The OnePlus 12R OxygenOS 16 update has officially started rolling out in India, and at first glance, it looks like a promising step forward. Packed with Android 16, AI-based refinements, and December 2025 security patches, this update clearly aims to improve daily usability. However, once users began installing it, mixed reactions started surfacing – excitement on one side and frustration on the other. And honestly, that contrast is hard to ignore.
This update update number is CPH2585_16.0.2.400 (EX01) for the Indian variant, weighs around 1.36GB and brings a long list of subtle but meaningful changes. But as many OnePlus users have learned over time, features on paper and real-world performance don’t always tell the same story.
OnePlus 12R OxygenOS 16 Update
One of the key highlights of this update is what OnePlus calls “Effortless AI at every moment.” In simple terms, it focuses on small quality-of-life improvements rather than flashy changes. For example, users can now launch storage cleanup tools directly from the Smart Sidebar, which genuinely feels convenient when your phone is running low on space.
There are also improvements under the “Delight in details” section. App icon customization has become more flexible – shortcut icons can now be dragged, resized, and rearranged more naturally. The Photos app has received smarter filters like Motion Photo, Screenshots & Screen Recordings, and Edited, which does make searching through media slightly faster.
Widget lovers will appreciate the ability to stack 2×1 widgets on the home screen, improving space usage. Another small but thoughtful change is the improved activation of Circle to Search, which can now be triggered even if the gesture guide bar is hidden. These changes may sound minor, but together they shape the overall experience.
Security has also been addressed with the December 2025 Android security patch, and performance tweaks like faster thumbnail loading in the Photos app are clearly aimed at smoother navigation.
User Faced Problems After the Update
Despite all these improvements, not everyone is satisfied. Several OnePlus 12R users have reported noticeable lag and slow app opening speeds after installing OxygenOS 16. Community posts clearly show frustration, with users saying the phone felt smoother on OxygenOS 14 or even 15.
Some users aren’t fully sure whether the lag is due to background optimization, AI processes, or just early-stage bugs – and that uncertainty itself is part of the problem. When a phone suddenly feels slower after a major update, trust takes a hit, even if the issue might be temporary.
There are also complaints from users of similar OnePlus models who feel OxygenOS is slowly drifting away from its original “clean and fast” identity. While this may not affect everyone, it adds to the ongoing discussion around software stability versus feature expansion.
Final Thoughts: Should You Update or Wait?
The OnePlus 12R OxygenOS 16 update is not bad – but it’s also not perfect. It brings useful features, better privacy controls, and stronger security. At the same time, reports of lag and slow app launches cannot be ignored.
If you value new features and security, the update makes sense. But if your priority is absolute smoothness and performance, waiting for the next optimization patch might be the wiser move. Like many major Android updates, OxygenOS 16 feels like a foundation – solid in intent, but still needing polish.
Sometimes updates are about progress, not perfection. And right now, OxygenOS 16 on the OnePlus 12R feels exactly like that. If you can wait then this is the best decision. Follow us for more futuristic updates.
Also Read: Redmi A3/Poco C71 Get Android 16 Update in India: What’s New and Should You Install It?
