OnePlus 12 5G: OnePlus has consistently been known for blending performance, premium design, and software fluidity into its smartphones. With each new flagship, the brand tries to evolve and meet the growing expectations of a global user base. The OnePlus 12 5G, launched as the brand’s premium offering for 2025, is a stunning example of how far OnePlus has come from its “flagship killer” roots. This phone doesn’t just compete with the best—it wants to be the best. Let’s explore how the OnePlus 12 5G stakes its claim in the ultra-premium segment and whether it truly lives up to the hype.
OnePlus 12 5G: Premium Design with a Statement Finish
The first impression of the OnePlus 12 5G is one of sheer elegance and bold craftsmanship. The device carries forward the curved glass design language from its predecessor but adds notable refinement in terms of material choice and detailing. The body is constructed using high-grade aluminum, which seamlessly transitions into the curved Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels on the front and back.
What stands out is the new color finishes, especially the Flowy Emerald option, which features a unique texture reminiscent of jade stone under glass. This bold yet tasteful finish makes the OnePlus 12 visually stunning. Other available shades like Silky Black and Classic White cater to users who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
The rear camera module retains the signature circular “Starlight Dial” design but with a more flushed and symmetrical layout. The module is integrated elegantly into the back without awkward protrusions. The attention to detail in the symmetry, material fusion, and tactile feedback of buttons shows how OnePlus is now playing on the same level as Apple and Samsung in terms of design finesse.
OnePlus 12 5G Display: Visual Brilliance on a New Level
The display on the OnePlus 12 5G is undoubtedly one of its headline features. It boasts a 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it the brightest screen ever on a OnePlus device. With a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels, the clarity is unmatched, offering razor-sharp text and vivid imagery.
The display supports a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which intelligently adapts based on content to save battery. The 10-bit color depth and Dolby Vision support further enhance multimedia consumption, providing cinematic visuals for streaming services and HDR content.
OnePlus has partnered with BOE for the display, and the result is breathtaking. The screen remains comfortably readable in direct sunlight and automatically adjusts tone and contrast thanks to AI-based ambient optimization. The curved edges are refined and don’t interfere with touch sensitivity, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical usability.
OnePlus 12 5G Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This configuration ensures blistering speed and efficiency, making it a powerhouse for gaming, multitasking, and professional-level workloads.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 brings notable improvements in AI performance, graphical rendering, and thermal management. Apps load in an instant, multitasking is fluid even with resource-heavy software, and high-end gaming titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile, and PUBG New State run effortlessly at max settings with stable frame rates.
The cooling system is revamped with Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling, which includes a larger vapor chamber and advanced heat dissipation layers. This ensures sustained performance even during long gaming sessions or while recording high-resolution video.
The performance on the OnePlus 12 isn’t just about raw benchmarks—it translates beautifully into real-world fluidity, minimal lag, and an all-around premium user experience.
OnePlus 12 5G OxygenOS 14: Smooth, Clean, and Feature-Rich
The OnePlus 12 runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, continuing the brand’s tradition of offering one of the cleanest and smoothest Android experiences. While some traces of ColorOS influence remain, OxygenOS 14 maintains its distinctive design ethos and near-stock Android feel.
Animations are fluid, transitions are smooth, and the attention to usability is evident throughout the interface. OxygenOS 14 introduces features like Smart Cutout for instant background removal in photos, File Dock for drag-and-drop between apps, and advanced multitasking tools like split screen and floating windows.
The UI feels intuitive, whether you’re using gestures or navigation buttons. App permissions, privacy settings, and battery optimization tools are all organized and easy to manage. Regular software updates and security patches ensure longevity and reliability, and OnePlus promises four years of major updates and five years of security support with the OnePlus 12.
OnePlus 12 5G Camera System: Hasselblad Collaboration Matures
OnePlus has continued its partnership with Hasselblad, and the camera system on the OnePlus 12 5G represents a significant leap in image quality and versatility. The triple camera setup on the rear includes a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor with OIS, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera.
The primary sensor captures incredibly detailed images with excellent dynamic range and true-to-life colors. Low-light performance is significantly improved, thanks to the larger sensor size and advanced noise reduction algorithms. Nightscape mode now works faster and produces more natural-looking photos, even in dim conditions.
The telephoto lens delivers crisp images up to 3x optical and 120x digital zoom. It’s capable of surprisingly stable shots at longer focal lengths, making it ideal for travel and nature photography. Portrait mode benefits from Hasselblad’s depth calibration, offering DSLR-like bokeh and accurate skin tones.
The ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes without distortion, and it’s equally adept at macro photography. The 32MP front camera supports 4K video recording and produces excellent selfies in a variety of lighting conditions.
Video capabilities include 4K at 60fps, Dolby Vision support, ultra-steady mode, and AI-based HDR video capture, allowing creators to shoot professional-grade content right from their phone.
OnePlus 12 5G Battery Life: Efficient and Long-Lasting
The OnePlus 12 5G houses a 5400mAh battery, the largest ever in a OnePlus flagship. The battery optimization features of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 combined with OxygenOS enhancements result in exceptional endurance. The phone easily lasts over a day with heavy usage, including gaming, camera, and 5G usage.
For charging, OnePlus includes 100W SUPERVOOC wired fast charging, which powers the device from 1% to 100% in about 26 minutes. Additionally, the phone supports 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, a feature users have been demanding for years. Wireless charging performance is excellent and comparable to many flagship competitors.
Reverse wireless charging is also available, allowing users to charge accessories like earbuds or even another smartphone.
OnePlus 12 5G Audio and Haptics: Immersive and Precise
Audio on the OnePlus 12 is handled by dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The output is loud, well-balanced, and immersive, providing excellent spatial audio performance for video content and gaming.
The haptics are refined with an advanced X-axis linear motor that delivers tight, precise feedback during typing, gaming, and system interactions. Combined with the display responsiveness, it contributes to an ultra-premium feel while using the device.
Connectivity: Future-Proof and Global
The OnePlus 12 5G is equipped with all modern connectivity features. It supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G (both SA and NSA), dual SIM, and dual-frequency GPS. The call quality is excellent, with support for VoNR and VoWiFi ensuring seamless voice services over modern networks.
Thanks to the Snapdragon X75 modem, download and upload speeds over 5G are blazing fast. Whether you’re streaming, gaming online, or using tethering, the OnePlus 12 handles network activity with stability and efficiency.
Build Quality and Durability
OnePlus has improved its durability game, and the OnePlus 12 now comes with an IP65 rating, offering decent resistance against dust and water splashes. While it doesn’t match the IP68 standard found on some rivals, the phone is still protected well enough for daily wear and tear.
The use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and robust aluminum makes the OnePlus 12 a durable device that can withstand drops and scratches far better than earlier models.
OnePlus 12 5G Storage Options and Expandability
The OnePlus 12 comes in multiple configurations, including 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage. The use of UFS 4.0 storage ensures blazing-fast read/write speeds, which contribute to quicker app launches and better file handling.
However, the device does not support microSD card expansion, which may be a downside for users who rely on expandable storage. Still, with up to 512GB available internally, most users will find it sufficient for photos, videos, and apps.
Unboxing Experience and Box Contents
The unboxing experience of the OnePlus 12 5G feels premium and user-centric. The box includes the phone, a 100W SUPERVOOC charger, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a transparent TPU case, a SIM ejector tool, and essential documentation.
OnePlus has retained the charger in the box, a decision many users appreciate in an era where flagship phones often exclude this accessory.
Comparison with Rivals
In the premium flagship segment, the OnePlus 12 competes directly with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24+, iPhone 15 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Pro, and Google Pixel 8 Pro. Each of these phones has strengths, but the OnePlus 12 manages to strike a rare balance between raw performance, premium build, versatile cameras, and value.
The inclusion of both wired and wireless fast charging, a massive and bright display, top-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance, and improved software support makes it a more well-rounded offering for those looking for Android performance without compromise.
OnePlus 12 5G Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus 12 is priced competitively in the premium flagship segment. The base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage starts at ₹64,999, while the top variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at ₹69,999. The device is available through Amazon, the OnePlus Store, major retail outlets, and leading e-commerce platforms.
OnePlus offers several launch benefits, including bank discounts, exchange bonuses, and bundle offers with accessories like the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 and OnePlus Watch 2.
Final Verdict: The Most Complete OnePlus Flagship Yet
The OnePlus 12 5G marks a significant evolution for the brand. It isn’t just an excellent Android phone—it is a top-tier flagship that competes with and in many ways outperforms its established rivals. With its jaw-dropping display, top-of-the-line performance, improved camera setup, stellar battery life, and refined design, the OnePlus 12 sets a new benchmark in Android excellence.
If you’re in the market for a premium Android device that offers long-term value, powerful performance, and a delightful user experience, the OnePlus 12 5G should be at the top of your list.