OnePlus 12 and 12R Hit US Pre-Orders: Exclusive Gift Card from Amazon and Best Buy for Early Galaxy S24 Adopters

This week, OnePlus released the OnePlus 12 and 12R for the global market (they were previously accessible in China). This includes the US, where Apple and Samsung dominate the market and it is less competitive than in Europe and Asia.

But have a look at this: for $800, you can get a real flagship phone with a 6.82" QHD+ LTPO display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and lots of RAM (16/512GB with a free update). Although daytime video recording could have been improved, the cameras—which include a gorgeous 32MP selfie camera—are fairly good (50MP primary, 64MP 3x zoom, and 48MP ultra-wide). The phone's IP65 rating—rather than IP68 like other flagships and certain mid-rangers as well—is our only other grievance. This year, the 5,400mAh battery may also be charged wirelessly (at 50W), or 80W via a wire.

Opting for the more budget-friendly OnePlus 12R is a viable choice, as it features last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a robust processor that maintains impressive speed. The 6.78-inch screen, while slightly reduced in resolution to 1,264 x 2,780px (falling between FHD+ and QHD+), still delivers a compelling visual experience. However, compromises are evident in the camera department, with a smaller sensor on the 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and the absence of a telephoto lens. The 5,500mAh battery supports 80W wired charging.

Considering the price point, it's worth contrasting this with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Additionally, the ongoing promotion of free storage upgrades should be taken into account. For instance, an $800 investment secures an 8/256GB Galaxy S24 (effectively $750 if factoring in the gift card deduction). Despite this, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its exceptional video recording capabilities, including features like 4K 120fps and 8K modes. The allure of a $200 gift card from Amazon further eases the financial impact on your wallet.

Gift cards are also included with the Samsung Galaxy A25 and A15 5G, albeit they are only $25. These are inexpensive phones (the S24 only received $50).

The TWS buds from the previous year are the Beads Studio Buds+. They feature a good amount of listening time (up to 36 hours when the case is used), good sound quality (with a usual brand emphasis on bass), and enhanced noise cancellation.

Apple has surprisingly reintroduced the Beats Solo3 headphones, which first debuted back in 2016! While the rationale behind Cupertino's decision remains unclear, these on-ear headphones boast Apple's W1 chip and offer decent quality. However, some upgrades, such as replacing the outdated microUSB port, would have been welcomed considering its age.