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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R
You'll want to grab the OnePlus 12R unless you need Google's extensive software support. The larger 6.78" display on the OnePlus offers a more immersive experience, especially for gaming and video watching, compared to the Pixel's smaller 6.1" screen.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.78"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5500 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 7.30 oz
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
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OnePlus 12R
★4.3
(23)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
OnePlus 12R
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
OnePlus 12R
6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
OnePlus 12R
1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
OnePlus 12R
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
OnePlus 12R
8GB / 16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
OnePlus 12R
50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
OnePlus 12R
8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
OnePlus 12R
5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
OnePlus 12R
N/A (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
OnePlus 12R
7.30 oz (207 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
OnePlus 12R
6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
OnePlus 12R
5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
OnePlus 12R
★4.3(23)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.3(23)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner) |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | AMOLED ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.0 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K), 450 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 1–120Hz (Dynamic) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | N/A (Digital zoom only) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 20x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 16MP Front (f/2.4, 24mm equiv), Fixed Focus |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); supports 100W in 220V regions |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | N/A (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP64 (Dust tight; Water splash resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.30 oz (207 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Alert Slider; Dual Stereo Speakers; Dolby Atmos; HyperTouch; Aqua Touch |
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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OnePlus 12R
Rating:★4.3(23)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)
Screen Type:AMOLED ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.0
Resolution:2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K), 450 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Peak Brightness:4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Digital zoom only)
Digital Zoom:Up to 20x
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:16MP Front (f/2.4, 24mm equiv), Fixed Focus
Battery:5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable)
Wired Charging:80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); supports 100W in 220V regions
Wireless Charging:N/A (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP64 (Dust tight; Water splash resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front)
Dimensions:6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm)
Weight:7.30 oz (207 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:Alert Slider; Dual Stereo Speakers; Dolby Atmos; HyperTouch; Aqua Touch
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (5,500mAh) with very fast 80W charging (US)
- • Flagship-grade 120Hz LTPO 4.0 display with extreme peak brightness
- • Strong performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset at a lower price point
- • Includes IR Blaster and the signature OnePlus Alert Slider
- • Comes with a fast charger in the box
✗ Cons:
- • No wireless charging capabilities
- • Rated IP64 is lower than the standard IP68 found in most flagships
- • USB-C port is limited to slow USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- • No telephoto lens; relies on digital crop for zoom
- • Software support period (3 years OS) is shorter than top-tier competitors
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Which one is better?
Grab the Pixel 8a if you prioritize software support and camera quality - it's got a 64MP sensor that delivers impressive shots.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want 7 years of software updates, you prioritize camera quality with 64MP, or you prefer wireless charging.
Choose the OnePlus 12R if: you need a phone that lasts over 2 days on a single charge, you prefer faster charging at 80W, or you want a larger 6.78" display for gaming and entertainment.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. OnePlus 12R is better if you prioritize exceptional battery life (5,500mah) with very fast 80w charging (us). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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