OnePlus 12R vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: The Flagship Killer Showdown

Motorola, on the other hand, is taking a slightly different approach. It has a metal frame and a vegan leather back that exudes a minimalist yet luxurious vibe. The vegan leather also keeps fingerprint smudges at bay and gives it a great in-hand feel.

We know that design is a subjective thing. But if you are after a smartphone with a shiny and premium look, then the OnePlus 12R is for you. However, if you prefer a more subtle look, then the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the one you should pick.

OnePlus 12R vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Display

OnePlus equips the 12R with a top-tier display for its price range. The LTPO 4.0 AMOLED panel promises rich colours, a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent brightness with a whopping 4500 nits. So, even harsh direct sunlight is a no-brainer for the OnePlus 12R.

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro flaunts a 10-bit 3D curved pOLED panel. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures even smoother visuals, and it produces natural colours with customisation options for those who prefer a punchier look. The only downside of the Edge 50 Pro’s display is that it comes with 2000 nits of peak brightness, which is sufficient for indoor and outdoor usage to some extent. But it will struggle when it comes to the harsh direct sunlight.

Here, the OnePlus 12R takes the crown with a small margin. It offers great colours, an amazing LTPO panel, and a whopping 4500 nits of peak brightness. However, the Edge 50 Pro is also not lagging far behind. If we keep the lower peak brightness to a side for a moment, then the Edge 50 Pro goes neck to neck with the OnePlus 12R.

OnePlus 12R vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Performance & UI

Performance is a OnePlus hallmark, and the 12R upholds this tradition. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, launched in 2022, delivers exceptional processing power even in 2024. Our tests indicate an impressive AnTuTu v10 score exceeding 1.3 million. The software experience is clean and user-friendly with OxygenOS based on Android 14. OnePlus prioritises a bloatware-free experience with customisation options and promises four years of software updates.

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro opts for the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset. While this is not the top-of-the-line chip, it easily tackles everyday tasks like scrolling through Instagram or streaming YouTube videos. It can even handle some light gaming and basic video editing without breaking a sweat. Like every other Motorola smartphone, the Edge 50 Pro also shines in the software department by delivering a near-stock Android experience. This translates to a clutter-free interface. The company offers three years of software and four years of security updates.

If you are looking for a true flagship-level performance out of your smartphone like high-intensity gaming sessions or editing reels, paired with four years of security updates, opt for the OnePlus 12R. However, if you are more into casual usage and a stock Android-like experience matters, then the Edge 50 Pro is the one for you to pick.

OnePlus 12R vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Cameras

The triple-camera setup on the OnePlus 12R delivers good results and can defeat any mid-range smartphone. The daylight images have clarity, good detail, and vibrant colours. But it does miss out on a few things; low-light performance suffers as graininess shows up. Portrait mode works adequately, but edge detection and low-light portraits need some improvement.

As for the Edge 50 Pro, the camera doesn’t capture extra bright or super punchy pictures but shows great details with natural colours. While the device can capture some great images, the HDR on the Edge 50 Pro felt a bit off to us. Maybe it’s some software issue or a bug, but the colours were inconsistent. Thankfully, the telephoto sensor on the Edge 50 Pro can capture some fantastic shots. The photos taken with the telephoto sensor had great details and accurate colours. There is a slight colour shift from the primary sensor, but there’s nothing to complain about.

So, it is challenging to decide on one winner regarding the optics. Both smartphones offer great details and accurate colours. If you like more punchy and contrasty photos, pick the Edge 50 Pro, and if you prefer a more subtle and muted colour, opt for the OnePlus 12R. Besides this, the Edge 50 Pro has a slightly better ultra-wide sensor.

OnePlus 12R vs Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Battery & Charging

The 12R excels in battery life. Our tests yielded a commendable 7.5 hours of screen-on time, ensuring you can power through a day without worry. The 5,500mAh battery and its clever dual-cell design contribute to efficient power management. Besides, charging this big battery is not an issue; the 100W Super VOOC charging comes in handy, reviving the phone in about 31 minutes.

The Edge 50 Pro features a 4,500mAh battery, which might concern heavy users. Our tests indicate a decent 6-6.5 hours of screen-on time. However, the bundled 125W fast charger ensures a quick recharge.

Here, the OnePlus 12R wins by a significant margin. It delivers excellent battery life and fueling the device is not an issue. Remember that the Edge 50 Pro also does not lag far behind.

Verdict

The OnePlus 12R and Motorola Edge 50 Pro are compelling mid-range options, each catering to different priorities. The OnePlus 12R offers better performance (thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC), more software updates, and a better display over the Edge 50 Pro. However, it also comes at a premium price tag.

On the other hand, the Edge 50 Pro has a cleaner-looking UI, a host of features, and a vegan leather back, which we prefer over the glossy one on the OnePlus.

If you want flagship-grade performance, more battery life, and that extra one year of software updates, then go with the OnePlus 12R. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend a couple of thousands extra and want a refreshed, cleaner-looking UI experience, go with the Motorola Edge 50 Pro.