The OnePlus 12 is not just a phone; it’s like holding a piece of the future in your hand. From the moment I unboxed it, I was struck by its sleek design and premium feels.
One Plus 12 Design
The OnePlus 12 retains the familiar design language of its predecessor, the OnePlus 11, with subtle enhancements that elevate its aesthetics. The circular camera unit seamlessly blends into the frosted glass back, which adds a touch of elegance to the device. The Flowy Emerald variant, inspired by nature, showcases a satin texture that changes color subtly, making it a captivating choice.
Although the phone exudes a premium feel, opinions on its appearance can vary. While some appreciate its luxurious design, others liken it to “cheap kitchen work surfaces.” However, the revamped button placement, with the volume buttons now on the same side as the power button, enhances usability, while the iconic OnePlus toggle switch retains its spot on the left side.
Durability is a key focus, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the front display and toughened Gorilla Glass 5 safeguarding the back. The IP65 rating ensures resistance against water and dust, though it falls short of IP68 standards. Notably, the Aqua Touch technology enables responsive touch inputs even when the screen is wet, a feature that outperforms competitors.
Performance-wise, the OnePlus 12 impresses with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and ample RAM and storage options like 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM. The inclusion of an IR blaster, a rarity in flagship phones, adds practicality for controlling home appliances.
Despite its larger dimensions and weight, the OnePlus 12 maintains ergonomic comfort, thanks to its curved back design. However, the absence of IP68 certification may deter some users seeking complete water resistance.
One Plus 12 Display
The OnePlus 12’s 6.82-inch display offers ample space for videos and games, showcasing content in stunning detail thanks to its high resolution. Colors pop vibrantly, bringing your favorite Netflix shows and mobile games to life.
With a variable refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz, the display ensures smooth performance, especially during gaming sessions. Boasting a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, it’s exceptionally bright, making outdoor use a breeze. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and equipped with a pre-applied TPU screen protector, the OnePlus 12’s display is both durable and practical.
The display’s high color accuracy and nearly flicker-free experience, courtesy of 2,160Hz PWM Dimming, contribute to a comfortable viewing experience. Plus, BOE single-pixel calibrating technology ensures precise image reproduction.
While the OnePlus 12’s peak brightness levels may raise concerns, its actual usage doesn’t pose any harm. Despite its impressive brightness capabilities, the display remains responsive and lag-free, perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
Though slightly larger and technically sharper than its competitors, the OnePlus 12’s curved edges may make it seem smaller. However, its sleek design and exceptional brightness make it a worthy contender.
OnePlus 12 Camera
The OnePlus 12 brings promising camera capabilities, though it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every scenario. Let’s break down its features and performance.
Camera Setup: The phone flaunts three rear cameras: a 50MP main camera with a wide f1.6 aperture, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom.
Daylight Shots: In well-lit conditions, the main camera captures decent shots with good exposure and detail. Switching between lenses causes minimal color distortion, a noted improvement over its predecessor.
Night Performance: Sadly, nighttime shots suffer, appearing surprisingly dark across all lenses. The 3x zoom lens performs adequately, but the absence of a longer optical zoom is a drawback compared to competitors like Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Low-Light Photography: Despite expectations, the wider aperture and larger sensor don’t significantly improve low-light performance. While some shots turn out well, night mode shots are a letdown.
Zoom Capability: The 3x telephoto camera impresses with sharpness and detail, especially in portrait shots. However, fast-moving subjects may result in slight blurring.
Video Quality: Video recording at 4K offers stable footage with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. Low-light video quality takes a slight hit but remains commendable.
Overall Impression: The OnePlus 12’s camera setup shows promise, particularly in daylight and for portrait shots. However, its performance in low light and consistency across lenses could be improved for it to truly compete with flagship rivals.
Final Thoughts: Despite some drawbacks, the OnePlus 12 presents a polished camera experience, particularly for everyday photography. While it may not surpass competitors in every aspect, it offers a solid option for users seeking versatility and quality in their smartphone photography.
OnePlus 12 Battery
The OnePlus 12 packs a punch when it comes to battery life and charging speed, outperforming its rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max. With its beefy 5,400mAh battery, this phone keeps you going for two days with normal use and sails through intense gaming and camera sessions without breaking a sweat.
Thanks to its dual-cell battery setup, charging is a breeze. The 80W charger included in the box juices up your OnePlus 12 to 100% in under 30 minutes, leaving other flagship phones in the dust. Plus, OnePlus offers a separate 50W wireless charger that replenishes your phone to 27% in just 15 minutes, beating out wired charging speeds of competitors.
But it’s not just about speed; it’s about efficiency too. The OnePlus 12’s power management is top-notch, with minimal battery drain even during demanding tasks like streaming and gaming. And with fast charging support, topping up your battery is a breeze, taking only 37 minutes to go from 1 to 100%.
What’s more, OnePlus doesn’t skimp on accessories. The inclusion of fast chargers in the box adds value for customers, ensuring you’re always ready to go. And if you prefer wireless charging, the OnePlus 12 supports 50W speeds, promising a full charge in less than an hour with the right accessory.
Performance:
The One Plus 12 is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it delivers impressive speed and responsiveness. Whether you’re gaming, editing photos, or simply navigating the interface, the One Plus 12 keeps up effortlessly.
Unlike some other phones that prioritize AI features which can slow things down, the One Plus 12 focuses on pure performance. You won’t find unnecessary bells and whistles here, just smooth operation that gets the job done.
While OnePlus boasts about its cooling technology and Oxygen OS’s ability to keep things running smoothly, some claims may be taken with a pinch of salt. However, in real-world usage, the performance is stellar.
In benchmarks, the One Plus 12 falls a bit short compared to some competitors like the iQoo 12 and Vivo X100 Pro. However, in practical usage, it still delivers excellent results.
Gaming on the One Plus 12 is a treat, with smooth gameplay even on high graphics settings. The large vapor chamber cooling system ensures the phone stays cool even during intense gaming sessions or extended camera use.
The 120Hz display is responsive and accurate, making it perfect for mobile gaming. With its QHD+ resolution and high peak brightness, it’s great for outdoor use and HDR content.
Overall, powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 series processor and up to 12GB of RAM, the One Plus 12 offers top-notch performance for any task you throw its way. With ample storage and smooth operation, it’s a solid choice for users who demand performance and reliability.
