In an era where smartphones often seem like miniature supercomputers, with cutting-edge AI and complex features, the OnePlus 12 takes a refreshingly classic approach. It’s a phone designed for those who prioritize the fundamentals: a beautiful display, solid build quality, dependable cameras, top-tier performance, and exceptional battery life. While it won’t magically edit your photos or transcribe your meetings, the OnePlus 12 is a phone that executes the basics exceptionally well – and at an attractive price.
Design: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
The OnePlus 12’s design harks back to a slightly older era of phones. Its tapered edges and rounded corners provide a comfortable, secure grip. While there might be a touch of distortion where the display curves, OnePlus counters this with a 6.8-inch panel boasting a 3,168 x 1440 resolution.
This screen comes with impressive specs: a nominal peak brightness of 1,600 nits, able to surge up to 4,500 nits for unmatched outdoor visibility even in the brightest sunlight. A 120Hz variable refresh rate provides smooth visuals, while the new 2,610 PWM (pulse width modulation) technique combats screen flicker at extremely low brightness levels.
The rear of the phone presents a somewhat large and eye-catching camera module, but this is offset by a stunning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sheet. Its matte finish offers a unique texture – smoother than traditional frosted glass but less abrasive than the company’s older sandstone backs. It feels so luxurious, you might just be tempted to use the phone without a case. The OP12 also boasts an IP65 dust and water resistance rating. While not as comprehensive as the protection offered by rivals, it’s the best rating ever on a OnePlus and more than sufficient for everyday use. A welcome bonus is the inclusion of an IR blaster, making it easy to control your TV or soundbar without additional remotes.
Performance That Punches Above Its Weight
Despite its somewhat nostalgic looks, the OnePlus 12’s performance is undeniably modern. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, paired with your choice of 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. While benchmark scores might not be class-leading (which other reviewers have also noticed), real-world usage is nothing short of lightning-fast. Apps switch seamlessly, demanding games run without hiccups, and overall, the phone offers a remarkably fluid user experience.
OnePlus bolsters this experience with a unique memory optimization feature. This allows the phone to keep up to six of your most frequently used apps suspended in the background for up to 72 hours. The benefit? No unnecessary reloading when you return to favorite apps, ensuring they are instantly ready for use.
Camera: When Solid Specs Translate to Great Photos
The OnePlus 12’s triple rear camera system features a 50-MP main sensor, a 48-MP ultrawide, and a 64-MP telephoto camera. This setup competes favorably with the likes of the Galaxy S24 family. In daylight conditions, it produces bright, vivid photos with a color balance that leans more neutral compared to Samsung’s warmer tones. While low-light performance might have a touch more softness and darkness compared to the S24 Ultra, the difference is minimal. The 3x telephoto is also impressive, able to deliver sharp shots even when your subject is on the move. Just be sure to immediately disable the Hasselblad watermark that the camera app insists on adding by default!
Battery & Charging: Best In Class
Battery life and charging are true highlights of the OnePlus 12. The phone’s 5,400 mAh cell lasts a staggering 24 hours+ easily. This is the best to be seen yet, surpassing the S24 Ultra by over two hours.
OnePlus’ proprietary charging is equally impressive. With the included charger and cable, the phone jumps from 10% to 55% battery in just 10 minutes. Opt for the company’s wireless charging pad (a separate $50 purchase), and the same 10-minute interval charges your phone to 37%. Sadly, these speeds are only achievable with OnePlus’ own accessories – relying on standard USB-PD or Qi chargers will be slower.
