The OPPO Reno12 F 5G brings a modern blend of design, performance, and features that make it a solid contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Is it more than just a pretty facade? Here’s our full review.
Design and Construction
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G has a design that stands out, even within the mid-range category. Measuring 163.1 x 75.8 x 7.8mm and weighing just 187 grams, it’s a slim and lightweight phone that feels comfortable in hand. The flat edges are modern, and the rounded corners add to the ergonomic feel. The Reno12 F is available in two color options—Amber Orange and Olive Green—both featuring a matte finish that is pleasing to the eye and helps resist fingerprints and smudges.
The back panel has a minimalist approach, with a soft gradient that reflects light subtly, giving it a premium look. The camera module sits on the top left corner, housed in a raised area that contains three camera lenses and a dual-LED flash. It’s not overly large or protruding, so it doesn’t interfere much with how the phone lies flat on a surface.
The front is protected by Asahi AGC DT-Star 2 Glass, providing decent resistance against scratches and accidental drops.
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G also integrates practical features like the USB Type-C port at the bottom, alongside a speaker grille. On the left side, you’ll find the volume buttons, while the right side houses the power button. The placement is intuitive and easy to reach during one-handed use. Overall, the build quality feels solid for a mid-range phone, balancing style with functionality.
Display and Audio
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G boasts a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering a pixel density of 395ppi. The AMOLED panel delivers rich colors and deep blacks, making media consumption a pleasurable experience. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the display impresses with its vibrancy and clarity.
One of the standout features of this display is the 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth animations and fluid scrolling. It makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day use, giving the device a more responsive and fast feel. Additionally, the screen’s peak brightness of 2,100 nits ensures that the display remains visible even in bright outdoor conditions, which is great for those who use their phones on the go.
The audio experience on the Reno12 F is decent but not exceptional. The dual stereo speakers deliver clear sound, with a balance between treble and bass. The sound is good for watching videos or casual music listening, but the speakers lack the richness and depth that you might find in higher-end phones. When playing music at higher volumes, the sound can feel a bit thin, but for general usage, the audio quality holds up well enough.
Camera
The camera system on the OPPO Reno12 F 5G includes a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. This setup gives users flexibility in photography, from detailed close-ups to wide-angle shots.
The 50MP main camera is the star of the show. It produces sharp images with good color reproduction in daylight. Thanks to PDAF (phase detection autofocus) and OIS (optical image stabilization), photos come out crisp, and even slight hand movements during shooting don’t result in blurry images. In well-lit environments, the camera excels, capturing detailed shots with accurate colors and good dynamic range.
In lower light conditions, however, the camera’s performance diminishes somewhat. While OIS helps to an extent, there’s still some noticeable noise in photos taken in darker environments. The night mode does improve results, but it’s not as effective as in flagship devices. For most casual photographers, the camera will suffice, but those who prioritize low-light performance might find it lacking.
The 8MP ultrawide lens does a decent job of capturing wider scenes, though it doesn’t maintain the same level of detail as the main camera. Images can appear slightly softer, especially at the edges, but it’s still useful for landscape shots or group photos. The 2MP macro sensor is more of a bonus feature than a highlight. While it can capture fun close-up shots, the quality isn’t as high as the other cameras, so it’s best used in well-lit conditions and for casual photography rather than professional-quality shots.
On the front, the 32MP camera delivers good selfies with natural-looking skin tones and plenty of detail. It performs well in a variety of lighting conditions, making it a solid choice for video calls and social media posts. However, in very low light, the selfies can appear softer with some noise.
When it comes to video recording, the Reno12 F supports up to 4K resolution. The footage is clear and smooth, helped by the phone’s OIS. It’s suitable for capturing memories or creating content for social media, although more serious videographers might miss features like advanced stabilization or pro-level controls.
Performance and Connectivity
Under the hood, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU and 8GB of RAM. This combination provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and casual gaming. The 8GB of RAM helps keep apps running in the background without noticeable slowdowns, making multitasking efficient and hassle-free.
For storage, the phone comes with 256GB of UFS 2.2, which is fast enough for quick app loading and media access. The inclusion of a microSD card slot is a welcome addition, allowing users to expand storage if needed.
Gaming performance is decent for a mid-range device. Casual games run smoothly, and even some more graphically demanding titles are playable at medium settings without significant lag. The phone doesn’t overheat during extended gaming sessions, thanks to good thermal management.
In terms of connectivity, the Reno12 F is well-equipped. It supports 5G, ensuring fast internet speeds in supported areas. Wi-Fi 6 is also available, providing a strong and stable connection for home networks. Other features like Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS are present, ensuring the phone meets modern connectivity standards. The inclusion of an IR Blaster adds a little extra convenience, allowing the phone to function as a remote control for compatible devices.
Battery and Charging
The Reno12 F is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which offers more than enough juice for a full day of regular use. Even with heavy usage—like streaming videos, playing games, or using the camera—the battery holds up well. For light to moderate users, you might even stretch the battery life to a day and a half.
When it comes time to charge, OPPO’s 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets the phone back to 100% in about an hour. This fast charging capability is a significant plus for users who don’t have time to leave their phones plugged in for long periods. The Reno12 F supports only wired charging, which may be a drawback for those who prefer wireless charging, but the fast wired charging makes up for it.
The Rundown: Who is it for?
The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is designed for users who want a balanced phone that offers good performance, a quality display, and a solid camera experience without pushing into flagship-level pricing. It’s ideal for people who:
- enjoy a stylish design
- use their phone for casual photography
- need reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- a light to moderate user who values a good balance of features across the board
Gamers and power users might find it limiting for high-end games or extensive multitasking, but for most users, it performs admirably.
