The Indian mid-premium smartphone segment is witnessing a strong rivalry in November 2025, and one of the most exciting battles is between the Moto G86 5G and the OnePlus 12R. Both promise flagship-like performance, vibrant displays, solid cameras, and reliable battery life. But which one offers better value for Indian buyers? Here’s a full comparison covering design, performance, camera, battery, software, and pricing in India.
Design and Display
The Moto G86 5G stands out with its refined matte-finish back and curved edges that feel comfortable during daily use. It uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front for protection and offers a punch-hole display design with thin bezels. Available in colours like Midnight Blue and Forest Green, it strikes a premium tone for its price bracket.
The OnePlus 12R, on the other hand, takes things up a notch with an aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides. It offers a larger LTPO3 AMOLED display with better brightness and HDR10+ support, making it a delight for streaming and gaming enthusiasts.
| Specification | Moto G86 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | 6.7-inch pOLED, 120Hz | 6.78-inch LTPO3 AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Resolution | FHD+ (2400×1080) | 1.5K (2780×1264) |
| Brightness | 1300 nits peak | 1600 nits peak |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Verdict: The OnePlus 12R wins for premium materials and display quality, while the Moto G86 5G scores high for ergonomics and colour accuracy.
Performance and Processor
Under the hood, the Moto G86 5G features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. It handles day-to-day multitasking with ease and supports light gaming without heating issues.
The OnePlus 12R runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a flagship-grade processor that delivers exceptional speed and stability. It handles demanding tasks like 4K video recording and high-end gaming with ease. Paired with OxygenOS 14 and LPDDR5X RAM, the experience feels seamless.
| Performance Metric | Moto G86 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Geekbench (Multi-core) | ~2900 | ~5000 |
| Gaming | Medium settings | Ultra settings |
Verdict: The OnePlus 12R is the performance leader here, perfect for gamers and power users. The Moto G86 5G remains a smooth, stable choice for everyday users.
Camera Comparison
Both smartphones focus heavily on camera performance, with slightly different tuning preferences.
| Camera Specs | Moto G86 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP (OIS, f/1.8) | 50MP Sony IMX890 (OIS, f/1.8) |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP | 8MP |
| Macro | 2MP | — |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
In daylight, the OnePlus 12R produces more accurate colours and higher detail retention, especially in dynamic lighting. The Moto G86 5G captures vibrant and slightly boosted colours, which many users prefer for social media use.
In night photography, OnePlus takes the lead with cleaner low-light results and better dynamic range thanks to its Sony IMX890 sensor.
Verdict: The OnePlus 12R delivers a flagship-grade imaging experience, while the Moto G86 5G performs well for casual shooters at its price point.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is one of the strong points of both devices. The Moto G86 5G packs a 5000mAh cell with 68W TurboPower fast charging, offering full charge in about 45 minutes.
The OnePlus 12R goes further with a 5500mAh battery and 100W SUPERVOOC charging, reaching full charge in under 30 minutes. Both phones can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy usage.
| Battery Specs | Moto G86 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh |
| Charging Speed | 68W | 100W |
| Charging Time | ~45 mins | ~28 mins |
| Battery Life | 6.5–7 hrs screen-on | 7–8 hrs screen-on |
Verdict: OnePlus 12R wins with faster charging and slightly better endurance, though the Moto G86 5G remains efficient and reliable.
Software and Features
As of November 2025, both devices run Android 15. Motorola’s near-stock interface is clean, smooth, and free from heavy customisation. It features enhanced privacy options, AI-based battery optimisation, and improved gesture navigation.
The OnePlus 12R ships with OxygenOS 14, adding AI Smart Cutout, floating app windows, and extended update support. The animations and optimisation give it a premium edge over Motorola’s interface.
Verdict: OnePlus 12R feels more refined and future-ready, but Motorola’s software is simpler and bloat-free for users who prefer minimalism.
Pricing in India (November 2025)
| Variant | Moto G86 5G | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | ₹22,999 | ₹38,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | ₹25,999 | ₹42,999 |
Both are widely available on Amazon and Flipkart with attractive festive and exchange offers during the November 2025 sale period.
Verdict: Moto G86 5G offers unbeatable value under ₹25,000, while OnePlus 12R justifies its premium with flagship-grade hardware and polish.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Moto G86 5G vs OnePlus 12R depends on your priorities. The Moto G86 5G is perfect for value-focused users who want a balanced all-rounder with strong battery life, capable cameras, and clean software. The OnePlus 12R, meanwhile, delivers a flagship experience with class-leading performance, superior cameras, and faster charging.
Verdict Summary:
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Best for Value Buyers: Moto G86 5G
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Best for Power Users: OnePlus 12R
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Overall Winner (India, November 2025): OnePlus 12R
FAQs
Which phone has a better camera — Moto G86 5G or OnePlus 12R?
The OnePlus 12R offers superior image quality, especially in low light, due to its Sony IMX890 sensor and better processing.
Does Moto G86 5G support all 5G bands in India?
Yes, the Moto G86 5G supports multiple 5G bands including n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n28, n77, and n78 for complete India coverage.
Which one charges faster?
The OnePlus 12R with its 100W SUPERVOOC charger can fully charge in under 30 minutes, faster than the Moto G86 5G’s 68W charging.
Is Moto G86 5G good for gaming?
Yes, it handles popular games like BGMI and Asphalt 9 smoothly at medium settings, though the OnePlus 12R offers higher graphics performance.
Which is better value for money in India?
The Moto G86 5G provides excellent value under ₹25,000, while the OnePlus 12R is the better premium performer overall.