OPPO Reno12 5G Review: Stylish Design with Advanced AI Capabilities

The OPPO Reno12 5G is a stylish mid-range smartphone with a strong focus on robust design, performance, battery life, and AI features. It offers a blend of elegance and advanced technology. It's also the first major release under OPPO's commitment to accelerate the adoption of AI smartphones.

After spending some time with the OPPO Reno12 5G, let me take you through my experience using this new smartphone, highlighting its standout features, performance, and overall user experience.

OPPO Reno12 5G Specs

Android 14, ColorOS 14.1
6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, 2412 x 1080 pixel resolution, ~394ppi
120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+
Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
2.5GHz MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy octa-core processor
Mali-G615 MC2 GPU
12GB RAM LPDDR4X@2133 MHz
256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 internal storage, expandable via microSD
50MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro rear cameras, LED flash
32MP selfie camera
Stereo speakers
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
4G LTE, 5G
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.4
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
NFC
IR blaster
USB-C
5,000mAh battery, 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
Colors: Sunset Pink, Matte Brown, Astro Silver
177g

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about the Reno12 5G was its robust and refined design. I had the Matte Brown variant, and the rear panel has a classy cocoa tone with a matte brown finish that makes it look premium and keeps it free from fingerprints. The phone is built with a high-strength alloy framework that enhances its protection against drops, pressure, and water.

It's a slim device with only 7.57mm and a weight of 177g, making it comfortable to hold and use for long periods of time. The curved edges contribute to a seamless and ergonomic grip, making it comfortable to use and easy to carry around. Plus, it's rated IP65, so it can handle light rain without any issues.

Also read OPPO Reno12 5G Unboxing and First Impressions

On the right side of the Reno12 5G are the power button and volume controls, which are conveniently positioned for easy access. This makes it easy to reach, whether you use your left or right hand. This standard design makes it easy to use its functions.

At the bottom, the SIM card tray is neatly integrated, supporting dual nano-SIMs for users who juggle multiple numbers. Next to it, the USB-C port is not only great for fast charging but also data transfer, should you need to transfer some important files to your PC. It also includes a speaker and microphone for clear sound for calls and media.

On top, an additional microphone and speaker further enhance audio clarity during calls and while watching videos. The IR blaster is a nice feature, turning this phone into a versatile remote control for various home appliances. This allows you to manage your TV, air conditioner, and more, all from the convenience of your smartphone, eliminating the need for multiple remotes.

Overall, the Reno12 5G combines stylish design with practical features, offering a refined user experience that seamlessly blends form and function.

Display and Sound

The Reno12 5G showcases a stunning 6.7-inch curved OLED display. The Full HD+ resolution (2412 x 1080 pixels) combined with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures incredibly smooth scrolling and vibrant colors, making everything from social media feeds to video playback, and gaming a pleasure.

The HDR10+ screen supports a great level of depth in your media, offering richer colors and enhanced contrast. With a peak brightness of 1200 nits, the display remains sharp and readable even under direct sunlight. This is particularly useful for outdoor use or in bright environments.

For audio, the Reno12 5G’s stereo speakers deliver clear sound. While the bass might not be as pronounced as you’d find in higher-end models, the overall audio experience is satisfactory for most multimedia activities, from watching movies to playing games.

Another standout feature is OPPO’s proprietary Splash Touch technology, which ensures the screen remains responsive even if it’s wet or if your hands are damp. This adds a layer of convenience, especially during rainy days or when you're multitasking with wet hands.

For durability, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering drop protection and reduced blue light emission to safeguard your eyes during prolonged use. Overall, the Reno12 5G’s display and sound capabilities provide a well-rounded and enjoyable user experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the OPPO Reno12 5G is powered by a custom-optimized 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor. It comes with 8GB of RAM, expandable by up to 24GB via OPPO's RAM expansion feature, and 256GB of storage.

This chipset was co-developed by MediaTek and OPPO, and it's designed to deliver exceptional power efficiency. The octa-core platform consists of four A78 performance cores and four A55 efficiency cores, ensuring a balance between power and efficiency.

While it's not the most powerful chipset out there, it handles daily tasks smoothly. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is generally lag-free. Thanks to the RAM-Vita engine, which optimizes RAM utilization and can keep background apps active for up to 72 hours without any lag. The ROM-Vita engine enhances storage performance by compressing infrequently used apps and managing duplicate files, resulting in increased storage space and faster read/write speeds.

In my day-to-day use, the Reno12 5G handled typical tasks with ease. Browsing the web, scrolling through social media, and streaming videos and music were smooth and lag-free.

The device's large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate made everything look vibrant. The sound quality is also good, with its stereo speakers it delivers clear and balanced audio, making calls, music playback, and gaming sessions enjoyable. It may not have the best sound system, but it's certainly adequate for most users.

I ran several benchmark tests on the Reno12 5G. In Antutu, it scored 583,238, reflecting solid mid-range performance. Geekbench 6 results were 752 for single-core and 2008 for multi-core, indicating efficient handling of both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. PCMark Work 3.0 Preformance score of 13,466 shows that the device performs well in everyday usage scenarios. Lastly, a 3DMark score of 3150 indicates the phone can handle graphically intensive games with better performance.

To test its gaming performance, I tried the Reno12 5G with popular games across different genres, including PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Diablo Immortal, Mobile Legends, Real Racing 3, NFS No Limits, and Stumble Guys.

Starting with PUBG Mobile, I set the graphics to Smooth and the frame rate to High. The gameplay was great, with no noticeable frame drops. The high refresh rate of the display made actions appear smoother, providing more responsive and enjoyable gameplay. This made it easier to spot enemies and react quickly, which is crucial in a fast-paced game like this.

In Call of Duty Mobile, I set the graphics and frame rate to High. The game loaded fast, and the controls were responsive, making the shooting and movement feel natural and precise. The vibrant display added to the immersive experience, making the visuals pop with rich colors and details.

For a change of pace, I tried Diablo Immortal with Medium graphics settings. Despite the game's detailed environments and numerous on-screen effects during battles, the Reno12 5G handled it without any lag or stutter. The phone did get slightly warm after extended play sessions, but it wasn't uncomfortable. This game particularly highlighted the phone's ability to maintain performance under stress.

In Mobile Legends, set to High graphics and a High frame rate, the Reno12 5G delivered smooth and consistent performance. The game’s rapid action and strategic movements were handled well, with no delays or lag. The 120Hz refresh rate made the fast-paced gameplay feel incredibly responsive.

Real Racing 3, with its High graphics settings, was a visual treat on the Reno12 5G’s AMOLED display. The realistic graphics and responsive controls made the racing experience more fun and exciting. The curved display edges added a unique feel to the driving experience, giving a slight panoramic effect.

In NFS No Limits, the detailed car models and fast-paced racing were handled effortlessly. The stereo speakers provided a good audio experience, enhancing the overall excitement of the game.

Finally, Stumble Guys ran flawlessly. This simple yet engaging gameplay is fun to play, with no hiccups or delays. The touch controls were responsive, making it easy to navigate through the various obstacles.

While the OPPO Reno12 5G might not boast the most powerful chipset, but it still delivers a balanced and efficient performance for everyday use and gaming.

Camera System

Now, let's talk about the camera, a key highlight of this smartphone. The Reno12 5G comes with a triple camera setup, which includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Up front, there's a 32-megapixel selfie camera, great for capturing high-quality self-portraits.

The primary camera, which uses a Sony LYT-600 sensor, features full-pixel omnidirectional autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS), making it particularly adept at capturing clear and stable images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The camera app itself is user-friendly, offering an easy-to-use interface with easy access to different shooting modes. It’s easy to navigate, with quick access to various shooting modes like Portrait, Photo, Video, Macro, and Pro. Switching between these modes is seamless, and the AI enhancements built into the app are subtly integrated. I like how the AI would automatically suggest improvements, such as adjusting the exposure and other enhancements to the photos, making it easier to capture the perfect shot.

In terms of real-world performance, the camera system did not disappoint. The primary sensor delivered vibrant, detailed photos in daylight, while the OIS and AI enhancements helped retain clarity and reduce noise in low-light scenarios. The ultra-wide lens is handy for capturing wide perspective and can fit more people when shooting group photos, and while the 2MP macro camera wasn’t groundbreaking, it still managed to capture decent close-up shots with good detail.

In low-light conditions, the AI-enhanced Night Mode produces clear images. The Night Mode brightens scenes effectively while minimizing noise, making nighttime shots much better. The OIS helps reduce blur, ensuring photos remain clear even in dim environments.

To see the OPPO Reno 12 5G in action, you can check out some sample photos taken with the device here. You can check out sample photos shot with the device on Adobotech's Facebook page, these images showcase the camera's capabilities.

When it comes to video recording, the Reno12 5G supports 4K at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras. The video quality is impressive, offering good detail and good color reproduction. The OIS works well in stabilizing footage to minimize shakes and ensuring smooth, great-looking videos. For vloggers and those who record content, the front camera’s 4K capabilities are an advantage for better-quality videos.

AI Capabilities

Using the OPPO Reno12 5G camera is fun, particularly with its AI-driven features that take photography to the next level. One standout feature is the AI Best Face, which is a lifesaver in group shots. Gone are the days of retaking photos because someone blinked, this feature automatically corrects closed eyes, so that everyone looks their best.

For those who love taking selfies, the AI Clear Face feature is also a cool feature. It enhances facial details and brings out the best in your portraits, giving them a polished, professional look without needing extensive editing.

One of the more practical tools is the AI Eraser 2.0. This feature lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos with ease. It comes with three distinct tools: Smart Lasso, Paint Over, and Remove People. Each tool serves a unique purpose in refining your images, and while it might take a few tries to get the perfect result, the convenience it offers is undeniable.

But the AI magic doesn’t stop at just improving your photos; it also gives you creativity. The AI Studio feature is particularly fun to explore. With it, you can transform any photo into a digital avatar or an artistic portrait. The latest GenAI technology brings different styles to the table, whether you want to look like a hero from a cyberpunk world, a cowboy, or even a retro, pixelated version of yourself. It offers a lot of options, making your photo sessions not just about capturing moments but also about creating unique digital art.

Overall, the Reno12 5G camera system is impressive, particularly for a mid-range device. It offers a good mix of hardware and software features that make photography enjoyable and fun to use, whether you're a casual shooter or someone who enjoys exploring the creative possibilities of mobile photography.

Advance AI Capabilities

The OPPO Reno 12 5G is packed with advanced AI features that aim to enhance connectivity, improve photography, and make day-to-day tasks more efficient. From ensuring a stable connection with AI LinkBoost to perfecting your group photos with AI Best Face, the Reno 12 5G leverages artificial intelligence in innovative ways.

AI LinkBoost on the Reno 12 5G uses advanced AI technology to optimize connections, ensuring a lag-free experience regardless of your location. Whether you're in a crowded café with congested Wi-Fi or traveling through areas with spotty cellular service, AI LinkBoost actively manages network connections to maintain the best possible performance.

BeaconLink: Advanced Bluetooth Connectivity: What It Is and How It Works
BeaconLink enhances location-based services and extends Bluetooth connectivity to new levels. It allows users to make voice calls without mobile data or a network signal, extending Bluetooth uplink by 300% for communication up to 200 meters away. This works by creating a temporary Bluetooth network, ensuring you can stay connected even in remote areas.

Picture yourself hiking in a remote location with no mobile signal. Normally, you'd be cut off from communicating with others, but with BeaconLink, you can still make voice calls to other Reno 12 5G users within 200 meters. This feature is also useful in airplane mode, where traditional networks are unavailable.

Activating BeaconLink is easy: simply navigate to Settings > Mobile Network and toggle the feature on. It’s designed to be accessible even for users who aren’t tech-savvy, making it a valuable tool for staying connected in challenging environments.

Essential Highlights is an AI-powered tool that condenses lengthy passages of text into key highlights. This feature is incredibly useful for quickly getting the most important details of an article or document without having to read through the entire text. This feature allows you to efficiently get the necessary information.

AI Speak allows you to listen to articles and other text content hands-free. This feature is perfect for multitasking, whether you're driving, exercising, or cooking. AI Speak reads articles aloud, making it easier to stay informed without having to constantly look at your screen. With AI Speak, you can listen to an article, allowing you to keep your hands free and focus on your task. This feature is especially useful for busy individuals who need to make the most of their time.

AI Recording Summary is designed to summarize key information from voice recordings, making it easier to find and review important details without having to listen to entire recordings. It currently supports English, Hindi, and Chinese, with more languages expected to be added in the future. This feature not only saves time but also helps you quickly identify actionable items from the meeting.

These feature can be used when the AI Toolbox/Smart Sidebar is enabled.

The AI features on the OPPO Reno 12 5G are cool features that are useful, improve the user experience, and boost productivity. It's designed to enhance connectivity, improve user experience, and boost productivity. From ensuring a stable internet connection with AI LinkBoost to perfecting your group photos with AI Best Face, these features make everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

Battery and Charging

The Reno12 5G features a robust battery and fast-charging capabilities with its 5,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging. A full charge can easily last through a full day of heavy use. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, browsing the web, or navigating through various apps, the battery life is reliable.

In my experience, even with screen brightness turned up, 5G connectivity enabled, and the refresh rate set to 120Hz, the Reno 12 5G comfortably made it through the day without needing a recharge. For those who might not be as heavy-handed with their usage, you can expect the battery to extend well into the second day.

The 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology has the ability to quickly recharge the battery. It goes from 20% to 100% in just about 49 minutes, which is impressive. This means that even if you forget to charge your phone overnight, a quick 15-minute charge in the morning can give you enough juice to get through several hours of the day.

Moreover, efficient power management is handled by AI optimizations in ColorOS, which further enhance battery performance. The system intelligently allocates resources, ensuring that even when the battery is running low, you can stretch the remaining power without sacrificing essential functions.

Pros:
Stylish and Robust Design
Vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED Display
Advanced AI Capabilities
Reliable Performance
Long Battery Life

Cons:
Mid-Range Chipset
Macro Quality could better
Lacks Advanced Camera Features: Compared to the OPPO Reno 12 Pro

Only 256GB Storage, Other brands have 512GB starage capacity

Verdict
The OPPO Reno 12 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a blend of stylish design, robust performance, and advanced AI features. Its long battery life and fast charging capabilities make it a reliable companion for daily use, while the AI-driven tools enhance the overall user experience, from photography to connectivity. Though it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or camera versatility, it delivers impressive value for its price point. The Reno 12 5G is a good choice for users who look for premium design, battery life, and smart features in a mid-range smartphone.

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