The OnePlus 12 launch has gone off smoothly in China and we are likely a little over a month away from seeing it in US and UK markets as well. The OnePlus 12 release date was set for 5 December 2023 in China while rumors suggested that the rest of the world will see its arrival on 24 January 2024. This gives us some time to properly review the OnePlus 12 specs, camera, and other features, and wait for feedback from current users to see if the phone is worth the investment. The cinematic trailer preceding the phone launch was quite beautiful to look at, and paired with the tagline “Inspired by nature,” it was among the softest of launches we’ve seen compared to the lively, vibrant smartphone debuts in recent times. 

OnePlus 12 Launches in China—US Release Date Set for Early 2024

Image credit – OnePlus “Inspired by Nature”

OnePlus 12 launched: Here’s What We Know

Earlier this year, the company announced that it had achieved a year-on-year sales growth of 260 percent in 2023, attributing the success to OnePlus 11, OnePlus Ace 2, and OnePlus Ace 2V, according to GizmoChina. While the OnePlus 12 release date is some time away for those outside of China, there’s a lot we know about the device already as the company has not been shy with the details. Let’s take a look at everything we’ve learnt since the OnePlus 12 launch.

OnePlus 12 Specs—Among the First to Embrace the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset

One of the most talked about aspects of the OnePlus 12 launch has to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset that the phone uses to power its services. According to the OnePlus website, the chip promises 30 percent improved CPU performance, a 25 percent boost of GPU performance and 98 percent performance improvements. It means the phone could be faster than anything on the market right now. The IP65 rating for dust and water resistance puts it a step lower than competitors on the market but it should still provide the device with sufficient durability.

The OnePlus display specs are also pretty good, with the 6.82-inch Super Fluid AMOLED screen boasting a peak brightness of 4,500nits, especially impressive compared to the 1300nits peak brightness that the OnePlus 11 offered. The 2K 3168×1440 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and DisplayMate A+ rating should unitedly make for a great viewing experience. Designed in three colours, black, white, and an interesting green shade, it’s still unclear if the OnePlus 12 launch outside of China will include all three.

OnePlus 12 Camera—We See You

The camera design on the OnePlus 12 falls in line with the distinct style that its predecessors have adopted and it can be a very diving issue. Many appreciate the unique design that sets it apart quite distinctly from other phones, but we do find the gigantic camera layout to be a little too attention-seeking if we’re to be honest. Design aside, the OnePlus 12 camera specs promise a high-quality experience with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens as well. Zoom technology appears to be another detail that most smartphones are chasing, even if it has little actually use in day-to-day photography, however, we can’t blame the company for throwing that in there as well. The 32MP selfie camera is a step up from the 12MP that most top-end models still offer today.

The OnePlus 12’s 50MP camera is based on a Sony Lightyu LYT-808 flagship sensor that offers optical image stabilzation and guarantees clear, stable images every time. The cameras on the device have been developed with the use of Hasselblad’s “Super Light and Shadow Image Engine” algorithm. Pre-launch announcements by OnePlus President Li Jie Louis on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo were followed by sample photos taken on the OnePlus 12. We have our fingers crossed that the actual potential of the camera truly matches up to the images that were revealed. 

OnePlus 12 Battery and Wireless Charging

The OnePlus 12 will support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging for those who are looking to have a reliable fast-charging phone. According to the company, this should allow 100 percent charging in 26 minutes wired and 55 with wireless charging. The device also supports 10W reverse charging which is a helpful reserve to have available. Equipped with a SUPERVOOC S power management chip, the discharge efficiency has been increased to 99.5 percent, which should prolong the battery life of the phone considerably. The US might see a lower-capacity device if the OnePlus 11 release is anything to go by.

What’s most impressive about the OnePlus 12 battery is the considerable 5400mAh battery, which should help you run your phone for an extended period before having to charge up again. On the gaming front, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and the massive RAM, you should have no problem taking on any mobile game you can get your hands on. 

OnePlus 12 Memory and Storage

The OnePlus 12 matches up to the best RAM and storage capabilities that the industry has to offer currently. With up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, the device has a significant amount of space available for use. There are four variants available on the Chinese market right now and the OnePlus 12 price scales up accordingly.

  • 12GB RAM and 265GB Storage: ¥4,299 ($606)
  • 16GB RAM and 512GB Storage: ¥4,799 ($677)
  • 16GB RAM and 1TB Storage: ¥5,299 ($747)
  • 24GB RAM and 1TB Storage: ¥5,799 ($818)

The OnePlus 12 price in the international market remains undetermined so far but it should likely still be a more affordable alternative compared to Samsung, Google, and Apple’s flagship models this year. All things considered, whether you’re impressed by the OnePlus 12 wireless charging capabilities or the camera and internal specs of the device, you should keep your eyes peeled for the OnePlus 12 launch in the US and grab one for yourself if you’re considering upgrading phones. In every sense, the new OnePlus 12 offers what top competitors on the market are putting out and deserves its time in the limelight.