Google might have christened 2023 because the yr it formally introduced a ton of AI-enabled options to its Pixel smartphones. Samsung kicked off 2024 with an identical pattern with its Galaxy S24 collection focussed closely on AI options, a few of that are similar to Google’s. However the remainder of the Android world remains to be enjoying catch-up (or is a bit late to the occasion). Whereas cameras have relied on AI for picture processing for a number of years, manufacturers like Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus have but to whole-heartedly embrace and promote AI as a core characteristic that improves their software program or general smartphone expertise.
With that mentioned, OnePlus is just about part of the second group. There are not any new AI options to brag about with this yr’s OnePlus 12, with the corporate following the usual method and focussing on higher {hardware} as an alternative. And from what I noticed from my Pixel 8 Professional evaluate, that is not a foul concept both. I’ve spent just a few days with the brand new OnePlus 12 and got here out fairly impressed.
The OnePlus 12’s design is predicated on the earlier OnePlus 11 however absolutely seems to be and feels completely different
Within the field, OnePlus supplies a 100W charger, a Sort-A to Sort-C charging cable and a delicate, matte-finished silicon case. The telephone seems to be beautiful within the new Flowy Emerald end that I acquired for evaluate, with a properly textured rear panel with flowing strains. What obtained my consideration was the digital camera format which seems very elegant and really very similar to the dial of a conventional timepiece.
What can also be a notable characteristic is its official IP65 score, it is not so good as an IP68 score, however on condition that few smartphones provide higher, it is good to have at this value level.
Its design is often OnePlus with rounded corners, curved sides and the everyday consideration to element that OnePlus is understood for, and it form of goes again to its roots after the radically completely different design language the model used for its foldable, the Open.
OnePlus retains its 3D curved show design from the OnePlus 11 however may be very completely different from the earlier one
There’s a big 6.82-inch QHD+ show in a broad 19.8:9 facet ratio which seems fairly sharp at 510ppi. OnePlus claims that it presents a most brightness of 1,600 nits and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The 3D curved edge show is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which can also be used for the rear panel.
The telephone is powered by the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, and it could change into one in every of its robust factors. It is among the few smartphones at this value level to supply the identical as each Vivo and Samsung have opted for MediaTek and Exynos processors this yr. The telephone is obtainable with a most of 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The brand new cameras are a correct improve over the OnePlus 11
As for its cameras, the OnePlus 12 presents a digital camera setup which is sort of an identical to what’s accessible on its Open foldable. There is a 50-megapixel main digital camera with OIS, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide with a 114-degree area of view, and a 64-megapixel telephoto digital camera with 3X optical zoom. Selfies are dealt with by a fixed-focus 32-megapixel front-facing digital camera. On the identical time, these cameras are a correct {hardware} improve over final yr’s OnePlus 11.
It is certainly shocking that the telephone doesn’t really feel very thick given that there is a new 5,400mAh dual-cell battery inside. I am anticipating nothing however the perfect when it comes to general efficiency on condition that OnePlus is understood for optimising its software program to the tee. This battery is charged as much as 80W utilizing the 100W charger offered within the field. This may increasingly look like a downgrade over final yr’s 100W wired charging, however is a crucial evil to cost OnePlus’ largest battery unit in a telephone but. Making a return this yr is 50W AirVOOC wi-fi charging as properly.
OnePlus presents a snug-fitting silicon case within the field
All-in-all, there’s a lot to sit up for whereas reviewing the OnePlus 12 despite the fact that OnePlus appears to have borrowed just a few bits from its components bin. There’s not a lot to sit up for on the software program entrance, despite the fact that it packs OxygenOS 14 with Android 14. However I count on OnePlus to make up for the lacking AI bits with some rock-solid efficiency, which is the place Google’s AI-heavy Pixel fumbled. Can OnePlus proceed to offer higher worth than Samsung’s Galaxy S collection smartphones? Discover out in my detailed evaluate, which might be out quickly.