OnePlus has established itself as a key player offering high-performance devices without breaking the bank. With the recent launch of its latest flagship model – the OnePlus 12, it continues to push boundaries with refinements and upgrades that cater to both regular users and professional content creators alike.
NestedBits Overall Rating: 8/10
Table of Contents:
OnePlus 12 Design: A Slimmer Profile, But a Heavier Weight
The design language of the new OnePlus 12 is reminiscent of its predecessor but with some noticeable improvements. Apart from the starting price increase from ₹56,999 to ₹64,999, another primary change is an increased thickness from 8.53mm to 9.15mm and a slight weight increase due to the addition of features like wireless charging and larger battery capacity. Despite these changes, OnePlus has managed to maintain uniformity in design aesthetics by adopting the same color scheme for both the smartphone body and camera module.
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OnePlus 12 Display: A Stunning Visual Experience
The display on the OnePlus 12 boasts several enhancements that make it a standout feature of this device. The taller 6.8-inch AMOLED panel offers an impressive resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. Additionally, the screen incorporates advanced technologies such as LTPO display ( low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) technology for efficient refresh rate management ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and ProXDR tech that adjusts brightness more accurately. These improvements result in a comfortable viewing experience indoors or under harsh sunlight while minimizing power consumption for extended battery life.
OnePlus 12 Performance: A Powerhouse Under the Hood
Powering this refined flagship is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which delivers excellent performance that meets most customers’ needs. In terms of benchmarks, Geekbench v6, and AnTuTu tests place it above competitors like Google Pixel 8 Pro with Tensor G3 SoC but slightly below iQOO 12 in real-life usage scenarios. The OnePlus 12 comes equipped with two storage variants: a base model featuring 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, as well as our reviewed unit containing 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage priced at Rs 69,999.
OnePlus 12 Cameras: A Steady Improvement in Image Quality
The OnePlus 12’s camera system has seen significant upgrades with a new Sony LYT-808 image sensor available on the primary and telephoto cameras. The rear setup now includes a 50MP main shooter, a 64MP periscope-style telephoto lens capable of optical zooming up to 3X and digital zooming up to 100x, as well as a 48MP ultra-wide camera. For selfies, the front houses a 32MP sensor with support for 4K resolution at 30fps video recording.
While testing, we found that natural color representation is prioritized while maintaining good sharpness and focus in daylight conditions or well-lit environments. Skin tone detection has also improved significantly from previous OnePlus devices. The primary and telephoto cameras excel at capturing images with vibrant colors under ideal lighting situations but may struggle slightly when faced with harsh sunlight, causing dynamic range compromises resulting in high contrast photos featuring prominent shadows for a dramatic effect.
Performance-wise, the low light capabilities of all three rear cameras perform satisfactorily though there can be noticeable grains visible within images captured during testing under dim lighting conditions compared to competitors like Google Pixel 8 Pro which handles lens flares and dynamic range more effectively due to software optimization techniques. The front camera delivers impressive results for selfies, particularly daylight or well-lit shots where natural skin tones are preserved with accurate detection.
In terms of video recording capabilities, the OnePlus 12 can record up to 8K videos at 24fps while offering stabilization features specifically tailored towards upcoming content creators who may benefit from various editing tools available within their native app. However, professional videographers might be interested in competing devices such as Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 8 Pro that offer more extensive cinematic modes for richer effects and better color grading options.
OnePlus 12 Battery: A Long-lasting Powerhouse
OnePlus has addressed the concerns of battery life by incorporating a larger capacity of 5,400mAh cell with support for fast charging up to 100W (included in the box) or wireless charging via AirVOOC at 50W. With moderate usage settings and performance mode disabled, it managed to achieve an impressive battery life lasting well over 24 hours on a single charge. This extended longevity makes it ideal for heavy multitasking users who need their devices to last throughout the day without frequent recharges.
Final Thoughts: Is the OnePlus 12 a Worthy Upgrade?
The OnePlus 12 builds upon its predecessor’s success by introducing refined features and improvements that cater to both casual and professional customers in the ever-evolving tech landscape. With a stunning display, reliable performance, versatile camera system, extended battery life, and clean Android experience, this flagship remains true to OnePlus’ mantra of delivering value for money without compromising essential features.
However, there are areas where improvement could be made such as reducing overall thickness while maintaining feature-rich capabilities or enhancing water resistance beyond its current IP65 rating – aspects that some users may find desirable in high-end devices. Nonetheless, the OnePlus 12 holds its ground against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel Series with its unique selling points and competitive pricing structure making it an attractive choice for Indian consumers looking for a premium yet cost-effective smartphone solution.
Pros:
Stunning display,
Clean Android experience out of the box,
Primary & Telephoto cameras perform well under good lighting conditions,
Excellent battery life with fast charging capabilities,
Affordable pricing compared to competitors offering similar features.
Cons:
The ultra-wide camera needs improvement,
Increased thickness and weight may be a turnoff for some customers,
Limited native generative AI features compared to upcoming flagships from Samsung and Google.
NestedBits Overall Rating: 8/10
