The OnePlus Ace 3 5G has officially made its India debut in November 2025, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship OnePlus 12R. Both devices share a similar DNA, but differ in chipset tuning, display specs, and pricing.
For Indian buyers seeking flagship-level performance without paying flagship prices, this comparison between OnePlus Ace 3 5G vs OnePlus 12R will help you decide which smartphone suits your needs best.
Let’s dive into their design, display, performance, camera, battery, and India pricing.
Design and Build
OnePlus continues its minimalist design approach with both phones. The Ace 3 5G features an aluminum frame and matte glass finish, while the 12R opts for Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a slightly more premium in-hand feel.
| Feature | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Back Material | Matte Glass | Curved Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Weight | 201 g | 205 g |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP68 |
Verdict: Both phones look and feel premium, but the 12R edges ahead with better water resistance and higher-grade glass protection.
Display Comparison
The Ace 3 5G gets a slightly toned-down version of the OnePlus 12R’s screen but retains most premium elements.
| Specification | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.78-inch | 6.78-inch |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | LTPO 4.0 AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1.5K (2780×1264) | 1.5K (2780×1264) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 4,500 nits | 4,500 nits |
| HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
The main difference lies in HDR tuning — the 12R’s panel handles contrast transitions better, while the Ace 3 is slightly warmer in colour calibration.
Verdict: Practically identical in display experience; only power users might notice the subtle difference.
Processor and Performance
The OnePlus 12R runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the Ace 3 5G features a slightly tweaked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 LE (Lite Edition), designed to reduce thermals and cost.
| Specification | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 LE (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 740 (enhanced clock) |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 4.0 | 128GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| OS | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) |
In real-world use, both phones deliver excellent performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The Ace 3 throttles slightly sooner under sustained gaming but runs cooler.
Verdict: The Ace 3 5G gives 90% of the 12R’s performance at a much lower price — ideal for gamers on a budget.
Camera Setup
OnePlus continues to use Sony sensors but tunes them differently across models.
| Camera | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Main | 50 MP Sony IMX890 | 50 MP Sony IMX890 (OIS+) |
| Ultra-wide | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Macro | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Front | 16 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 4K @ 60 fps | 4K @ 60 fps |
The 12R’s camera software includes advanced HDR and colour processing, making it better in low light. The Ace 3 performs impressively in daylight but lacks that last layer of detail refinement.
Verdict: The 12R takes the lead for camera enthusiasts, while the Ace 3 remains more than capable for casual photography.
Battery and Charging
Battery life has always been OnePlus’s strength, and both devices uphold that reputation.
| Specification | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5,500 mAh | 5,500 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 100W SUPERVOOC | 150W SUPERVOOC |
| Charger in Box | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
In daily use, both phones last comfortably over 1.5 days with moderate activity. The Ace 3 takes about 26 minutes to fully charge, while the 12R finishes in 19 minutes.
Verdict: The 12R wins on charging speed, but both provide excellent endurance.
Software and Updates
Both phones ship with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, offering 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
Exclusive software differences:
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Ace 3: Smart Cooling Mode, Jovi Gaming Mode.
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12R: AI Image Clarity 2.0, Dolby Vision video support.
Verdict: OxygenOS runs smoothly on both — only slight feature differences separate them.
Connectivity and Extras
| Feature | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Bands | 11 | 13 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| IR Blaster | No | No |
| Dual SIM | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: Connectivity remains strong across both; differences are negligible.
Price and Availability (India, November 2025)
| Variant | OnePlus Ace 3 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹36,999 | ₹42,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | ₹39,999 | ₹46,999 |
| 16GB + 512GB | — | ₹51,999 |
Both phones are available through OnePlus India’s online store and retail partners nationwide.
Verdict: The Ace 3 offers 90% of the 12R experience for ₹6,000–₹8,000 less — incredible value in late 2025.
Performance Summary
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | OnePlus 12R |
| Display | Tie |
| Performance | OnePlus 12R |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Charging Speed | OnePlus 12R |
| Camera | OnePlus 12R |
| Value for Money | OnePlus Ace 3 5G |
Verdict: The OnePlus Ace 3 5G gives unbeatable value, while the 12R remains the all-round premium choice.
Final Verdict
If you’re choosing between the OnePlus Ace 3 5G and the OnePlus 12R in India, your decision comes down to budget and usage.
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Choose the Ace 3 5G if you want flagship-grade performance, bright display, and strong battery life at a lower cost.
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Choose the OnePlus 12R if you value camera performance, better durability, and faster charging.
Overall Verdict: The OnePlus Ace 3 5G delivers 90% of flagship experience for 80% of the price — the smarter buy for most Indian users in November 2025.
FAQs
Which OnePlus phone is better for gaming?
Both perform well, but the 12R maintains higher frame rates in long sessions due to better thermal tuning.
Does OnePlus Ace 3 5G support wireless charging?
No, it supports 100W wired charging only, not wireless.
What’s the battery backup difference?
Both phones last about 1.5 days on mixed use, with marginal difference in endurance.
Is the OnePlus Ace 3 5G waterproof?
It carries an IP65 rating, offering splash resistance but not full water immersion protection.
Which phone gives better value in India?
The Ace 3 5G wins on price-to-performance ratio — perfect for Indian buyers seeking power and affordability.
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