The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A well-rounded phone offering balanced specs and features without breaking the bank.What's good
- Bright display
- Fast charging
- Powerful processor
- Good main camera
- High RAM option
What's bad
- Limited water resistance
- Curved display outdated
- Few OS updates
- OxygenOS drawbacks
- No mmWave 5G
Design
The OnePlus 12 maintains the unique design of its predecessor. It features familiar green and black finishes. The circular camera module stands out, enhancing its sophisticated look. Reviewers from Android Authority praised the comfort of holding the phone.
Some experts noted the phone is weighty, but its superior build quality adds to the feel of a premium product. It's only protected from water and dust, not submergible. Despite this, the color-matched glossy frames and matte glass make the device visually striking, as detailed by 9to5Google.
Display(s)
The OnePlus 12 features a large 6.82-inch display that's not just big but also incredibly bright, coming in at a peak of 4,500 nits according to Android Authority. You'll appreciate its visibility in direct sunlight, making it easy to read and view content outdoors.
The screen's high 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid navigation, enhancing the overall experience of activities like gaming or browsing. Reviewers have highlighted its minimal reflection and wide viewing angles, adding to its appeal for streaming videos and gameplay.
Performance
The OnePlus 12 takes a big leap in performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. This ensures you can switch between apps seamlessly and enjoy games without lag. "The OnePlus 12 shines in just about any game you pick up," Android Authority shared about its gaming prowess.
The advanced cooling system keeps the device surprisingly cool during heavy use, meaning you can rely on consistent performance without overheating. Whether you're responding to emails, navigating busy city maps, or diving into social media, the OnePlus 12 remains responsive and reliable all day long.
Software & Storage
The OnePlus 12 offers a tailored Android experience with its OxygenOS 14. It feels unique, with tweaks giving the interface a personal touch.
You'll enjoy customization without clutter. Turn off seldom-used features easily, making the system feel personal yet streamlined.
There's still room to grow for OnePlus in terms of updates. Experts remarked that OnePlus "lags just a bit" with the update cycle, reminding you to expect only four full Android updates over the phone's lifespan.
Cameras
The OnePlus 12 excels with its upgraded camera system, boasting a 50MP main camera and a 64MP telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom for enhanced detail and clarity in photos.
Low-light performance stands out, as the deep photo sites of the LYT-808 sensor allow more light capture, delivering brilliant results even in challenging lighting conditions.
"Clouds in the night sky have incredible depth," noted Android Authority, highlighting the phone's capacity for crisp and vibrant night photos.
Although digital zoom beyond 10x can result in some softness, photos at standard zoom levels are crisp and dynamic, solidifying the camera as a key strength of the OnePlus 12.
Battery
The OnePlus 12 delivers excellent battery life, equipped with a 5,400mAh cell that ensures almost two days of continuous use, minimizing the anxiety of running out of power during your daily routine.
Charging is incredibly efficient, with the option of 100W wired charging that fills the battery in just over 30 minutes. Android Central praises, "you can fully charge the OnePlus 12 in around 30 minutes." This quick recharge time ensures you're always ready to go with minimal downtime.
Wireless charging makes a strong comeback with 50W AirVOOC technology, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of effortless charging. This supports both on-the-go users and those who prefer charging flexibility, especially with a compatible charger.
Audio
The audio quality on this phone stands out, especially for calls and entertainment. Experts highlight the clear and crisp phone calls achieved through precise microphone technology, making every conversation easy, even in noisy settings.
For entertainment, the stereo speakers are designed to deliver rich sound, which reviewers like Tech Advisor describe as "lively" with a bit of bass that enhances movies and games. The added support for Dolby Atmos provides a surround sound feel when using compatible apps and services.
These upgrades mean you won't need extra speakers for enjoying your favorite tunes or shows. Plus, customizable sound profiles ensure an adaptable experience, whether you're gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.
The Bottom Line
This mid-range phone offers key features like a high peak brightness, ensuring the display is visible even in bright sunlight. It stands out with its 50W wireless charging capability, bringing convenience back to the user. Sound quality is pleasing with clear calling and decent speaker output for media consumption. Reviewers have noted the device is a good "flagship killer," being secure in its mid-high price point without needing the extra "Pro" label to define its worth.
Some reviews mention that the software experience may feel different from others, which might require some adjustment if you're used to the software environment from another brand. Battery life is commendably long, often lasting well into the second day.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Karandeep Singh, Pocket TacticsThe OnePlus 12 is a feature-packed phone and out-and-out flagship with no compromises, especially for its reasonable asking price. It is a beast of a device when it comes to raw performance and battery life, leaving plenty of competitor flagships in its wake. We'd welcome a higher IP rating and AI f...
- Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, NotebookcheckThe OnePlus 12 succeeds in drawing attention away from more aspirational Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google offerings with a combination of performance, aesthetics, excellent cameras and long-term software support — all without an exorbitant price tag."
- Basil Kronfli, Digital Camera WorldWherever you live, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent phone, balancing long-lasting battery life, flagship power, fast wired and wireless charging, and premium styling. Its Hasselblad-tuned camera system is also impressive, especially at its US price, though in the UK and Europe, it costs more, pitting...
- GeekSpinOffering an excellent balance of performance, battery life, charging speeds, and display quality at a relatively affordable price point, the OnePlus 12 is one of the best Android flagships of 2024.
- Jason Million, G Style MagazineOnePlus 12 hits the sweet spot with its pricing against the competition. Starting out at $799.99 gets you at least 256GB which is double the space compared to Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 starting models at the same price. You can get it even cheaper w/ trade-ins. Using it for the past couple of month...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
The 12 price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare OnePlus 12 prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the OnePlus 12 user manual here.
OnePlus backs up the 12 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your 12 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact OnePlus support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find OnePlus's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- OnePlus 12 Manual (PDF)
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