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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated February 13, 2024·
If you prioritize camera quality and battery life, the OnePlus 12R is a solid choice as it generally offers a better camera system and larger battery capacity. Conversely, if saving money is more important and you prefer a more compact and lightweight phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a good option as it typically costs less than the OnePlus 12R and has a smaller screen and form factor. Keep in mind, both phones run Android and offer a high refresh rate OLED display, but the S21 has an older processor and smaller battery compared to the newer OnePlus model. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the OnePlus 12R
- Very good battery life
- Best in class display quality
- Excellent performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 has no clear advantages over the OnePlus 12R.
Key differences
Battery
8.2 Hours
6.7 Hours
The OnePlus 12R has 8.2 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The OnePlus 12R has a screen size of 6.78 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 is 6.2 inches.
Cost
$500
$145
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
The OnePlus 12R has a price of $500 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 costs $145.
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Key similarities
Overall Camera Quality
7.5
7.2
The OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good overall cameras quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 surpasses the OnePlus 12R in selfie camera quality, which is highly important for many users, and camera versatility, a reflection of its broader array of features encompassing different scenarios and uses. In contrast, while the OnePlus 12R does provide a satisfactory camera experience with good photo and video capabilities, it doesn't match the S21's more adept handling of dynamic range and low light performance, which are significant for capturing high-quality images in various lighting conditions.
Photo Quality
7.4
7.0
The OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good photos.
The OnePlus 12R's photos may appear subpar because it has a lower selfie quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21, which delivers superior selfie photos. Additionally, the OnePlus lacks behind Samsung in terms of photos resolution, software experience, dynamic range, low light performance, and camera versatility, all contributing to less impressive photo outcomes.
Video Quality
6.6
6.6
The OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have only fair videos.
The OnePlus 12R's video performance is hindered by lower video stabilization and dynamic range, as well as worse low light video capability, leading to poorer overall video quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21. Conversely, the Galaxy S21 has a higher video resolution, better software experience, and more effective video stabilization which contributes to its superior video-taking ability.
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How the OnePlus 12R and the Samsung Galaxy S21 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| OnePlus 12R | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$500 | $145 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | OnePlus | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 13, 2024 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.78" | 6.2" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2780 x 1264 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 450 | 421 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD8G2 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 6.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Macro | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50 megapixels + OIS | 12 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8.2 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5500 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | No | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 0 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.43" x 2.96" | 5.97" x 2.8" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.76 oz | 5.96 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 7 | 6 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Iron Grey, Cool Blue | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Huseman Joe | February 2022
"The Galaxy S21 delivers the flagship Samsung experience in a phone that's much more pocketable (and affordable) than the top-end S21 Ultra.The triple-camera system is incredibly capable, Samsung's One UI 3.1 software is chock-full of features and settings to mess with, and I've not once missed having expandable storage."
Get a great deal on the OnePlus 12R or the Samsung Galaxy S21
About OnePlus
OnePlus, established in 2013, is a smartphone brand that first became known for providing flagship-like devices, at a fraction of the cost compared to more expensive Android competitors. OnePlus focuses on creating smartphones with powerful hardware at reasonable prices. They also bring hardware features normally not seen in other Android phones sold in the US, such as their ultra-fast “Warp Charge” and the beloved “Alert Slider”.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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