In the whirlwind of recent tech launches, OnePlus discreetly introduced its latest flagship, the OnePlus 12. Priced at $799, this smartphone has quietly positioned itself as a compelling contender in the fiercely competitive market. Let’s dive into the details to understand what sets the OnePlus 12 apart.
Design and Display
- The OnePlus 12 retains the signature design elements, including the sleek build and the distinctive camera bump.
- A standout feature is the 6.8-inch 1440p ltpo Pro XDR display, which marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
- With a peak HDR brightness of 4,500 nits and improved outdoor visibility at 1,600 nits, the display sets new industry standards.
- However, the decision to maintain curved edges may polarize users due to issues such as glare, light falloff, and potential durability concerns.
Performance and Battery
- Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the OnePlus 12 promises top-tier performance.
- The enhanced cooling system allows for slightly boosted clock speeds, placing the phone among the fastest in real-world usage.
- The phone’s battery life takes center stage, boasting a massive 5400 mAh battery, making it a strong contender for the “Battery Champ of the Year.”
- The 80W wired charging capability is a standout feature, replenishing half the battery in just 12 minutes.
Cameras and Imaging
- While OnePlus has made strides in camera technology, the OnePlus 12’s camera system remains a point of contention.
- The main sensor upgrade to the lyt 808 sensor brings slight improvements, but it still lags behind some competitors in challenging conditions.
- The camera system is acceptable for flagship standards but falls short of the pinnacle of smartphone photography.
Unique Features
- The OnePlus 12 stands out with several unique features, including an infrared blaster for remote control of appliances.
- The USB-C port not only supports rapid charging but also boasts USB 3.2 gen 1 for high-speed data transfer.
- “Aqua Touch” technology claims to maintain screen usability even when wet, a feature that surprisingly lives up to its promise.
Miscellaneous Upgrades
- The OnePlus 12 pays attention to finer details with 12 or 16 gigs of fast RAM, Dolby Atmos with spatial audio support, and robust haptics.
- High PWM Dimming caters to users sensitive to display flickering at low brightness, enhancing the overall user experience.
Downsides and Trade-offs
- Despite its strengths, the OnePlus 12 is not without flaws, including the potentially divisive curved display.
- The fingerprint sensor remains an average optical sensor, seemingly neglected in recent upgrades.
- The absence of advanced AI features found in flagship competitors might disappoint users seeking cutting-edge capabilities.
OnePlus 12r: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
- Simultaneously, OnePlus has introduced the OnePlus 12r, a budget-friendly alternative priced at $500.
- Sacrificing some features, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and wireless charging, the 12r aims to cater to budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of flagship smartphones, the OnePlus 12 emerges as a compelling choice, especially considering its competitive pricing. With a blend of impressive display technology, robust performance, and a focus on battery longevity, OnePlus has positioned itself as a serious player in the flagship arena. However, potential buyers must weigh the downsides, such as the camera system’s limitations and the promised shorter software update support, against the device’s considerable strengths.
