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Review: OPPO Reno 12 Pro

Item: Review: OPPO Reno 12 Pro
Rating: 8
Author: Steven van Eijk

Steven van Eijk · October 2, 2024

Introducing the OPPO Reno 12 Pro

The OPPO Reno 12 Pro and its smaller sibling, the Reno12, focus heavily on generative AI, with the Chinese manufacturer investing in features such as ‘AI Best Face’ to improve group photos. For smartphone manufacturers, generative AI comes at a convenient time, as users are keeping their devices for longer. This technology is often incompatible with older models, either because they lack a neural processing unit or because access to cloud-based AI is blocked for older generations. Anyone wanting the latest AI features must be prepared to pay extra. It is hardly surprising, then, that Oppo, like Samsung and Google, is investing heavily in AI. The Oppo Reno12 Pro includes both AI features developed by Google and its own versions of features Google offers.

Specifications

Screen size	6.7 inch
Resolution	2412×1080
Display type	AMOLED
Pixel density	394 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz
Glass type	Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Always-on display	Yes
Keyboard type	Touchscreen

Processor and memory

Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy
CPU	ARM Cortex A78 & Cortex A55
CPU cores	Octa Core
CPU speed	2.50GHz
Graphics chip	ARM Mali G615-MC2
RAM	12 GB
Internal storage	256GB
Expandable storage	Yes
Maximum expandable storage	microSD up to 1TB

Rear camera

Number of lenses	3
Camera 1 – Megapixels	50 MP
Camera 1 – Aperture	F/1.8
Camera 1 – Autofocus	Yes
Camera 1 – Image stabilization	Yes
Camera 1 – Digital zoom	Yes
Camera 1 – Optical zoom	No
Video resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K)
Video frame rate	30fps
Flash	Yes
Flash type	Dual LED
Camera 2 – Lens type	Telephoto lens
Camera 2 – Megapixels	50 MP
Camera 2 – Aperture	F/2.0
Camera 2 – Image stabilization	No
Camera 2 – Optical zoom	Yes
Camera 3 – Lens type	Wide-angle lens
Camera 3 – Megapixels	8 MP
Camera 3 – Aperture	F/2.2
Camera 3 – Image stabilization	No
Camera 3 – Optical zoom	No

Front camera

Number of lenses	1
Camera 1 – Megapixels	50 MP
Camera 1 – Lens type	Standard
Camera 1 – Aperture	F/2.0
Camera 1 – Autofocus	No
Camera 1 – Video resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K)

Audio

3.5 mm headphone jack	No
Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)	Yes
Speaker	Stereo

Battery

Replaceable	No
Capacity	5000 mAh
Type	Lithium-Polymer
Wireless charging	No
Fast charging	Yes
Maximum charging power	80 watt
Reverse charging	Yes

Body

Length	161.5 mm
Width	74.8 mm
Thickness	7.4 mm
Weight	180 gram
Body material	plastic
Dustproof	Yes
Splash-resistant	Yes
Waterproof	Yes
IP rating	IP65
MagSafe	No
Foldable	No
SIM card type	Nano SIM
eSIM	No
Dual SIM	Yes
Second SIM card type	Nano SIM

Operating system and update policy

Operating system (at launch)	Android 14
Expected number of OS updates	3
Security updates until	2028 (expected)
User interface	ColorOS

Connectivity

2G (edge, gprs)	Yes
3G (hspa, hspa+, hsdpa, hsupa, umts)	Yes
4G (lte)	Yes
4G+ (lte advanced)	Yes
5G	Yes
Frequency range	800, 850, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz
WiFi	Yes
WiFi standard	Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 1,2,3,4,5)
5GHz support	Yes
NFC	Yes
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3
Infrared	Yes
Connector	USB-C

Sensors

GPS	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes
Proximity sensor	Yes
Compass	Yes
Barometer	No
Heart rate monitor	No
Fingerprint scanner	Yes
Facial recognition	Yes

General

Manufacturer's warranty	1 year
Release date	18 June 2024

Generative AI takes center stage on the Reno 12 Pro

As usual, the company is introducing two models: a premium version and a more affordable alternative. Both devices come with plenty of AI features. These include ‘AI Eraser’, a take on Google's Magic Eraser that makes it easy to remove unwanted people and objects from photos. As with Magic Eraser, this can also happen automatically. Following Google's ‘Best Take’, Oppo is also introducing ‘AI Best Face’. Rather than combining several group shots into one perfect photo in which everyone is looking at the lens, AI Best Face detects closed eyes and replaces them with open ones. Doesn't sound creepy, does it? The subtle difference is that ‘Best Take’ creates a composite from existing shots, whereas ‘Best Face’ generates the result using an algorithm. We are curious to see how it handles details such as eye color…

And even more AI features...

There is also ‘AI Clear Face’, which enhances details such as facial contours, hair and eyebrows. This helps even people standing farther from the camera look sharp in the final image. Less realistic is ‘AI Studio’, which lets you create a digital avatar or an ‘artistic portrait style’ from a photo. While plenty of paid apps already offer these sorts of features, Oppo appears to be providing them for free (for now!).

Beyond AI photography features, the Oppo Reno12 Pro also includes a large language model for generative language AI: Google Gemini. This model powers the Oppo AI Toolbox, accessible through a ‘smart sidebar’ with tools such as AI Writer, AI Speak and AI Summary. The Recorder app also includes an AI Recording Summary feature that automatically converts audio recordings into text, similar to the Google Recorder app on Pixel smartphones.

The terms and conditions state that not all AI features will be available at launch. It is not yet clear which features will be added through an ‘over-the-air update’. An internet connection is also required to use the AI features, as they do not run locally on the device. You may also need an Oppo account.

What you need to know about the OPPO Reno12 Pro

To get straight to the point, the OPPO Reno 12 Pro is available at a lower price than its “sibling”, while offering performance comparable to premium smartphones. According to Oppo, these models are very popular in the Netherlands.

The device features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. It can also be operated in rainy conditions or with wet hands, a feature Oppo calls ‘Splash Touch’. The device is IP65-certified for dust and splash resistance. The Reno12 Pro uses tough Victus 2 glass. An aluminum frame adds extra strength to both devices.

The processor is a solid choice: the device uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy processor developed specifically for Oppo. This chipset is energy-efficient and built using an advanced manufacturing process. The main camera uses the Sony LYT-600 sensor, with every pixel contributing to focusing. This results in very fast autofocus. It also offers a portrait mode with 2x zoom, presumably achieved by cropping. The Reno12 Pro additionally features a dedicated 50-megapixel portrait camera with 2x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel selfie camera.

For charging, the device supports 80 watt ‘SuperVooc’, which fully charges the battery in around 45 minutes. Interestingly, Oppo also uses AI to improve network reception. Both devices have 9 antennas arranged 360 degrees around the handset, while an AI model optimizes network selection for better performance in areas with weak signals or congested networks. The phone also offers an emergency feature for relatively long-range Bluetooth calls of up to 200 meters, even outside mobile network coverage.

Differences between the OPPO Reno12 Pro and OPPO Reno12

The differences between the Reno12 Pro and the Reno12 are minor. The Pro version has an additional portrait camera and twice as much storage. The Reno12 Pro's display also offers better scratch resistance. Differences in dimensions and weight are negligible. Full specifications can be found in the table at the top of this article.

Conclusion:

For most users, the Reno12 will be an excellent choice. For those who take a lot of photos, however, the Pro version's extra storage and portrait camera add value for a relatively small premium.

Price and availability

The Oppo Reno12 and Reno12 Pro have been available since July this year. The Reno12 costs €549 and the Reno12 Pro €649. Given the price difference compared with the Opp Reno 12, the latter is our preferred choice.

8OUT OF 10

Verdict

Recommended – a strong pick in its class.

Pros

Better scratch resistance
Oppo 'Splash Touch'

Cons

None found