The Oppo Reno 12 series, comprising the Reno 12 and Reno Pro, has recently launched in India, offering a compelling package of flagship-level features at mid-range prices. These smartphones aim to cater to users who value style, performance, and innovative AI-powered capabilities.
Design and Build Quality
The Reno 12 series boasts a sophisticated two-tone matte-gloss design, with a metallic ribbon accent across the back panel. Both the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro feature Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2 protection on the front and back, ensuring enhanced resistance against drops, scratches, and impacts.
Oppo has also implemented an “All-Round Armour Architecture” that combines style with durability. The devices employ a High-Strength Alloy Framework, utilizing a proprietary alloy compound to boost corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, and overall strength.
The rear camera module is elegantly integrated into the upper left corner, featuring a subtle rectangular design. On the front, the selfie camera is discreetly positioned in a center-aligned punch-hole cutout at the top of the display.
The Reno 12 series maintains a familiar layout for ports and buttons, with the power button and volume rockers on the right side, and the USB-C port, SIM card tray, and speaker grille at the bottom. An IR blaster is also present on the top edge.
Oppo has incorporated biomimetic technology in the internal cushioning materials, creating buffering zones for improved shock absorption. The Reno 12 Pro 5G carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, though an IP68 certification would have been a welcome addition.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The Reno 12 series features a 6.7-inch Quad Curved Infinite View Screen with a 120Hz AMOLED display. The FHD+ resolution (241×1080) results in a crisp 394 pixel density.
The display offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits outdoors, with local peaks up to 1500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. It supports HDR10 and HDR10+, delivering vibrant color and deep contrasts for an immersive multimedia experience.
Oppo has incorporated several display features, such as “Splash Touch,” which allows the screen to remain responsive even when wet, and “Bedtime Mode,” which intelligently adjusts the screen’s color temperature throughout the day to minimize the impact on melatonin levels, potentially improving sleep quality.
Performance and Software
The Oppo Reno 12 series is powered by the Media Tek Dimensity 7300-Energy SoC, a capable mid-range processor that delivers a balance of performance and energy efficiency.
The Reno 12 comes in a single 8GB and 256GB storage variant, while the Reno 12 Pro is available in two models with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage options. The devices run on ColorOS 14.1, based on Android 14. Oppo promises 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security fixes, ensuring the phones remain current for a reasonable period.
ColorOS 14 introduces several AI-powered features, such as the AI Toolbox, which can recognize what you’re doing on the phone and recommend relevant AI features. The new File Dock features allow for easy saving and sharing of content across apps, even syncing between ColorOS devices. The Smart Touch feature enables users to extract and edit content from screenshots that Couldn’t be selected previously.
Camera and Imaging Capabilities
The Reno 12 Pro 5G features a triple-lens rear camera system, led by a 50-megapixel primary camera equipped with Sony’s LYT-600 sensor and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). It also includes a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with a Samsung JN5 sensor, offering 2x portrait zoom and up to 20x digital zoom.
The Reno 12, on the other hand, replaces the Pro’s telephoto camera with a 2-megapixel OVO02B10 macro camera for shots as close as 4cm.
For selfies, the Reno 12 Pro utilizes a 50-megapixel Samsung JN5 sensor, while the Reno 12 features a 32-megapixel GC32E2 sensor by GalaxyCore.
Battery and Charging
Both the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro are equipped with a sizable 5,000mAh battery, which Oppo claims should maintain over 80% of its capacity after four years of use.
Charging is handled by Oppo’s 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology, capable of fully charging the device from 1% to 100% in just 48-52 minutes.
Pricing and Availability
The Oppo Reno 12 5G is priced at Rs 32,999 for the sole 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The Reno 12 Pro 5G starts at Rs 36,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model, with the 12GB and 512GB versions priced at Rs 40,999.
Oppo is offering up to Rs 4,000 in instant cashback and up to 9 months of no-cost EMI option on the purchase of the Reno 12 series smartphones. The devices will be available on Oppo’s official website, Flipkart, and other retail stores starting July 25.
Conclusion
The Oppo Reno 12 series presents a compelling option for users seeking a balance of style, performance, and innovative AI-powered features at mid-range prices. With its sleek design, vibrant display, capable camera system, and long-lasting battery, the Reno 12 series caters to those who value both aesthetics and practicality in their smartphone experience.
The introduction of the MediaTak Dimensity 7300-Energy SoC, coupled with the AI-centric features of ColoOS 14, positions the Reno 12 series as a well-rounded choice in the mid-range smartphone segment. While it may not be a processing powerhouse, its focus on enhancing daily user experience through intelligent software capabilities sets it apart from the competition.
Overall, the Oppo Reno 12 series offers a compelling package that blends style, performance, and innovative AI-powered features, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
