The OPPO Reno12 F 5G has made its debut in the smartphone market, promising to bring AI-powered features and 5G connectivity to a more affordable price point. As the latest addition to the Reno series, this device aims to strike a balance between performance, design, and cutting-edge technology. Let’s dive into a detailed review of this intriguing smartphone.
Build and Design
OPPO has consistently delivered when it comes to aesthetics, and the Reno12 F 5G is no exception. The device embraces the same design philosophy that has made the Reno series popular, featuring a sleek and premium look that belies its mid-range price tag. Available in two stunning colors – Amber Orange and Olive Green – the phone offers an interesting and refreshing choice for users who want their device to stand out.
The Amber Orange variant, inspired by the 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, features a unique texture reminiscent of flickering flames, giving it an extraordinary energy and brilliance. The Olive Green option boasts a curved light column texture that creates a dynamic and fluid sensation within its dark green hue. These color choices not only look premium but also add a touch of sophistication to the device.
With dimensions of 75.75 mm x 163.05 mm x 7.76 mm (Amber Orange) or 7.69 mm (Olive Green) and weighing about 187g, the Reno12 F 5G is both slim and lightweight. This makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods, a crucial factor for many users.
The phone’s build quality is further enhanced by its High-Strength Alloy Framework, which is part of OPPO’s All-Round Armour structure. This design choice not only enhances the phone’s premium feel but also provides exceptional protection against everyday wear and tear.
Display
The Reno12 F 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels. This translates to a crisp 395 ppi pixel density, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smooth scrolling and an enhanced user experience, especially when gaming or watching videos.
One of the standout features of the display is its impressive brightness. With a peak brightness of 2100 nits and an overall brightness of 1200 nits, the screen remains easily readable even in bright outdoor conditions. This is a significant improvement over many competitors in the same price range.
OPPO has also incorporated several eye-care features into the display. The screen shifts peak blue light emissions outside the harmful range to reduce eye strain, and a new screen temperature curve adjusts itself based on sunrise and sunset times to provide the most eye-friendly display throughout the day.
Hardware
Under the hood, the Reno12 F 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 platform. Built on a 6nm process, this chip offers a 10% overall improvement in energy efficiency compared to mainstream competitors. It also delivers a 13% boost in GPU performance for gaming and an 11% improvement in power optimization for heavy-loaded scenarios
The device comes with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology can also temporarily convert up to 12GB of unused ROM space into additional RAM, ensuring smooth performance even during intensive multitasking.
Benchmark Performance
While the Reno12 F 5G’s hardware specifications look promising on paper, its real-world performance falls short of expectations, especially when compared to competitors in the same or even lower price range.
These benchmark results indicate that while the Reno12 F 5G can handle everyday tasks smoothly, it may struggle with more demanding applications or games.
Software and AI Features
The Reno12 F 5G runs on ColorOS 14.0.1 based on Android 14, offering a fresh and intuitive user interface. OPPO has integrated several AI-powered features that set this device apart from its competitors:
- AI Eraser 2.0: This feature allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from photos with impressive accuracy.
- AI Studio: Users can transform any photo of themselves into a digital avatar or profile picture, offering creative possibilities for self-expression.
These AI features are one of the Reno12 F 5G’s strongest selling points, offering functionality typically found in more expensive devices. By bringing these capabilities to a more affordable price point, OPPO is helping to remove barriers to entry for AI-powered photography and productivity tools.
Camera
The camera system is undoubtedly one of the Reno12 F 5G’s standout features. The device boasts a triple rear camera setup:
- 50MP main camera (f/1.8)
- 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera (f/2.2)
- 2MP macro camera (f/2.4)
On the front, there’s a 32MP selfie camera (f/2.4)
The main 50MP camera, combined with OPPO’s AI algorithms, delivers impressive results, especially in well-lit conditions. The AI-powered features like AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Studio add significant value to the camera experience, allowing users to create and edit photos in ways that were previously only possible with more expensive devices or dedicated software.
The ultra-wide-angle camera provides versatility for landscape shots or group photos, while the macro camera allows for close-up shots of small subjects. However, as is often the case with budget and mid-range devices, the quality of these secondary cameras may not match that of the main sensor.
The camera’s performance, particularly when leveraging the AI features, is one of the best aspects of the Reno12 F 5G. It offers capabilities that are typically associated with more premium devices, making it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
Audio
The Reno12 F 5G comes equipped with dual stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience compared to single-speaker setups. This is particularly beneficial when watching videos, playing games, or using the speakerphone.
The device also features OPPO’s Holo Audio technology, which enhances the spatial audio experience. This makes it possible to take calls while listening to music or following map directions without audio channels interfering with each other.
Battery
The Reno12 F 5G is powered by a substantial 5,000mAh battery. OPPO claims that this battery can last up to 1.94 days with regular use, or up to 21 days in standby model. While real-world usage may vary, these figures suggest that most users should be able to get through a full day of use without needing to recharge.
When it comes to charging, the device supports 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge. This technology can provide an additional 14% of battery life in just 5 minutes of charging, or take the battery from 1% to 24% in 10 minutes. A full charge from 1% to 100% takes approximately 71 minutes.
OPPO has also focused on battery longevity, claiming that the battery can maintain optimal performance for over four years of normal use. This is a significant selling point for users who plan to keep their devices for an extended period.
Verdict
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G presents an interesting proposition in the mid-range smartphone market. Priced at PhP18,999, it’s significantly more affordable than expected, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, it should be noted that it is price significantly higher than smartphones with even better specifications. Regardless, it is currently OPPO’s more affordable Reno12 variant, making it a considerable option for OPPO’s arduous fans.
The device’s strengths lie in its premium design, impressive camera capabilities (especially with AI features), and 5G connectivity. The inclusion of advanced AI photography features at this price point is particularly noteworthy, as it helps remove barriers to entry for users interested in exploring AI-powered photography.
However, the Reno12 F 5G is not without its drawbacks. Its overall performance, as indicated by benchmark scores, is underwhelming compared to competitors in the same price range. This may be a significant concern for users who prioritize raw performance or engage in resource-intensive tasks like gaming.
The device’s other standout features, such as BeaconLink for maintaining connectivity in areas with poor network coverage and various connectivity enhancements, add value to the package. The 5G connectivity at this price point is commendable, although it’s worth noting that there are cheaper 5G alternatives available in the market.
Interestingly, the Reno12 F 5G’s focus on AI photography and its competitive pricing might inadvertently impact consumer interest in OPPO’s pricier Reno12 variants. If AI photography is a primary selling point, some consumers might opt for this more affordable option rather than the higher-end models.
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is a mixed bag. It excels in design, camera capabilities, and AI features, offering these at a surprisingly affordable price point. However, its underwhelming performance might be a deal-breaker for some users. For those who prioritize camera quality, AI features, and 5G connectivity over raw performance, the Reno12 F 5G presents a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
