The year 2024 has seen a relentless barrage of flagship smartphones hit the market, with established players like Samsung and Xiaomi going head-to-head with the likes of Apple and Google. In this ever-crowded space, how does a phone truly stand out? We delve into this question with our in-depth, three-month-long review of the OnePlus 12 5G.
Launched in India back in January 2024, the OnePlus 12 5G set the starting price at Rs 64,999 for the base 12GB/256GB configuration. We revisit this phone after the market has seen a significant rise in competitors, to assess how well the OnePlus 12 5G holds up.
OnePlus 12 5G: Key Features
- Vibrant 120Hz Display: The OnePlus 12 boasts a stunning display for an immersive viewing experience.
- Powerful Performance: The phone packs the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring smooth operation for demanding tasks.
- Versatile Cameras: The triple-rear camera system caters to various photography needs, while the 32MP front camera delivers high-quality selfies.
- Fast Charging: The OnePlus 12 supports both wired and wireless fast charging for added convenience.
- Bloatware-free Software: OnePlus continues to offer a clean and bloatware-free software experience.
Design and Build
The OnePlus 12 5G comes in two color options: Flowy Emerald and Silky Black. Our review unit arrived in Silky Black, which bears a resemblance to the Iron Gray variant of the OnePlus 12R. The back features a smooth, textured matte finish with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. OnePlus retains the familiar circular camera module from its predecessor.
A gold ring encircling the camera cluster adds a touch of elegance. The front showcases a curved OLED screen shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The sleek aluminum frame feels sturdy and enhances the phone’s overall look. Unlike the flat-panel designs of the Galaxy S24 and Xiaomi 14, the curved edges on the OnePlus 12 provide a comfortable grip.
The phone boasts an IP65 rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or light rain. However, for complete submersion protection, a higher IP rating like IP67 or IP68 would be ideal, especially considering the price point.
A noteworthy design change is the repositioned Alert Slider, now located on the left side. The volume and power buttons remain on the left, while the speaker grille, SIM tray, and USB Type-C port reside at the bottom. OnePlus includes a protective case in the box.
The phone’s smooth finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be slightly slippery. Using the included case is recommended for better handling. The shimmering back panel with the matte black finish exudes a premium look, and the build quality is undeniably top-notch. However, the lack of an IP67 or IP68 rating at this price point is a minor drawback.
Display: A Visual Treat
OnePlus hasn’t compromised on the display of its flagship phone. The OnePlus 12 5G sports a massive 6.82-inch 2K Pro-XDR BOE X1 OLED display with a sharp 510 PPI pixel density. The panel boasts LTPO 4.0 technology, enabling an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate (ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz) and a 240Hz touch sampling rate for a smooth and responsive user experience.
The display offers an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits, exceeding most real-world usage scenarios. To further elevate your viewing experience, the OnePlus 12 5G’s display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color reproduction. Additionally, the 2160Hz PWM dimming ensures reduced eye strain during extended use.
The OnePlus 12 5G boasts one of the most impressive displays in the segment. The phone’s “Aqua Touch” feature allows for seamless display operation even with wet hands, a unique and convenient feature. Three months in, the display remains a standout aspect of this phone.
Performance: A Powerhouse on Tap
On the performance front, the OnePlus 12 5G is equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU. The phone boasts up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a whopping 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample storage space for demanding users.
FAQs
Q: What are the key features of the OnePlus 12 5G?
A: The OnePlus 12 5G features a 6.82-inch 2K OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to 16GB RAM, a triple-rear camera system, and a robust battery with fast charging.
Q: How much does the OnePlus 12 5G cost in India?
A: The starting price for the OnePlus 12 5G in India is Rs 64,999 for the 12GB/256GB model.
Q: What colors are available for the OnePlus 12 5G?
A: The OnePlus 12 5G is available in Flowy Emerald and Silky Black color options.
Q: How does the Aqua Touch feature work on the OnePlus 12?
A: The Aqua Touch feature allows users to operate the touchscreen accurately even when it is wet, enhancing usability in various conditions.
Q: What is the battery life like on the OnePlus 12 5G?
A: The OnePlus 12 5G offers good battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. It also supports fast wired and wireless charging.
Q: Does the OnePlus 12 5G have water resistance?
A: The OnePlus 12 5G comes with an IP65 rating, protecting against splashes and rain, but it is not fully waterproof.
