The OnePlus 12R is now official in the Philippines. The brand’s latest flagship killer is available starting at PhP 43,999 in Cool Blue and Iron Grey.

Consumers may now preorder the OnePlus 12R at all OnePlus and OPPO stores nationwide. They may also purchase online via Shopee and Lazada and avail of the shopping apps’ 0% interest installment payment options.

Additionally, there is an exclusive PhP 1,000 off OnePlus voucher on Shopee from April 18 to 24, as well as a PhP 200 Good Review cashback and an S39 Bluetooth speaker.

Flagship-worthy experience

The OnePlus 12R boasts of an unparalleled experience expected of a device of its caliber, thanks primarily to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

On paper, the smartphone has a 35% better CPU and GPU performance than the brand’s previous flagship, the OnePlus 11. The phone specifically has 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

The performance is boosted further by OnePlus and Oppo’s co-developed Trinity Engine. This engine features CPU-Vita, RAM-Vita, and ROM-Vita, which work together to make apps run faster and distribute power better during high-performance tasks like gaming and video editing.

Its Cryo-Velocity cooling system, meanwhile, ensures smooth and continuous usage without compromising temperature and battery life.

Speaking of, the OnePlus 12R houses a 5,500mAh battery, the largest ever yet on a OnePlus device. This is complemented by 100W SUPERVOOC charging for 1 to 100% in as low as 26 minutes.

Smoother, more immersive

Moreover, the OnePlus 12R flaunts a fourth-generation LTPO 120Hz ProXDR display. This improved screen features higher maximum brightness and better color levels compared to its predecessor.

The intelligent dynamic refresh rate system lets the phone to easily adjust the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz and suit the content they’re consuming.

Enhanced camera

As for its camera system, the OnePlus 12R features a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor. The phone’s advanced software optimizations also assure users of vibrant and clear captures.

Additionally, it has OIS and lightning-fast processing speeds for low-light scenarios and filming.

The package also consists of an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, 2MP focus lens, and 16MP selfie camera similar to previous OnePlus handsets.

Have you ever wondered what the “P” in the Huawei P series stood for? Today, the Chinese smartphone maker is taking out the mystery for good. In lieu of simply launching a P70 series, Huawei has launched the newly renamed Pura 70 series in China.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The camera evolution continues

As is tradition, the Pura 70 series packs in the best camera system from Huawei. The series, separated into four varying models, will feature unique specs such as a retractable lens, boosting both zooming capabilities and image stabilization.

Now, the 1-inch sensor comes with an f/2.1 aperture and can take in a lot of light. It also shoots at 35x super macro.

As the pack’s leader, the Ultra comes with the retractable lens, tested for up to 300,000 contractions. It is also IP68-rated for more durability. It has a sizable f/1.6 aperture and a mechanism to maximize image stabilization.

Finally, with XD Motion, the camera can reportedly capture subjects going up to 300km/h. The macro sensor, on the other hand, can capture images at least 5cm close. A heightened HDR keeps videos crisp and clear.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Also good under the hood

Meanwhile, the lineup’s chipset is the next evolution of Huawei’s Kirin line. The processors are reportedly inching closer and closer to the current slate of modern flagships today. It marks the brand’s next step in jumping back to the top of the Android food chain. It comes with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The display puts out images at 460ppi, 2500nits of brightness, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Kunlun glass keeps the screen protected, too.

Much like Apple’s Emergency SOS, the Pura 70 series will come with its own satellite connectivity service, powered by Beidou. Plus, in areas with low coverage, a Lingxi antenna will ensure that calls won’t be dropped.

Out of the box, it comes with HarmonyOS 4.2, which touts more interactive features like a heavily customizable lock screen.

Finally, it will have a battery going up to 5200mAh. It also touts 100W wired charging and 80W wireless fast charging.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Availability

Currently, the Pura 70 series has just started going on sale in China. It comes in four distinct models: the regular Pura 70, Pro, Pro+, and Ultra.

The Pura 70 starts at CNY 5,499. Then, the Pura 70 Pro starts at CNY 6,499. The Pura 70 Pro+ starts at CNY 7,999. Finally, the Pura 70 Ultra starts at CNY 9,999.

What is it like to spend a month with a midrange smartphone?

For someone spoiled with high-end, flagship smartphones, a watered-down experience terrifies me. I couldn’t fathom using just a midrange smartphone, even if I’m counted as a casual user.

But spending a month with the realme 12+ 5G gave me a new perspective on what midrange smartphones at 2024 can do.

Powerhouse at a fraction

A lot of times, I’ve used the realme 12+ 5G to play Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. I know, I know. It’s 2024 and I’m still playing the same old MOBA but it’s a game I know all too well that helps me de-stress after a long day.

See, I’m an athlete balancing my work and life. Sometimes, I just want to rot in bed while playing on my phone.

The realme 12+ 5G helped keep me sane thanks to its lag-free gameplay. Not once did I feel any heat or slowing down even while playing in an Ultra Graphics and Super High Frame Rate setting.

The Vapor Chamber Cooling System came into play, dissipating the heat so even if under heavy usage, the gameplay is still optimal.

Moreover, the realme 12+ 5G uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset. When you combine this with a 12GB dynamic ram that’s expandable through your storage space, you won’t have to worry about a watered-down experience from using a midrange device.

The RAM can take up from 4GB up to 12GB to be re-allocated from the 256GB internal storage. Though, I only used 4GB since I didn’t feel the need to turn it up to the highest configuration. It’s already smooth even when multi-tasking.

It may not be as smooth as the flagship smartphones I held, but it’s enough particularly for people who just needs a smartphone they can use for their everyday lives. However, if you want a midrange device dedicated for an even more intensive gameplay, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

Daily companion for viewing, listening

When I was on my way home from my training, I drove past a busy road in Pasig City where vendors are in the streets, bystanders are frolicking, and loafers gossip while taking space through the plastic stools they sat on spread out near the sidewalk.

What do they have in common? Smartphones. There was a realization that the Filipino masses rely on their devices to be entertained and connected.

I have a feeling that if I wasn’t a multi-passionate person with an insanely hectic schedule, I’d bury my head on a smartphone, too.

This is where having a spectacular audio-visual performance comes into play, especially for budget and midrange devices. Luckily, the realme 12+ 5G has a 120HZ Super AMOLED Display and Dual Stereo Speakers.

It’s one of the reasons why I started playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang again when I was decompressing for the day.

Aside from doomscrolling on TikTok, I just like it when the display is fluid, vivid, and smooth while the audio can be as loud and immersive. Unlike most midrange smartphones, the audio-visual performance is always a hit or miss.

Sometimes, they have an excellent screen while the audio suffers, or vice-versa. The realme 12+ 5G just have it both.

Capture it, remember it

The realme 12+ 5G uses a 50-megapixel SonyLYT 600 OIS Portrait Camera, an 8-megapixel 112° wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro sensor, and a 16-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

I used the smartphone to capture photos I send to my loved ones. From selfies, coffee runs, hotel visits, group photos, food shots, and just anything and everything in my life.

The quality for low-light shots is a hit or miss, but for photos taken during daytime and with good lighting? It’s just spectacular.

Here are some sample photos to look at:

Portraits & Selfies

Food

Sceneries

Everyday photos

Real on reliability

The realme 12+ 5G’s battery capacity is just *chef’s kiss*.

Its ability to retain its battery life even on standby is just incredibly helpful for someone who keeps forgetting to charge his devices.

The realme 12+ 5G lasts long enough when out for the day, and even if you spend a lot of hours playing games and doomscrolling.

One time, I played Mobile Legends: Bang Bang for three hours straight from a full charge, and I still had enough juice to keep playing. That 5000mAh battery surely is a lot of juice that doesn’t drain easily. I had to be the one to give up playing since it hurt my eyes already.

Charging it with 67W SuperVOOC, the realme 12+ 5G gets full charge in less than an hour. This is why even if I forget to charge it at night, I just have to plug the charger in the USB-C port while I was taking a bath and prepping for work.

Could’ve been a real premium

Aside from its performance and capabilities, the realme 12+ 5G comes with a strong and beautiful exterior. The unit I have came in Pioneer Green, resembling an emerald-touch of old money.

Without a plastic case, it’s soft, feels luxurious, and easy to hold even with a boxy frame. At a glance, it’s even more beautiful with its luxury watch-inspired design, thanks to designer Ollivier Savéo.

For a midrange device, realme has a knack for making its devices look and feel sophisticated. Furthermore, it’s dust and splash proof with its IP54 rating. It’s a win-win, right? Strong and pretty at the same time.

My only issue would be the realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 that’s packed with bloatware. Look- and feel-wise, the realme 12+ 5G would be a premium stunner, even with its camera, audio-visual, and battery performance.

But the UI design along with the unnecessary bloatware made it cheap and annoying to look at.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The realme 12+ 5G delivers what you’d expect out of a midrange smartphone. It’s premium-looking, long-lasting, offers reliable performance, and captures vivid portraits and pictures.

It’s easily a GadgetMatch for casual users requiring enough power and juice on a device that looks pretty and strong. If the realme 12 Pro+ 5G is a midrange marvel, consider the realme 12+ 5G almost the same, but at a lesser cost.

It retails for PhP 19,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant, while the 8GB+256GB unit is priced at PhP 17,999.