The OnePlus 12 debuted in China on December 5, with a global release scheduled for January 23, 2024.
Before its launch, OnePlus had already disclosed several specifications. The phone boasts Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 24GB of RAM, 1TB storage, a 5,400mAh battery, and an IP65 rating.
Charging options include 100W wired and 50W wireless with a compatible charger. The camera system, reminiscent of the OnePlus 11 design, draws inspiration from the company’s first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open.
ONEPLUS 12: SPECS
| Specifications | OnePlus 12 | OnePlus 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15mm | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5mm |
| Weight | 220g | 205g |
| Display | 6.82-inch QHD+ (3168×1440) 1Hz to 120Hz LTPO ‘Super Fluid’ AMOLED display w/ peak 4,500nits brightness | 6.7-inch QHD+ (3216×1440) 1Hz to 120Hz LTPO3 ‘Fluid’ AMOLED display w/ peak 1,300nits brightness |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB / 24GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB / 12GB / 16GB (LPDDR5X) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| OS (at launch) | OxygenOS 14 (atop Android 14) | OxygenOS 13 (atop Android 13) |
| Primary camera | 50MP Sony LYT-T808 “Pixel Stacked” 1.12μm, ƒ/1.7, 1/1.43-inch sensor w/ OIS | 50MP, 1.0µm, ƒ/1.8, 1/1.56-inch sensor w/ OIS |
| Ultra-wide camera | 48MP Sony IMX581 ƒ/2.2, 1/2-inch sensor w/ 114º FoV | 48MP, ƒ/2.0, 1/2-inch sensor w/ 115º FoV |
| Telephoto camera | 64MP OV64B 0.7μm, ƒ/2.6, 1/2-inch sensor w/ OIS, 3x optical zoom | 32MP, ƒ/2.0, 1/2.74-inch sensor w/ 2x optical zoom |
| Front camera | 32MP ƒ/2.4, 21mm equivalent | 16MP, ƒ/2.5, 25mm equivalent |
| Battery | 5,400mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless | 100W wired (80W in the US) |
| Colors | Flowy Emerald (green), black, white | Titan Black, Eternal Green, Jupiter Rock |
ONEPLUS 12: RELEASE DATE AND PRICE
The OnePlus 12 was announced in China on December 5 and is set for a global release on January 23. It starts at CNY¥4,299 in China, with an expected global price starting from $699 / £729 / AU$1,199.
While the Chinese market got a sneak peek on December 5, the rest of the world anticipates the OnePlus 12’s arrival on January 23, a date previously rumored.
Despite its Chinese price of CNY¥4,299, roughly $605 / £480 / AU$920, speculation suggests international pricing might climb compared to the OnePlus 11.
The OnePlus 12’s speculated global prices include a starting point of $799 (about £630 / AU$1,200) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model, rising to $899 (approximately £710 / AU$1,340) for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage model.
OnePlus 12 Chinese early-bird pricing
| RAM / Storage | Chinese Price | Direct Exchange US Price | Direct Exchange UK Price | Direct Exchange AU Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12GB / 256GB | CNY¥4,299 | $605 | £480 | AU$920 |
| 16GB / 512GB | CNY¥4,799 | $675 | £535 | AU$1,025 |
| 16GB / 1TB | CNY¥5,299 | $745 | £590 | AU$1,130 |
| 24GB / 1TB | CNY¥5,799 | $815 | £645 | AU$1,240 |
For reference, the OnePlus 11 started globally at $699 / £729 (around AU$1,010). Additional options for the OnePlus 12 include a 16GB RAM and 512GB storage model at ¥4,799 (about $680/£540/AU$1,030), a 16GB RAM and 1TB storage model at ¥5,299 (approximately $750/£600/AU$1,140), and the highest-end model with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage at ¥5,799 (around $820/£650/AU$1,250).
ONEPLUS 12: DESIGN AND DISPLAY
The OnePlus 12 carries forward the TIME Design language from the OnePlus 11, emphasizing a design inspired by luxury watches. Notably, the circular rear camera, known as the “starry dial,” symbolizes the passage of time.
Distinctively designed, especially with the rear camera module, the OnePlus 12 stands out among flagship phones. The addition of the new ‘Flowy Emerald’ color, alongside black and white finishes, enhances its visual appeal. However, the availability of these options globally is uncertain.
While the OnePlus 12 maintains a design continuity, it introduces an IP65 certification, making it more water-resistant than its predecessor. However, it falls short compared to rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in certification.
Turning attention to the display, the OnePlus 12 features a 2K ‘Super Fluid’ LTPO AMOLED screen with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Although this claim doesn’t represent constant brightness, it still positions the OnePlus 12’s screen as the brightest in the smartphone realm.
ONEPLUS 12: CAMERAS AND BATTERY
The OnePlus 12’s camera setup includes a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens. These details were unveiled before the Chinese launch, inviting immediate comparisons to the OnePlus Open, which shares a similar trio of rear sensors.
Headlining the photographic hardware is a 50MP Sony LYT-T808 “Pixel Stacked” sensor, developed in collaboration with Sony, comparable to the top sensors in competitors like the Xiaomi 13 Pro. Accompanying it is a 48MP Sony IMX581 ultra-wide and a 64MP OV64B 3x telephoto sensor, offering a broader focal range compared to the OnePlus 11.
On the battery front, the OnePlus 12 boasts a substantial 5,400mAh power pack, surpassing many competitors. Moreover, it supports 100W ‘SuperVOOC’ wired and 50W ‘AirVOOC’ wireless charging.
While there’s no official confirmation, there’s a possibility that the US version of the OnePlus 12 might feature slightly slower 80W wired charging, similar to the OnePlus 11.
ONEPLUS 12: PERFORMANCE
The OnePlus 12 boasts the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a pioneer in the market. Highlighted at the Chinese launch, it promises a 30% CPU speed boost, 25% graphics improvement, and a 10% power efficiency increase.
Setting a new benchmark in memory, the device supports up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, enhanced by OnePlus’ RAM Vitalization feature in Oxygen OS 14. The global model is expected to run on this configuration. Additionally, the phone offers an impressive 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. However, there’s speculation that this top-tier memory/storage combo may be exclusive to China.
| Specifications | OnePlus 12 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | Up to 24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | Up to 1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Operating System (OS) | Oxygen OS 14 (Global Model) |