The OnePlus 12 is the latest flagship phone from Chinese manufacturer OnePlus. As OnePlus’s premium offering for 2023, the OnePlus 12 features top-of-the-line specs including the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a high refresh rate 2K display, fast charging speeds, and OnePlus’s OxygenOS software based on Android 13.
The OnePlus 12 competes directly against other Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Pro and more. With prices starting at $899, the OnePlus 12 brings premium features and specs at a relatively more affordable price point compared to some rivals.
This in-depth OnePlus 12 review covers the phone’s design, display quality, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, software experience and more. We’ll help you determine if the OnePlus 12 is the right high-end Android phone for you.
Design and Display – OnePlus 12 Review
The OnePlus 12 features an attractive yet understated design with a large rectangular camera module on the back containing three lenses and an LED flash. The alert slider, a hallmark OnePlus feature to quickly toggle between sound profiles, remains on the right side.
With dimensions of 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm and weighing 205g, the OnePlus 12 is tall, slim and relatively lightweight for a phone with a 6.7-inch display. It feels sturdy thanks to the metal frame and Gorilla Glass back, with the Hazel Green color variant featuring a textured glass back for added grip and fingerprint resistance.
The display is a 6.7” QHD+ (3216×1440) OLED panel with HDR10+ support. It has a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The display is sharp, colorful and gets very bright up to 1300 nits peak brightness with excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
A pre-installed screen protector prevents the display from getting scratched. The display has extremely narrow bezels and curves gently at the edges for an immersive, modern look. Overall, it’s among the best displays on any smartphone.
OnePlus 12 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ QHD+ (3216×1440) OLED, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 32MP 2x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP54 Rating |
| Software | OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm |
| Weight | 205 grams |
| Colors | Volcanic Black, Hazel Green |
| 5G Bands | Yes |
| Release Date | December 2023 |
| Price | Starts at $899 |
Performance and Hardware – OnePlus 12 Review
Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset based on a 4nm manufacturing process, the OnePlus 12 delivers blazing fast performance whether you’re browsing, gaming, multi-tasking or using the camera. Combined with up to 16GB of quick LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus 12 can handle any app or game without slowdowns or lag.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 outperforms last year’s Gen 1 by 10-15% and offers better power efficiency for improved battery life. Gaming is especially fluid thanks to the high refresh rate display and HyperBoost Gaming Engine, which optimizes system resources for smoother gameplay while minimizing battery drain and heat generation.
For connectivity, the OnePlus 12 supports 5G and ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7 networks with compatibility across all major US carriers. The X65 modem enables faster 5G data speeds and wider coverage compared to last year’s X62 modem. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC for mobile payments. Audio comes through stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for surround sound when using compatible headphones.
READ MORE – iPhone 15 Black Friday Deals 2023 at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Best Buy
Cameras – OnePlus 12 Review
The OnePlus 12 has a triple camera array:
Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 aperture, Sony IMX890 sensor, OIS and EIS Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP, f/2.2 aperture Telephoto Camera: 32MP, 2x optical zoom
The large 1/1.56” sensor size, pixel binning technology and optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main 50MP camera enable excellent light capture and detailed 12.5MP images even in low light conditions. Portrait images showcase crisp details and accurate edge detection for subject separation from the background.
Colors are vibrant yet natural looking in photos from all three rear cameras. The dedicated telephoto camera brings 2x optical zoom capabilities missing on the OnePlus 10 Pro. New software algorithms improve HDR imaging. With Hasselblad tuning there is more fine-tuning for color reproduction to achieve a pleasing look similar to what you’d get with a professional camera.
The 16MP front camera takes crisp selfies even in dim indoor lighting and features OnePlus’s face unlock system for quick biometric authentication. New with the OnePlus 12 is support for 10-bit color video capture for richer visuals at up to 4K 120fps across all rear cameras. Steady video footage comes courtesy of hybrid OIS + EIS stabilization even at 4K 60fps.
Battery Life and Charging – OnePlus 12 Review
The OnePlus 12 houses a 5000mAh battery, one of the largest capacities on any flagship phone. Combined with an efficient OLED display and power-optimized Snapdragon chipset, the OnePlus 12 delivers all-day battery life even with heavy use. Screen-on times can easily exceed 7 hours or even 8 hours.
When you do need to charge, the included 100W SUPERVOOC fast charger juices up the phone remarkably fast–from 1% to 100% in just 25 minutes according to OnePlus’s internal testing. The OnePlus 12 lasts over 160% longer than its predecessor when charging for only 10 minutes according to OnePlus.
The OnePlus 12 also supports 50W fast wireless charging for those who want the convenience of charging without cables and supports reverse wireless charging to share some battery with accessories and earbuds that support Qi wireless charging.
OxygenOS Software – OnePlus 12 Review
The OnePlus 12 runs OxygenOS 13 software based on Android 13 with guaranteed OS updates for 3 years and security updates for 4 years. The software is clean, responsive and free from bloatware you find on some other Android skins. Customization abounds with options for icon packs, themes and more via the OnePlus Shelf.
Useful OxygenOS features include Zen Mode 2.0 for limiting distractions by restricting phone usage for a preset time. Work Life Balance aims to improve work life separation by changing your device profile based on location, Wi-Fi network or time to minimize notifications from apps you don’t want to be distracted by after work hours.
Advanced Privacy features include clipboard encryption and Private Safe 2.0 for housing private photos, documents and recordings behind encryption only accessible via fingerprint or face unlock authentication.
OnePlus continues improving one of the best virtual assistants around with the latest Updates for Quick Restart, Maintenance and Healing. There is also a convenient new Meeting Assistant to help avoid embarrassment or disruption when taking calls while another call or meeting is already in progress.
Overall the software is highly responsive, free of bloat and ads, filled with customization options, and reflects OnePlus’s focus on delivering a fast and smooth experience.
FAQs on OnePlus 12
How much will the OnePlus 12 cost?
The OnePlus 12 starts at $899 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model. A 12GB/256GB model will also be available for $999. Additional colors and special editions may launch later at higher costs.
When will OnePlus 12 pre-orders start?
Pre-orders for the OnePlus 12 began on February 7, shortly after its official launch and reveal. The first shipments to customers started on February 14.
Is there a Pro version of the OnePlus 12?
No, so far OnePlus has not announced a OnePlus 12 Pro model for 2023. The standard OnePlus 12 takes the spot of the premium flagship in the current lineup.
Does the OnePlus 12 have wireless charging?
Yes, the OnePlus 12 supports both 50W fast wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging to share battery with other devices. A wireless charger is sold separately.
Does the OnePlus 12 have a headphone jack?
Unfortunately there is no 3.5mm headphone jack on the OnePlus 12. You’ll need to use the USB-C port for wired headphones or connect wireless Bluetooth earbuds or headphones.
Is the OnePlus 12 waterproof?
The OnePlus 12 carries an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. This rating means it can withstand splashes and light rain but should not be submerged under water.
How long will the OnePlus 12 get Android updates?
OnePlus promises 3 major Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates for the OnePlus 12. So you can expect to get Android 16 on the OnePlus 12.
What colors does the OnePlus 12 come in?
At launch, the OnePlus 12 is available in Volcanic Black and a textured Hazel Green glass back finish. Additional colors will likely come later in the year.
Does OnePlus 12 work with Verizon?
Yes, the OnePlus 12 supports all major 5G bands on Verizon’s network. OnePlus has wider carrier support and network compatibility than ever before with the OnePlus 12 series.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 12 delivers a well-rounded flagship experience with a gorgeous high refresh rate display, exceptionally fast performance, long battery life, and quick charging speeds at a relatively affordable price. The much improved camera system takes vibrant, detailed shots augmented by Hasselblad tuning in line with OnePlus’s focus on smartphone imaging.
OxygenOS 13 offers a clean software experience filled with customization options. Guaranteed 3 years of Android updates demonstrates OnePlus’s commitment to users interested in long term ownership. For these reasons, the OnePlus 12 earns our strong recommendation as one of the best premium Android phones of 2023.
