Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

OnePlus

OnePlus 12R & Pixel 8a share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the OnePlus 12R rather than the Pixel 8a

Why Do I Recommend The OnePlus 12R

  • The OnePlus 12R features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance, compared to the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3.
  • OnePlus 12R comes with a 6.78-inch ProXDR LTPO AMOLED display that supports dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate to provide ultra-smooth scrolling and immersive visuals, compared to the smaller OLED panel on the Pixel 8a.
  • It includes a 5500mAh battery for extended screen-on time and reduced charging frequency during heavy usage, compared to the smaller 4492mAh battery on the Pixel 8a.
  • The OnePlus 12R supports 100W SuperVOOC fast charging that enables a full charge in under 30 minutes to minimize downtime, while the Pixel 8a charges significantly slower at 18W.
  • OnePlus 12R features a triple rear camera system with a dedicated macro lens that enables more versatile photography including close-up shots, whereas the Pixel 8a lacks a macro option.
  • It includes a vapor chamber cooling system that helps maintain performance and prevent overheating during extended gaming or intensive use, while the Pixel 8a lacks advanced thermal management.
  • The OnePlus 12R comes with a physical alert slider to quickly switch between silent, vibrate, and ring modes without unlocking the phone, which is not available in the Pixel 8a.
  • OnePlus 12R features dual SIM support with two nano-SIM slots to manage personal and work numbers simultaneously, while the Pixel 8a supports only one nano-SIM and one eSIM.

Maybe the Pixel 8a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the OnePlus 12R. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature OnePlus 12R Pixel 8a
Display Size 6.78 inches 6.1 inches
Display Type LTPO4 AMOLED, ProXDR OLED, Actua Display
Refresh Rate 1–120Hz adaptive Up to 120Hz
Resolution 2780 × 1264 pixels 2400 × 1080 pixels
PPI Density 450 ppi 430 ppi
Glass Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Body Material Glass back, aluminum frame Plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions 163.3 × 75.3 × 8.8 mm 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm
Weight 207 grams 188 grams
Chipset Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Google Tensor G3
RAM 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X 8GB LPDDR5X
Storage Options 128GB UFS 3.1 / 256GB UFS 4.0 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Rear Camera Setup 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) 64MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera 16MP 13MP
Battery Capacity 5500mAh 4492mAh
Wired Charging 100W (Global) 18W
Wireless Charging No Yes
Cooling System Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber None
Water/Dust Resistance IP64 IP67
Biometrics Optical Fingerprint + Face Unlock Optical Fingerprint + Face Unlock
Alert Slider Yes No
IR Blaster Yes No
Dual SIM Support Yes No
Software Support 3 years OS + 4 years security updates 7 years OS + security updates
OS Out of the Box OxygenOS 14 Pixel UI
AI Features No Gemini Nano, standard AI Gemini Nano, Magic Editor, Call Assist tools
Wireless Tech Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Price Check OnePlus 12R Price Check Pixel 8a Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Android 14 Operating System: Both smartphones run Android 14, allowing users to experience the latest features, system optimizations, and improved security directly from Google’s mobile platform.
  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Each model features a 120Hz display, providing ultra-smooth scrolling, animations, and gaming for a more responsive and visually fluid experience.
  • Optical Fingerprint Scanner: Both devices include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, enabling fast and secure biometric authentication without the need for external hardware buttons.
  • Face Unlock: Each phone supports face unlock technology, allowing users to access their device quickly using facial recognition for added convenience.
  • HDR Display Support: Both phones support HDR playback, delivering vibrant visuals with enhanced contrast and brightness when streaming supported content.
  • Bluetooth 5.3: Each model is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring more stable connections, improved energy efficiency, and better range when paired with wireless accessories.
  • Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: Both devices support Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster wireless internet speeds, lower latency, and improved performance on supported networks.
  • USB-C Charging Port: Each phone uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, offering broad accessory compatibility and faster, reversible cable connections.

Common Features

Feature OnePlus 12R Pixel 8a
Operating System Android 14 Android 14
In‑display Fingerprint Optical fingerprint scanner Optical fingerprint scanner
Face Unlock Yes Yes
Refresh Rate Adaptive up to 120 Hz Adaptive up to 120 Hz
HDR Support HDR10 / Dolby Vision HDR10 (likely HDR10+ supported)
Accelerometer & Gyro Yes Yes
USB‑C Port USB‑C USB‑C
Bluetooth 5.3 Yes Yes
Wi‑Fi Connectivity Wi‑Fi 6E (12R), Wi‑Fi 6E (8a) Wi‑Fi 6E
Price Check OnePlus 12R Price Check Pixel 8a Price

FAQ

Does the OnePlus 12R support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 12R does not support wireless charging. It focuses on extremely fast wired charging (80W in the US, 100W globally) instead.

Does the Pixel 8a support wireless charging?
Yes, the Pixel 8a supports Qi wireless charging, allowing for cable-free convenience, although it charges at a slower speed compared to wired options.

Which phone has a better processor, the OnePlus 12R or Pixel 8a?
The OnePlus 12R has a better processor. It uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which outperforms the Pixel 8a’s Google Tensor G3 in both speed and graphics.

How many years of software support do these phones offer?
The Pixel 8a offers seven years of software and security updates, while the OnePlus 12R provides three years of Android updates and four years of security patches.

Are both phones water and dust resistant?
Yes, both phones are water and dust resistant, but the Pixel 8a has a higher IP67 rating (water submersion) compared to the OnePlus 12R’s IP64 (splash resistance).

Which phone has a larger battery capacity?
The OnePlus 12R has a larger 5500mAh battery, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 4492mAh battery, resulting in potentially longer screen-on time.

Do both phones have high refresh rate displays?
Yes, both the OnePlus 12R and Pixel 8a feature 120Hz displays, providing smooth animations, scrolling, and responsive touch interactions.

Which phone has better camera versatility?
The OnePlus 12R has more camera versatility with a triple-lens setup including macro, while the Pixel 8a focuses on AI-driven imaging with dual cameras.

Does either phone support face unlock?
Yes, both the OnePlus 12R and Pixel 8a support face unlock for convenient screen unlocking.

Can I use dual SIMs in these devices?
The OnePlus 12R supports dual nano-SIMs, while the Pixel 8a supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, not true dual nano-SIM functionality.

Which device is more compact and lightweight?
The Pixel 8a is more compact and lighter, making it easier to use with one hand and more pocket-friendly.

Which phone includes special AI features like Magic Eraser or Call Assist?
Only the Pixel 8a includes Google’s AI features such as Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Call Assist, and Gemini Nano integration.

Does the OnePlus 12R include any unique hardware features?
Yes, the OnePlus 12R includes a physical alert slider, an IR blaster, and advanced vapor chamber cooling, which the Pixel 8a lacks.

What charging speeds do the phones support?
The OnePlus 12R supports up to 100W wired charging, fully charging in under 30 minutes, while the Pixel 8a supports only 18W wired and slower wireless charging.

Which phone is better for long-term Android updates?
The Pixel 8a is better for long-term support, with guaranteed updates for seven years, compared to the shorter update window of the OnePlus 12R.

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