Is the OnePlus 12 the perfect flagship smartphone for 2023? Or has OnePlus missed the mark despite the high price?
After using the latest Oneplus release a lot, I share my thoughts. This top smartphone has great specs and a fancy price. The Oneplus 12 review will look at its performance, design, and how easy it is to use.
In the US, it costs about $800 for the basic model. In the UK, the best version is £999. I bought the international version (UK model) on MightyApe for $1,599 NZD. You can also buy a Chinese version from Aliexpress but that model doesn’t come with the eSIM functionality, a vital feature for a global traveller such as me. We’ll see if it’s worth it. 
The Oneplus 12 doesn’t cut corners, especially in the UK. It’s £150 more than its predecessor. It has a long battery life, a fast processor, and a big, bright screen.
It’s ready to take on big names like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
But the OnePlus 12 does something different. It doesn’t have the latest AI features. Instead, it focuses on what users really want: fast performance, long battery life, and a great user experience. Keep reading to see if it’s a good buy.
Initial Impressions of the Oneplus 12
My first thoughts on the Oneplus 12 show a top-notch build. It has a frosted glass back with a cool pattern, an aluminium frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass for toughness. Let’s look closer at its design and how easy it is to set up.
Design and Build Quality
The Oneplus 12 impresses with its design and build. It has a sleek look with a frosted glass back that’s not only stylish but also helps with grip. The aluminium frame makes it feel sturdy without being too heavy.
It’s also worth noting that the device is only slightly thicker than before. This shows it’s still slim and easy to carry around.
The phone’s design is even better with Corning Gorilla Glass. This adds protection against scratches and drops. Plus, it’s water-resistant, making it great for daily use.
First Setup Experience
Setting up the Oneplus 12 for the first time is a breeze. The process is easy and straightforward, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. A big plus is the new placement of the volume buttons, making it easier to use with one hand.
The setup is also smooth thanks to the OnePlus software. It guides you through each step without any trouble.
In summary, my first impressions of the Oneplus 12 are very positive. It’s clear that the phone’s design and setup are top-notch. These early experiences make me excited to dive deeper into this new device.
Design and Ergonomics
The Oneplus 12 keeps its design close to its predecessor but adds some key improvements. From the first touch, its ergonomic design is clear. It feels high-end and fits perfectly in your hand.
Material and Finish
The Oneplus 12 is built with top-notch materials, promising both strength and luxury. It’s covered in Gorilla Glass to protect against scratches and drops. Plus, it has an IP65-rating for dust and water resistance.
Button Placement and Ease of Use
The Oneplus 12’s design focuses on the user. Its side buttons are easy to reach and use, making it simple to adjust volume or turn it on. This layout makes navigating the phone a breeze.
Display Quality
The OnePlus 12’s display is truly stunning. It grabs your attention right away. Its 6.82-inch flexible OLED screen with Diamond Pixels offers an amazing visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The phone’s screen is high-resolution, with 3168 x 1440 pixels, known as Quad HD+. This means 510 PPI, making everything look sharp and clear. The screen’s aspect ratio of 19.8:9 makes it 24% longer than usual, giving you a more immersive view.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
The OnePlus 12’s peak brightness of 4,500 nits is a big step up from others like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro. This means you can see the screen clearly even in bright sunlight. The OLED display also supports different modes, like vivid and Pro DCI-P3, to show colors accurately.
The LTPO AMOLED tech adjusts the refresh rate from 60 Hz to 120 Hz. This makes scrolling and motion smoother. The front camera’s small opening size means you get a clear view without distractions.
Performance and Speed
The Oneplus 12 has the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It offers amazing high-speed performance. With 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it handles tasks smoothly.
This means you get a seamless experience. The Oneplus 12 is more powerful and efficient than many others.
Processor and RAM
The Oneplus 12’s powerful processor is key. It makes the device handle demanding tasks easily. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM work together well.
This combo is great for daily tasks and professional software. You can switch between apps quickly without lag.
Gaming Performance
The Oneplus 12 excels in gaming. It supports high-frame-rate gaming well. It handles intensive gaming sessions with ease.
Even games that need a lot of graphic processing run smoothly. This gives you a rich, immersive gaming experience. The Oneplus 12 is perfect for both work and play.
Oneplus 12 review
Spending time with the Oneplus 12 shows it’s a top contender in the market. It has great features and solid performance in many areas.
Overall User Experience
The Oneplus 12 is easy to use, thanks to its OxygenOS and Android 14. It also has a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. You can choose from 12GB or 16GB of RAM, making multitasking smooth.
The phone’s 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display is top-notch. It has a variable refresh rate and can get very bright. This makes it clear even in bright sunlight. The cooling system keeps it cool, even during long gaming sessions.
It also supports spatial audio, giving you an immersive sound experience. This makes watching movies and listening to music a joy. The phone balances power, display, and sound well.
Comparison with Competitors
The Oneplus 12 stands out when compared to others. It has two versions: one with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for $800, and another with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage for $900. This makes it cheaper than some high-end phones.
Amazon and Best Buy offer extra value. They give free storage upgrades, six months of Google One, and more. Buying directly from OnePlus can save you up to $700.
The camera on the Oneplus 12 is also a highlight. It has improved sensors and a 3x optical zoom. While it’s great in bright light, it struggles in low light. However, its night mode captures detailed shots quickly.
The battery lasts up to two days with light use. This beats many competitors. Apple and Samsung phones might not be updated as often, but the Oneplus 12 stays fresh for years.
In summary, the Oneplus 12 has great performance, a bright display, long battery life, and good prices. It’s a strong choice in the smartphone market.
Camera Capabilities
The Oneplus 12 has a versatile camera system that shines in many photo situations. We’ll look at its main camera, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. Plus, its skills in low light and night mode.
Main Camera Performance
The Oneplus 12 camera review shows its 50MP primary sensor is a strong contender. It does well in dynamic range and macro shots. The camera has advanced autofocus and optical image stabilization for clear photos.
However, the Pixel 8 Pro beats it in brightness and color. But the Oneplus 12 still holds its own.
Ultrawide and Telephoto Lenses
The Oneplus 12’s 48MP ultrawide lens and 64MP telephoto lens are great for many shots. The Pixel 8 Pro has a wider view, but the Oneplus 12 wins in zoom and macro shots. It keeps details sharp even when zoomed in.
Low Light and Night Mode
In low light photography, the Pixel 8 Pro often wins with brighter, clearer images. Yet, the Oneplus 12 camera review praises its low-light and night mode. Hasselblad’s color tuning gives natural, enhanced images.
The Oneplus 12 tackles low light with confidence. It’s a strong opponent in photo challenges.
The versatile camera system of the Oneplus 12 proves it’s a tough competitor. It performs well in many photo scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 12 has a long-lasting battery with a big 5,400mAh capacity. It scored high in battery life tests, beating many rivals. This means it can last all day, even with heavy use.
Its fast-charging technology is a highlight. The OnePlus 12 can charge up to 100W wired. It goes from zero to 100% in about 26 minutes. While real-world times might vary, it’s still very fast.
The phone also does great with wireless charging. It charges at 50W wirelessly, reaching full in 55 minutes. You’ll need the OnePlus AirVOOC 50W charger for the best results. Plus, it can charge accessories like earbuds at 10W, making it even more useful.
The OnePlus 12 is perfect for today’s busy lives. It quickly recharges or offers the ease of wireless charging. So, you’re rarely without power.
Software and Features
The Oneplus 12 brings together top-notch performance and a smooth software experience. It runs on Android 14 with a touch of Oxygen OS. This mix makes it easy for everyone to use, whether you’re new or an Android pro.
Oxygen OS Usability
Oxygen OS on the Oneplus 12 is super easy to use. It keeps the Android 14 interface feel but adds a fresh twist. The animations and icons are sleek, making everything feel smooth.
It also has cool haptic vibration alerts. These make using your phone more fun and hands-on.
Customisation Options
The Oneplus 12 really stands out with its OS customisation options. You can change everything from themes to gestures. It even includes features from Color OS, keeping Oxygen OS true to its roots.
This means you can make your phone look and work just how you want. Whether you want it to be functional or stylish, you can do it.
Audio and Call Quality
The OnePlus 12 shines in audio and call quality. Its superior audio quality speakers give you an amazing experience. Whether you’re listening to music or watching shows, it’s top-notch.
Speaker Performance
The OnePlus 12’s speakers are powerful, with deep bass that’s on par with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This Oneplus speaker performance makes every sound rich and deep. It’s perfect for music, podcasts, and more.
Call Clarity
The OnePlus 12 is also great for clear phone calls. It keeps you connected smoothly. The microphone reduces background noise, though some might find it a bit too much. Still, calls are clear, making conversations feel like you’re right there.
In summary, the OnePlus 12’s superior audio quality and clear calls make it a top choice for smartphones today.
Connectivity and Network Performance
The Oneplus 12 stands out with its top-notch connectivity and network performance. It supports fast 5G and reliable Wi-Fi speeds. This ensures a smooth experience no matter the network conditions.
5G and Wi-Fi Speed Tests
In urban areas, the Oneplus 12’s 5G speeds are impressive. It beats many rivals with its download and upload speeds. Its Wi-Fi speeds are also strong, keeping connections steady in crowded places.
Bluetooth and NFC
The Oneplus 12 shines in short-range connections with modern Bluetooth and NFC. Bluetooth works well for wireless devices and audio. NFC makes pairing quick and adds to the device’s ease of use.
Security Features
The OnePlus 12 balances convenience with top-notch security. Starting at $799, it shows OnePlus’s focus on quality. This phone is all about keeping your data safe.
Fingerprint Sensor Accuracy
The OnePlus 12 has a secure fingerprint sensor that’s fast and reliable. I’ve found it unlocks the phone in seconds. It’s quick and secure, making it a breeze to use.
The sensor is also very good at recognizing fingerprints. This means less hassle for you, especially compared to older models.
Face Unlock Reliability
The reliable face unlock on the OnePlus 12 is another big plus. It works well in all kinds of light. I’ve found it unlocks quickly, adding to the phone’s convenience and security.
The OnePlus 12 is a great choice for those who value security. It has a secure fingerprint sensor and reliable face unlock. These features show OnePlus’s dedication to keeping your phone safe.
Value for Money
The OnePlus 12 is a great deal for those looking for a cost-effective smartphone. It starts at $799 USD, which is $100 more than its predecessor. But, it has many upgrades that make it worth the extra cost. A British export via MightyApe can cost as low as $1599 – compare that to the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra that costs upwards of $2,250. A huge saving.
This makes it even more attractive for those wanting to get the most out of their *OnePlus investment value*.
The OnePlus 12 has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It also offers up to 16GB of RAM and storage up to 512GB. Its 6.82-inch 2K OLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate is stunning for gaming and streaming.
Comparison to Previous Models
Compared to the OnePlus 11, the OnePlus 12 offers more. It has a better chipset, more RAM and storage, and a better camera system. The camera includes a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens.
The battery is also bigger, at 5,400 mAh. This means longer battery life and faster charging with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Price vs. Features
The OnePlus 12 is a great deal when you look at its features. The base model starts at $799, and the top model at $899. It has a big battery and advanced camera system, making it a good *investment*.
It doesn’t have IP68 water resistance or long-term software support. But, its high-end features and price make it stand out in the market. It’s perfect for those who value performance and camera quality over other features.
Durability and Build Quality
The Oneplus 12 is built to last, with a durable smartphone design. It has a strong aluminium frame and weighs 220g. The premium build quality combines looks and function well.
The phone has dual-layer Gorilla Glass protection. The front uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch resistance. The back has Gorilla Glass 5 for extra durability.
The Oneplus 12 has an IP65 rating, protecting against dust and water. It’s great for everyday use, even in wet conditions.
The phone also has a curved display and protective glass sides. These features add to its durability. It scored well in scratch tests and handled 100 drops with minimal damage.
The under-display optical fingerprint reader adds to the phone’s security and style. It also has multiple microphones and speakers for better sound and function.
The Oneplus 12 shows off premium build quality and durability. Its Gorilla Glass protection highlights its commitment to lasting smartphones.
User Interface and Usability
The OnePlus 12 has raised the bar with its user-friendly interface and easy use. From the start, Oxygen OS impressed with its simple and clean look. It’s easy to move through menus and settings thanks to a well-organised layout.
Ease of Use
Using the OnePlus 12 is surprisingly easy. Its intuitive UI makes it simple for new users to get started. The gesture navigation system is a highlight, offering a more interactive way to use the phone. Every swipe and tap feels smooth, making the phone easy to use.
UI Design
The OnePlus 12’s UI is designed to be visually pleasing. It uses bright colours and clear fonts, adding a touch of elegance. Oxygen OS also lets you customise various features to fit your style, keeping the UI looking great. These design choices make the OnePlus 12 a pleasure to use every day.
