OnePlus 12 Review

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OnePlus 12 Review

OnePlus 12 Review

OnePlus 12: A Flagship Forerunner or Familiar Ground?

The OnePlus 12 arrives, eager to reclaim its title as a flagship disruptor. But in today's competitive landscape, does it offer enough innovation to stand out, or does it tread familiar ground? We delve into its design, display, hardware, camera, software, battery life, and technical specifications to unveil its true potential and help you decide if it lives up to the hype.

Design

Design: Sleek & Familiar, with Subtle Refinements

The OnePlus 12 retains the brand's signature sleek and minimalist design, crafted from premium materials like glass and metal. This year, however, subtle refinements elevate the look and feel. The camera module adopts a cleaner, more seamless integration into the body, and the bezels surrounding the display are further minimized, maximizing screen real estate without compromising aesthetics. 

New color options like a vibrant "Flowy Emerald" and a sophisticated "Silky Black" cater to diverse preferences. While the overall design philosophy remains familiar, the attention to detail and subtle improvements solidify the OnePlus 12's premium status.

Technical Specifications:

Form FactorCandybar, Touchscreen
Dimensions164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame

IP65, waterproof and dustproof
ColorsFlowy Emerald, Silky Black, Silver
ModelsPJD110, CPH2573, CPH2581

Display

Display: A Fluid Canvas for Content Consumption

The OnePlus 12 boasts a stunning 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional viewing angles, perfect for multimedia consumption and gaming. The display is HDR10+ certified, ensuring an immersive experience for compatible content. 

Additionally, the phone supports LTPO technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on content for improved battery efficiency. Whether you're scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games, the OnePlus 12's display promises a smooth and visually captivating experience.

Technical Specifications:

TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)

Always-on display
Size6.82 inches, 113.0 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~510 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Hardware

Hardware: Powerhouse Performance at the Core

The OnePlus 12 packs a punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, delivering top-tier performance. Expect effortless handling of demanding applications, including games, and seamless multitasking. Coupled with upto 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, you'll have ample space and speed for your digital needs. 

The phone also boasts an improved cooling system to ensure sustained performance even under heavy workloads. While technical details like specific RAM and storage options might vary depending on the region, the core processing power ensures the OnePlus 12 remains a strong contender in terms of performance.

Technical Specifications:

Internal Memory256GB ROM, 12GB RAM

256GB ROM, 16GB RAM

512GB ROM, 16GB RAM

1TB ROM, 16GB RAM

1TB ROM, 24GB RAM
Storage TypeUFS 4.0
Card SlotNo
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPUAdreno 750
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical)

Accelerometer

Gyro

Proximity

Compass

Color spectrum
SIMSingle SIM (Nano-SIM)

Dual SIM (2x Nano-SIM, eSIM, dual stand-by)

Dual SIM (2x Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
SpeakersYes, with stereo speakers

24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio
Audio JackNo

Camera

Camera: Capturing Memories with Versatility

The OnePlus 12 features a triple-lens rear camera system: a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor. This setup promises high-quality photos and videos in most lighting conditions. The main sensor benefits from Hasselblad's tuning, aiming to deliver improved color accuracy and natural-looking images. 

Additionally, the phone boasts AI-powered scene optimization and various shooting modes to cater to different photography enthusiasts. While it might not boast the most extensive zoom capabilities compared to some competitors, the OnePlus 12's camera system offers versatility and quality for everyday use and capturing special moments.

Technical Specifications:

Main CameraPrimary: 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS

Secondary: 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom

Third: 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114" (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Camera FeaturesHasselblad Color Calibration, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision
Selfie Camera32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm

Features: Auto-HDR, panorama

Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Software

Software: OxygenOS 14 - A Familiar Interface with New Tweaks

The OnePlus 12 runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14. This user-friendly interface offers customization options and a clean aesthetic. OnePlus claims to have retained the core OxygenOS experience while incorporating some design changes and new features inspired by ColorOS. 

OnePlus has always been known for its clean and user-friendly software, and the OnePlus 12 is no exception. It offers a smooth and seamless user experience, making it easy for users to navigate and use the phone's various features.

Technical Specifications:

Operating System (OS)Android OS, v14
UIOxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS 14 (China)

Battery

Battery: Fast Charging Meets Decent Capacity

The OnePlus 12 packs a 5,400mAh battery, which should offer a full day's usage on a single charge for moderate users. Power users might require a top-up in the evening. However, where the OnePlus 12 shines is its fast charging capabilities. The phone supports 100W fast charging, allowing you to go from 0 to 100% in a mere 26 minutes, perfect for those who need a quick battery boost when on the go. 

In addition to its impressive battery life, the OnePlus 12 also sees the return of wireless charging. This is a significant upgrade from previous versions and adds to the overall value of the phone.

Technical Specifications:

Battery TypeLi-Po 5400 mAh, non-removable
Charging100W wired, PD, QC, 1-100% in 26 min (International)

80W wired, PD, QC, 1-100% in 30 min (USA)

50W wireless, 1-100% in 55 min (advertised)

10W reverse wireless

Conclusion: A Worthy Contender, But Does it Disrupt?

The OnePlus 12 arrives with a compelling package, offering a powerful processor, a smooth and vibrant display, and impressively fast charging capabilities. These elements, combined with a familiar yet refined design and a capable camera system, position it as a strong contender in the competitive flagship market.

In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 is a phone that offers a high-quality user experience at an affordable price. It's a device that's designed for those who want the best features without having to break the bank.

With its cool design, top-tier display, powerful hardware, excellent camera, user-friendly software, and impressive battery life, the OnePlus 12 is a phone that's worth considering. It's a phone that truly embodies OnePlus "never settle" philosophy, offering top-tier features at a price that's significantly less than its competitors.

Final Verdict

The OnePlus 12 is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience without the high-end price tag. It offers a blend of top-tier features, impressive performance, and a user-friendly interface that makes it a strong contender in the market. However, like any device, it has its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

  • High-quality Display: The 6.82" ProXDR OLED display offers a bright, high-contrast viewing experience.
  • Powerful Hardware: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip ensures responsive performance.
  • Impressive Camera: The triple camera setup with an upgraded 3x periscope camera produces excellent images.
  • Long Battery Life: The phone boasts amazing battery life and features speedy 80W wired charging.

Cons

  • Design: While the design is flashy and fun, it might not appeal to everyone.
  • Software: The software is straightforward and easy to use, but it lacks some of the customization options found in other Android phones.
  • Wireless Charging: While the OnePlus 12 does support wireless charging, it's not as fast as the wired charging.

In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 is a well-rounded device that offers a lot of value for its price. It's a great choice for those who want a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank.