The OnePlus 12 is the latest addition to the flagship smartphone market, competing head-to-head with heavyweights like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro. It has built a reputation for providing premium features at competitive prices, and it continues that tradition. It is packed with the latest Snapdragon processor, a 120Hz OLED display, and a sophisticated camera setup that promises to elevate the mobile photography experience. This review dives deep into the design, performance, and key features of the OnePlus 12, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your next upgrade.
Alt text: OnePlus 12 Smartphone
Overview of OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 comes with top-of-the-line specifications designed to cater to power users who value speed, display quality, and fast charging. The device aims to deliver high-end performance without the hefty price tag of some of its competitors.
Features
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support
- Camera System: Triple-lens setup with a 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide lens, and 64 MP telephoto lens
- Battery: 5,400 mAh with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14)
- RAM/Storage Options: 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB
- Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers
This phone stands out for its smooth display, powerful performance, and impressive charging speeds, making it ideal for users who rely on their phone for gaming, photography, and multitasking.
OnePlus 12 Pros and Cons
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s quickly go over the pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset | No official IP water-resistance rating |
| Stunning 120Hz OLED display | Lacks expandable storage |
| Fast 100W wired and 50W wireless charging | Priced higher than previous models |
| Triple-lens camera system with telephoto zoom | Slightly cluttered software (OxygenOS 14) |
| Excellent build quality | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
This excels in delivering a high-performance experience, but it does come with a few compromises, such as the lack of an IP rating and expandable storage, which may be deal-breakers for some users.
In-Depth Analysis of OnePlus 12
Alt text: the minimalist yet premium design of OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 is designed to cater to tech enthusiasts who demand speed, great visuals, and superior photography. In this section, we’ll break down the performance across several key categories.
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus 12 maintains a minimalist yet premium design that fans have come to love. The glass back, available in several finishes, curves seamlessly into the metal frame, providing a comfortable grip despite the phone’s larger size. Its thin bezels and punch-hole front camera enhance the immersive display. The absence of an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, however, may be disappointing for those accustomed to fully waterproof flagship phones. Nonetheless, the overall build quality feels top-notch, with excellent attention to detail.
Display
One of the highlights of the OnePlus 12 is its 6.7-inch OLED display. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth scrolling and gaming experience, while the HDR10+ support offers vibrant colors and deep contrast. Whether you’re streaming content or playing graphics-intensive games, the OnePlus 12’s display delivers crisp visuals with excellent brightness, even in outdoor conditions. Compared to other flagship devices in the same category, the display holds its own, offering an impressive combination of responsiveness and quality.
Performance
At the heart of the OnePlus 12 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. This powerhouse processor ensures that the device can handle anything from gaming to video editing without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re switching between apps or multitasking, there’s no noticeable lag, making this one of the smoothest smartphones available today. In terms of gaming, the phone performs admirably, handling high-end titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact with ease. The device also stays relatively cool even under heavy load, thanks to an improved cooling system.
Camera System
The camera setup on the OnePlus 12 is impressive, offering a versatile shooting experience for both amateurs and enthusiasts. The 50 MP main sensor delivers excellent detail and color accuracy, particularly in well-lit environments. The 48 MP ultra-wide lens captures broader scenes without distortion, while the 64 MP telephoto lens provides up to 3.5x optical zoom for close-up shots without sacrificing quality. OnePlus has also enhanced the low-light performance, allowing for clearer, more detailed shots in challenging lighting conditions. The camera software is intuitive, with a range of modes including Nightscape, Portrait, and Pro mode for advanced users. While the OnePlus 12’s camera system is robust, it still doesn’t quite reach the level of the iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 8 in terms of overall image quality and computational photography.
Battery and Charging
Battery life on the OnePlus 12 is another area where this flagship device shines. The 5,400 mAh battery ensures that you can get through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing to recharge. For those moments when you do need to charge, the 100W wired charging can bring the device from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes, while 50W wireless charging offers fast cable-free recharging as well. This is particularly impressive, especially when compared to competitors that offer much slower wireless charging speeds.
OnePlus 12 Comparison
Alt text: College photo of OnePlus 12, Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 Pro
In comparison to other flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 Pro, the OnePlus 12 holds its own in several key areas but falls short in others.
| Feature | OnePlus 12 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | A17 Bionic |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz |
| Camera System | 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide | 200 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide | 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless | 45W wired, 25W wireless | 20W wired, 15W wireless |
| Water Resistance | No official IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
While this excels in areas like charging speed and display quality, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 outshines it with a more advanced camera system, while the iPhone 15 Pro offers a more refined software experience and better water resistance. In terms of value, however, this is a compelling option for those who want high-end performance without the premium price tag of its competitors.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 12 is a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market, offering exceptional performance, a stunning display, and fast charging. Its camera system, while excellent, doesn’t quite match up to the iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S24, but for most users, it will more than suffice. If you’re looking for a high-performing smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, this is a fantastic option. While it has a few shortcomings, such as the lack of an official IP rating and expandable storage, these may not be deal-breakers for everyone. Overall, it strikes a great balance between performance, price, and premium features.
OnePlus 12 Rating
This performs exceptionally well in terms of speed, display quality, and fast charging. With only a few minor drawbacks, it stands out as a top-tier flagship for 2024.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
FAQ
Does the OnePlus 12 support wireless charging?
Yes, the OnePlus 12 supports 50W wireless charging, one of the fastest in the market, allowing you to quickly recharge your device without the need for a cable.
Is the OnePlus 12 water-resistant?
While the OnePlus 12 is built with a premium design, it lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which is a standard feature in many flagship phones.
How does the OnePlus 12 compare to the Samsung Galaxy S24?
The OnePlus 12 offers faster charging and a more affordable price point, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 boasts a more advanced
Resources
- GSM Arena. OnePlus 12 Review.
- CNET. OnePlus 12 Review: A Powerhouse Flagship with One Key Flaw.
- YouTube. OnePlus 12 Review by MKBHD.
- OnePlus Community. OnePlus 12 User Discussions.
- Twitter. MTG Productions.
