OnePlus 12 Review: The Ultimate Flagship Killer
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus 12 continues the brand’s legacy of premium design with a refined aesthetic. The phone features a sleek glass back with a matte finish, reducing fingerprints while maintaining a luxurious feel. The aluminum frame adds durability without compromising on weight, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
OnePlus retains the iconic Alert Slider, now positioned more ergonomically for quick toggling between sound profiles. The curved edges enhance grip, while the IP65 rating ensures resistance against dust and water splashes—though not as robust as IP68, it’s sufficient for daily use.
Color options include Emerald Green, Silky Black, and Flowy Silver, each offering a distinct look. The Hasselblad-branded camera module is elegantly integrated, reinforcing the phone’s photography prowess.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The OnePlus 12 boasts a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring buttery smooth scrolling and gaming. The QHD+ resolution (3168 x 1440 pixels) delivers crisp visuals, while Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support enhance contrast and color accuracy.
Peak brightness reaches 4500 nits, making it one of the brightest smartphone screens available. This ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The ProXDR display technology dynamically adjusts brightness and contrast for HDR content, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects against scratches and accidental drops. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, complemented by advanced face unlock for seamless authentication.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Powerhouse
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. This combination ensures lightning-fast app launches, effortless multitasking, and smooth gaming.
Benchmark scores are stellar:
- AnTuTu v10: Over 2.1 million
- Geekbench 6: Single-core ~2200, Multi-core ~7000
Gaming performance is exceptional, thanks to the Adreno 750 GPU and OnePlus’ HyperBoost Engine, which optimizes frame rates and reduces latency. The Cryo-velocity cooling system keeps thermals in check, preventing throttling during extended sessions.
Software: OxygenOS 14 (Based on Android 14)
The OnePlus 12 runs OxygenOS 14, offering a clean, bloatware-free experience with thoughtful optimizations. Key features include:
- Trinity Engine: Enhances performance, battery efficiency, and app stability.
- Smart Efficiency: AI-based RAM and storage management for smoother operation.
- Zen Mode 2.0: Helps users disconnect with timed focus sessions.
OnePlus promises 4 major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring long-term software support.
Camera: Hasselblad-Tuned Excellence
The OnePlus 12 features a triple-camera setup co-engineered with Hasselblad:
- 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor (f/1.6, OIS)
- 64MP periscope telephoto (3x optical zoom, OIS)
- 48MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Daylight Photography
The primary sensor captures stunning detail with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. Hasselblad’s natural color tuning avoids oversaturation, delivering true-to-life images. The periscope lens provides lossless zoom up to 6x, while the ultra-wide maintains consistency with minimal distortion.
Low-Light Performance
OnePlus’ Next-Gen Night Mode leverages AI for brighter, sharper night shots. The large sensor size and OIS ensure reduced noise and better handheld stability.
Video Capabilities
The phone supports 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps recording with Dolby Vision HDR. Advanced stabilization (OIS + EIS) ensures smooth footage, while the Hasselblad Pro Mode offers manual controls for enthusiasts.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power
A 5400mAh battery powers the OnePlus 12, easily lasting 1.5 days with moderate use. Heavy users will appreciate:
- 100W SuperVOOC wired charging (1-100% in 26 mins)
- 50W AirVOOC wireless charging (0-100% in 55 mins)
The phone also supports 10W reverse wireless charging, useful for topping up earbuds or smartwatches.
Audio & Connectivity
The dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos deliver rich, immersive sound. The absence of a 3.5mm jack is offset by high-res Bluetooth audio with aptX HD and LDAC support.
Connectivity options include:
- Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast speeds
- Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device pairing
- NFC, dual-SIM 5G, and USB 3.2 Type-C
Pricing & Verdict
The OnePlus 12 starts at $799 (12GB+256GB), undercutting rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max while offering comparable (or superior) specs.
Pros:
- Best-in-class display with 4500 nits brightness
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
- Outstanding Hasselblad cameras
- Blazing-fast charging
- Clean, optimized OxygenOS
Cons:
- IP65 rating (not IP68)
- No expandable storage
For those seeking a flagship experience without the premium price, the OnePlus 12 is the ultimate “Flagship Killer” in 2024.