Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs OnePlus 12R
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the crown here with its jaw-dropping 200MP camera, leaving the OnePlus 12R's 50MP setup in the dust. If photography is your jam, the S23 Ultra delivers stunning detail and versatility that you won’t find in the mid-range OnePlus. But it’s not all about raw power. You get an 80W fast charger that fills it up quickly, which is a game changer for busy days. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.78" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 5500 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (premium flagship) and OnePlus 12R (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | 4.3★ (23 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | Exceptional battery life (5,500mAh) with very fast 80W charging (US) |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | No wireless charging capabilities |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
OnePlus 12R
Android
3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 740
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs OnePlus 12R
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
OnePlus 12R
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★4.3(23)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | AMOLED ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.0 |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K), 450 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1–120Hz (Dynamic) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | N/A (Digital zoom only) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 20x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 16MP Front (f/2.4, 24mm equiv), Fixed Focus |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); supports 100W in 220V regions |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | N/A (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP64 (Dust tight; Water splash resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 7.30 oz (207 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Alert Slider; Dual Stereo Speakers; Dolby Atmos; HyperTouch; Aqua Touch |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
Cons
- Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
OnePlus 12R
Android
3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (5,500mAh) with very fast 80W charging (US)
- Flagship-grade 120Hz LTPO 4.0 display with extreme peak brightness
Cons
- No wireless charging capabilities
- Rated IP64 is lower than the standard IP68 found in most flagships
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the OnePlus 12R's 50MP offering.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot high-resolution photos, need top-tier performance for gaming, or want a premium build quality. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the OnePlus 12R if: you need extended battery life, prefer faster charging, or want a lighter device for daily use. (6.78" display, 5500 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.4★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 23
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose OnePlus 12R
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.4★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, OnePlus 12R remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or OnePlus 12R?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. OnePlus 12R wins if you value exceptional battery life (5,500mah) with very fast 80w charging (us). Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and OnePlus 12R?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while OnePlus 12R stands out with exceptional battery life (5,500mah) with very fast 80w charging (us). Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Meanwhile, OnePlus 12R no wireless charging capabilities. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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