In recent years, smartphone innovation has felt incremental at best. Better cameras, faster chips, nicer screens – sure, but nothing truly game-changing. Enter the latest AI technology, set to revolutionize our smartphone industry.
Typically, these cutting-edge AI features have been exclusive to high-end flagship devices, commanding premium prices. Oppo is redefining things with its Reno 12 series, by bringing the next-generation AI to their midrange smartphones.
After spending a few weeks with both the Oppo Reno 12 5G and the Reno 12 Pro 5G, I can confidently say these phones offer genuine innovation without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into what makes them stand out.
Design & Display: Sleek and Practical
Both models impress with their slim profiles, measuring 7.4mm (Pro) and 7.57mm (standard) in thickness, with weights of 180g and 177g, respectively. The Pro features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the standard uses Gorilla Glass 7i, both offering robust protection.
Color options include Space Brown (Pro) and Astro Silver (standard). The Space Brown offers understated elegance, while the Astro Silver showcases a mesmerizing ripple effect that’s been turning heads. More than once, I’ve had people ask me what phone I’m using—always a good sign for a mid-range device.
Both sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Oppo’s “Infinite View Screen” design, featuring quad micro-curved edges that create an immersive viewing experience.
A notable feature is the new Bedtime Mode, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature throughout the day, potentially improving sleep quality for night owls.
Performance: Smooth for Daily Use
Both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chip, handling everyday tasks with ease. The 12GB of RAM, which can be expanded virtually to 24GB through Oppo’s RAM Expansion technology, ensures smooth multitasking and app switching.
The Reno 12 series handles casual games effortlessly. More demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact run well on medium to high settings, though hardcore gamers might want to look elsewhere for peak performance.
Camera: Where the Reno 12 Shines
Here’s where the Reno 12 series, particularly the Pro model, really flexes its muscles. The camera setup is possibly the best in its class, capable of giving even some flagship phones a run for their money. When it comes to portraits, the Reno series consistently finds itself at the top of the podium.
The Pro boasts a versatile triple camera system: 50MP main (Sony LYT600 sensor with OIS), 50MP telephoto, and 8MP ultra-wide. The standard model swaps the telephoto for a 2MP macro lens but retains the excellent main and ultra-wide shooters.
What elevates the camera experience even further are the next-generation AI features:
- AI Eraser 2.0: Easily remove photobombers or unwanted objects from photos.
- AI Clear Face and AI Best Face: Enhance group photos by fixing issues like closed eyes and ensuring everyone looks their best.
- AI Studio: Transform your photos into various styles – from glamour shots to cyberpunk personas. With a wide array of templates, it’s like having Photoshop on steroids, perfect for your next social media profile pic or even pranking your friends.
Software & AI Features: Practical Innovation
Running on ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14, the interface is clean and intuitive, though some pre-installed apps and recommendations might not be to everyone’s taste.
The AI Toolbox, accessible from the sidebar, is a standout feature. It offers to read articles aloud or summarize them while browsing, and suggests writing improvements for messages. The AI Speak feature is particularly useful for multitasking or catching up on news while driving.
Compared to other rivals, Oppo’s use of these AI features seems more logical and practical, which shows that they have a thoughtful approach rather than just jumping on the AI bandwagon.
Battery Life and Charging: Impressive Endurance
Both phones pack a 5,000mAh battery, delivering the best battery life ever seen in a Reno series phone. Thanks to the power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy chip, which is custom-designed for optimal power management, the phone can easily last a full day of heavy use or even stretch to two days with light to moderate usage. Complementing this impressive endurance is the 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge, a standout feature offering incredibly fast charging speeds. With just 18 minutes, the 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge can take you from 1% to 47%, which is a lifesaver.
Price and Value: AI Innovation at Mid-Range Prices
At RM2,599 for the Reno 12 Pro 5G and RM2,199 for the Reno 12 5G, these phones offer excellent value. The Pro model provides the full Reno 12 experience, while the standard model remains compelling with similar specs, minus the telephoto lens.
The Oppo Reno 12 5G is currently part of the Merdeka sale (August 16 to September 17) on Oppo’s online store, priced at RM1,999. At this price, it’s arguably the best value-for-money mid-range phone below RM2,000.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the AI-Powered Future
The Oppo Reno 12 series stands out in the crowded mid-range market with its thoughtful integration of AI features and solid overall performance. It offers a compelling mix of premium features and AI innovations at an affordable price point, making it a hard-to-beat option in its class.
As we witness this paradigm shift in the tech industry, it’s exciting to see where AI will take us next. Rest assured, it’s probably not the extinction of humankind… probably.
If you’re in the market for a balanced, all-rounder midrange phone with next-generation AI features without breaking the bank, the Reno 12 series fits the bill perfectly. It’s a glimpse into the future of smartphones, and that future looks pretty bright from here.
