It is February 2026, and the smartphone market in India is flooded with new options like the OnePlus 13R and the upcoming 14R. But surprisingly, an older hero is making a massive comeback. The OnePlus 12R, originally launched in 2024, has suddenly become a trending topic again.
Why? Because its price has crashed below ₹30,000, and it just received the massive Android 16 (OxygenOS 16) update. If you are a student, a gamer, or someone looking for a flagship experience on a budget, this might be the most important news for you this week.
What is the New Price Deal?
When the OnePlus 12R first came to India, it cost nearly ₹40,000. Today, major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are listing the device for as low as ₹27,999 (including bank offers).
This price cut makes it cheaper than many 2026 mid-range phones that run on weaker processors. For under ₹28k, you are getting a premium glass-body phone with flagship-level performance. This aggressive pricing is likely a move to clear stock before the OnePlus 14 series takes over completely.
Why is the OnePlus 12R Trending Now?
Apart from the price, there is a second reason for the buzz: Software Support.
Just this week, OnePlus started rolling out the stable OxygenOS 16 (based on Android 16) update for the 12R in India. This update brings:
- New AI Features: Smart photo erasers and improved text summarization.
- Smoother Animations: The “Liquid Glass” design makes the phone feel faster.
- Better Privacy: Enhanced controls for app permissions.
Many users were worried that older phones would be left behind, but this update proves the 12R still has a long life ahead.
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Performance Check: Does It Hold Up in 2026?
You might be asking, “Is a two-year-old processor still good?”
The short answer is Yes. The OnePlus 12R runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Even in 2026, this chip destroys the processors found in new phones priced around ₹25,000–₹30,000 (like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 or Dimensity 8400).
- Gaming: It handles BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without lag.
- Battery: The 5,500 mAh battery is still considered massive, and the 100W charging fills it up in under 30 minutes.
- Display: The 120Hz AMOLED LTPO screen is still one of the best in the segment.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If your budget is strict (under ₹30k) and you want raw performance, the OnePlus 12R is currently the unbeatable “Flagship Killer.”
However, if you can stretch your budget to ₹42,000, the newer OnePlus 13R offers a better camera system and the faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. But for most users, the 12R at ₹27,999 offers 90% of that experience for much less money.
Watch out: Stocks are running low on the “Iron Gray” and “Cool Blue” variants. If you see it available, it is better to grab it quickly before it disappears for good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the OnePlus 12R 5G compatible in India?
Yes, it supports all major 5G bands in India (Jio and Airtel) and works perfectly with 5G networks in 2026.
Q2: Will the OnePlus 12R get Android 17?
Yes. OnePlus promised 3 years of major Android updates. Since it launched with Android 14, it received Android 15 and 16. It is eligible for Android 17 in the future.
Q3: Does the OnePlus 12R have heating issues?
The phone has a very large cooling system (Cryo-velocity VC). While it gets slightly warm during heavy gaming in summer, it manages heat much better than older OnePlus phones.
Q4: Is the camera good for photography in 2026?
The main 50MP Sony IMX890 camera is excellent for daylight and low-light photos. However, the 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras are average compared to newer 2026 models.
Q5: Where can I buy the OnePlus 12R at the lowest price?
Currently, Amazon India and Flipkart are offering the lowest prices. You can also check the official OnePlus India website for student discounts.
