OnePlus 12 Review: The Enthusiast’s Flagship Makes a Triumphant Return
In a market saturated with thousand-dollar-plus flagships, the “flagship killer” ethos that once defined OnePlus feels like a distant memory. Yet, with the OnePlus 12, the company isn’t just revisiting its past; it’s refining it. This device is a calculated assault on the premium smartphone space, blending top-tier specifications with a price that pointedly undercuts the establishment. It’s a statement piece, meticulously engineered for the enthusiast who values raw power and practical luxury over brand prestige alone.
Performance That Breathes Fire
At the heart of the OnePlus 12 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a chipset that needs little introduction. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the phone is predictably, almost absurdly, fast. Apps open instantaneously, and navigating the UI is a fluid, stutter-free experience. But raw speed is expected. Where the OnePlus 12 truly impresses is in its thermal management. The new “Dual Cryo-velocity” vapor chamber is no marketing gimmick; it keeps the device remarkably cool during extended gaming sessions, ensuring sustained performance where others might throttle. This is a phone that doesn’t just sprint; it has the stamina for a marathon at full tilt.
A Refined, Substantial Design
Visually, the OnePlus 12 is an evolution of its predecessor. The circular camera housing, now with an intricate pattern reminiscent of a luxury watch face, bleeds seamlessly into the polished aluminum frame. It’s a distinctive look that feels both elegant and bold. The build quality is exceptional, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and a choice of a silky smooth matte green or a classic black finish on the back. However, this is a substantial device. Its size and weight command a confident two-handed grip for most users. The re-introduction of the beloved Alert Slider on the left rail is a welcome return to form, providing a tactile and immediate way to manage notifications that is still unmatched in the Android world.
A Display That Dazzles
The screen is, without exaggeration, one of the best you can put your eyes on. The 6.82-inch “ProXDR” display is a 2K LTPO 4.0 OLED panel that is both incredibly sharp and buttery smooth, thanks to its adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. What truly sets it apart is its staggering peak brightness of 4,500 nits. While you won’t experience this in daily use, it makes for unparalleled HDR content consumption and flawless outdoor visibility. Furthermore, the new “Aqua Touch” feature, which improves screen responsiveness when wet, is a surprisingly effective quality-of-life improvement that solves a common frustration.
The Hasselblad Camera: Capable, Not Class-Leading
OnePlus continues its partnership with Hasselblad, and the results are commendable. The triple-camera array is versatile, headlined by a capable 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor. In good light, it captures photos with excellent detail and the signature Hasselblad natural color science, which is a pleasing departure from the overly saturated look of some rivals. The star of the show, however, is the new 64MP 3x periscope telephoto lens, which delivers sharp, detailed shots at its native focal length and provides usable digital zoom beyond that.
The system’s weakness, if any, lies in its processing consistency. While generally reliable, it can occasionally struggle with complex HDR scenes, sometimes crushing shadows or blowing out highlights in a way that competitors from Google and Samsung have largely solved. It’s a fantastic camera system for the price, but it still operates a half-step behind the absolute best in the business.
Unbeatable Battery Life and Charging
This is where the OnePlus 12 demolishes the competition. It houses a massive 5,400mAh battery that comfortably powers through even the most demanding days with juice to spare. When you finally need to top up, the charging speeds are simply phenomenal. The 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging (100W in other regions) can take you from 1-100% in about 30 minutes. Even more impressive is the return of 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, a feature sorely missed on its predecessor that adds a massive layer of convenience. In the battery department, OnePlus isn’t just competing; it’s leading the pack.
The Verdict
The OnePlus 12 is an unapologetic powerhouse. It offers a tier-one processor, a world-class display, and a battery and charging solution that is second to none. It wraps all this in a premium design and offers it for hundreds less than its primary rivals. While its camera system isn’t the absolute pinnacle of mobile photography and its software support policy is good but not great, these are calculated compromises. This phone is for the pragmatic power user—the person who wants 95% of the ultra-premium experience for 75% of the price. It’s a triumphant return to the brand’s core identity and one of the smartest flagship buys of the year.
Where to Buy:
OnePlus 12 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 85%
- Design: 90%
- Performance: 95%
- Quality: 92%
- Popularity: 80%
Top Pros
- ✅ The display offers phenomenal brightness and vibrant color reproduction.
- ✅ Performance is exceptionally fast with the latest Snapdragon processor.
- ✅ Class-leading charging speeds for both wired and wireless options.
- …
Key Cons
- ❌ The phone’s large size can be unwieldy for some users.
- ❌ Camera processing sometimes lags behind top-tier flagship competitors.
- ❌ Its official IP65 rating offers less water protection than rivals.
- …
