OnePlus 12: 7 Reasons to Buy and 4 Reasons to Skip

Discover the top reasons to consider the OnePlus 12 in our concise guide. Explore its performance, camera capabilities, charging options, and more.

OnePlus 12 Review: 7 Reasons to Buy and 4 Reasons to Skip

Reasons to Buy the OnePlus 12

1. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Performance

The OnePlus 12 boasts access to the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering unparalleled performance and power management. Despite slightly lower benchmark scores compared to some competitors, its 117.2 frames per second result on the 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited test surpasses even the iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring smooth graphics performance.

2. Improved Telephoto Lens

Partnering with Hasselblad for the fourth time, OnePlus delivers enhanced camera capabilities with the OnePlus 12. Notably, its upgraded 64MP telephoto lens allows for superior zoom capabilities, with a 3x optical zoom and 6x in-sensor zoom, resulting in sharper, more detailed images.

3. Wireless Charging Reintroduction

With a substantial 5,400 mAh battery and improved power management, the OnePlus 12 offers impressive battery life. Additionally, it marks the return of wireless charging to OnePlus flagship devices, complementing its fast-charging capabilities for a comprehensive charging solution.

4. Ample RAM and Storage

Setting itself apart from competitors, the base model of the OnePlus 12 comes with 12GB of RAM, with an option to upgrade to 16GB for increased performance. Furthermore, it offers ample storage with a base model of 256GB, matching premium offerings from other flagship brands.

5. Vibrant Display

Equipped with a 6.82-inch OLED panel, the OnePlus 12 promises exceptional brightness and color reproduction. Preliminary tests indicate a highly luminous display, ideal for various tasks including mobile gaming, further enhanced by its fast refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

6. Infrared Blaster Inclusion

While not a decisive feature, the inclusion of an infrared blaster adds versatility to the OnePlus 12, allowing it to serve as a universal remote for various electronic devices. Coupled with its robust hardware and feature set, it contributes to the overall appeal of the device.

7. Competitive Pricing

Despite a nominal price increase compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12 remains competitively priced, especially with OnePlus’ trade-in promotion offering a $100 credit. This brings its effective cost in line with previous models, offering excellent value for its feature set.

Reasons to Skip the OnePlus 12

1. Lack of AI Features at Launch

While the OnePlus 12 boasts significant hardware improvements, it currently lacks AI-powered features present in competing devices like the Galaxy S24. This includes capabilities such as live call translation and screen-based search, placing it at a disadvantage in terms of AI integration.

2. Limited Software Support Compared to Competitors

With four years of guaranteed software updates and an additional year of security support, the OnePlus 12 falls short of competitors like Samsung and Google, who offer extended support periods of up to seven years. This disparity may impact long-term device usability and security.

3. Restricted Water Resistance

Despite an IP65 rating offering some protection against water damage, the OnePlus 12’s limited water resistance falls short of competitors offering IP68 ratings, which provide superior protection against water immersion. This may deter users seeking greater durability in their devices.

4. OnePlus 12R as a Budget Alternative

The simultaneous release of the OnePlus 12R, a more affordable variant with reduced features, may overshadow the OnePlus 12 for budget-conscious consumers. With a lower price point and similar core functionality, the OnePlus 12R presents a compelling alternative for value-oriented buyers.

Outlook for the OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 maintains the brand’s tradition of delivering premium features at competitive prices, appealing to users seeking high performance and value in a flagship device. While it faces stiff competition from established rivals, its strong hardware offerings and attractive pricing position it as a worthy contender in the smartphone market.

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