OnePlus reserves its highest photo ambitions for its 12 models. The 12R, although it still aims to satisfy amateur photographers, doesn’t claim to be as complete or advanced. It has a triple photo module, the third of which is satisfied with macro optics with a 2 megapixel sensor whose utility seems quite relevant. Its main sensor, a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890, was also at work in the OnePlus 11, along with a wide-angle lens opening at f/1.8. On the other hand, the 2023 smartphone had a telephoto module that is not seen here, has wide-angle optics with a 48 megapixel sensor, while the 12R does not exceed 8 Mpx, and Hasselblad’s expertise is also absent in this case. In short, if this smartphone’s photo looks similar to the Island brand’s 11 and 12, it covers a slightly less exciting reality.
Main module: 50 Mpx, f/1.8, eq. 24 mm
Do we need to mention this? If its 50 megapixel module certainly allows it to capture images in this high definition, OnePlus, like all its competitors, favors to obtain using lighter images. Pixel-binning. Images produced at wide angles and in daylight are overall satisfactory. The processing is soft, without overly sharp accents of contrast (a flaw that killed the OnePlus 11), the periphery is not blurred and the exposure is satisfactory. But the lack of sharpness becomes apparent as soon as we get into image detail, and textures suffer from smoothing compared to the smooth Pixel 8.
In low light, we immediately notice faulty colorimetry: the image turns orange. Compositional flaws and an overall lack of sharpness are still visible, although the process proved capable of restoring complex patterns, on some elements of our scene. The photos are usable, but below the photos produced by the Pixel 8, which still serves as a reference in its price bracket.
In the absence of a module with a telephoto lens, you have to rely on digital zoom or, better, use the 50 Mpx mode offered in the photo application settings. It allows you to crop images a bit without losing detail, without offering stunning quality.
Ultra wide-angle module: 8 Mpx, f/2.2, eq. 16 mm
At its price level, we had the right to expect a slightly higher definition. 8 megapixels is quite insignificant, and this is felt in terms of sharpness. Not surprisingly, the smartphone delivers photos that lack detail and suffer from a combination of smoothing and inaccuracies on the outlines of small elements. On the other hand, we must salute the mastery of distortion in the periphery of the photo; The edges of the image are slightly blurred, but not too distorted.
Most smartphones stumble when it comes to low-light, ultra-wide-angle photos. The OnePlus 12R is no exception, producing smooth images with few artifacts. The rendering is messy, which is a shame.
Front module, portrait and video mode
Like the OnePlus 11, the 12R has a 16-megapixel sensor on the front with f/2.4 optics. Images are detailed and well exposed, and could benefit from a portrait mode whose clipping feels a bit abrupt. However, it is possible to adjust the bokeh before shooting as wellposterior. On the front, it’s possible to film up to 1080p at 30 fps and on the back, OnePlus offers 4K at 60 fps. However, you should limit yourself to Full HD to benefit from the increased electronic stabilization, which is always useful. This includes dual-view mode or film mode allowing simultaneous filming with front and rear modules offering a range of settings (including LOG and HDR modes).
