OnePlus 12 Review: It’s Good But….
If you’re curious about the new OnePlus 12, this review is for you.
It’s easy to understand and covers everything important.
We look at its design, features, and how it performs daily.
Whether you’re a tech fan or just need a good phone, this review will help you see if the OnePlus 12 is right for you.
We’ll explore what makes it special and where it could be better, giving you all the details to make a smart choice.
So, let’s start with the pros and cons.
OnePlus 12: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Impressive display
- Powerful performance
- Enhanced camera system
- Fast charging
- Clean and user-friendly software
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Asymmetrical bezels
- A bit heavier and thicker
- Sometimes falls short in camera detailing
OnePlus 12: Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits peak brightness |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm |
| Weight | 220 g |
| Processor | Snapdragon AG Gen 3 |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB (LPDDR5X) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (wide), 64 MP (periscope telephoto), 48 MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP, 4K video support |
| Battery | 5400mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 back, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, Metal frame |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Connectivity | NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G |
| Ports | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Additional Features | In-display fingerprint sensor, Aquatouch, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
| Price | ₹64,999 (12/256GB), ₹69,999 (16/512GB) |
OnePlus 12: Design & Build Quality
When I first got my hands on the OnePlus 12, the design immediately caught my attention.
The phone sports a stunning Emerald back with a matte finish.
It’s not just about looks, the feel of the phone is premium too.
The glass back beautifully catches light, protected by durable Gorilla Glass 5.
This combination of aesthetics and durability impressed me from the start.
Related: OnePlus 12 vs Pixel 8 Pro
To give you a better idea about the design and build quality, here are other aspects that I will explain in detail:
1. Attention to Detail
OnePlus has paid close attention to the details.
The camera housing, now with minimized Hasselblad branding, adds a touch of elegance with shiny reflections.
It’s these little things, like the alert slider being back on the left side and the addition of an IR blaster, that make a big difference in the overall experience.
The metal frame feels sturdy in my hands, and the IP65 rating is a step up, offering better protection against dust and water.
Related: iQOO 12 Review
2. Comfort in Hand
Despite being a bit larger and heavier than the OnePlus 11, the OnePlus 12 feels comfortable and easy to grip.
The weight distribution is spot on, making it feel balanced in your hand.
This is something you notice when using the OnePlus 12 daily.
It doesn’t feel bulky or unwieldy.
Related: Pixel 8 Pro Long-Term Review
3. Build Quality
In terms of build quality, the OnePlus 12 feels solid.
The combination of high-quality materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a metal frame gives it a robust and premium feel.
There have been no quality control issues in my unit, which is reassuring, especially considering some reports about the Chinese variants.
OnePlus 12: Display
The display of the OnePlus 12 is where it truly shines.
I was immediately taken aback by its sheer brightness and clarity.
The 120 Hz 2K LTPO AMOLED display is a significant step up, offering a vibrant and smooth viewing experience.
Whether I was scrolling through social media or watching high-definition videos, everything appeared fluid and crisp.
Related: Poco X6 Pro Review
In order to offer you a more comprehensive insight into the display, I will delve into these other aspects:
1. Peak Brightness and Outdoor Usability
One aspect that stands out is the peak brightness of 4500 nits.
This makes the OnePlus 12’s display exceptionally bright, particularly noticeable when using the phone outdoors.
I compared it side by side with other phones, and the difference was clear – the OnePlus 12’s screen was brighter and more readable under direct sunlight.
2. Dolby Vision and Entertainment
Another feature that caught my eye was the support for Dolby Vision.
This, combined with the powerful stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos, created an immersive movie-watching experience.
Whether I was on Netflix or Amazon Prime, the visuals and sound quality made it feel like a mini theater in my hands.
Related: Oppo Reno 11 Pro Review
3. Subtle Design Choices
While the display is mostly impressive, the slightly asymmetrical bezels might not appeal to everyone.
However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the screen.
The Aquatouch feature also stood out, allowing me to use the phone effortlessly even with wet fingers – a small but practical touch.
4. Durability and Protection
In terms of durability, the display is well-protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
This gave me peace of mind, knowing that the screen is safeguarded against everyday scratches and drops.
OnePlus 12: Camera
The camera system on the OnePlus 12 marks a significant leap forward.
I spent quite some time testing the cameras, and the results were impressive.
The main highlight is the new Sony IMX808 sensor, which brings a notable improvement in image quality.
Related: Samsung A25 5G Review
Here are other aspects that will provide you with more insight about the camera:
1. Camera Setup
The versatility of the camera setup is something I really appreciated.
It consists of the main Sony sensor, a 64MP 3x Periscope lens, and a reliable ultra-wide lens.
This combination allowed me to capture a wide range of photos, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots.
2. Real-World Performance
In real-world usage, the camera performed admirably.
Portraits and human subjects were captured with accurate skin tones and impressive edge detection.
The HDR capabilities shone through in outdoor shots, providing excellent detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
And the night mode also stood out, capturing vibrant and detailed images in low light.
3. Consistency Across Lenses
One aspect that OnePlus 12 has nailed is the color consistency across different lenses.
Whether I was shooting with the main camera or the ultra-wide, the colors remained true-to-life and consistent, which is essential for a cohesive photo album.
4. Video Capabilities
In terms of video, the OnePlus 12 doesn’t disappoint.
All rear cameras support up to 4K 60 FPS, with stable and clear results.
The OIS ensures smooth footage, and the 8K 24 FPS capability with the main camera is a nice addition for higher-quality video needs.
Related: Redmi Note 13 Pro Review
5. Front Camera
The front camera also sees an upgrade with 4K support, making selfies and video calls much sharper and more detailed.
This is a significant improvement over the previous generation, making the OnePlus 12 a strong contender in the selfie game.
6. Hasselblad Touch
The Hasselblad partnership is evident in the color tuning and image processing.
While it’s subtle, it does add a layer of professional touch to the photos, especially in terms of color accuracy and dynamic range.
Here are a few camera samples from the OnePlus 12:
7. Room for Improvement
Despite these strengths, there are areas where the OnePlus 12’s camera could improve.
While it excels in many scenarios, it falls a bit short in detail retention when compared to some competitors.
This is something I hope OnePlus addresses in future software updates.
OnePlus 12: Performance
When it comes to performance, the OnePlus 12 truly stands out.
It’s equipped with the Snapdragon AG Gen 3 chipset, which, combined with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, makes everything blazingly fast.
From launching apps to multitasking, the experience is smooth and lag-free.
I understand that you want detailed information about gaming and other aspects, so here they are:
1. Gaming Experience
As a gamer, I found the OnePlus 12 to be a delight.
Games like COD Mobile ran smoothly at 120 FPS, and even after extended gaming sessions, the phone remained cool, thanks to the improved vapor chamber cooling system.
The gaming modes, like Hyper HDR and Adaptive Frame Booster, enhance the gaming experience further, making it a top choice for mobile gamers.
2. Software Optimization
OnePlus has optimized the performance for real-world usage rather than just benchmark scores.
This approach means that while the phone might not top every benchmark chart, it delivers where it counts: in day-to-day use.
And for those who want to see benchmark scores, here they are:
I also compare the benchmark results of the OnePlus 12 with those of other popular phones within the same segments, and here are the results:
The OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, is a testament to this, offering a clean, user-friendly interface with excellent RAM management.
3. Connectivity and Ports
The OnePlus 12 comes with all the latest connectivity options, including NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and comprehensive 5G band support.
The upgrade to USB 3.2 Gen 1 for the USB-C port is a welcome improvement, offering faster data transfer speeds.
4. Thermal Management
In my testing, I didn’t encounter any overheating issues, even during intensive tasks.
This is a significant improvement, considering some previous models faced thermal challenges.
OnePlus 12: Software
My experience with the OxygenOS 14 on the OnePlus 12 has been nothing short of impressive.
The software, based on Android 14, strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality.
It’s clean, devoid of bloatware, and everything feels fast and responsive.
Navigating through the UI, switching between apps, or accessing settings is a smooth, intuitive process.
Related: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Full Review
Here are some extra considerations that will give you a better perspective on the Software experience:
1. Personalization and User Experience
OxygenOS 14 offers a high degree of personalization.
The new Always-On Display (AOD) styles caught my eye, allowing me to customize my phone’s look to match my style.
The UI’s fluidity, combined with the crisp haptics, enhances the overall user experience, making everyday interactions enjoyable.
2. Practical Features
OnePlus has included some practical features in OxygenOS 14.
The file dock and subject sharing from the gallery are thoughtful additions, streamlining how you manage and share files.
Plus, there’s full-fledged phone link support, making it easier to mirror your phone screen to your Windows laptop – a feature that’s incredibly useful for multitasking.
3. Streamlined and Efficient
What I appreciate most about OxygenOS is its efficiency.
RAM management is top-notch, apps run smoothly in the background, and there’s no unnecessary lag or stutter.
This efficiency extends to battery management as well, ensuring that the phone can last through a day of heavy usage without any hiccups.
Related: Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review
4. Commitment to Updates
OnePlus’s promise of four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for the OnePlus 12 is commendable.
It gives you confidence in the longevity of the device, knowing that it will stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
5. A Focus on Essentials
The software doesn’t try to do too much, focusing instead on delivering a solid, essential experience.
This approach is refreshing, as it avoids the pitfalls of clutter and complexity seen in some other Android skins.
OnePlus 12: Battery Life & Charging
The OnePlus 12’s 5400mAh battery has been a game-changer in my daily usage.
It comfortably powers through a full day, even with heavy use involving gaming, streaming, and photography.
On days with more moderate usage, I often find myself with enough charge to spill into the next day.
These are further aspects that will enhance your insight into the battery and charging:
1. Rapid Charging
The inclusion of a 100W charger in the box is a significant advantage.
It charges the phone from 0 to 100% in about 35 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for quick top-ups.
Moreover, the OnePlus 12 supports 50W wireless charging, a feature that adds to its premium feel.
While the wireless charger is sold separately, the option for fast wireless charging is a welcome addition.
2. Efficient Power Management
OnePlus seems to have tuned the OnePlus 12’s performance with an eye on battery efficiency.
This tuning ensures that the phone doesn’t just deliver raw power but does so without draining the battery quickly.
It’s a balance that’s hard to strike, but OnePlus has done it well with the OnePlus 12.
3. Sustainable Usage
Throughout my time with the OnePlus 12, I’ve noticed the software’s smart battery optimization features.
They help in prolonging the battery life without compromising on performance.
Whether it’s gaming, streaming videos, or browsing, the phone manages to conserve battery intelligently.
OnePlus 12: Is It Worth Buying?
Considering its superior display, powerful performance, versatile camera, and fast charging, the OnePlus 12 is a strong choice for those valuing high-end features.
However, its higher price, heavier build, and lack of an IP68 rating are factors to weigh.
Overall, if these drawbacks are not deal-breakers for you, the OnePlus 12 offers great value and is a worthy purchase in the flagship smartphone segment.