Smartphones

OnePlus 12 Review: Flagship Killer or Just Hype?

2025-03-20
7 min read
OnePlus 12 Review: Flagship Killer or Just Hype?

The OnePlus 12 is here, promising top-tier specs, a refined design, and powerful performance. But does it live up to the "flagship killer" reputation, or is it just another premium Android phone struggling to stand out? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

OnePlus 12: Key Specifications

FeatureDetails
Display6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2K resolution
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM & Storage12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 storage
Cameras50MP (main) + 48MP (ultrawide) + 64MP (telephoto)
Battery5400mAh, 100W fast charging, 50W wireless charging
SoftwareOxygenOS 14 (Android 14)
Price₹64,999 (~$799)

Design & Build Quality

A Refined Yet Familiar Design

The OnePlus 12 retains a sleek, curved design with premium materials, making it feel high-end in hand. It’s available in Flowy Emerald, Silky Black, and Marble White color options.

Display: One of the Best in the Market

With a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED panel, 2K resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate, the display is among the best. It offers peak brightness up to 4500 nits, ensuring great outdoor visibility.

Performance: A True Powerhouse?

Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus 12 handles everything from multitasking to gaming smoothly.

Gaming & Benchmarks

  • Geekbench Score: ~2100 (Single-core) | ~6100 (Multi-core)
  • Antutu Score: ~1.8 Million
  • Genshin Impact (60 FPS, Max Settings): Smooth performance with minimal heating

Camera System: A Flagship or Just Hype?

OnePlus has significantly improved its cameras, thanks to Hasselblad tuning.

Main Camera (50MP, Sony LYT-808)

  • Daylight: Excellent sharpness and natural colors
  • Low Light: Improved night mode but slightly overexposed highlights

Ultrawide (48MP)

  • Good dynamic range, minor edge distortion

Telephoto (64MP, 3x Optical Zoom)

  • Sharp zoom shots, but struggles in low light

Selfie Camera (32MP)

  • Crisp and detailed, but beautification is aggressive

Battery Life & Charging

With a 5400mAh battery, the OnePlus 12 easily lasts 1.5 days on moderate use.

Charging Speeds

  • 100W wired charging: 0 to 100% in ~25 minutes
  • 50W wireless charging: 0 to 100% in ~45 minutes

Software: OxygenOS 14 (Still Clean?)

OnePlus brings OxygenOS 14 with Android 14, offering a clean, smooth UI. However, some users may notice more ColorOS elements creeping in.

Price & Availability

OnePlus 12 Price

  • India: ₹64,999 (12GB/256GB) | ₹72,999 (16GB/512GB)
  • USA: $799 (Base model)

Should You Buy the OnePlus 12?

Buy it if:

✔️ You want flagship performance at a lower price

✔️ You need fast charging and great battery life

✔️ You prefer clean software with long-term updates

Skip it if:

✖️ You need the absolute best camera

✖️ You dislike ColorOS-inspired UI changes

✖️ You prefer Samsung’s longer software support

Conclusion: Is the OnePlus 12 a Flagship Killer?

The OnePlus 12 is undoubtedly one of the best flagship alternatives in 2025, offering incredible performance, great battery life, and a stunning display. However, Samsung and Google still lead in software updates and camera quality.

For those wanting top-tier power at a relatively lower price, the OnePlus 12 remains one of the best choices.