The Vivo V26 Pro 5G has officially entered India’s competitive premium mid-range market in November 2025, going head-to-head with the OnePlus 12R. Both smartphones aim to deliver near-flagship performance at a more accessible price.
While Vivo focuses on camera excellence and display innovation, OnePlus continues to champion raw speed and performance efficiency. But which one should Indian buyers choose in 2025? Let’s compare their design, performance, camera, battery, software, and pricing in detail.
Design & Display: Sleek vs Sporty
The Vivo V26 Pro 5G brings a sleek design with a curved AMOLED display and ultra-thin bezels. It feels premium in hand with a frosted glass back and aluminum frame. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate.
The OnePlus 12R, on the other hand, opts for a sporty design with a punch-hole AMOLED display and metallic camera module reminiscent of the OnePlus 11. Its curved edges and robust build add a flagship-like touch.
| Feature | Vivo V26 Pro 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | 6.78″ Curved AMOLED | 6.7″ AMOLED LTPO 3.0 |
| Resolution | FHD+ (2400×1080) | QHD+ (3216×1440) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 1600 nits |
| Protection | Schott Xensation Alpha | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Verdict: The Vivo V26 Pro wins on design and display brightness, while the OnePlus 12R delivers superior resolution and durability.
Performance & Hardware
Under the hood, both smartphones are powered by capable chipsets but with different philosophies.
| Specification | Vivo V26 Pro 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | Up to 512GB UFS 4.0 | Up to 256GB UFS 4.0 |
| Cooling | Vapor Chamber Cooling | Cryo-Velocity VC Cooling |
The OnePlus 12R edges ahead in CPU and GPU stability under sustained loads, making it better for gamers and heavy users. Vivo’s Dimensity chip still delivers strong performance with better power efficiency for daily multitasking.
Verdict: OnePlus 12R takes the performance crown; Vivo V26 Pro is more efficient for regular use.
Camera Comparison
Vivo continues its legacy as a camera-centric brand, while OnePlus fine-tunes its sensors for colour accuracy and sharpness.
| Feature | Vivo V26 Pro 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 200 MP (OIS) + 12 MP Ultra-wide + 2 MP Depth | 50 MP (Sony IMX890 OIS) + 8 MP Ultra-wide + 2 MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 50 MP (Eye AF) | 16 MP |
| Video | 4K @ 60 fps | 4K @ 60 fps |
In real-world usage, Vivo captures brighter, more detailed low-light photos thanks to its larger sensor and dedicated night algorithm. Portrait shots are natural with smooth edge detection. The OnePlus 12R produces slightly more neutral colours and handles HDR better.
Verdict: Vivo wins for photography enthusiasts; OnePlus edges out for consistent daylight tones.
Battery & Charging
| Specification | Vivo V26 Pro 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 120W FlashCharge | 100W SuperVOOC |
| Charging Time | 0–100% in 25 mins | 0–100% in 28 mins |
Both phones easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. Vivo includes an AI battery health system to reduce wear, while OnePlus offers smart temperature management.
Verdict: Practically tied — both excel at fast charging and endurance.
Software & UI Experience
The Vivo V26 Pro 5G runs Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 14, offering smoother animations and less bloatware than before. It also features privacy dashboard improvements and AI call screening.
The OnePlus 12R ships with OxygenOS 15 on Android 14, focusing on speed, minimalism, and clean visuals. It offers four years of OS updates, while Vivo promises three.
Verdict: OxygenOS still feels cleaner and more polished for power users.
Connectivity & Extras
Both support 5G bands suited for India, along with dual SIM, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Vivo adds Hi-Fi audio and infrared remote support — features missing on the OnePlus.
Verdict: Vivo is slightly ahead for users who value multimedia and utility extras.
Price in India (November 2025)
| Variant | Vivo V26 Pro 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB + 256GB | ₹39,999 | ₹40,999 |
| 12GB + 512GB | ₹44,999 | ₹44,499 |
Verdict: Both are priced aggressively, but Vivo’s 512GB storage variant offers better value for photographers and content creators.
Gaming & Thermal Performance
In extended gaming sessions, the OnePlus 12R maintains steadier frame rates in titles like BGMI and Asphalt 9. The Vivo V26 Pro, however, runs cooler with less battery drain during extended use.
Verdict: OnePlus suits gamers; Vivo suits casual multimedia users.
Camera Samples Summary
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Vivo: Richer saturation, stronger AI HDR, superior low-light clarity.
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OnePlus: More accurate tones, better daylight contrast, faster shutter.
Verdict: Vivo for camera lovers, OnePlus for balanced results.
Battery Efficiency Summary
The combination of the Dimensity 9200+ and 120W charging allows the Vivo to maintain impressive runtime — about 6.5 hours of screen-on time. The OnePlus offers roughly 7 hours but takes a few minutes longer to charge.
Verdict: Practically identical; choose based on ecosystem preference.
Final Verdict
Both the Vivo V26 Pro 5G and OnePlus 12R stand out as high-value mid-range flagships in India.
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Buy the Vivo V26 Pro 5G if you prioritize camera quality, display brightness, and multimedia features.
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Buy the OnePlus 12R if you want top-tier gaming, cleaner software, and slightly better long-term updates.
Overall Verdict: The Vivo V26 Pro 5G edges ahead as the better all-round choice for Indian users in November 2025, thanks to its display, camera, and charging speed combination.
FAQs
Which phone has the better camera in low light?
The Vivo V26 Pro 5G performs better in low light with its 200 MP OIS sensor.
Which one charges faster?
Vivo’s 120W FlashCharge slightly outpaces OnePlus’s 100W SuperVOOC.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The OnePlus 12R is more stable during long gaming sessions.
How many years of updates do these phones get?
OnePlus 12R: 4 years of OS updates; Vivo V26 Pro: 3 years.
Which one offers better value in India?
The Vivo V26 Pro 5G offers more storage, faster charging, and a brighter display at nearly the same price.
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