OnePlus 12 Review: A Surprising Contender for Smartphone of the Year

OnePlus 12 Review: It's easy to get swept up in the annual Samsung news cycle, but amidst the flurry of announcements, the newly revealed OnePlus 12 demands attention.

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While it may sound audacious, this mid-January release could very well secure a spot among the top three smartphones of the entire year. Let's delve into why this device, priced at $799, manages to outshine its competitors.

Design and Unboxing Experience

The OnePlus 12 boasts a unique design with a chrome rail merging seamlessly into a matte marble texture on the back. The glossy marble on the cameras, paired with a touch of glitter, gives it a collector's edition feel. 

Despite having a slightly plasticky texture, the phone's curvature and comfort make it a joy to hold. 

The addition of an alert slider and Aqua touch technology for wet conditions further enhance the overall design, with the only drawback being the slightly dated front appearance.

Battery Mastery

OnePlus takes a bold approach to battery life, offering a substantial 5,400mAh battery. The device supports 50W wireless charging, filling up the battery in under an hour. 

Additionally, the inclusion of a 100W charging brick, combined with a dedicated power management chip, ensures optimal temperature control during rapid charging. The promise of minimal battery deterioration over time makes it a standout feature for long-term users.

Display Brilliance

The OnePlus 12 showcases a 120Hz QHD+ resolution display with a unique pixel structure for enhanced contrast and readability. Boasting an astonishing maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, it sets a new standard for smartphone displays. 

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The introduction of 2160Hz PWM dimming at lower brightness levels, combined with blue light reduction, makes for a visually exceptional and eye-friendly screen protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Software Intelligence

Running on Oxygen OS 4, the OnePlus 12 provides a delightful user experience. While some aesthetic choices may be questionable, the software is thoughtful and efficient. 

Unique features like swipe-up navigation, quick launch actions from the fingerprint scanner, and intelligent volume adjustments contribute to an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The phone's speed is further enhanced by the Trinity engine, a combination of hardware and software optimizations.

Blazing Fast Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 gen 3 chip, the OnePlus 12 takes performance to new heights. The Trinity engine ensures efficient communication between hardware layers, resulting in an unparalleled Android experience. 

The addition of a Pixel Works X7 co-processor enhances gaming performance with improved hyper rendering, adaptive frame boosting, and advanced cooling mechanisms.

Camera Capabilities

While not OnePlus's traditional strength, the OnePlus 12's camera setup presents a commendable performance. The hardware upgrade, including a 64MP three-time zoom lens, captures detailed and vibrant shots.

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The color temperature sensor contributes to consistent color reproduction, although occasional issues with skin tones persist. Despite not rivaling specialized camera-centric phones, the OnePlus 12 holds its ground for everyday photography.

Verdict

In conclusion, the OnePlus 12 stands out as a remarkable device, excelling in essential smartphone aspects. Its impressive battery life, stunning display, intelligent software, and outstanding performance make it a compelling choice, especially considering its $799 price tag. 

While camera enthusiasts may seek more specialized options, the OnePlus 12 caters to those who prioritize a well-rounded smartphone experience. As the year unfolds, this device has set a high standard for its competitors to match.