OnePlus 12 Hands-on: return to "Flagship Killer" form

OnePlus 12 Hands-on: return to “Flagship Killer” form،

When it comes to exciting Android phones, OnePlus is usually one of the brands that makes the shortlist.

Although it already offers a selection of more affordable phones, the Oppo subsidiary has been best known for its high-end flagship for a decade now. True to its motto “Never Settle”, OnePlus always prides itself on its flagship products at aggressive prices that give rivals a run for their money.

It is assumed that this will be the case with the all-new OnePlus 12. The flagship was unveiled earlier in China, but it is finally coming to the global stage. And guess what? We are happy campers because we already have one with us!

OnePlus 12: hands-on impressions

Flowy Emerald color is a shade of green with a marble-like finish

We had the pleasure of reviewing the Flowy Emerald version of the OnePlus 12. This one is a particularly interesting version of the phone, both for its color and its texture. Yes, it's green when you look at it directly, with a very distinct dynamic fluid pattern. However, when you tilt the phone slightly, the color changes to light blue, creating an intriguing chameleon effect.

In terms of feel, the rear of the OnePlus 12 looks like delicate satin and is a joy to touch and interact with. Although it looks similar, the visual pattern does not have a specific texture. You will feel the even satin finish when you run your fingertips over the back panel.

Overall, the OnePlus 12 still feels smaller than the spectacular 6.8-inch screen size suggests. It also somehow manages to fit a giant 5,400mAh battery inside.

Technically, the OnePlus 12 is taller, wider and thicker than the OnePlus 11, but you'll be hard-pressed to notice a significant difference in real life. What you will feel however is the increased weight: the OnePlus 12 tips the scales at 220 grams, a sharper departure from the OnePlus 11's anemic 205g weight.

Even if the OnePlus 12 has gained weight, the ergonomics have not deteriorated. In fact, the curved back makes it feel like you're handling a much smaller phone, as there are no edges digging into the skin of your palm. As curved screens become more and more out of fashion, OnePlus has one last hurray with the OnePlus 12.

Note that the pattern also continues in the camera island - OnePlus 12 Hands-on: return to

Note that the pattern also continues into the camera island.

The rather imposing circular camera island on the back is surely a showpiece that takes a page from the OnePlus Open's book. It's noticeably larger than the OnePlus 11's camera island, and that makes the OnePlus 12 slightly heavy in comparison.

One unique design element that surely caught me off guard was the light shimmering glitter scattered across the circular camera island. It's a bold design statement that definitely stands out among the sea of rather utilitarian phones, but I think some might not be fans of such “nerdy” flamboyance.

In terms of button placement, the OnePlus 12 is the complete opposite of the OnePlus 11, and indeed most previous OnePlus flagships since the OnePlus 6. The new phone has its volume rocker on the right side, just above the power button, where it is subjectively easier to interact with and allows for a more ergonomic user experience. The signature ringtone switch is located on the left side of the phone, where it resides alone. This is a notable change that dedicated OnePlus fans will have to get used to.

The OnePlus 12 (top) has an IR blaster. And that probably makes a lot more sense than having a thermometer on your phone, right?

Looking around the device, one thing that raises a few questions is the IR blaster on the top bezel. To my knowledge and using a quick Google search as a crutch, the OnePlus 12 is the first OnePlus flagship phone with an IR blaster, which is usually a core feature of Oppo and Xiaomi phones. Of course, there are functional benefits to having such a sensor, but it certainly wasn't on our early 2024 bingo card when it comes to new features.

The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a step up from the Gorilla Glass 7 on OnePlus 11. As is tradition, however, OnePlus has also added a basic screen protector pre-applied to the display . OnePlus 12.

Finally, true to its status as a flagship product, the OnePlus 12 also got improved protection against the elements thanks to an official IP65 rating. This means the phone is fully dustproof and protected against powerful jets of water, which is an improvement over the splash protection of its predecessor.

Expectations of the OnePlus 12

A flagship killer indeed

THE OnePlus 12 This feels like a return to form for OnePlus, which had sort of lost its groove a while back. The OnePlus 11 began this gradual shift back to the company's roots, diving into the same terrain where gold has been struck with OnePlus' iconic devices over the years.

Although it may seem that the OnePlus 12 is a pretty safe build with little to no risks taken, it's shaping up to be an excellent Android flagship that's simply a pleasure to interact with and use. There's nothing wrong with taking the safer route, seeing as most of OnePlus' competitors certainly do the same.

Stay tuned for our full review, which should be coming to you in the coming weeks.