OnePlus has unleashed its latest flagship duo, the OnePlus 12 and 12R, promising peak performance cooled by the “biggest cooling systems to date.” But before you jump on the hype train, let’s take a balanced look at the pros and cons of these contenders.
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Pros:
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Ice Age Cooling: Both phones boast the “Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System,” featuring a massive 9,140mm² vapor chamber, the largest ever in a smartphone. This translates to superior heat dissipation, crucial for sustained peak performance, especially during gaming or intensive tasks.
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Flagship Muscle: The OnePlus 12 packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This powerhouse combo ensures buttery-smooth performance and responsiveness in every task you throw at it.
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Display Delight: The 6.82-inch AMOLED display on the OnePlus 12 boasts a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals and silky-smooth scrolling. Whether you’re gaming or binge-watching, your eyes will be in for a treat.
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Camera Confidence: The triple-camera setup on the OnePlus 12, co-developed with Hasselblad, features a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. This versatile setup promises high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
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Warp Charge Speed: OnePlus doesn’t disappoint in the charging department. The OnePlus 12 supports 100W wired charging (80W in North America) and 50W wireless charging, taking you from zero to hero in mere minutes.
Cons:
- Pricey Proposition: The OnePlus 12 starts at $799, which is a significant jump compared to its predecessors. While the improved specs justify the price hike to some extent, it might put it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
- No Hasselblad Branding on 12R: The OnePlus 12R, a slightly less powerful and affordable version, misses out on the prestigious Hasselblad branding and co-tuning for its camera. This might disappoint photography enthusiasts seeking the full OnePlus-Hasselblad experience.
- Software Concerns: While OxygenOS has come a long way, some users still report occasional bugs and inconsistencies compared to the cleaner vanilla Android experience. This might be a dealbreaker for purists.
- No Charger in the Box: Following a controversial trend, OnePlus joins the bandwagon of omitting the charger from the box. This adds to the overall cost of ownership, considering the fast charging technology requires specific OnePlus chargers.
- Missing Features: Compared to some competitors, the OnePlus 12 and 12R lack certain features like an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and expandable storage. While not dealbreakers for everyone, these omissions might be dealbreakers for some users.
The Verdict:
The OnePlus 12 and 12R are undeniably powerful and feature-packed smartphones, especially when it comes to the revolutionary cooling system. However, the hefty price tag, software quirks, and missing features might give some buyers pause. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your priorities and budget. If you prioritize raw performance, cutting-edge cooling, and a premium display, the OnePlus 12 might be worth the premium. But if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a cleaner software experience, alternative options might be more appealing.
Remember, the tech landscape is ever-evolving, and new contenders emerge constantly. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the phone that best suits your needs and budget. Happy hunting!
