In a technology landscape dominated by constant hype of AI advances, the OnePlus 12 takes a refreshing step back, prioritizing the basics over the latest cutting-edge trends. Allison Johnson, a seasoned tech critic with a decade of experience, explores the OnePlus 12’s departure from the AI craze and its return to the basics of what really matters in a smartphone.
Table of Contents
OnePlus 12 Battery Life that Speaks Volumes
- OnePlus deviates from industry norms by not flaunting its AI features in its sales. Instead, it focuses on an aspect that matters to smartphone users around the world battery life.
- The OnePlus 12 shines in this department, boasting the best battery performance of any flagship phone in the last six months.
- With the return of wireless charging and an improved IP65 water resistance rating, the OnePlus 12 shows a commitment to durability and user-centric features.
A Compelling Package at a Reasonable Price
- The decision to improve battery life and durability raised the price a bit, with the OnePlus 12 costing $799 compared to its predecessor’s $699.
- However, in a market where high-end phones regularly cross the $1,000 mark, the OnePlus 12’s 6.8-inch display and its high-end processing power, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, make it a attractive option at its price.
No AI Hype, Just Solid Performance
- While competitors like Samsung and Google race to incorporate the latest AI features, OnePlus remains unaffected by the AI hype cycle.
- The OnePlus 12 may lack flashy AI additions, but its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor positions it to integrate seamlessly with future AI services.
- The base model comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, beating out rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 in terms of memory and storage.
OnePlus 12 Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
- The OnePlus 12’s commitment to impressive battery life is complemented by 80W wired charging capability and the return of wireless charging, which supports up to 50W with OnePlus’ own charger.
- The reviewer is pleased with the flexibility of wireless charging and appreciates the ability to use a regular Qi charger for overnight charges.
- The OnePlus 12’s 6.8-inch 1440p display with 120Hz refresh rate is vibrant and detailed.
Software Experience and Longevity
- The OnePlus 12 runs Oxygen OS 14 and maintains a familiar user interface, albeit with some changes.
- The inclusion of Dynamic-Island-style health indicators and the promise of four to five years of operating system and security updates are consistent with industry standards.
- However, the reviewer points out that competitors like Google and Samsung now offer seven years of OS updates.
OnePlus 12 Camera Upgrade and Hasselblad Collaboration
- An essential aspect for many users, the OnePlus 12’s camera system has been updated with a 3x telephoto lens and a 64-megapixel sensor.
- The telephoto lens provides improved detail in distant subjects, although challenges remain in low-light conditions.
- The collaboration with Hasselblad, despite being advertised as 75 percent marketing hype, contributes to excellent color matching, with the 50-megapixel main camera offering clear images even in difficult lighting situations.
A Breath of Fresh Air in the AI-Driven Era
- In a landscape dominated by the rapid integration of AI features, the OnePlus 12 stands as a breath of fresh air, choosing to make significant adjustments rather than adopting every new trend.
- The device successfully meets common user needs, offering an excellent display, solid battery life, and a competitive camera system.
- While competitors may boast advanced AI capabilities, the OnePlus 12 stands out as a simple, well-rounded smartphone that gets the basics right.
Specification
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.82-inch QHD+ 2K OLED LTPO 120Hz, 4500 nits, 19.8:9, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Adreno 750 GPU |
| Memory | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 storage |
| Battery | 5400 mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless |
| Camera | Triple rear: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto (120X digital zoom), Front: 32MP |
| Software | OxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS 14 (China), Android 14 |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6/7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Infrared, USB Type-C 3.2, GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/BDS/QZSS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm |
| Weight | 220 g |
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver |
Conclusion:
The OnePlus 12 prioritizes the basics over modern AI features. For $799, it features battery life, wireless charging, and camera improvements. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures top-notch performance, while the 6.8-inch display is vibrant and large. Although it lacks innovative AI, its competitive advantages make it a reliable and affordable option in 2024.
