OnePlus Phones Guide: 12, 12R, 11R, Nord and Open

OnePlus earned its reputation by offering fast, smooth phones at aggressive prices. It has since moved upmarket, but its phones remain attractive to buyers who prioritise speed, charging and a fluid screen. In Kenya, they usually arrive as imports.

The flagship OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 12 is a powerful flagship with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a large 120Hz screen and very fast charging. It also added Hasselblad-tuned cameras and long battery life. The older OnePlus 10 Pro remains capable but is worth comparing carefully, since a newer mid-priced phone may be a better long-term choice.

The R series: 11R and 12R

The R models offer a flagship-style experience with a slightly older chip and fewer premium extras. The 12R uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and has a very bright display. The R line is excellent value for gamers and anyone who wants speed without paying for the top camera system.

Nord CE 3

The Nord line is OnePlus's more affordable tier. The Nord CE 3 suits buyers who like the brand's software and screen quality at a lower price. Do not expect flagship cameras.

OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open is the company's book-style foldable, well regarded for its light weight and multitasking software. Foldables come with special care and repair considerations, covered in our foldable phone guide.

Charging speed

OnePlus is known for very fast charging using its SUPERVOOC standard. To get full speed, use the charger and cable meant for it. Generic USB-C PD chargers will charge the phone but often at a much lower rate. Read our charger guide for what the numbers mean.

OxygenOS

OnePlus phones sold internationally run OxygenOS, a clean and quick version of Android. Note that some units are built for the Chinese market and run ColorOS, so check which version you are buying.

Update promises depend on the model and vary. The OnePlus 12, for instance, was launched with several years of Android and security updates, whereas older or cheaper phones received fewer.

Import points

• Check that your SIM works and that there are no carrier restrictions.
• Check network band support if 5G matters.
• Ask about the warranty, as manufacturer cover may not apply locally.
• Confirm the software version and ask whether Google services are installed.

Who should buy OnePlus

OnePlus suits people who want smooth performance and fast charging, and who are comfortable with a brand with limited local service. The R series is the sweet spot for value. If local after-sales support is more important to you, the Samsung Galaxy S series may be a better fit.

Compare with the Pixel for photography and Nothing for clean design.