OnePlus 12 review: A no-nonsense flagship for a great price

Instead of going all-in on AI, the OnePlus 12 is a more straightforward device centered around a big 6.8-inch screen and a speedy new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. It also has a very capable triple camera setup along with increasingly rare features like an IR blaster. And while it’s still not quite as good as what’s available from competitors, the 12’s IP65 rating for dust and water resistance is the best we’ve seen on any OnePlus phone to date. But the best things about this phone are its truly excellent battery life and an $800 price that’s $200 less than an equivalent S24+. And that’s before you factor in any deals or promos.
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[@Cimlite]

It's wild that _800 dollars_ is considered a "great price"... and even wilder that a phone including a charging brick is considered something special. The whole phone industry has gone nuts imo.

[@silvercomet5330]

Unfortunately that’s how inflation and capitalism works…..in our modern time. Thanks to Apple and now Samsung.

[@mmaenthusiast7605]

I agree, I preferred OnePlus a lot more when their phones cost £400 or less. I bought the 7t around 5 years ago for £379 in John Lewis and using it as I type.. I am thinking of getting the 12 but won't settle for anything less than 512gb storage and that's a bit too pricey for me.

[@suckmydickthatsrightyousuc1423]

@@mmaenthusiast7605 The 512 GB storage model is discounted to the same price as 256 GB if you peorder right now. Oneplus 7T is worth $150 for trade in. So you'd be at $650 before tax.

[@JimIBobIJones]

It's a 100w charging brick, so yeah it would still be a big deal even if everyone else was packing chargers too. Agree its nuts on the price, and part of it is trying to maintain their profit margins to offset slowing sales across the board for all phones - but they are doing quite a bit to justify price increases as well. Performance is increasing a factor significantly greater than the rate which the underlying technology is. You are also getting better camera technology, which doesn't really benefit as much from silicone dies shrinking. Same is even more true for higher refresh rate OLED screens. So at the end of the day, you probably have more margin packed into phones today but it doesn't account for all of the relative price rise in phones.

[@kelm1123]

That's cause most of the people are followers and just follow along

[@hotconductor4749]

Sitting here on my OnePlus 7T. Still going strong after all these years but I just ordered the 12 and can't wait. It checks every single box. No compromises. AI is an app install away. Doesn't need to be a core part of the phone. Easy to add in the future.

[@zepplin839]

The whole “other phone ai” is silly because most of it runs through the cloud. It’s not like it’s an extra hw feature. It’s softwarelocked garbage

[@marinosdimitriou3902]

Same as me :) OP 7T, pre ordered the 12. It will be an amazing upgrade, especially camera. AI is coming as an update. They will release a patch this month but only for China now.

[@bladecut]

Hahahaha I was on oneplus 7t as well just got my oneplus 12 16/512 gb and I've gotta tell it to you I'm in love with this device it's amazing the haptics the screen you'll have a blast!

[@tsenif]

AI is pretty gimmicky IMO. I have the OnePlus 12, it's amazing.

[@sachinhj9910]

Me too using my 7T. But didn't buy this due to the curved display

[@jeffreyes6938]

AI features seems like something that can be remedied with an app further down the line. Not enough to offset the price by $500

[@yensteel]

I ordered mine a week ago and am greatly anticipating its arrival. Covering the basics like battery life and camera quality for a decent price? It’s all most of us need.

[@Sedp23]

Love my 12 its been great so far

[@iTROLLxTHExTROLLZ]

Are you in the EU or States??

[@Sedp23]

@@iTROLLxTHExTROLLZ I'm in the U.S.

[@Stefovolley1983]

@@Sedp23 How fast does it charge if connected to a regular usb-c PD charger (like the one provided with the macbook)?

[@yensteel]

@@Stefovolley1983OP 7 and 10 pro user here, it’s hella fast, nearly twice as fast as using PD. Most of the speed increase is when it’s charging from nearly empty. Every phone charges with a different curve. I can just plop it down for 15 minutes and more than half is already charged. Im getting mixed reports of whether it supports 18 or 25w for the OP12. Basically, even if the charger can push more amps, the phone won’t charge faster than such a speed. PD is pretty useful when you’re using a battery bank that supports faster charging speeds. Supervooc is supposed to be friendlier on battery wear than PD since more of the conversion is offloaded on the charging brick instead of the circuits in the phone, but since it’s so fast, I’m not sure if it wears more than PD25w. From experience, PD heats up my phone more than Supervooc 80. I personally use my trusty old iPhone 4 charger for overnight charges and Supervooc for “Oh darn” moments.

[@Ignacio.Romero]

@@Stefovolley1983 I think the 11 charged at 20W when using a USB PD charger

[@hadiadil6693]

"This phone looks similar to the s10+" I guess this is my next phone then. I'm currently on an s10+ and I'm used to the curved display to a point where flat displays kinda look bad in my eyes.

[@briangong007]

Preordered mine and I have only had my OP11for 6 months. Can't beat the sales incentives on the 12!

[@RazzTheKid]

Wait when did ff7 get a big graphical update??does anyone know plz? Amazing phone!Great review.

[@hdtravel1]

The OnePlus 12 is just an awesome phone - I love mine - it's amazing

[@rossfortin5641]

I loved having an ir blaster on my LG phones. Great to see it back on a premium phone in the US

[@kanogomez5063]

Nice video...I ordered mine the other day...$700 + tax can't wait ...💪🏽

[@billy.7113]

Did you get another $30 off from OnePlus?

[@ryanranjith672]

At least you are reviewing it not being like @mkbhd....1+ subscriber.....

[@TheLazyWandererMys]

BTW, MKHBHD did finally review the 12 (not sure if it's psychological since he first refused to review it, but it kinda sounded half hearted attempt)

[@dr.fitprofessor4363]

I think the color is more of a preference issue. Personally, I feel the flowy emerald color looks a little bit too much like kitchen tile. To that end, I preferred and ordered the silky black. It has a very classy stealthy look with a little bit of a shimmer. It also has a matte finish.

[@flummoxedbeing]

Lol yeah reminds me of cheap laminate countertops

[@dr.fitprofessor4363]

@@flummoxedbeing I mean it's not the worst thing I've ever seen. However, it's just struck me as kind of odd. I really haven't cared for their greens the last couple of years.

[@nitin1240]

Back panel colour only matters to them who don't use a phone cover.

[@dr.fitprofessor4363]

@@nitin1240 what's your point? In fact, there's a very good reason people should care about the color of their phone. It's called resale value. Some models with certain colors will always sell for more. Personally, I always use a case but, I keep resale value in mind.

[@nitin1240]

As you have rightly said that colour is a 'preference issue' so for the global release of phones most of the companies give weightage to general choice of people I think. Moreover if you have listened to many reviewers I have noticed them saying 'Silky Black' of OP 12 is more slippery to handle than the 'Flowy Emerald'. So for them who don't use cover, I think green phone would be better.

[@hdtravel1]

I could care less about the lack of AI - less AI is better in my book

[@rex-k9187]

I love My OnePlus 12 ❤🎉😊

[@Wickiup]

I pre-ordered two 16gb with 512 storage OnePlus 12's for hubby and myself. With all the discounts and trade-ins I paid $599 for each from OnePlus. We are using our wonderful OnePlus 11's 'til the 12's arrive and will keep them as backups. Wonderful phones!! 😊

[@fallback8314]

he's lucky he has a wife

[@vernonleewarren280]

The OnePlus 8 pro came with IP68 water and dust resistance. I currently own that device

[@fallback8314]

1+8 pro is STILL a great device! i had that phone!

[@TheLazyWandererMys]

Pre-ordered the 12 16|512, been using it for over 12 days no and absolutely love it. I haven't really tested the cameras but they don't seem very promising at night, not sure if a software update can improve it overtime.That said, been with OP brand since 2016, 3T>8T>12 and so far, don't regret buying it. Battery life is easily a day and a half for my usage with over 15% left. SOT of around 6+hrs of mainly using social media and mail. Havent tried gaming but the phone does get warm on extended screen usage. Too early I know, but hoping to see a Google cam port for the 12 soon 😁

[@Petersichi77]

OnePlus 🔥🔥😍

[@wolflegendgaming8420]

Just bought it literally an hour ago, I'm watching this video on it. I love it

[@therues7071]

This phone is probably the only phone you will ever need for the next 2 years atleast. maybe even 5 years. Ultra fast charging, fast processor and amazing display. The only thing that apple and samsung do better is the camera's. Honestly tho I have been using this phone for a week now and the camera quality is amazing. I am not a photographer tho.

[@691tommyc]

Just bought it yesterday. I'm an iPhone fan boy since the iPhone 3. My first android phone will be the OnePlus 12, so my android experience depends on this phone. I will like/love it or hate it and going back to iPhone never looking back at android. This was the first phone that I felt was worth the move to try android. Finger cross!

[@ddvantandar-kw7kl]

Hdmi out ?

[@abhilashsengupta618]

Planning to upgrade from OnePlus 8T to OnePlus 12. Is it worth it? Anyone can share their personal experience with Oneplus 12 so far? Does it have the familiar green line issue on the screen? How's the gaming performance? And camera? Thanks in advance for any response! 🙂

[@carlcoleman5762]

Ai has already started rolling out for some Chinese version

[@ZeiTooN9]

Yes, but the AI features aren't a point of sale. Google and Samsung used AI to sell their phones because all other aspects are just small upgrades, if you can call them upgrades (Samsung with their new gorilla armor that destroys colors). OnePlus just gave the same as the others, with some better features (ultra-fast wired and fast wireless charging, beautiful screen, SD gen 3, incredible cameras, etc…). And you still have the power brick and wire inside the package. For less. A lot less.

[@JosephLauderdale]

I read that Samsung's AI is only temporarily free and that it will later be a subscription service. Not sure about Apple. And hopefully OnePlus won't follow suit, free for life! 👊

[@user-by4nq1yr8x]

​@@JosephLauderdale By end of 2025 If i remember correctly, it's just to hook us to new features then charge for it.

[@franklynj9]

keep up work on your channels man hope to see more

[@tynayko]

The only weird thing about this phone coming from my 10 Pro is that the alert slider is on the opposite side.

[@yashwanth7889]

While playing Pubg or CODM on my OP 12 after Max 20 mins or when temp reaches 38°C it drops fps from 90 or 120 to 55 fps and locks there. I tried everything and this sucks and disappointed 70k device performing like this

[@shankars195]

Good reviews but you need to slow down a bit. It looks like you are reading the script with some modulation or rushing up as you have many more reviews to be done on the same day

[@jimwaldsmit7983]

5:18 not to nitpick and to take anything away from your video...but when you plugged in your s24 ultra it only showed fast charging (indicated by the green fast charge ring. Super fast charging 2.0 (blue ring) is a little bit faster and it does make a noticable difference in my experience). Great work otherwise guys

[@druu988]

Our version of AI is not what people really think it is. It’s all about control.

[@naveenn6235]

OnePlus 8 pro was the first phone to have ip68 rating in 2020 🖖

[@vernonleewarren280]

Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Redmi devices all come with IR blasters

[@bobbysworldrox]

That green back looks like marble top 🧏

[@beefen7921]

AI features are coming to this phone soon.. they're already testing it in chinese market and will probably roll out this coming Spring... i'm not too big on AI so i couldn't care less

[@COOLMAN939]

Umm it's not the highest IP rating on a OnePlus phone. 8 Pro had IP68 rating. BTW posting from my OP12 after upgrading from the 8 Pro 😏

[@kramernaylor7810]

The big 3 treat us like sheep. They think they're untouchable.

[@J2BGaming650]

BEST PHONE EVER !

[@weesiangang3094]

This phone is very much similar to oppo find x7 ultra

[@jaughnekow]

AI is over saturated now.

[@mikem3614]

Just Asking Can You Use A Stylus With This Phone

[@HenrikoMagnifico]

1100$ USD in EU... yeah, a very "great" price indeed 😛

[@user-vf9pv8dc7r]

sounds like a EU problem, not a oneplus problem.

[@JohnZombi88]

How's those govt overreach regulations working out for you kek

[@user-vf9pv8dc7r]

​@@JohnZombi88 I'm more fearful of my own government lately, so im happy China doesn't share intel with the US kekeke

[@nisheshdalal]

One Plus has very poor after sales support and software updates are almost always an issue - once you install an update the you can never be sure if everything is going to continue working seamlessly. I'm giving up One Plus (after using One Plus since One Plus 5 to my current One Plus 11) and moving to either Samsung or iPhone. Not sure.

[@hemanthpothala356]

iPhone 15 Plus or OnePlus 12 which is better for camera and gaming?

[@MootElm]

⁠@@hemanthpothala356oneplus 12 would definitely be the better option over the iphone 15 plus. That iphone has the older chip from last year from Apple and only 60 hz display.

[@vernonleewarren280]

I could care less about A.I.

[@marcocervesato115]

My battery drains fast😢

[@xephyrxero]

That curved edge screen kills it for me. I've had a couple in the past, and once you put a case on it it becomes almost impossible to reach the edges with your finger anymore

[@JohnZombi88]

...don't use a case then?

[@maureenbrown8687]

That's NOT true. I have a case on my 1+ 12 and I STILL have errant touches. Traded my 1+ 7Pro for this-got $200 off along with the pre sale discount of $100 for the Flowy Emerald 16gb/512 storage model. Not a fan of curved edges but THIS was too good of a bargain to pass up. Also bought the 50 watt wireless charger. NEVER heard about the wireless charger being free though. Got my purchase from OnePlus website. Am loving it so far-only had it a week. I STILL have my OnePlus 8T (bought it 2 years ago because of flat screen & it was on sale for UNDER $400 😹). Anyway, I really like it but you do you, boo! 😺

[@jwkjr321]

You are spot on with this review. While it is a great phone One+ in my opinion made 3 major misguided "improvements" 1. as you said the curved screen is lame and dated. Makes the phone impossible to hold without the bumper case (which should be included with the phone). 2. moving the volume button to the right side. WHY? now hit power button when trying to volume down. STUPID! and 3. UNLESS I AM MISSING SOMETHING - WHAT IN THE HELL DID THEY TAKE AWAY NOTIFICATION LIGHTS WHEN THE SCREEN IS OFF FOR? THIS IS A KEY FEATURE FOR ANY DAMN PHOINE. THIS SIMPLE LITTLE FEATURE IS SUPER IMPORTANT! i MEAN WHAT THE HELL? SO IF I LEAVE MY DESK AND COME BACK - I NOW HAVE TO PICK UP MY PHONE TURN IT ON AND CHECK TO SEE IF I MAY HAVE MISSED SOMETHING NO LITTLE BLINKING LIGHT? THIS WAS ALMOST A DEAL BREAKER FOR ME I WAS SERIOUSLY CONCIDEREING RETURNING IT - TOTALLY F'ED UP ON THIS ONE+....

[@user-cy2nt5kc1e]

Oneplus becoming htc/lg 😅

[@leifdux7277]

I would buy it if it didn't cost 1,100 dollars

[@robsonrissotrainer]

I wish it had a straight screen

[@iscobugged9940]

Ultimate question: iPhone 15 Plus or Oneplus12? Is the Oneplus 12 worthy of winning my personal race against the iPhone 15 plus? However, I have a great fear that after about 10 years as a very satisfied customer of the IPhone ecosystem, it will be extremely difficult for me or even I will not be able to get used to it and make the transition from iPhone to Android... Hard decision...

[@keyoke]

The scratch on the camera module 0:44 …

[@marcelcampos]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@jwkjr321]

While it is a great phone One+ in my opinion made 3 major misguided "improvements" 1. The curved screen is lame and dated. Makes the phone impossible to hold without the bumper case (which should be included with the phone). 2. moving the volume button to the right side. WHY? now hit power button when trying to volume down or volume down when trying to hit power. STUPID! and 3. UNLESS I AM MISSING SOMETHING - WHAT IN THE HELL DID THEY TAKE AWAY NOTIFICATION LIGHTS WHEN THE SCREEN IS OFF FOR? THIS IS A KEY FEATURE FOR ANY DAMN PHOINE. THIS SIMPLE LITTLE FEATURE IS SUPER IMPORTANT! i MEAN WHAT THE HELL? SO IF I LEAVE MY DESK AND COME BACK - I NOW HAVE TO PICK UP MY PHONE TURN IT ON AND CHECK TO SEE IF I MAY HAVE MISSED SOMETHING NO LITTLE BLINKING LIGHT? THIS WAS ALMOST A DEAL BREAKER FOR ME - TOTALLY F'ED UP ON THIS ONE+.... Now you may think that I am a very shallow user in terms of proficiency, however I have spent years customizing every phone I have owned. This 12 is my latest upgrade to my rooted One + 6, which was a great phone. Aside from the curved screen which is simply a matter of taste, moving the volume button and no blinking notification light was a mistake.

[@newfnshow031]

oneplus bas the worst support in the world so be warned

[@user-kw8ep3vp7l]

Old outdated design. It still bothers me that most apps don't fill the whole screen. The small details is what keeps me going back to iPhone.

[@dominictrottier3136]

It's a great phone but I eliminated it immediately when I saw the very stupid non flat screen and too narrow. I have a OnePlus 7 pro and I deeply hate the screen not being flat

[@AliArghavan]

24fps video? YUCK!

[@alfredoc64]

That's 8k

[@modestman6753]

​@alfredoc64 yeah but better remove the 8k & improve 4k instead. I don't want half baked 8k camera

[@AOD1488]

Do I have to be black to own it? All of the videos on the phone show black people

[@Shl0kk]

Do I have to be a squirrel to own a phone? All I see are squirrels in the still life photos. Puh-lease

[@BriskWalkZombie]

It’s impressive how many things you people find to complain about, yet you’re the type of person to say everyone else is “fragile.”

[@GrigRP]

Snowflake

[@mr_stoosh]

Clown comment....

[@mr_stoosh]

Yeah actually you do and if you ain't the right ethnicity the phone will send out an electric shock and let you know you're not supposed to own it. Get a life....

[@msbudmsbud7593]

It looks terrible !!!

[@Roomer645]

Agreed ... Looks like a 2021 device

[@nitin1240]

If this can be called 'terrible' there's no word for the most ugly soap-bar design on earth called an iPhone.

[@Roomer645]

@@nitin1240 Yeah, but the iphone is not up for discussion ... Nobody mentions it. There are dozens of other bland designs. Stick to the topic bro.

[@msbudmsbud7593]

@@nitin1240 This design is so much 2015 !!

[@nitin1240]

@@msbudmsbud7593 What would you call body design of Samsung S24 ultra?

[@ThomasTheTankEngine22]

OnePlus phones are just boring as hell. Excluding the Open (i still hate that name)

[@VenkatA-fr3tw]

Lol you have AI gimmicky games on Samsung and Pixels. Oh sorry you call them features Lol....😂 😂

[@ThomasTheTankEngine22]

@@VenkatA-fr3tw they're not gonna call you bro. Give it a rest. Nobody even said anything about Samsung or Google. Go touch grass. Better yet, go get some ass

[@GrigRP]

​@@ThomasTheTankEngine22Says the dude with 57 comments here.

[@silvercomet5330]

Than what phone is more exciting to you than oneplus since you excluded the top android phones out there?? Cuz I know you sure as hell don’t consider the iPhone exciting. lol.

[@jeffreyes6938]

​@@silvercomet5330have you seen those Fisher Price phones? I think that's what he's talking about since he wants excitement

[@bashoo]

Not so great price in Europe though.