OnePlus 12: A Hardware-Focused Flagship That Aims to Reclaim the Value Throne
The year 2023 saw a surge in AI-powered features on smartphones, with Google’s Pixel series and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series leading the charge. But while brands like Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus have been using AI for image processing for a while, a wholehearted embrace of AI as a core feature for software and overall experience is still missing. This year’s OnePlus 12, much like its predecessor, chooses to focus on powerful hardware rather than AI-driven enhancements. And based on my early experience with the device, I believe this could be a winning strategy, especially when pitted against the software-heavy Google Pixel 8 Pro.
A Familiar Yet Refined Design
The OnePlus 12 maintains the design language established by the OnePlus 11 but with a unique twist. It comes in a stunning "Flowy Emerald" finish, featuring a textured back panel with flowing lines. The camera layout takes inspiration from traditional timepiece dials, adding a touch of elegance to the design. The phone is officially IP65 rated, offering protection against dust and water splashes – though not as robust as an IP68 rating, it’s a welcome addition at this price point.
A High-Quality Display for Immersive Viewing
OnePlus has gone for a larger 6.82-inch QHD+ display with a 19.8:9 aspect ratio, ensuring a sharp viewing experience with a pixel density of 510ppi. The display boasts a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, promising excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. To further enhance the viewing experience, the display features a 3D curved edge design, giving it a premium feel. The entire display and rear panel are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, adding an extra layer of durability.
Powerhouse Performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This processor puts the OnePlus 12 in a unique position, as both Vivo and Samsung opted for MediaTek and Exynos processors in their respective flagships. Paired with a maximum of 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus 12 promises an exceptionally smooth and responsive user experience.
A Camera Setup to Capture Every Moment
The OnePlus 12 boasts an impressive camera setup, mirroring the arrangement found on its foldable counterpart, the Open. The main camera features a 50-megapixel sensor with OIS, providing high-quality images with excellent stability. The 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 114-degree field of view captures expansive scenes, while the 64-megapixel telephoto camera with 3X optical zoom brings distant subjects closer. For selfies, a 32-megapixel front-facing camera captures sharp and detailed images. While these cameras are a hardware upgrade over the OnePlus 11, their true capabilities will be revealed in the detailed review.
Long-Lasting Battery Life and Fast Charging
Despite housing a larger 5,400mAh dual-cell battery, the OnePlus 12 maintains a relatively thin profile. OnePlus is known for its software optimization, making this a promising aspect in terms of overall battery performance. To fully charge this battery, the phone comes with a 100W charger, capable of reaching 80% in just a few minutes. This might seem like a downgrade from last year’s 100W wired charging, but it’s a trade-off to charge the OnePlus’ largest battery unit yet. Adding to the charging options is the return of 50W AirVOOC wireless charging.
A Software Strategy Focused on Performance
While the OnePlus 12 runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, the focus is on solid performance rather than AI-driven features. This is a deliberate strategy, particularly after Google’s Pixel 8 series stumbled on performance due to its heavy reliance on AI. The OnePlus 12 aims to excel in core tasks, providing a smooth and efficient user experience.
The OnePlus 12’s Value Proposition
The OnePlus 12 is poised to be a formidable contender in the flagship market. Its powerful hardware, impressive camera system, and long-lasting battery life, combined with its refined design and focus on performance, makes it a compelling option. As the full review unfolds, we’ll delve into the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the capabilities of the camera setup, and explore whether the OnePlus 12 can truly offer a better value proposition than Samsung’s Galaxy S series smartphones.
