker here. With the OnePlus 13R, you get Android 15 out of the box and guaranteed upgrades till Android 19. OnePlus 12R, on the other hand will get only until Android 17. The security updates are also lesser by two years on the 12R.