The OnePlus 12, a staple flagship offering from the brand. It has consistently adhered to its ethos of prioritizing essential features without extravagant frills. Positioned as the go-to choice for many OnePlus enthusiasts, it stands out in its own right, offering a compelling package that rivals its pricier counterparts, such as the OnePlus Open. Unlike previous iterations, the OnePlus 12 showcases no apparent compromises, boasting a robust camera system akin to the OnePlus Open, complete with an IP rating and wireless charging. However, notably absent is an emphasis on AI functionality, A feature prominently seen in competitors like Google’s Pixel 8 series and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series. Apple is also anticipated to introduce various generative AI capabilities with the upcoming iOS 18 release.
The omission of AI-driven features prompts the question: Is it a significant drawback in a smartphone market that has reached a plateau, or has OnePlus compensated sufficiently to overshadow the absence of AI? Let’s delve deeper to find out.
OnePlus 12 Review: Pricing and Variants in India
Distinguished from the OnePlus Open, the OnePlus 12 offers two variants, marking a discernible increase in its price point. Priced at Rs. 64,999 for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and Rs. 69,999 for the higher-tier variant boasting 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the OnePlus 12 justifies its premium tag with enhanced hardware specifications. Available in Flowy Emerald and Silky Black color options, the 512GB variant in the Flowy Emerald finish was provided for review.
Included in the package are a soft TPU case, a Type-A to Type-C charging cable, and a 100W charger, offering a comprehensive set of accessories. This compares favorably to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S24, which provides only a charging cable out of the box.
OnePlus 12 Review: Design and Build
Remaining true to its design philosophy, the OnePlus 12 maintains consistency in its choice of materials and design language. In contrast to the OnePlus Open’s departure into new design territories, the OnePlus 12 builds upon previous design cues, particularly those introduced with the OnePlus 10 Pro. Notably, the circular camera module, reminiscent of premium timepieces, stands out against the flat glass rear panel, adding a touch of elegance. However, minor discrepancies in the construction, such as sharp corners and misaligned components, detract slightly from the overall aesthetic appeal.
Despite these imperfections, the device maintains its IP65 rating, ensuring protection against splashes. However, the absence of a higher IP rating, common among competitors in a similar price bracket, limits its durability in challenging environments.
With a polished metal frame providing enhanced grip and a textured glass finish in Flowy Emerald, the OnePlus 12 exudes a sense of refinement. The return of the Alert Slider, albeit relocated to the left side, and the rearrangement of the power and volume buttons mirror the layout of the OnePlus Open in its unfolded state.
OnePlus 12 Review: Specifications and Software Experience
Equipped with top-of-the-line hardware, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus 12 offers unparalleled performance. The inclusion of a side-mounted optical fingerprint reader enhances user convenience, ensuring reliable biometric authentication.
Featuring OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14, the OnePlus 12 promises an extended software support period of four years for OS updates and five years for security updates. Notable software enhancements include Fluid Cloud functions, reminiscent of iOS’s Live Activities, providing users with relevant data directly on the status bar and lock screen.
OnePlus 12 Review: Performance and Gaming
Driven by cutting-edge hardware, the OnePlus 12 delivers exceptional performance across various usage scenarios. Whether navigating through the intuitive user interface or engaging in demanding gaming sessions, the device exhibits remarkable fluidity and responsiveness. Although benchmark scores may fall short compared to certain competitors, real-world performance remains impressive, with seamless gameplay and efficient thermal management ensuring sustained performance over extended periods.
In gaming tests, the OnePlus 12 demonstrates prowess, effortlessly handling graphically demanding titles like Call of Duty: Mobile. With support for high frame rates and graphics settings, coupled with an efficient cooling system, the device maintains optimal performance levels even during prolonged gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 12 emerges as a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and software experience. While minor design inconsistencies may detract from its overall appeal, the device excels in delivering robust performance and immersive gaming experiences. With an extended warranty option available through GoWarranty, users can further safeguard their investment, ensuring peace of mind and long-term reliability.
By combining cutting-edge technology with OnePlus’s signature commitment to user-centric design, the OnePlus 12 establishes itself as a worthy successor in the brand’s illustrious lineup, catering to the diverse needs of modern smartphone enthusiasts.
