OnePlus 12 Review: Flagship Killer Returns

The OnePlus 12 packaging immediately differentiates from the competition by actually including a charger - specifically, the 100W SUPERVOOC charger that transforms charging behavior. This practical inclusion becomes increasingly rare among flagship phones and adds genuine value to the purchase. Inside the red-accented box, you'll find the OnePlus 12, the impressive charger, a USB-C cable, and documentation. Our Silky Black review unit showcases a curved glass back with a subtle shimmer pattern that catches light beautifully. The camera module is large but integrates well into the overall design, featuring Hasselblad branding that signals the ongoing partnership. Build quality is excellent - the aluminum frame feels rigid, and both glass panels are protected by the latest Gorilla Glass. At 220 grams and 9.15mm thick, this is a substantial device, but the curved edges and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to hold. The alert slider remains, continuing OnePlus tradition, and provides quick switching between sound profiles.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor delivers flagship performance that matches the more expensive Galaxy S24 Ultra, running demanding games at maximum settings and powering through multitasking without hesitation. The 2K 120Hz ProXDR display is genuinely stunning, with 4,500 nits peak brightness that makes outdoor visibility exceptional and makes HDR content look remarkable. Color accuracy, adjusted using Hasselblad color science, produces natural, pleasing tones across photos and video. The 100W SUPERVOOC charging is genuinely life-changing once you experience it - going from 0 to 100% in 26 minutes means you never need to charge overnight again. A quick 10-minute charge provides hours of usage, fundamentally changing how you think about battery anxiety. The Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system produces excellent results, with natural color science that differentiates from the more saturated processing of Samsung or the computational approach of Google. Manual controls provide professional-level adjustments for photographers who want creative control.

Our performance benchmarks confirmed the OnePlus 12 matches the Galaxy S24 Ultra in synthetic tests and gaming performance, despite costing $500 less. Genshin Impact ran smoothly at maximum settings for extended sessions, with the device managing heat effectively through its vapor chamber cooling system. The display tested exceptionally well in our lab measurements, with color accuracy (Delta-E < 1) matching the best panels in the industry and brightness exceeding Samsung's claims. Charging tests verified OnePlus's claims - we consistently achieved 0-100% in 26-27 minutes using the included 100W charger, and the battery health preservation features should maintain capacity over time. Battery life was excellent, with our mixed-usage test yielding 11+ hours of screen-on time. Camera testing showed the OnePlus 12 producing excellent daylight shots with natural Hasselblad colors, though low-light performance, while improved, still trails the Pixel 8 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Video stabilization worked well for walking shots but struggled with running or other intense motion.