Trying to decide between the OnePlus Nord 4 and OnePlus 12R? You’re not alone! Both phones are from OnePlus, a popular brand known for its sleek designs and powerful features. But they cater to slightly different needs. This guide will break down the key differences between these two phones to help you pick the perfect one for you.
Price: Big Difference
The biggest difference between these phones is the price. The OnePlus Nord 4 is the more budget-friendly option, costing around ₹29,999 (approx. $360 USD). The OnePlus 12R is pricier, at around ₹39,900 (approx. $480 USD). So, if you’re on a tight budget, the Nord 4 is the clear winner.
Display: Both Look Great, But One is More Advanced
Both phones have large and beautiful AMOLED displays, measuring 6.74 inches for the Nord 4 and 6.78 inches for the 12R. They both offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel extra fluid.
However, the 12R has a slight edge with its LTPO 4.0 technology. This fancy term basically means the display can automatically adjust its refresh rate depending on what you’re doing. For example, if you’re reading an article (which doesn’t require a super high refresh rate), the display will slow down to save battery. But if you’re playing a game, it will crank up the refresh rate for a smoother experience. The Nord 4 doesn’t have this automatic adjustment, so its refresh rate is always at 120Hz.
Here’s a simpler way to think about it: If you prioritize a bright and beautiful display, both phones are great. But if you want the most advanced display with battery-saving features, the 12R is the better choice.
Processor: Power vs. Efficiency
The processor is the brain of your phone, and it determines how fast and smooth things run. The OnePlus 12R packs a punch with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. This is a top-of-the-line processor that can handle even the most demanding tasks, like editing videos or playing graphics-intensive games.
The OnePlus Nord 4 uses the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. It’s not quite as powerful as the 8 Gen 2, but it’s still plenty fast for everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and even some light gaming. Plus, it’s known to be more battery-efficient.
Here’s the key takeaway: If you need the absolute best performance for gaming or other demanding tasks, the 12R is the way to go. But if you prioritize everyday performance and battery life, the Nord 4 is a good option.
Camera: Similar Options
Both phones have a triple-camera system on the back, with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor on the 12R (the Nord 4 skips the macro sensor). For most people, these cameras will take good quality photos in well-lit conditions. If you’re a big photo enthusiast, you might want to check out some camera reviews online to see detailed comparisons. The 12R might have a slight edge with its extra macro sensor for close-up shots, but it depends on how you typically use your camera.
Battery: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The OnePlus 12R has a slightly larger battery (5000mAh) compared to the Nord 4 (4500mAh). However, the Nord 4’s more efficient processor might help it achieve similar battery life. Both phones support fast charging, so you can quickly top up your battery when needed.
Here’s the thing to consider: A bigger battery doesn’t always mean better battery life. It depends on how well-optimized the software is and how powerful the processor is. In this case, real-world battery life tests would be the best way to see which phone performs better. Unfortunately, such tests might not be available yet for these new phones.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities and budget. Here’s a quick recap:
Get the OnePlus Nord 4 if: You’re on a tight budget, prioritize battery life, and need a phone for everyday tasks.
Get the OnePlus 12R if: You need the absolute best performance for gaming or other demanding tasks, want the most advanced display technology, or prefer a slightly larger battery.
Additional Considerations: Design, Software, and Other Features
Design
Both phones boast sleek designs, but with slight differences. The OnePlus Nord 4 features a plastic back, while the 12R has a more premium-feeling glass back. However, the plastic back on the Nord 4 might be less prone to scratches and fingerprints. It also comes in a wider variety of colors compared to the 12R.
Software
Both phones come with OxygenOS, a custom version of Android from OnePlus. OxygenOS is known for its clean interface and fast performance. OnePlus usually promises timely software updates for its phones, so you can expect both the Nord 4 and 12R to receive the latest Android updates for a few years.
Other Features
Here’s a quick rundown of some other features to consider:
- Storage: The OnePlus Nord 4 comes in various storage options, including 128GB and 256GB. The OnePlus 12R starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB.
- Water Resistance: The OnePlus 12R boasts an IP65 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand splashes and light rain. The Nord 4 lacks this official water resistance rating.
- Headphone Jack: Both phones ditch the headphone jack, so you’ll need to use wireless headphones or an adapter with wired headphones.
The Final Verdict
There’s no single “best” phone here. The OnePlus Nord 4 shines with its affordability, efficient processor, and long battery life (potentially). The OnePlus 12R offers top-of-the-line performance, a more advanced display, water resistance, and more storage options.
Here’s a tip: If you can wait a bit, reading reviews from tech websites and users can provide valuable insights into real-world performance, camera quality, and battery life. This can help you make a more informed decision before you buy.