Google could have christened 2023 as the yr it formally introduced a ton of AI-enabled options to its Pixel smartphones. Samsung kicked off 2024 with the same development with its Galaxy S24 collection focussed closely on AI options, some of that are similar to Google’s. But the relaxation of the Android world remains to be taking part in catch-up (or is a bit late to the occasion). While 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 function that improves their software program or general smartphone expertise.
With that mentioned, OnePlus is just about an element of the second group. There aren’t any new AI options to brag about with this yr’s OnePlus 12, with the firm following the commonplace system and focussing on higher {hardware} as an alternative. And from what I noticed from my Pixel 8 Pro overview, that is not a foul thought both. I’ve spent a couple of days with the new OnePlus 12 and got here out fairly impressed.
The OnePlus 12’s design is predicated on the earlier OnePlus 11 however certainly seems and feels completely different
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In the field, OnePlus gives a 100W charger, a Type-A to Type-C charging cable and a smooth, matte-finished silicon case. The cellphone seems beautiful in the new Flowy Emerald end that I obtained for overview, with a properly textured rear panel with flowing strains. What received 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 function is its official IP65 ranking, it is inferior to an IP68 ranking, however provided that few smartphones supply higher, it is good to have at this value level.
Its design is usually OnePlus with rounded corners, curved sides and the typical consideration to element that OnePlus is understood for, and it variety 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 could be very completely different from the earlier one
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There’s a big 6.82-inch QHD+ show in a broad 19.8:9 side 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 cellphone is powered by the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, and it could transform one of its robust factors. It is one of 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 cellphone is obtainable with a most of 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The new cameras are a correct improve over the OnePlus 11
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As for its cameras, the OnePlus 12 presents a digital camera setup which is sort of equivalent to what’s out there on its Open foldable. There’s a 50-megapixel major digital camera with OIS, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide with a 114-degree subject 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. At the identical time, these cameras are a correct {hardware} improve over final yr’s OnePlus 11.
It’s certainly shocking that the cellphone doesn’t really feel very thick given that there is a new 5,400mAh dual-cell battery inside. I’m anticipating nothing however the greatest in phrases of general efficiency provided 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 in the field. This could look like a downgrade over final yr’s 100W wired charging, however is a crucial evil to cost OnePlus’ largest battery unit in a cellphone but. Making a return this yr is 50W AirVOOC wi-fi charging as properly.
OnePlus presents a snug-fitting silicon case in the field
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All-in-all, there’s a lot to stay up for whereas reviewing the OnePlus 12 though OnePlus appears to have borrowed a couple of bits from its components bin. There’s not a lot to stay up for on the software program entrance, though it packs OxygenOS 14 with Android 14. But I anticipate 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 supply higher worth than Samsung’s Galaxy S collection smartphones? Find out in my detailed overview, which shall be out quickly.
