OnePlus 12 Review: A Flagship Killer or Just Overpriced?

The OnePlus 12 has arrived, aiming to reclaim its “flagship killer” title. With a starting price of ₹64,999 in India and $799 in the U.S., it positions itself as a premium alternative to the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value to determine if it’s truly a flagship killer or just another overpriced device.​TechRadar

Design & Display: Sleek Yet Slippery

The OnePlus 12 boasts a 6.82-inch AMOLED LTPO 3.0 display with a 2K resolution (3168 x 1440 pixels) and adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. This results in vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, whether you’re browsing or gaming. The inclusion of ProXDR technology enhances brightness accuracy, making it comfortable to use both indoors and under direct sunlight. However, the curved edges, while visually appealing, can lead to accidental touches during gaming sessions .​LOS40+291mobiles+2justcons.com+2

In terms of durability, the OnePlus 12 comes with an IP65 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. While this is an improvement over previous models, it falls short compared to the IP68 ratings of some competitors .​FoneArena

Performance: Power-Packed with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM. This combination ensures seamless multitasking and efficient performance across various applications. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or handling productivity tasks, the device delivers a smooth experience. The integration of a new cooling system further prevents overheating during intensive usage .​91mobiles+3WIRED+3FoneArena+3Lifewire+2TechRadar+291mobiles+2Lifewire+1TechRadar+1

The device runs on Android 14-based OxygenOS 14, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. OnePlus has promised four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, which is commendable but still lags behind the seven-year support offered by brands like Google and Samsung .​91mobilesjustcons.com

Camera: Solid Performance with Room for Improvement

The OnePlus 12 features a triple-camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor with the Sony LYT-808 image sensor, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. The primary and telephoto lenses capture detailed and vibrant images in well-lit conditions. However, the ultra-wide lens and low-light performance could use enhancement, as photos tend to appear darker and less detailed in such settings .​91mobilesjustcons.com

On the front, the 32MP selfie camera delivers decent results but may not satisfy those seeking top-tier selfie quality. Video recording capabilities are competent but show signs of artifacts and blurriness in low-light environments .​justcons.com

Battery Life & Charging: Endurance Meets Speed

Equipped with a 5,400mAh battery, the OnePlus 12 offers impressive longevity. Under typical usage, it can last up to two days without needing a recharge. Even with intensive tasks like gaming and photography, the device comfortably lasts a full day .​TechRadar+1WIRED+1

Charging is exceptionally fast, thanks to the 100W wired charging support. The device can charge from 0% to 100% in just under 30 minutes. Additionally, the 50W wireless charging capability allows for rapid top-ups without the need for cables .​91mobiles

Verdict: A Flagship Contender with Caveats

The OnePlus 12 offers a compelling package with its powerful performance, vibrant display, and rapid charging capabilities. However, it does have its drawbacks, including a less impressive ultra-wide camera, limited AI features, and a design that may not appeal to all users. While it stands as a strong contender in the flagship segment, it may not dethrone the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in certain areas.​The Guardian+291mobiles+2justcons.com+2TechRadar

Pros:

• Bright and smooth 2K AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rates​justcons.com+291mobiles+2FoneArena+2
• Robust performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and ample RAM​FoneArena+4WIRED+491mobiles+4
• Fast charging speeds, both wired and wireless​TechRadar
• Clean and user-friendly OxygenOS 14 interface​91mobiles

Cons:

• Underwhelming ultra-wide and low-light camera performance​justcons.com
• Lack of advanced AI features​
• IP65 rating falls short compared to IP68 standards​91mobiles+2FoneArena+2justcons.com+2
• Curved edges may lead to accidental touches during use​justcons.com+1WIRED+1

In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 is a solid flagship device that offers excellent value for money. While it may not surpass its competitors in every aspect, it provides a well-rounded experience for users seeking a high-performance smartphone without the premium price tag.​

External Resources:

• The Guardian’s OnePlus 12 Review
• LifeWire’s Hands-On with OnePlus 12
• TechRadar’s OnePlus 12 Review
• [91Mobiles OnePlus 12 Review](https

Sources