In retrospect, it feels like just yesterday when the OnePlus One made its debut in 2014, and now, a decade later, we’re introduced to the OnePlus 12. Marking this milestone, we’ve thoroughly tested this anniversary edition, and we’re excited to share all the details with you. The press materials for the OnePlus 12 emphasize the wealth of experience gained over the years, highlighting the significant evolution in the brand’s concept and focus during the past decade. What started as a ‘startup’ in 2014, known for guerilla marketing and aggressive pricing of top-tier hardware, has matured into a flagship mainstay. However, in expanding its lineup, OnePlus seemed to lose some of its identity, blending into the larger entity, Oppo.
But let’s shift our focus to the OnePlus 12 itself, avoiding musings on philosophical topics. This device truly deserves our full attention. Starting with a top-notch display offering everything from resolution to brightness, adaptive high refresh rate, and Dolby Vision, the OnePlus 12 delivers a premium package. Equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor, it benefits from being among the first to hit the market with this powerhouse. While the global version may not boast the extravagant 24GB/1TB configuration available in China, a respectable half-terabyte should suffice. The camera setup, thankfully not region-specific, presents a compelling configuration. Although lacking a one-incher, a high-end Sony imager leads a competent triple setup. A sizeable-sensor ultra-wide with autofocus covers one end of the zoom range, while a 3x telephoto promises top-notch 6x shots, drawing on past successes like the Oppo Find N3/OnePlus Open. A notable improvement this year is the increased battery capacity, now at 5,400mAh—a trend observed across the Oppo/OnePlus/Realme portfolio. To complement this, the OnePlus 12 comes bundled with a 100W charger, ensuring swift top-ups. Examining other specs, the IP65 rating stands out—though not the flagship-standard IP68, it’s a noteworthy addition. On the flip side, the OnePlus 12 introduces an infrared emitter, a first for OnePlus with only numerical branding—perhaps compensating for the previous omission. Stereo speakers, an optical fingerprint reader, and an alert slider are the expected checkmarks. Packaged in the iconic red cardboard box, now featuring a debossed ’12’ on the lid, the OnePlus 12 includes a 100W adapter and a USB-A-to-C cable. However, a protective case is notably absent from the retail bundle, a continuation from the previous two generations. The paper sleeve above the phone contains three stickers for spreading the OnePlus love and a ‘Red Cable Club’ membership card for accessory discounts, in addition to the documentation.
In-Depth Technical Details Of OnePlus 12
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 163.3×75.8×9.2mm, 220g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame; IP65, waterproof and dustproof. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. |
| Display | 6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 600nits (typ), 1600nits (HBM), 4500nits (peak), 1440x3168px resolution, 19.8:9 aspect ratio, 510ppi. |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm). |
| Memory | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM; UFS 4.0. |
| OS | Android 14, OxygenOS 14 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7. |
| Bluetooth | v5.4. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 50MP; Telephoto: 64MP, 3x optical zoom; Ultra-wide: 48MP. |
| Front camera | 32MP. |
| Battery | 5400mAh; 100W wired, 50W wireless; 10W reverse wireless. |
| Others | Fingerprint reader (under display); stereo speakers; NFC; Infrared port. |
Conclusion
OnePlus may have undergone a transformation as the brand matured, losing some of its distinctive character. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that they continue to produce excellent phones. While OxygenOS has evolved into Oppo’s ColorOS, we shouldn’t dismiss it as a negative change. The OnePlus 12 addresses certain issues found in the 11, with the only remaining drawback being its sub-standard water protection – a feature present in most other high-end phones. Although we have reservations about the 12’s daytime video output, the impressive stabilization compensates for other shortcomings. Selfies stand out, but more importantly, the rear cameras consistently deliver exceptional stills in all conditions. Given its high-end status, excellence in fundamentals is expected, and the OnePlus 12 excels in terms of battery life, rapid charging, and an HDR-rich display. In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 impresses on many fronts, with minor missteps in only a couple of areas – providing ample grounds for a wholehearted recommendation.