Cheaper Samsung rival OnePlus launches brand new Android phone with a display that DOESN’T stop working in the rain
A BRAND new smartphone has solved one of the biggest problems known to Brits.
Rain makes it impossible to use the touch screen on a device, as anyone who’s ever tried to order an Uber after a night out will know all too well.
But Samsung rival OnePlus wants to make it a thing of the past.
The Chinese tech giant has just launched two brand new handsets with an “Aqua Touch” display.
“What about when you’re out and about, trying to use your phone in the rain?” James Paterson, Global PR Manager for OnePlus said at an event held in India.
“You can try wiping your screen, you can try hiding as you go from shop to shop – honestly, trust the Brit on the weather thing, it will not work.
“Rain will still get to you and your phone screen will not work properly.
“Well, with Aqua Touch on the OnePlus 12 series rain or wet fingers stop play no more.”
OnePlus claims its on-board tech is still able to register touches with “high levels of accuracy”.
The feature is one of several big upgrades on OnePlus’s latest product range, with a flagship OnePlus 12 and a more budget-friendly OnePlus 12R.
It’s the first time the OnePlus 12R has been launched globally.
Battery is another big focus for the company, which is technically larger than any iPhone‘s.
Is the OnePlus 12R worth it? Early verdict by Jamie Harris, Senior Tech & Science Reporter at The Sun
There are so many smartphones out there that it's increasingly hard to choose.
One thing’s for sure – people don’t want to pay through the roof. So it’s a good thing OnePlus has decided to make its mid-range OnePlus 12R available in every country for the first time.
That said, it’s nowhere near as cheap as the last OnePlus 11R which was only released in India for 39,999 Rupees (the equivalent of about £380). This year’s OnePlus 12R is £649.
The massive battery and camera improvements are welcome but there are loads of budget-friendly rivals such as Honor and Xiaomi in the Android market.
The 12R has a massive 5,500mAh battery – ever so slightly bigger than the main OnePlus 12’s.
That’s the equivalent to around 17.6 hours watching YouTube.
Both can charge from one per cent to full within 26 minutes, the company claims.
The main OnePlus 12 supports super fast wireless charging, so it can juicy up to 50 per cent within 23 minutes.
The OnePlus 12 is available in Silky Black and Flowy Emerald while the 12R is in Iron Gray and Cool Blue.
OnePlus 12 and 12R prices
Pre-orders for the OnePlus 12 and 12R are available now - and there are some early offers available too.
OnePlus 12
12GB + 256GB – £849 / $799.99
16GB + 512GB – £999 / $899.99
Sales open on February 6.
OnePlus 12R
8GB + 128GB – $499.99 (Not available in the UK and Europe)
16GB + 256GB – £649 / $599.99
Sales open February 13.
Order now from OnePlus.com.
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.