Oppo Reno 12 Pro Review: This Stylish Device Makes AI Accessible for All
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, AI is the current buzzword, with nearly every tech company striving to integrate it into their products and solutions. While many AI-powered smartphones tend to be on the expensive side, Oppo’s Reno series is known for bringing cutting-edge technology to the mid-tier segment. This year, with the Reno 12 series, Oppo has embraced AI, dubbing the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro as “Your everyday AI companion.” After using the Oppo Reno 12 Pro as my daily driver for three weeks, here’s my in-depth review.
Undoubtedly a Reno
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro maintains the signature design aesthetics of the Reno series. It features a glass back with a matte finish, exuding a classy and sophisticated look. I tested the Sunset Gold variant, which resembles the Rose Gold variant of the MacBook Air. The back panel sports a dual-texture finish separated by a subtle band with an embossed Oppo logo. While the textured part is smudge-proof, the phone can be a bit slippery, making the included case handy. Despite housing a large 5,000 mAh battery, the device is lightweight at 180 grams and boasts IP65 certification for water and dust resistance.
Oppo Reno 12 Pro :A Display That Makes You Fall in Love
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro features a stunning quad-curved display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This 6.7-inch screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak local brightness of up to 1,500 nits. However, the typical max brightness is limited to 600 nits, which can be a drawback in direct sunlight. The curves on all four sides give the display a floating effect, enhancing the viewing experience for social media content consumption, gaming, and more. The stereo speaker setup and 300 percent volume mode provide an immersive audio experience, although the sound can get a bit noisy at maximum volume.
What Makes This an AI Phone? Oppo Reno 12 Pro
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro incorporates several AI-backed photo editing tools, making it a true AI companion. These include generative-AI-backed tools for removing objects or entire backgrounds from photos, and features like “AI Clear Face” and “AI Best Face,” which ensure group selfies are always sharp. It can also identify and fix closed eyes using AI-generated content. Additionally, the AI Studio app allows users to create digital avatars from their photos.
AI features like AI writers and AI summary enhance productivity, allowing users to write social media posts or summarize web articles effortlessly. These features can be accessed from anywhere on the phone, making them incredibly convenient. The AI summary recorder can automatically summarize audio conversations into brief summaries, further showcasing the AI capabilities of the Reno 12 Pro.
Good Pair of Cameras That Get the Job Done Oppo Reno 12 Pro
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro is equipped with three 50 MP cameras on the back, including a primary shooter, a telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide-angle lens. The 50 MP selfie camera is one of the best in its segment, capturing sharp images with minimal noise and accurate skin tones. The primary sensor performs well, and even at 5x digital zoom, the telephoto lens captures sharp pictures. The AI-backed photo editing tools enhance the camera experience, making it easier to get social media-ready photos.
Great Software Experience, Hindered by Bloatware Oppo Reno 12 Pro
The overall software experience on the Reno 12 Pro is fantastic, thanks to ColorOS 1.4 based on Android 14. The phone ships with some bloatware, but most third-party apps can be deleted or disabled. Features like BeaconLink for improved Bluetooth connectivity and AI Clear Voice for filtering background noise add value to the user experience.
Performance Lacks That Oomph Oppo Reno 12 Pro
Powered by the Dimensity 7300 Energy chip, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro handles day-to-day tasks smoothly. However, heavy users might notice lags and stutters when switching between apps or downloading in the background. With an AnTuTu score of 6.1 lakh, it’s one of the more underpowered phones in its price segment.
All-Day Battery Life with Fast Charging Oppo Reno 12 Pro
The 5,000 mAh battery on the Reno 12 Pro delivers all-day battery life for most users. The phone supports 80W fast charging, taking less than 50 minutes to fully charge. On most days, I experienced over six hours of screen-on-time, with the device staying cool even during fast charging.
Affordable AI Phone Reno 12 Pro
If you’re in the market for an affordable Android phone with AI capabilities, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is a great choice. While the AI experience may not be as sophisticated as some high-end models, for less than Rs 40,000, it offers plenty of AI features, making it one of the most accessible AI phones in its segment.
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro stands out as a stylish mid-tier smartphone that makes AI accessible to all. With its elegant design, impressive display, capable cameras, and a host of AI features, it offers excellent value for its price. While it may have some performance limitations and bloatware, the overall experience is positive, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to embrace AI on a budget.