If you’re a fan of OnePlus, you’re likely buzzing with excitement about the upcoming OnePlus 12. I know I am! Over the years, OnePlus has become one of the most exciting brands in the smartphone world, consistently offering flagship specs at relatively affordable prices. But what about the OnePlus 12? What’s next? I’ve been following the rumors, leaks, and insider scoops closely, and here’s everything we know so far.
I’ve had my hands on almost every OnePlus model, and one thing is for sure: this brand rarely disappoints. With the OnePlus 11 getting positive reviews (I loved its snappy performance and sleek design), expectations for its successor are sky-high. And as someone who uses their phone for pretty much everything — work, gaming, photography — the potential features of the OnePlus 12 have me really excited. But there are a few things I hope they improve too, and I’ll share those as we dive in.
I still remember waiting for the launch of the OnePlus One, way back in 2014. It was an underdog back then, but now, it’s become a serious competitor to big names like Samsung and Apple. The OnePlus 12 could be another milestone in their evolution, but what exactly can we expect? Let’s take a look.
Design and Build: Will the OnePlus 12 Stick to the Basics or Take Risks?
OnePlus is known for keeping things simple and elegant, but also sturdy. Rumors about the OnePlus 12 suggest it will have a glass back with an aluminum frame — no surprises there. However, I’ve been hearing whispers about the possibility of a more curved display this time around. If they go for a dramatic curve like the Samsung Galaxy S21, I’d have mixed feelings. Personally, I prefer flat screens for easier handling, but the curve would certainly look futuristic and catch attention.
Display Size and Technology
The OnePlus 12 is rumored to feature a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. If this is true, it would be great news for gamers and anyone who enjoys super smooth scrolling (I’m in that category). I’ve always loved the fluidity of OnePlus screens, and the 120Hz display on the OnePlus 11 was a game-changer for me. However, there’s talk that they might implement LTPO technology again, which adjusts the refresh rate depending on what’s on-screen to save battery life. If they can refine that technology even more, it’ll be one of my favorite features.
Will We See an Under-Display Camera?
This one’s exciting but tricky. Some rumors suggest that the OnePlus 12 might include an under-display selfie camera. I’ve seen mixed reviews on this tech in other phones, with some claiming it doesn’t yet match the quality of a traditional front-facing camera. Personally, I like the idea of a clean, notch-free display. But if it sacrifices selfie quality, I’d rather stick with a traditional punch-hole camera, which OnePlus has pretty much perfected.
Performance: A Powerhouse for Gamers and Multitaskers
OnePlus has always been about delivering top-tier performance, and it looks like the OnePlus 12 will follow suit. Expect it to come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This new processor is rumored to be significantly faster than its predecessor, and if you’re like me — constantly switching between apps, games, and work emails — this will make all the difference.
RAM and Storage Options
I’ve seen leaks suggesting two versions of the OnePlus 12, one with 12GB of RAM and another with 16GB. This is more than enough for most users, but the 16GB model would be ideal for hardcore multitaskers and gamers. I’m leaning toward the higher RAM version myself, simply because I like knowing my phone can handle anything I throw at it. Storage-wise, we might see 256GB and 512GB options. I always recommend getting the highest storage available since it’s impossible to expand later.
Gaming Experience
If you’re a gamer, you’re probably wondering how the OnePlus 12 will perform under heavy loads. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 paired with 16GB of RAM sounds like a dream setup for mobile gaming. I’ve played a lot of mobile games on previous OnePlus models, and they rarely disappoint, especially with features like Pro Gaming Mode that minimizes distractions. I expect the OnePlus 12 to continue this trend, possibly with even better heat management for those long gaming sessions.
Camera: A Focus on Refinement Over Innovation
Cameras are one area where OnePlus has traditionally been hit or miss. The partnership with Hasselblad on the OnePlus 11 helped improve image quality, and I’ve heard they’ll continue working together for the OnePlus 12. If true, that’s good news, though I’m hoping for a little more innovation in the software.
Main Sensor
Leaks suggest that the OnePlus 12 will feature a 50MP main camera with improved low-light performance. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always found night photography to be a weak point for many smartphones. If OnePlus can really nail this, it could put them ahead of the pack in this department. I personally enjoy taking photos at night, especially during concerts or events, so this is a big deal for me.
Ultrawide and Telephoto Lenses
It looks like we’ll also get an upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This is great news for anyone who loves landscape shots or zooming in without losing quality. I remember using the zoom on my OnePlus 7 Pro during a trip to the mountains, and while the results were decent, I’m expecting a massive improvement this time around.
Battery Life and Charging Speed: How Fast Is Fast Enough?
One of my favorite things about OnePlus phones has always been the fast charging. The OnePlus 12 is rumored to feature 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. That’s insanely fast! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been saved by OnePlus’s Warp Charge, and I’m excited to see what improvements they make here.
Battery Capacity
We’re likely looking at a 5,000mAh battery, which should be more than enough for a full day of heavy use. I’ve found that OnePlus phones usually last a full day with ease, even when I’m streaming videos or gaming. However, I hope they focus on optimizing battery life with software tweaks. Fast charging is great, but it’d be even better if I didn’t have to charge as often.
Software and Features: OxygenOS Keeps Getting Better
OnePlus’s OxygenOS is one of my favorite Android skins, and the OnePlus 12 should ship with the latest version, based on Android 14. OxygenOS is known for being clean, fast, and customizable. I’ve always liked the level of control it gives me without feeling bloated or slow.
Expected Software Features
Rumors suggest improved AI capabilities in OxygenOS, particularly in photo processing and app management. I’m curious to see how they integrate AI for things like battery management and performance tuning. If they can make my phone run even smoother, I’m all for it. I just hope they don’t overdo it with too many AI-driven notifications. I’m always wary of too much automation in software, but if done right, this could be a welcome upgrade.
Conclusion: Should You Be Excited About the OnePlus 12?
In my opinion, there’s a lot to look forward to with the OnePlus 12. If the rumors are true, we’ll be getting a powerful, well-rounded smartphone with improvements in performance, camera, and battery life. While I’m a little wary of the rumored curved display and under-display camera, the potential upgrades in other areas have me excited.
If you’ve been a fan of OnePlus in the past or are considering switching from another brand, the OnePlus 12 is shaping up to be one of the best options for 2024. Keep your eyes peeled for more news as we get closer to the official launch!
