What you need to know

• The OnePlus 12 has started receiving its OxygenOS 16 update in India, alongside the OnePlus Open foldable.
• The update is immense, bringing in a smoother OS experience, enhanced visuals, app refreshes, AI, and much more.
• It was confirmed that the OnePlus 15 will debut in the U.S. in November.

Past-gen OnePlus device owners have been waiting on their promised OxygenOS 16 update to arrive, and it's finally happening, right on schedule.

Late this week, OnePlus officially announced that its 12 series is now receiving its OxygenOS 16 (Android 16) update. One thing to note is that the patch is arriving first for users in India. Users in other regions, like the U.S. and Europe, should start seeing it next week, if not a couple more weeks into November (not unusual). For those in India, the company states the patch bears firmware vCPH2573_16.0.0.201(EX01).

The changelog is massive, as is an update of this caliber. We'll highlight some of the major talking points, but the remainder of the changelog can be viewed via the community forum.

A major change OnePlus 12 owners are in for is a much smoother OS experience. The post states that "apps now display animations that begin and end at intuitive places." Moreover, dragging and dropping UI elements to different spots on your phone should be much smoother/fluid. To make this happen, OnePlus states OxygenOS 16 introduces the Trinity Engine, which "optimizes workload and resources on the fly, maintaining smooth performance across videos, gaming, and extended camera use."

Mind Space is another big feature getting some new goodies in OxygenOS 16. OnePlus says users will find the Mind Assistant on its homepage, capable of getting you to your saved content quicker. The OnePlus 12's camera is getting some TLC, as it introduces motion photos through Master mode. An enhanced portrait mode facilitates more "creative control," alongside a text scanner mode.

Here are a few more notable highlights in OxygenOS 16:

• New visual update for Photos brings an immersive, seamless browsing experience
• Photo albums are now easier to navigate with clearer categories and personalized sorting for frequently used ones
• New Home screen icons showcase lifelike visuals and intricate detail through light field styling
• Enjoy a cleaner, more organized Home screen with optimized grid and layout—making icons, folders, and widgets look tidier than ever
• Introduces an uncluttered Home screen design by removing text beneath icons

Right on Schedule

It's also worth mentioning that the OnePlus Open, the company's first foldable, is receiving the OxygenOS 16 update this week in India, too.

While the OnePlus 15 already launched with OxygenOS 16 (U.S. debut confirmed in November), consumers with the company's past-gen phones were patiently waiting for their turn. It was confirmed in October that OnePlus was planning to begin in November with its OxygenOS 16 rollout, intended to hit the OnePlus 13 series and the 12 first. These devices have already started receiving the update, which means users in more regions should start seeing it soon, as November continues.

Devices slated for December include the OnePlus 11 5G, 11R 5G, Nord 5, Nord CE5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 5G.

When OxygenOS 16 was first revealed, it was touted as a software that truly knows the user. A revamped interface with customizable themes and improved app visuals with even more AI were among its major highlights.

OnePlus' latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, is now available in China, with global availability to follow. The smartphone represents a significant shift for OnePlus, partly driven by necessity.

Its camera deal with Hasselblad expired, so the brand pivoted, swapping out the camera sensors and switching to its own processing engine. Elsewhere, the OnePlus 15 features a new boxy design with a square camera bump and a new display with a lower resolution. It's all part of a new positioning for the OnePlus 15 as a gaming and performance-first handset, even if it required a few downgrades to achieve that.

That will make comparisons between the OnePlus 15 and older models like the OnePlus 12 tricky. Yes, the new model is expectedly to have the edge in overall performance and battery life. In other areas, the situation is different. The OnePlus 12 outperforms the OnePlus 15 in display quality and camera hardware, to start. So, which one should you buy? Let's compare the models to help you determine which one is best for you.

OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 12: Design and display

The OnePlus 15's design will be inherently controversial. You could identify previous OnePlus phones from afar by their circular rear camera arrangement, curved body, and two-toned finishes. None of these characteristics is present on the OnePlus 15. The smartphone features a boxy, rectangular design with flat sides. There's also a squircle rear camera arrangement and pretty bland finish options.

In fact, it appears to be inspired by last year's OnePlus 13s, which we described as "the compact iPhone clone you never wanted." The same may be true of the OnePlus 15, except for the bigger form factor. Many longtime OnePlus fans will be disappointed by the OnePlus 15's new design, which lacks uniqueness. Rounding out the design is a chassis that measures 161.42 x 76.67mm with a thickness of 8.2mm and weighs between 211 and 215 grams.

The older OnePlus 12 is larger and thicker, measuring 9.1mm in thickness and weighing 220 grams, but it retains the fan-favorite OnePlus design language. You get an off-center circular camera bump and a curvy chassis. There are also more striking finish options available, such as Flowy Emerald and Silky Black.

The OnePlus 15's screen is slightly smaller than the OnePlus 12's display, but the difference will be negligible. The newer model's panel measures 6.78 inches, which is only 0.04 inches smaller than the 6.78-inch panel on the older model. The bigger difference will be in display resolution and refresh rate.

OnePlus aimed to offer a 165Hz refresh rate option on the OnePlus 15 for mobile gaming, which necessitated a reduction in the display's resolution. It has a 2,772 x 2,772 (1.5K) resolution, a downgrade compared to the OnePlus 12's 3,168 x 1,440 resolution display. However, the OnePlus 12 only has a 120Hz refresh rate.

OnePlus explained that 165Hz refresh rates aren't possible on a QHD+ display, and it had to choose between one or the other. It went with refresh rates, whereas the OnePlus 12 prioritizes display clarity.

The OnePlus 15 is superior in durability, with an IP69 rating that not only protects against liquid submersion but also high-pressure water jets. In other words, it can withstand a dishwasher or washing machine (though we don't recommend doing so). Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 is severely lacking in the durability department, as it only supports IP65, which does not cover submersion of any kind.

OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 12: Hardware and specs

From a hardware and performance standpoint, any phone will have trouble besting the OnePlus 15. It's powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, putting it a step above the already-great chip inside the OnePlus 13. While the OnePlus 12 is no slouch, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor doesn't have the same AI and general performance improvements as newer Elite chips. Both handsets ship with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM.

Additionally, OnePlus is introducing a new "Gaming Core" technology that will enhance the OnePlus 15's capabilities for high-level mobile gaming. "The OP Gaming Core will deliver industry-leading per-frame power consumption control while maintaining a consistently stable 120 FPS experience in popular games with minimal frame rate fluctuations," OnePlus says. It's also 80% more efficient at per-frame rendering thanks to processor-level optimization.

Several of the OnePlus 15's changes are related to this new gaming focus, and the phone's gaming performance complements its 165Hz display support.

In terms of battery life, the OnePlus 12 still holds up nicely against modern smartphones. It has a 5,400mAh battery capacity, which is low by OnePlus' standards in 2025, although it'll still serve most users just fine. There's also 50W wireless charging support and 100W (80W internationally) fast wired charging support.

The OnePlus 15 elevates battery life to the next level with a 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery, split into two cells. It's a massive 21% capacity increase over the OnePlus 13, and even larger compared to the OnePlus 12. This change is also related to gaming, as the company touts that you can play high-level games for up to 6.6 hours on a single charge at 165 FPS.

With the OnePlus 15, the dream of true multi-day phone battery life may have arrived.

OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 12: Cameras

Aside from the camera bump design and dropping the Hasselblad branding, OnePlus also switched out the camera sensors on the OnePlus 15. There is a trio of 50MP sensors that are technically downgrades compared to the OnePlus 13, with even the OnePlus 12 having a better primary camera sensor (on paper). It's worth noting that hardware downgrades don't always result in poorer photo quality, and both Apple and Google made similar moves in 2025.

Android Central has already taken 100 photos with the OnePlus 15, and the results are impressive. The in-house OnePlus DetailMax Engine, which replaces Hasselblad processing, is actually better at capturing true-to-life photos, according to our testing. OnePlus' CEO said the OnePlus 15's cameras "capture and interpret vastly more data, delivering images with unmatched depth and realism."

By comparison, the OnePlus 12 has a 50MP primary camera sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. On the front, both phones have a 32MP selfie camera.

OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 12: Should you upgrade?

If you're a OnePlus 12 user who isn't a hardcore gamer, sticking with your current phone will likely be the best option. It's true that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform doesn't have the same improvements as the newer Elite chips. The OnePlus 12 was ahead of its time regardless. Specs like Wi-Fi 7 and a 5,400mAh battery capacity still beat some flagships, namely the Google Pixel 10, in 2025.

The OnePlus 12 is also somewhat outdated in other areas, such as its limited support for IP65 water resistance. If you can look past that, though, there's a lot to like even two years later.

For everyone else, there's the OnePlus 15. It doesn't have the raw specs of older OnePlus phones, and clearly takes inspiration from the boxy designs of Samsung, Apple, and Google phones. However, let's remember that phones like the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 13 had a tendency to overemphasize specs. In many ways, the OnePlus 15 is a regression to the mean.

The OnePlus 15 remains an excellent phone, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 7,300mAh battery capacity, which allows it to do almost anything.

What you need to know

• OnePlus detailed its list of devices preparing to receive its OxygenOS 16 update, which will begin rolling out in November.
• The OnePlus 13, 13R, and 13s are first on the list, joined by the OnePlus 12 series phones and a few tablets.
• OnePlus will continue its update roll out in December before several older, past-gen models get it in Q1 2026.

We're all wrapped up in the latest OnePlus announcements, regarding both OxygenOS 16 (Android 16) and Mind Space, but there's more to unravel: rollout dates.

Today (Oct 17), OnePlus detailed a list of its phones preparing to receive its major OxygenOS 16 update, and things will begin in November for its recent devices. The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 are first on the list to receive the OxygenOS 16 update in November, which includes the 13R, 13s, and the 12R. However, the company states that its OnePlus Open, Pad 3, and Pad 2 are on deck for next month, too.

December is when the software starts rolling out for several past-gen models. Owners of a OnePlus 11 5G, 11R 5G, Nord 5, Nord CE5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 5G should receive the patch sometime in December.

Even more devices are slated for OxygenOS 16, but OnePlus is a little more vague. The following models aren't set to receive the update until Q1 2026, which can be anywhere from January to March, so be aware.

• OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
• OnePlus Nord CE4
• OnePlus Nord NE 4 Lite 5G
• OnePlus Pad
• OnePlus Pad Lite

New OS time's are crazy

OnePlus has delivered a warning, informing users that not everyone will see its update simultaneously. It states that OxygenOS 16 is rolling out in "batches," meaning some users in some countries could see it in the first week of November, while others may see it in the third week (just as an example). Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and, the more likely scenario, an alert on your OnePlus phone/tablet.

OxygenOS 16 launched just yesterday, and users were treated to software that truly knows them. Quickly getting the Apple iOS references out, OxygenOS 16 offers a revamped AI experience that is focused on personalizing your device through "intelligent data interactions." Users will find tools like AI Writer and AI Scan to help make mundane tasks a little easier.

There's also Plus Mind, which is an AI-centric place on your device for housing your screenshots about locations, dates, and more. The AI will offer suggestions for you based on those screenshots to help you make plans, trips, or even dinner.

Speaking of Plus Mind, OnePlus' Mind Space got a huge update during OxygenOS 16, one that brings Gemini into the mix. Users can connect Mind Space to Gemini and let the AI dig through their stored screenshots to help them with any queries they may have. It works like Gemini's Extensions for YouTube, Spotify, and more Workspace apps.

It's official: the next Amazon Prime Day has been confirmed for October 7th and 8th, but if you don't mind shopping last-gen, there are plenty of outstanding Android phone deals that you can enjoy right now. The OnePlus 12, a stylish flagship that we called "terrific" and "gorgeous" back in 2024, is currently chilling with a record-smashing 28% discount during Amazon's early Prime Day sale, no strings attached.

Despite its slightly advanced age, the OnePlus 12 continues to hold its own against the best devices from Samsung and Google with a powerful processor and a stunning AMOLED display to match. The OnePlus 12 (512GB) originally retailed for $899.99, but with this early Prime Day deal you can grab the phone for just $649.99, making it comparable in price to the midrange OnePlus 13R! 

• October Prime Day is coming - see my FAQ and deal predictions

The OnePlus 12 returns with a whopping 28% Prime Day discount

✅Recommended if: you want a gorgeous flagship phone with powerful hardware, great cameras, and a vibrant AMOLED display; you want a phone that stands out from the crowd, and you don't mind going last-gen. 

❌Skip this deal if: you want a phone with years of software support or all of the latest AI-boosted software features; you'd rather wait for the best Prime Day deals to go live on October 7th. 

Although the OnePlus 12 was technically announced in December 2023, it reached North American shores a few months later and instantly made waves in the Android space. Its main competitors at the time were the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and it gave those devices a run for their money by utilizing the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and one of the best 120Hz AMOLED displays we had ever seen up to that point. 

As described in our 4.5/5-star review, the OnePlus 12 also boasts some fantastic camera tech and a two-day battery straight out of the box, while the 100W wired/50W wireless charging means that you can juice the phone up quick when it does start to run low on battery life. Pair that with a luxurious, eye-catching design and you're looking at an all-around fabulous Android experience.

Needless to say, this year's OnePlus 13 is a better phone in just about every way, but perfection comes at a price. If you want to switch to OnePlus and save some cash in the process, this Amazon deal is a no-brainer. Just be aware that the OnePlus 12 doesn't have IP68 ingress protection, and you'll only get four more years of OS upgrades.

OnePlus phones can also have some issues with US carriers, so be sure to check with your phone company before you commit. If you want a cheap Android phone with long software support or fancy AI tricks, you might be better off looking at some midrange models from Samsung or Google.

October Prime Day - quick links

• Amazon: discounted headphones, Amazon tablets, and more
• Best Buy: up to $250 off Chromebooks, tablets
• Walmart: major savings on Chromebooks, smart TVs
• Samsung: foldable phones, trade-in opportunities
• Lenovo: epic laptop sale, free shipping for students
• Dell: students get 10% off all back-to-school purchases

Before I was an Android user, I used to be really into Windows Phone. Back then, Nokia was already doing some pretty great things with smartphone cameras, from the Symbian-powered Nokia N8 (which I owned) and 808 Pureview to the Nokia Lumia 1020 running Windows Phone. Back in 2012, a 41MP camera was pretty wild, and Nokia was using the sensor in a way not commonly seen on a smartphone, making it a pretty big deal.

While I've had several Lumia phones (I still have my Lumia 950), I never owned the 1020. So when my friend recently gave me his, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to take it for a spin to see just how well the camera has held up over the years. And since it's been 12 years since it launched, I decided to compare the Lumia to my current favorite device in Android imaging, the OnePlus 12.

Comparing the Lumia 1020 and OnePlus 12

The Lumia 1020 only features one rear camera, with a total resolution of 41MP and a total usable resolution of 38MP. By comparison, the OnePlus 12 camera setup consists of three rear sensors, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera.

While the Lumia 1020 is limited by its single camera lens, it has a unique way of capturing images for the time, letting users simultaneously capture a 5MP image and a full-resolution 38MP image. Using pixel binning, the phone is able to achieve "lossless" zoom while retaining the 5MP resolution while still taking a second full-resolution image even when zoomed in.

The idea with the Lumia 1020 is that you can zoom in while taking the photo, or you can take the full-resolution image and "reframe" it later to get essentially the same quality. However, aside from only having one sensor, therefore lacking any optical zoom and the ability to take ultrawide shots, the Lumia 1020 is limited to roughly 3x zoom, which is still "lossless," meaning you'll get a 5MP image regardless.

Meanwhile, the telephoto lens on the OnePlus 12 not only provides optical zoom at 3x but can also provide up to 6x of in-sensor zoom while maintaining image quality.

That said, I decided to keep zoom levels at 3x to see how the Lumia 1020 fared against the dedicated telephoto lens of the OnePlus 12. I also captured both the zoomed 5MP image and full-resolution 38MP image together.

The results

One thing worth noting is that at first glance, there's not much difference between the Lumia 1020's 5MP image and 38MP image when taking unzoomed images or even when cropping in later at the same relative zoom distance on the full-resolution shot. The difference in quality would only show up if you zoomed into the 5MP image and 38MP image after the fact, with the latter retaining more quality at 100% zoom.

When comparing with the OnePlus 12, what's consistent across each of the photos is that OnePlus handles various lighting conditions much better than the Lumia 1020. That goes for exposure, color saturation, and even noise, all of which hinder the Lumia's images in one way or another. This is sort of to be expected given how old this phone is, although the Lumia still manages to produce respectable photos if there's good lighting.

Just don't try to take photos at night, as the Lumia camera will suffer, even with pixel binning and the built-in optical image stabilization.

While taking photos, I struggled a lot with the response time of the Lumia 1020. Opening the camera app takes about 3-4 seconds, even when using the dedicated camera button. Not only that, but actually capturing a photo can take a couple of seconds as the camera finds its focus. Still, I will sometimes find myself surprised with just how well the shutter speed is able to capture moving objects, despite how much work the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 is doing to take and process the image.

You can see below how the phone was able to nicely capture the birds flying around, with the wings kept fairly in focus. The scene itself was a bit chaotic, but both phones weren't too phased by all the movement. Even some of today's best Android phones would struggle with all the flapping wings (looking at you, Samsung).

How far we've come

What I realized while testing the Lumia 1020 was that while it was doing some impressive things in 2012, camera technology has come a long way in smartphones. Not only are phones now equipped with multiple lenses to achieve things like wider photos or better zoom, but the best Android camera phones (and even not-so-good ones) often employ some of the same techniques that the Lumia was using even back then, only better.

Phones like the Vivo X200 Pro have taken smartphone photography to some impressive heights, giving us near-DSLR quality and allowing anyone to take impressive photos with a tap of a button. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its massive 200MP camera and quad-camera setup, does a great job of giving users a very versatile and accessible camera system to rival its closest competitors like the iPhone.

The Lumia 1020 was quite a marvel for its time, and I would have loved to own one back when it first launched. But having one now makes me really appreciate just how far we've come with smartphone photography.

While Samsung and Google have dominated the high-end smartphone market in some form or another, companies like Motorola and OnePlus are often seen as the underdogs. That said, 2024 has proven that both companies still have what it takes to make a splash in the North American smartphone market, and 2025 could be the time when both companies shine.

Motorola and OnePlus took very different approaches with their launches this year, with varying degrees of success. On the one hand, there was a sense of focus and restraint, with products offering improvements that finally give us the impression that Motorola and OnePlus are finally on the right track. On the other hand, both companies fell short in ways that would make them truly stand out among juggernauts like Samsung and Chinese OEMs.

If they want to succeed in 2025, neither can rest on their laurels and will have to maintain their momentum to get more devices in more hands.

Motorola’s Razr sharp focus

In recent years, Motorola has been seen as little more than a budget option for consumers, launching low-cost phones that compete with Samsung’s A-series devices on both specs and price. Given how prominent smartphone carriers are in North America, consumers will often gravitate toward iPhones, Galaxy phones, and even Pixels.

Still, that carrier relationship has been quite important for Motorola, and it has helped the company secure a solid spot as a top OEM in North America, among other regions around the world, as noted by Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research.

“Moto has been focusing heavily on prepaid channels with some good traction for G & Edge series [and] some good promos for Razr 2024 [series] in postpaid at T-Mobile and AT&T,” Shah explained in an interview, noting that Latin America has been a stronghold for the company, especially with its budget models.

A Motorola phone is a safe bet for anyone looking for a cheap Android phone, and they have proven that they can bring plenty of value at lower prices.

“What has worked for Moto in markets outside USA (especially India) has been focused on CMF (Colors, Materials and Finish) in partnership with Pantone helping it differentiate among the sea of blacks and got the positioning and partnerships right. That is key as well in North America,” Shah notes.

However, Shah points out that the company still struggles in the higher-end and premium segments where Samsung rules. This is where the Razr series comes in. I reviewed the Razr Plus 2024 earlier this year and came away extremely impressed with it, even after I pitted it against the more powerful Galaxy Z Flip 6.

There’s no doubt that Motorola will focus its efforts on the Razr series in 2025, especially after Lenovo announced that its mobile business is set to double by 2026, thanks to its flagship lineups. Motorola’s marketing efforts for the Razr series have also paid off, with the company targeting the younger Gen Z and the older millennials who yearn for the nostalgia of a flip phone and something other than an iPhone.

The question is whether or not Motorola can keep it up in 2025.

Motorola can’t rely solely on the Razr series, particularly in the U.S., where there is a swathe of high-end Samsung phones to choose from and when consumers are unsure about foldable phones. Motorola’s closest premium non-foldable phone is the Edge 2024, which was a little underwhelming compared to the Edge Plus 2023. And while the Edge 50 Ultra was among the more impressive phones to launch this year, it never arrived in the U.S., leaving plenty of room for the Galaxy S24 series to eat up plenty of the premium market share.

Shah notes that Motorola “is particularly still quite weak in [the] $500+ wholesale premium segment,” and with the growing popularity of the Razr series, Motorola can use the momentum around its name to launch a premium Edge model in North America to challenge Samsung’s dominance, especially if it can get the phone on carrier shelves.

Of course, if Motorola wants a fighting chance, it’ll have to do more than put a nice new phone on the shelves, according to Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers.

While Ubrani agrees that Motorola has well-rounded phones with incredible value, he notes that “the reality is that they don’t have any notable standout features or points of differentiation and often fall below other brands when it comes to some smartphone basics such as photography.”

Ubrani suggests that Motorola should offer improved photo and video capture on its phones, something the company hasn’t particularly excelled in. Perhaps the company should consider a partnership like what we've seen with other Android OEMs. OnePlus's partnership with Hasselblad has resulted in impressive camera quality on its recent devices, and Motorola could benefit from a similar collaboration.

AI could also play a huge role for Motorola in 2025. The company is already beta-testing its Moto AI suite with features that summarize notifications, transcribe recordings, and recall saved content. It also showed off its Large Action Model, which performs actions in apps on the user’s behalf, such as ordering a coffee or Uber. Motorola hasn’t said when this will arrive on phones, but with the recently announced Gemini 2.0, this can’t be too far off, and I could imagine this launching in 2025.

Of course, this is all contingent on whether Motorola can avoid having its phones banned in the U.S. The company is currently in a patent infringement dispute with Ericsson that could ban its devices in several countries, so hopefully, Lenovo can work things out to avoid a move that would be pretty detrimental to the market.

OnePlus has the hardware, but it needs to play the game

Unlike Motorola, which has seen an uptick in the adoption of its flagship phones, OnePlus has struggled to get its phones into consumer hands. The company launched the rather impressive OnePlus 12 earlier this year, which I recently had the pleasure of using.

Thanks to the multi-year partnership with Hasselblad, OnePlus has managed to develop a camera system that could rival Samsung and even Google, and the company was even among the first to bring Android 15 to its smartphones in 2024, something even Samsung hasn’t managed to do.

However, none of that matters if no one’s buying the phone, and OnePlus has been absent from the rankings for top OEM shipments for 2024.

That said, both Shah and Ubrani agree that there is an overall positive perception of the company. So why is that not translating into sales, especially in North America, which is a major market? Ubrani tells me that the issue isn’t with OnePlus.

“The issue is the state of the U.S. smartphone market and the fact that telcos act as gatekeepers. When OnePlus first started, they eschewed the telcos by going direct-to-consumer, and though it worked well, they were still a very tiny player. They eventually began to work with American telcos, but this proved to be too expensive, and they eventually backed away.

The reality is that the unlocked piece of the U.S. smartphone market is tiny (sub 10%), and unless brands are willing to spend large sums of money to work with telcos, they don’t stand a chance. I doubt we’ll see much of OnePlus in the U.S. as a result of this.”

OnePlus could take a page from Motorola’s book regarding carrier partnerships in 2025. The last major OnePlus phone to be sold through a U.S. carrier was the OnePlus 10 Pro, and even that was limited to T-Mobile. Since then, anyone who wanted a OnePlus phone had to buy it straight from the company or unlocked from a retailer. In the U.S., this makes it incredibly difficult to move a significant number of units, even with the cheaper and more accessible OnePlus 12R.

Shah also points out that despite OnePlus’s attractive portfolio, the $300-$600 price point that it targets in the U.S. “is barely 5% of the total market, which reduces its Total Addressable Market for OnePlus to compete.”

That said, with the upcoming launch of the OnePlus 13, there is some hope. The global launch is on January 7, and the phone should prove quite impressive based on what we’ve seen from the Chinese variant. It’s unclear if OnePlus’s carrier relationships will get better, but Anshel Sag, principal analyst for Moor Insights & Strategy, seems optimistic.

“I think OnePlus is doing about as well as they expect to in the U.S. market without in-store carrier support. That said, I do believe that the next generation of devices are really good, and I've been surprised by the quality of the products across the brand and I think they should do a better job of exposing themselves to consumers with their accessories like the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 which are among my favorite earbuds.

The OnePlus 13 sets the stage for the next generation and I think we'll see some interesting things from them next month.”

Additionally, OnePlus has done a good job expanding its product portfolio, launching the mighty impressive OnePlus Watch 2 and Watch 2R along with the OnePlus Pad 2. This is something we would like to see Motorola do more of in 2025, as the company doesn’t currently have a branded Android tablet or a Wear OS smartwatch. OnePlus may not have a huge U.S. presence, but Motorola’s growing popularity could benefit from an expanded portfolio and a more realized family of devices à la Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.

One product we hope to see in 2025 is the OnePlus Open 2, especially after we came away so impressed by the original OnePlus Open. The company skipped a launch in 2024, so this could be the year OnePlus really challenges Samsung and Google, but that depends on its ability to get it into consumer's hands.

Aside from OnePlus and Motorola, other smaller companies like TCL, HMD Global, and Nothing are still clawing for market share in the U.S., with TCL having the best prospects among them. That said, despite launching unique and affordable products in 2024, the lack of strong carrier relationships will likely make it hard to grow in 2025.

Motorola’s willingness to play the game with carriers has solidified its place as a top-selling player, teetering between the budget and premium segments where it can compete with both the smaller and bigger players. Because of this, 2025 could be a big year for Motorola if it continues to play its cards right, but others, like OnePlus, will likely struggle to make any significant headway.

The holiday season has arrived, and if you're looking for a last-minute phone deal to stick under the tree, you're in luck: the OnePlus 12 has just scored a $250 discount at Best Buy, the same price drop that we saw during the retailer's historic Black Friday sale. For just $549.99, you're getting Android Central's favorite phone of 2024 — just be sure to order today if you want it to arrive by Christmas. 

Our favorite phone of 2024 scores a $250 discount

• See Android Central's 2024 holiday gift guide! 20+ deals on smartphones, tablets, wearables, and more

✅Recommended if: you want a powerful flagship phone at a midrange price; great cameras and stylish design are important to you; you need over two days of battery life on a single charge.

❌Skip this deal if: you're interested in the latest AI features or long software support; you need IP68 ingress protection in your devices. 

The OnePlus 12 topped our list of the best Android phones this year thanks to a sophisticated blend of thoughtful design choices, outstanding battery life, and Snapdragon-powered performance that could easily rival the best devices from Samsung or Google. 

As senior editor Harish Jonnalagadda points out in his 4.5/5-star review, the phone really feels like a culmination of everything that OnePlus has learned over its past ten years of releases. The OnePlus 12 is a refinement more than a reinvention, and in this case, that's a very good thing.

Of course, everything isn't perfect with the flagship. You only get five years of guaranteed OS/security updates (compared to Samsung and Google's seven-year promise), and you won't enjoy any of the fancy AI features that have been dominating the airwaves lately. But if you simply want an incredible flagship experience with a record-smashing discount, then this OnePlus 12 deal is for you.

Holiday sales 2024 — quick links

• Amazon: up to 54% off Amazon devices, discounted phones, and more
• Walmart: huge rollback savings on tech, laptops, and TVs
• Samsung: enhanced trade-in credit, up to 50% off Galaxy wearables
• Best Buy: major savings on Motorola and Samsung, new Doorbuster deals daily
• Mint Mobile: up to $500 off Pixel 9 series, Unlimited for $15 per month
• Verizon: up to $1,500 of free tech when you bundle, new trade-in opportunities
• AT&T: Motorola phones from $0.99/month with eligible lines

What you need to know

• OnePlus is pushing a second Android 15 update to its 12 series phone, which brings in the company's promised AI features.
• The OnePlus 12 is picking up several features under the "AI Retouch" and "AI Writing Suite" monikers for photo reworks and writing assistance, respectively.
• The first Android 15 update was pushed early in November; however, OnePlus highlighted that its AI features were still in testing.

Another update is starting to roll out for a past-gen OnePlus device that makes good on the company's promise.

The Chinese OEM posted its changelog for its second Android 15 update for the OnePlus 12 (via Android Headlines). OnePlus notes that the update that's rolling out (vCPH2573_15.0.0.305) is getting its start in India before arriving in North America, Europe, and other Global areas next week. Additionally, the update concerns OxygenOS 15 users, leaving those with OxygenOS 14 to wait as the company is "working to provide the update for you soon!"

More importantly, this update is bringing a couple of AI-based features to the OnePlus 12.

Thanks to Android 15, users will soon have access to AI Retouch. OnePlus states this will let users enhance the clarity of a "cropped, distant, or low-quality" picture. AI Retouch also includes "Unblur," which is said to assist in restoring colors, lighting in blurry photos, and other important details.

Lastly, "Remove Reflections" uses AI to remove unsightly mirroring effects found on glass for a "clearer more authentic" photo.

Additionally, the second Android 15 update brings AI Notes to the OnePlus 12. Kicking that off is the "AI Writing Suite" with tools to help you polish your drafts and "optimize" the AI's writing style to get the heavy work done for you. "Format" is said to bring your scattered notes into a more cohesive form while "Clean Up" removes "filler words" to facilitate more structured sentences.

OnePlus threw in support to instantly share live photos with iOS devices and the dependability of Bluetooth. The remainder of the changelog is as follows:

• Contacts can now be switched to a floating window.
• Photos can now recognize boarding passes and add them to Google Wallet.
• Apps in large folders can now be displayed in 3 × 3 grids.
• Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.
• Fixes a display issue where some app icons might overlap with other elements when pulling down the Quick Settings in the Photos app after restarting the phone.
• Integrates the November 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

OnePlus initially pushed its major Android 15 upgrade for its 2023 flagship early in November. The update started rolling out to many of the same regions as this second "incremental" patch. However, the original rollout only offered the new features that OnePlus worked on for OxygenOS 15. Specifically, the software' icons were improved with a softer, rounded visual appeal on the Home screen and within its Systems area.

The animations of OxygenOS 15 have been revamped to be more fluid in every aspect of the device. Several new gesture controls aid users who're multitasking with more intuitive controls.

What's more, OnePlus highlighted its lack of AI features for the device during that first update. The company stated that those tools were still in "testing" and would begin rolling out in November. We're nearly at the end, meaning those in the U.S. and other places will begin seeing them early in December.

I've used nearly 30 phones this year — no joke — and while many of them have great features worth writing about, I keep going back to one of the first releases of 2024: the OnePlus 12. It's hands-down my phone of the year and now you can experience greatness for a record-breaking $250 off the OnePlus 12 a solid week ahead of Black Friday.

That's $549 for the fastest flagship phone in the U.S., making it almost half the price of Google's overpriced Pixel 9 Pro all while kicking its proverbial butt in every test we put them up against. We wrote that the OnePlus 12 beat Samsung in all the right ways, and it turns out that OnePlus would beat Samsung to the Android 15 update by several months on top of everything else.

If I had to choose one phone to buy this year, it's absolutely this one, and it's not even close.

Shop all Black Friday phone deals at Best Buy

To put this price in perspective, my colleague Harish wrote last week that you should wait until Black Friday to buy a OnePlus 12 so it'd drop back down to its previous-record low price of $599. Now that it's $50 cheaper than that, this deal's a no-brainer.

Aside from a low price, the OnePlus 12 sports fantastic build quality with the best haptics in the business. The screen gets plenty bright without hurting your eyes — unlike the Pixel 9 series and its low-HZ PWM display — and support for great features like Pro XDR, you know you're getting the best image quality and the best display for your eyes.

If you're worried about camera quality going from a Pixel to a OnePlus phone, don't be. As Android Central's managing editor wrote, the OnePlus 12's camera surprised him, even when directly comparing it to a Pixel. I've taken scores of wonderful photos and videos from the OnePlus 12 over the last 11 months and love using it every day.

Of course, we can't forget to talk about battery life and charging. OnePlus's Android 15-based Oxygen OS 15 update is something truly special and made battery life even better for me. I get well over a day from a single charge and never have battery anxiety because the charger that's included in the box — yep, OnePlus doesn't cheap out like Samsung, Apple, or Google — charges the phone from 0-100% in 30 minutes. No joke. It's insane and will blow you away every time you use it.

If you were on the fence about which phone you should upgrade to this year, stop looking and just get a OnePlus 12. Thank me later.

I've reviewed nearly 30 phones over several years, but I've rarely had a chance to play with a OnePlus device outside of the budget-friendly N300 5G. OnePlus phones just never grabbed my attention, which is a sentiment I feel I share with many U.S. consumers. However, after finally getting my hands on the OnePlus 12, I feel like I've been missing out on something great, and it's mainly due to its impressive camera.

I haven't had the OnePlus 12 for very long, but in the short time I've been using it, the phone has already replaced my Pixel 9 for photos. Fortunately, Black Friday deals are already here, and the 16+512GB OnePlus 12 is currently down to its lowest price, making it a great time to snag one. And if you want to save more money, the 12+256GB variant is also down to an unbeatable price.

• Check out these early Black Friday deals on OnePlus phones

Money well spent

The OnePlus 12 sports an impressive camera array, consisting of a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The camera system is tuned by leading camera manufacturer Hasselblad, which brings improved color tuning and sensor calibration.

That first image in the above gallery was the first photo I took with the OnePlus 12, and that's when I realized just how good this phone is. I was surprised at the amount of depth in the image, with plenty of detail on the lamp and some of the most natural-looking bokeh I've seen from a phone. The lamp really stands out from the multicolored leaves, even against the similarly-colored tree branches.

Since then, I've carried the OnePlus 12 with me just about everywhere in an attempt to see what this thing is made of. Suffice it to say, I've been extremely pleased with the results. The phone produces extremely crisp and detailed images with punchy colors and often with a lot of contrast, and it beautifully blurs the background enough to really highlight the subject. This type of color processing may not be for everyone, and it wasn't for me for a long time. However, fall is my favorite season, and taking images of fall colors is just so much better when images are more vibrant and saturated.

Even when zoomed in, the results are detailed images that rival even the Pixel 8 Pro at the same zoom levels. I captured the below images at 3x zoom, which highlights the OnePlus 12's strong telephoto lens. I then captured the same image at 4x, which is the Pixel 8 Pro's standard telephoto zoom level. Fortunately, the OnePlus 12 performed well thanks to in-sensor zoom, which should kick in up to 6x.

I also compared the OnePlus 12 against the Pixel 9, which is the phone I often carry around just for photos (the camera on the Razr Plus 2024 that I use daily is perfectly fine, but it doesn't hold a candle to these). While I can't say that the OnePlus 12 is definitely better than the Pixel 9 in terms of quality (it's all subjective), I will say that it goes toe-to-toe with Google's image processing.

Both phones clearly have different approaches to color and dynamic range. OnePlus tends to maintain the colors you see while punching them up, while the Pixel seems to go for a more dramatic look with deeper contrast while often changing the color temperature to what it thinks you want to see. In a sense, the Pixel images almost seem artificial when I compare them to what I see versus what the OnePlus 12 captures, which is often more true to life.

This is highlighted by the tree in the above image, which appears almost exactly how I saw it in the OnePlus 12 image, while the Pixel made it much cooler, which made the bushes appear greener and the sky a tad bluer than it was.

In the image above, the OnePlus retains the color of the house while the Pixel darkens it. I like both images, but I prefer the more realistic OnePlus 12 photo over the dramatic Pixel image.

That's not to say the OnePlus 12 camera is better than the Pixel 9, as that's not a call I can definitively make. There are definitely times when I prefer Pixel images over OnePlus. That said, I've been thoroughly and pleasantly surprised at how well the camera holds its own, and I would say that the Hasselblad partnership was money well spent.

You don't need to wait for the OnePlus 13

Aside from the camera, the OnePlus 12 is just a beautiful and powerful phone. The design stands out like no other phone you can buy in the U.S., you get plenty of power with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12 or 16GB of RAM, haptics feel great, and you get a large battery with very fast charging. Plus, it's one of the first phones in the U.S. to receive Android 15. There's a lot to like about this phone.

The OnePlus 12 launched globally in January 2024, so it's been on the market for less than a year. The OnePlus 13 is already out in China, but we probably won't see it come state-side until the new year. This is why I think it would be a perfect time to snatch up the OnePlus 12, even if you've considered getting a Pixel or waiting for the OnePlus 13. We've seen some impressive OnePlus deals in recent months, and Black Friday has proven no different with this amazing deal on the OnePlus 12.

When a new model arrives, comparing the older model to the newer one is always necessary. You want to see the differences between the latest and previous models to decide if the upgrade is worth your money. That's why a OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 12 comparison is crucial.

You won't find all the same helpful AI features that you'll get on a Pixel phone, but that doesn't mean OnePlus doesn't have other great features worth using. The OnePlus 13 is available worldwide today, despite its China launch a few months back. In the side-by-side comparison, you can see if the latest model is worth replacing the previous one.

OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 12: Design and display

There is not too much difference between the two phones regarding design, but there are details to mention. For example, the camera visor leaves the extra metal framing behind, while the new model gives it a cleaner look. It also keeps the alert slider on the side.

The OnePlus 13 now has a circular camera visor that looks neater. The latest model measures 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.9mm and weighs 213 grams with a glass back and 210 grams with a leather back. It has a crystal shield super ceramic display and an aluminum alloy metal middle frame. The smartphone is available in Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Artic Dawn colors, with the Midnight Ocean models featuring a soft vegan leather finish.

The bezels are also thinner, and the build is marginally lighter. Moreover, the flatter design is excellent for avoiding accidental screen inputs. The OnePlus 13 has an IP68/IP69 rating, meaning the phone can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes or handle high water pressure at close range.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 has rounded edges and smooth curves, and as Android Central's Harish Jonnalagadda says in his OnePlus 12 review, its back "looks striking," especially with the Flowy Emerald finish. In addition, it measures 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15mm and is heavier than the latest model, at 220 grams. You can get the OnePlus 12 in Silky Black or Flowy Esmerald, which gives the phone a luxurious look.

Further, the OnePlus 12 has a lower IP65 rating, meaning it's dust-proof but can only withstand low-pressure jets from all directions, splashes, and sprays, not submersion.

The display of the OnePlus 13 and the OnePlus 12 has not changed much. Both models have a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED QHD+ display with a 3168 x 1440 resolution. They also share a 510ppi pixel density, 4,500 nits of brightness, an Always-on display, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The phones' other specifications include Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which provide brighter highlights and a deeper black.

However, the smartphones protect their respective displays differently since the OnePlus 13 has Crystal Shield super-ceramic glass, while the older OnePlus 12 has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The OnePlus 13 has Intelligent Eye Care 4.0 and Auqa Touch 2.0, specs not found on the previous model. However, the OnePlus 12 still has a PWM-friendly display

OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 12: Hardware and specs

Regarding hardware, some specs remain the same, while others have changed. For example, the OnePlus 13 and the 12 still share 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. They also share the same RAM, and you can choose from 12GB or 16GB options, with a 24GB option available in select regions. Once you know which memory option to use, it's time to see how they differ in other areas.

Both OnePlus phones share the same USB Type-C 3.2 connector, an infrared sensor, and no radio. They also share 50W wireless and 80W SUPERVOOC charging. Both phones have stereo speakers and can record in 8K.

The OnePlus 13 has a 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide camera. The latest model also has the same 32MP selfie camera as its predecessor, which is still great for selfies. The OnePlus 12 also has the same 50MP wide camera but an inferior 48MP ultrawide and a better 64MP telephoto camera, although that does not make the camera on this phone a slouch by any means.

The OnePlus 13 one-ups the older one with a bigger 6,000mAh battery and 5W reverse wired charging to help keep your phone charged. The battery on the OnePlus 12 model isn't as significant since it has a 5,400mAh battery, but it's still a decent size to get through a full day of use. The OnePlus 12 also has slightly inferior 10W reverse wireless charging compared to the newest model with a 15W speed.

And when it comes to security, the latest OnePlus provides more security with its fingerprint sensor, which uses a new ultrasonic version that bounces sound waves off your finger to create a 3D map of it. This would make it very difficult for someone to gain unauthorized access to your phone.

The OnePlus 13 also has a better Snapdragon 8 Elite processor thanks to the Oryon CPU core. With this one, you get a more power-efficient processor that performs better. The latest OnePlus 13 also has an upgraded Vapor Cooling system that gives you better thermal conductivity. The newer model may have a better processor, but that doesn't mean that last year's model can't say it has a powerful processor with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and plenty of RAM.

OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 12: Software

There is not much difference between the two phones regarding software, only that the newer OnePlus 13 comes with OxygenOS 15 on top of Android 15 out of the box, although the OnePlus 12 has already received an update to OxygenOS 15.

With both phones, you can expect it to have plenty of customizability and a fluid interface. Also, The China model runs on ColorOS, while the international version has OxygenOS. Both phones have helpful features, such as an IR blaster to control home appliances.

You get AI features such as Object removal, AI voice summary for calls, and Clear Face. More are coming, but OnePlus has not officially confirmed when they will be available.

The phones also feature AI Eraser, allowing you to remove unwanted people or objects from your pictures so you always get the perfect one every time. While OnePlus does add pre-installed bloatware to their phones, the company also offers other great features like Smart Notifications. The privacy-conscious feature conceals your notifications from others when it's not you looking at the screen. As soon you look at your phone, your notifications reappear instantly. Other fun and practical features include getting camera access by drawing a letter on your display.

OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 12: Which one wins?

Both phones are from the same company and offer great specs, but the latest model usually has a few specs that match up with the previous model. What might make you upgrade will be the upgrades on the new model and whether they are worth the money.

If you're on a budget, going for last year's model is still a good idea since both phones share various specs, including the same display, storage, and RAM options. However, getting the OnePlus 13 is excellent if you can afford it since it will have more AI features than the OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 13 is available worldwide, but it's best to check for your specific region.

The OnePlus 12 currently sells for $789 on Amazon for the 256GB storage option, while the OnePlus 13 retails for $899 for the 12GB/256GB model and $999 for the 16GB/512GB model. The 24GB/1TB model is only available in select regions.

The OnePlus 12 is an unquestionable hit, with OnePlus nailing the design, hardware, and cameras this year. The phone continues to hold its own against costlier rivals, and honestly, if you don't need seven years of software updates that are guaranteed by Google and Samsung, it is a fantastic choice.

But the introduction of the OnePlus 13 comes with the inevitable quandary: buy the OnePlus 12 while it's discounted now, or wait a few months and get the OnePlus 13? The OnePlus 13 is even faster, has new camera tech, and comes with a massive battery that should last longer.

I used the OnePlus 12 extensively, and while I didn't get to test the OnePlus 13 just yet, let's take a look at what you get with the new device, and whether you should wait until it goes on sale or buy the OnePlus 12 right now.

You get the latest internals

Like most other 2025 Android phones, the OnePlus 13 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Obviously, there's a lot of excitement in the latest Qualcomm platform given the sizeable upgrades — including the custom cores — and it will be interesting to see how these hold up in daily use.

The OnePlus 12 is no slouch in this regard, but the OnePlus 13 should deliver meaningful gains. That said, it remains to be seen if you'll actually be able to use the hardware to its potential; OxygenOS throttles most games to 60fps, so even if the hardware theoretically allows 120fps gaming, the software needs additional tweaks.

Although the rest of the hardware is relatively unchanged, you get other niceties, including IP69 dust and water resistance. While IP68 is still great, the new standard safeguards against water jets in addition to submersion, making the device that much more resilient. 

It should take even better photos

The OnePlus 13 uses the same 50MP f/1.6 main camera as last year, and that's not a bad thing at all. The sensor is clearly among the best around, and we should get better photos and videos with improved tuning.

What I'm excited about is the auxiliary cameras; the OnePlus 13 has 50MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras, and they're the same as the ones on the Find X8 Pro. That should give the device a considerable edge; while I generally like the OnePlus 12, its auxiliary lenses don't quite measure up, so it's good to see that changing this year.

There's a massive battery

One of the biggest changes with the OnePlus 13 is the battery size. The phone features a massive 6000mAh battery, and what's interesting is that OnePlus is using silicon-carbon battery tech. The battery uses a silicon-based anode, and this allows better density, allowing the brand to use a bigger battery without increasing the size of the device.

As a result, even though the OnePlus 13 has a battery that's 500mAh larger, it is thinner and 7g lighter than the OnePlus 12, and that's a big deal. The silicon-carbon tech also has better durability, and that should be noticeable after two to three years of use. You still get 100W charging tech, but the charging time is slightly longer as the device is using a single 6000mAh cell this time.

Why you shouldn't wait — the OnePlus 12 has a better design

The OnePlus 13 clearly has a lot going for it, and while I'm looking forward to testing the device, I'm not a fan of the new design. OnePlus phones have always followed a similar design aesthetic — going all the way back to the OnePlus 3 — that was characterized by smooth curves and a "horizon line" that made the devices great to hold and use.

But the OnePlus 13 switches to a blocky design with flat sides, and that just doesn't look as exciting to me. The renders suggest that the device has beveled edges, so it won't be as uncomfortable to hold as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but it still doesn't have the same elegance as the OnePlus 12.

The OnePlus 12 is much more affordable

Another factor to consider with the OnePlus 13 is that it comes with a noticeable price hike. Although the device should still cost less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the upcoming Galaxy S25+, there is likely to be a $100 increase over the OnePlus 12 when you account for what the OnePlus 13 is selling for in China.

That means you may have to pay as much as $899 to get your hands on the device in most global markets. To put things into context, the OnePlus 12 is routinely available for $649, and it will go down to $599 during the upcoming holiday sales window.

The OnePlus 13 is a better overall device, but is it worth $300 more? I don't think so at this moment in time. Obviously, I haven't used the device yet, so I can't make any qualitative judgement in this regard, but the phone upgrade cycle is such that you don't get too many noticeable gains year-on-year. 

The OnePlus 13 will be a considerable upgrade if you're on an older device, but even then, the OnePlus 12 is just as good a choice. If I had to put my own money on the table, I'm picking the OnePlus 12 instead of waiting for the OnePlus 13.

OnePlus's transformation is complete after the release of OxygenOS 15 this week. The Android 15-based update for the OnePlus 12 is a shining example of what a company can achieve when it realizes its past mistakes and resolves to fix them.

Now, OnePlus is one of the elite few companies that have pushed an Android 15 update out to its phones in less than a month after Google released the OS. Meanwhile, companies like Samsung are saying not to expect its Android 15 beta release for another month, followed by the full release of One UI 7 sometime early in 2025. I would have lost money if I had to wager a bet against which of these two companies would have had its Android 15 update out first.

As a OnePlus 12 user, I'm glad OnePlus got its act together and has been able to deliver such a monumental update in such a short amount of time. OnePlus 12 users can expect to see the update appear on their phones this week, while other OnePlus phones should get the update in the coming weeks and months.

I've reviewed well over a dozen phones this year, but the one I keep coming back to is the OnePlus 12. Here's why I think you'll love it, too.

A refreshing look and feel

OxygenOS 15 sports a fresh coat of paint and refined iconography, including a more powerful theme engine that feels closer to OxygenOS's golden days of yore. Not only that, but the company has added in several new features and options that are sure to get some users excited.

You can now choose to split the notification shade if you want, adding room for more quick toggles in a separate shade from notifications. You can always swipe left or right to move between these panes, so enabling the iOS-style feature is actually more handy than it is on iOS itself.

Speaking of iOS, OnePlus joins the swath of OEMs that have added a Dynamic Island-style pop-up notification to the punch-hole camera in the display, but it's disabled by default. Right now, it doesn't seem to support many apps so it's probably not worth using outside of a few first-party OnePlus apps.

The new animations and optional frosted glass UI look are all quite beautiful and should please anyone who appreciates little details throughout the UI.

All of this ties in so perfectly with the haptics which have always been one of the real stars of the show when using the OnePlus 12. Move your finger along the brightness or volume sliders and each little notch is felt like you're moving a dial. Keyboard taps are punchy and deep. Unlocking with the one's excellent fingerprint sensor feels like pressing a button. It's all incredible, and it makes me love using this phone over others.

AI to the rescue

OnePlus phones rarely have the best cameras in the industry, but the OnePlus 12 has surprised me more than once with its unique Hasselblad color tuning engine and the excellent telephoto sensor on the back.

With that said, I wholeheartedly welcome the new AI features that work to make the camera even better. We already tested OnePlus' AI eraser and found that it was better than Google's Magic Eraser, and now OnePlus is back with three other new tools I'll be using all the time.

AI Detail Boost can help fill in the gaps to make low-resolution images look crisper and cleaner, or just add some more fine detail to an image that's been zoomed into. This one's nice, but I like AI Unblur even better since it can help clean up some of my favorite blurry photos. Check out this comparison of my son and his friends during Halloween, for example.

There's also a reflection eraser tool that does exactly what it says on the tin, similar to the tool that shipped with Samsung phones in 2023.

Lastly, a new global search app uses Google Gemini to locally catalog anything you give it permission to, including photos, messages, contacts, and more. It's not quite as robust as the Pixel Screenshots app on a Google Pixel, but it can be helpful for quickly finding photos, videos, or messages on your phone without switching between a bunch of apps.

OnePlus also upgraded the multitasking to make it more like the brilliant OnePlus Canvas software that debuted on the OnePlus Open. Floating windows now support gestures, the smart sidebar can be used like a desktop dock to launch apps, and switching between apps is faster and smoother than on any other phone, thanks to OnePlus's brilliant UI design.

There are a lot of other little things we've been loving about this update and all of them culminate into an experience that's better than any other phone on the market. I keep coming back to this phone time and time again despite having access to every other Android phone on the market.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

This week, we find out just how popular the Pixel 9 is, the OnePlus 12 gets OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, Samsung is rumored to have a Galaxy S25 Slim in the works, Google rolls out the November 2024 update to Pixels, and Amazon is having some issues with its Colorsoft Kindle.

Google has a hit on its hands

Read more here.

The Pixel series may not be as popular as Samsung's Galaxy lineup, but Google has seen more success with its smartphones in recent years, and the latest numbers show how popular the phones have become. According to a report from Counterpoint Research, Google's smartphone shipments grew 20% in Q3 2024, which can be attributed to the much earlier launch of the Pixel 9 series.

A second report from Statcounter shows just how drastic Pixel growth has been, with a graph revealing a jump from about 5% to a whopping 14% share between September and October. The Pixel 9 series went on sale at the end of August, when there was a noticeable uptick in share, giving Google a good amount of time to see the Pixel 9 affected Q3 sales figures. It's worth noting that the Pixel 8 did not go on sale until Q4 2023.

While Google still has some catching up to do to reach the numbers of Samsung Galaxy phones, it's clear that the company's strategy is working. The Pixel 9 series has have been impressive thanks to great cameras, standout designs, a better chipset, and fun on-device AI features.

Breathe new life into the OnePlus 12 with OxygenOS 15

Read more here.

It hasn't been that long since Google rolled out Android 15 to its Pixel phones. Now, OnePlus is getting in on the action by rolling out OxygenOS 15 to the OnePlus 12, the company's current global flagship (the OnePlus 13 is still China-only for now). Some Android Central staff have already received the update, which is steadily arriving on global variants of the phone.

The update brings a host of visual improvements to the home screen, themes, and animations and should make things more fluid and uniform throughout the UI. The pulldown menu can now be separated by notifications and quick settings, similar to iPhones and some other Android phones. There's also a new Live Alerts feature that mimics Apple's Dynamic Island by showing real-time updates for apps and activities in an expandable pill at the top of the display.

There are a ton of new updates, but Android Central senior editor Harish Jonnalagadda has highlighted some of his favorite OxygenOS 15 features.

Galaxy on a diet, with an "Ultra" appetite

Read more here.

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S25 series sometime in 2025, but rumors are circulating that the company is preparing a "Galaxy S25 Slim." The device, as hinted by the name, would be a thinner model, but that apparently might not mean that it'll be a watered-down version. A recent leak suggests that despite its thinner profile, the phone may feature an "Ultra" camera.

While the leak doesn't specify what that means, it's not hard to guess that it could adopt a 200MP camera similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra and previous Ultra models. If true, it'll be interesting to see how this will fit in the phone; will it feature a massively protruding camera sensor? We don't know how "slim" this phone will be, but it may likely be thinner than the current batch of Galaxy S24 models, which come in at 7.6, 7.7, and 8.6mm for the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra, respectively.

It's also being said that if the Galaxy S25 Slim does launch, it won't arrive with the rest of the Galaxy S25 series, which is expected in January. That said, it's not clear when Samsung is planning to launch the device if it does end up coming to market.

Pixels grab post-Android 15 update

Read more here.

October was a big month for Pixel phones with the rollout of Android 15. November isn't as big, but there's still plenty to look forward to with the November 2024 update, which has begun rolling out to Google's smartphones from the Pixel 6 and newer.

Most of the bug fixes address issues with the Pixel 9 series, such as Adaptive brightness not kicking in or problems pertaining to Bluetooth range. There's also a fix for the cameras when zooming in between sensors, which would cause tilting under certain conditions.

Meanwhile, all eligible Pixel smartphones received performance improvements for UI animations, while the Pixel 8a received a specific display fix for an issue that would cause flickering.

The November 2024 update is rolling out with version numbers AP3A.241105.007 and .008, depending on the device, and your phone must be running Android 15 to receive the update.

Amazon's first color Kindle runs into problems

Read more here.

Amazon made headlines when it launched its first full-color Kindle. However, as exciting as it seems, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition has already encountered some problems, with owners complaining about a yellow tint at the bottom of the display that bleeds into about an inch of the screen. Not only that, but apparently, the dark mode is not working on the device.

The problem has led to plenty of low reviews on Amazon, with the device sitting at an average of 2.6 stars. With Amazon well aware of the issue, the company is working on a fix and noting that owners can contact customer service and request a replacement or refund. That said, replacements may take some time to arrive as Amazon works on fixing the screen tint issues, although there's no word on the dark mode issue.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Telegram's new update is a visual treat for big channels
• WhatsApp's new customization feature makes managing your chats much easier
• Google's huge ChromeOS 130 update packs AI features, Focus, and more for laptops
• Samsung's Galaxy S25 series might finally adopt Android's seamless updates
• Android emoji reactions now appear as they should on iPhones
• Pixel Screenshots app grabs a few QoL updates and a capture shortcut
• You're not crazy, other Galaxy Watch 7 users report ghost vibrations
• One UI 7 beta could be just around the corner with an Apple Intelligence-like twist
• Latest Motorola Rizr rollable phone patent highlights new security tricks
• Qualcomm reports $10.2B in FY Q4 revenue thanks to strong headset sales, automotive push

What you need to know

• OnePlus fast-tracked the stable Android 15 release for the OnePlus 12, skipping the beta phase in some areas like North America.
• OxygenOS 15 brings AI-powered features, smoother animations, and the Open Canvas feature, which was previously exclusive to the OnePlus Open.
• New AI features are still being tested and will be released gradually throughout November.

OnePlus has officially launched the stable OxygenOS 15 update, and it's now being rolled out globally to OnePlus 12 devices.

The OEM has surprisingly fast-tracked the OxygenOS 15 rollout for OnePlus 12 devices across multiple regions, including North America, India, and Europe. This quick release follows the recent launch of the Open Beta program in several markets, with some areas like North America skipping the beta phase altogether.

OnePlus has admitted that the early launch of the Android 15 update may have been influenced by competition, with other Android phones getting the same treatment more quickly than before. The company confirmed that the update will be rolled out to users in phases over the course of the week.

Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 brings a host of AI-powered features and smoother animations. One standout addition is the Open Canvas feature, which was previously only available on the OnePlus Open.

Although OxygenOS 15 brings plenty of improvements, OnePlus has noted that new AI features are still being worked on. These are in testing now and will be gradually rolled out to users throughout November.

While the AI features aren’t in this first release, OxygenOS 15 still packs plenty of cool new features and upgrades. For example, updated icons and rounded corners bring sharper, cleaner visuals to the Home screen and system.

Furthermore, there are new, customizable themes with fluid animations across your Home screen, Lock screen, and Always-On Display. Plus, new gestures make multitasking easier with resizable windows and intuitive controls.

Charging limit also keeps your battery at 80% to help it last longer, with reminders for protection. Holo Audio improves sound quality for online calls and meetings.

The centralized safety hub and organized Private Safe provides easier access to personal data and apps. Overall, OxygenOS 15 is all about smooth visuals, better multitasking, and personalizing your device. You can view the full changelog on OnePlus' website.

Well, I was about to call it a day, but I just came across an early Black Friday deal at Best Buy that has stopped me dead in my tracks. The OnePlus 12, one of our favorite Android phones on the market today, is currently sitting on the retailer's site with a whopping $150 discount. That's the same price drop that we saw during Amazon's Prime Day sale in October, and we're still almost a month away from Black Friday! 

True, the discount comes in the wake of the OnePlus 13 reveal in China a few days ago, but since there's no global release date for that phone yet, this is the best that OnePlus currently has to offer at well below the retail price. No trade-in required, no strings attached. 

The 'gorgeous' OnePlus 12 has returned to its Prime Day price

• See Best Buy's full list of early Black Friday deals

The OnePlus 12 earned the top spot in our list of the best Android phones of 2024, not because it's the most powerful or innovative device that we've ever used, but because it has the perfect balance of elegant, sophisticated design with butter-smooth performance and a price tag that won't demolish your bank account. After all, there's a good reason why so many folks compare the OnePlus 12 with the Samsung Galaxy S24 when shopping for a new smartphone. 

While you'll miss out on some of those fancy AI features that other brands have been prioritizing lately, with the OnePlus 12 you're getting a phone that's simply great at being a phone. If all you need is a stylish device with great battery life, fast performance, and awesome camera software, then the OnePlus 12 is a great deal — especially when you compare it with an early Black Friday discount at Best Buy. 

OnePlus didn't make much noise when it launched its AI Eraser back in April 2024, but so far, AI Eraser is the most interesting feature of OnePlus AI on global OnePlus devices. You can use it on the OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, OnePlus Open, and OnePlus Nord CE 4. Before OnePlus though, Google was the first one to pioneer this feature.

Always happy to have more variety, I decided to give OnePlus' AI Eraser a go on my OnePlus 12R. I wanted to see whether it could beat Google's Magic Eraser, which I favor over Samsung's Object Eraser based on my personal user experience.

Magic Eraser is definitely the most accessible and popular erasing tool on phones. I use it almost every day, especially when I'm on holiday or taking product pictures for reviews. However, it's not the brightest tool in the shed. There are times when I am left very frustrated and annoyed by the stupidity of AI.

Back when Magic Eraser first made its debut with the Google Pixel 6 series, I was flabbergasted at the tool's capabilities. I'm not alone, we're all big fans of AI-based erasers here at Android Central. Our managing editor, Derrek Lee, used Object Eraser, Samsung's version of it, to restore hundreds of precious family photographs of his late grandfather a few years back.

Of course, in 2024, such a tool isn't so novel anymore. Now that every other phone brand is rushing to add AI features to their products, there is a ton of competition for Google and Samsung. Not to mention, anyone can now use Google's Magic Eraser on their phones as long as they have a Google One subscription, including iPhone users. Let's see whether the OnePlus AI Eraser can compete with the bigwigs.

OnePlus' AI Eraser vs. Google's Magic Eraser

The OnePlus AI Eraser is fairly basic. You start by heading into the native Photos app on your OnePlus phone. Once you click the Edit button on an image, the AI Eraser tool shows up among the array of other photo editing tools.

OnePlus' AI Eraser has three main options: Smart lasso, Paint over, and Remove people. I'll walk you through each option and my experience with it one by one.

Ironically, Smart lasso was the least intelligent option of the three. I suppose the idea is that you select an object or portion of the image by using a lasso tool, just like you would on Photoshop. However, the implementation of it is sloppy and only works half the time. I tried to use the Smart lasso and failed constantly, eventually giving up entirely. It was so much easier to use the Paint over masking tool to manually select bits to erase.

The Paint over option is surprisingly capable. It's simple to use: you just annotate whatever part of the image needs erasure with your finger by drawing over it in a single stroke. AI takes care of the rest.

My first test image was captured with my OnePlus 12R. Here's the original:

My goal was to erase the red plastic chair legs in the lower-right corner. Here's how OnePlus AI Eraser took care of the chair legs:

It looks really natural, and unless I had mentioned it, you probably wouldn't have noticed the extra line on the floor replicating the edges of the floor tiles.

I used the same manual selection tool and highlighted the exact same spot on my Pixel 8's Google Photos app. Shockingly, Magic Eraser didn't fare so well when removing the red chair legs. As you can see below, there's a weird gray shadowy blob where the chair legs used to be instead of a perfectly imitated tile. The edges of the tiles are much more realistic, though.

I replicated my experiment with an old picture I shot in a pet shop. The image was captured with my OnePlus 3T back in 2019. This was a much more challenging image for AI because of the grill on the cat's cage. Here's the original picture:

Again, I used the Paint over option for precision and tried to remove the grill in front of the cat. The results were odd, to say the least, but you'll be surprised to know that OnePlus' AI Eraser was not the worst performer.

Google's Magic Eraser completely misunderstood the assignment. Instead of erasing the grill, it ended up deleting the cat — the main subject of the image.

Lastly, I also checked OnePlus' capability to erase people from the background of shots. For this segment, I used a picture captured by my trusty Pixel 8. Here's the original photo:

Again, OnePlus impressed me with the AI Eraser's Remove people feature. This is my favorite result out of all three images.

While Magic Eraser is really good, it still had two or three stragglers in the back. It'll definitely need do overs for better results.

Clearly, OnePlus is on the right track with its AI Eraser. The cat in the cage, in particular, showcases how smart the AI really is, especially compared to Magic Eraser, which misunderstood which parts of the image needed to be removed. Although the people in the background of my holiday picture could easily be removed by manually masking them with Magic Eraser, AI Eraser auto-detected all of them from the get-go and eliminated the need for me to go in and make additional edits.

I can't wait to see what more OnePlus has in store for us. To think that such a new object-erasing tool can hold its own against the well-established Magic Eraser is really something. My only complaint was with the Smart lasso but the Paint over option does the trick. I do wish OnePlus would let us save the edited image as a new image, which isn't an option at the moment. Any changes made with the OnePlus AI Eraser are permanent changes made to the original shot.

Of course, we can't compare the prowess of OnePlus Photos with Google Photos or Magic Editor. You can't increase or decrease the size of something by pinching it, nor can you add people to pictures. However, the OnePlus AI Eraser has set the right tone and makes me positive about any other competing AI-based photo editing tools that OnePlus might bring to OxygenOS.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Design

I tend to use Pixels quite a bit over the course of the year, and these devices stood out thanks to the distinctive camera bar at the back. With the Pixel 9 generation, Google is making wholesale changes to the design; the camera bar is still intact, but it doesn't blend seamlessly into the mid-frame, and the sides of the phone are now flat.

If anything, the new design makes the Pixel 9 look like the iPhone 15; I'm not a fan of the design tweaks, but I will admit that the Pixel 9 has better build quality than its predecessors. The phone doesn't have any flex to the chassis, the buttons have good tactility, and it has good durability — something that was a big problem on previous Pixels.

The OnePlus 12, meanwhile, retains the same design language as its predecessors, offering a svelte design with smooth curves and rounded edges. The Flowy Emerald option looks stunning, and it is still the best color variant available. The matte texture at the back is delightful, and although the device is bulkier than the Pixel 9 at 9.2mm (versus 8.5mm), you don't feel that in regular use. OnePlus rolled out the Glacial White model of the device a few months ago, and that's another variant to consider if you want an elegant design. 

I also like the camera housing on the OnePlus 12; the individual rings around the cameras and the seamless way the island merges into the mid-frame is pretty cool. Other design niceties include the alert slider, a hardware toggle that lets you switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes.

While OnePlus clearly got a lot right on the design side of things, the OnePlus 12 misses out on IP68 dust and water resistance — the phone instead gets an IP65 rating, and that just isn't enough in 2024. Thankfully, the Pixel 9 isn't limited in this area, and the device gets IP68 ingress protection.

The Pixel 9 is thinner, lighter, and smaller, and while small Android phones aren't really a thing these days, it is on the smaller end of the scale. So if that's a consideration, the Pixel 9 could be a better choice. On the whole though, I prefer the design of the OnePlus 12, with the device managing to deliver an evocative design that looks elegant.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Display

The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED panel, and while it isn't quite as diminutive as the Zenfone 10, it is a compact device. The panel now goes up to 2700 nits in HDR mode, but the real difference is in daily use, where it has a clear edge over the Pixel 8 — both with regards to brightness and color vibrancy.

Google did all the right things in this area, and while some issues remain — the ambient light sensor isn't quite as fast to alter brightness when moving to a room with low lighting — the Pixel 9 is a much better showing than previous years. You also get Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and I didn't run into many problems in the month I used the device.

The OnePlus 12 doesn't have a bad showing either; the phone's 6.82-inch 120Hz AMOLED panel is one of the best around, and it has better PWM dimming — something that's still a problem on Pixels — along with great color saturation. The 4500-nit max brightness figure is a bit of a gimmick as it measures miniscule portions of the panel when viewing HDR content, but I didn't see any issues with the panel even under harsh sunlight.

However, the Pixel 9 wins this round, with the phone managing to get noticeably brighter in auto mode. Google did a terrific job tuning the panel this time around, and the Pixel 9 — along with the 9 Pro XL — has one of the brightest OLED panels in the industry.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Hardware

Google doesn't have the best hardware, and that hasn't changed with the Pixel 9. The phone is powered by the Tensor G4, but it doesn't have any meaningful upgrades over the G3 — if anything, it throttles sooner in games. You now get 12GB of RAM as standard, and while that is good to see, the base model is limited to just 128GB of storage, and that isn't enough.

You'll need to shell out an additional $100 to get the 256GB model, and regardless of whatever variant you choose, you get the older UFS 3.1 storage and not UFS 4.0. While the cellular modem is better than previous years, it doesn't quite manage to deliver the same bandwidth as Qualcomm-powered devices.

The OnePlus 12, thankfully, doesn't have such limitations. The phone continues to have one of the best hardware packages around, and it is a delight to use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is fantastic in regular use, and it holds up incredibly well even in extended gaming sessions. The phone has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage as standard, and there's a 16GB/512GB model if you need additional storage.

You also get a massive 5400mAh battery, and it manages to last up to two days between charges with medium use. Even if you push the phone, you'll get a day and a half worth of use before you need to charge it. And on that front, 100W charging tech ensures the battery charges in under 45 minutes.

The Pixel 9 lasts up to a day with relative ease, but the 4700mAh battery doesn't have anywhere close to the same longevity as the OnePlus 12. The charging situation isn't as good either, with the device limited to 27W. Like previous years, you don't get a charger in the box, so you will need to use a USB PD charger.

In daily use, the OnePlus 12 is the obvious choice if you need a powerful phone that's built for gaming. The device has much better fluidity and handles demanding games with ease, and there are no slowdowns. The Pixel 9 isn't quite on the same level, and it throttles early in demanding games, introducing lag. While overheating isn't as big a problem as last year, the phone tends to throttle quickly.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Cameras

The Pixel 9 has a new 50MP main camera at the back, and it's joined by a 48MP wide-angle lens. You don't get a dedicated zoom lens, but the main camera doubles as a 2x shooter, and you get detailed shots. While the camera hardware isn't the best by a long shot, Google has a tendency to deliver stellar photos by leveraging its software skillset.

The OnePlus 12 has better camera hardware, with the device touting a 50MP main camera, 64MP 3x zoom lens with OIS, and a 48MP wide-angle lens. It has Hasselblad tuning, 4K60 video on all back cameras, and the ability to shoot Dolby Vision footage. There's an action mode that does a good job with moving objects, Lens integration, and interesting shooting modes.

Google had a sizeable lead in this area in the past, but that isn't the case in 2024. If anything, the OnePlus 12 does a slightly better job in low-light scenarios, delivering photos with saturated colors and good detail. The Pixel 9 is still the most consistent camera around, and it is fantastic with moving objects.

It's clear that Google needs to update its camera hardware, and while it is able to deliver remarkable results with its software tuning, it is starting to lag behind its rivals. The OnePlus 12 has a versatile camera system, and it takes photos that are just as good.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Software

The main reason I use Pixels is because of the software. Google offers a clean software with zero bloatware, and the Material You interface is colorful and customizable. A big talking point with the Pixel 9 is AI, and Google is rolling out a slate of features in this area. Add Me is my favorite feature, with the feature designed to make group shots fun.

Pixel Studio allows you to create images using generative AI, and it does a decent enough job in its own right. The new weather widget uses AI to provide a summary of the day's weather, and Pixel Screenshots does a great job organizing screenshots and making them searchable.

The new AI additions join the likes of Magic Eraser, Recorder, and all the other mainstays on previous Pixel devices, and honestly, if you're interested in trying out mobile AI, there isn't a better choice. Google has a clear lead in this area, and other manufacturers are partnering with the brand to bring some of these AI utilities to their devices.

Obviously, you don't get much in the way of AI on the OnePlus 12, but the device has a decent set of features that are highly customizable. I like the fluidity of the interface, but there is bloatware, and at least in my own use, it isn't as enjoyable as the Pixel 9.

Google has a distinct advantage when it comes to software updates as well, with the Pixel 9 guaranteeing seven Android OS updates. The OnePlus 12, meanwhile, will get four Android OS updates as standard, and while that is on par with most other devices, it doesn't measure up to the Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9 vs. OnePlus 12: Which should you buy?

With the Pixel 9, Google has cemented its AI dominance; Gemini Live, Pixel Studio, Add Me, and the slate of AI-assisted features available on the device give it a distinct edge. The design is better than last year, the OLED panel is significantly brighter, and the cameras continue to be amazing.

However, the 256GB model of the Pixel 9 costs $899, and it isn't quite as enticing an value. By contrast, the 12GB/256GB version of the OnePlus 12 is available for $699 in the U.S., and that is a better deal when you consider the hardware you're getting. You are getting better software and long-term updates on the Pixel 9, but the hardware isn't as powerful, and there isn't as wide a gulf when it comes to the cameras as previous years.

There's a similar difference in other regions; the OnePlus 12 is available for ₹64,999 ($774) in India, and you can get the 256GB Pixel 9 at ₹79,999 ($953) in the country. As much as I like the Pixel 9, I don't think it is as good a value at the moment, and if you need all the AI-focused features, you should wait for the device to go on sale — Google usually offers exciting discounts on its phones during the holiday season, and that should be the case this time as well.

If you don't need the AI utilities and want a powerful phone with plenty of customizability, the OnePlus 12 is a better choice. The cameras are outstanding, you get a bigger battery and significantly faster charging, and it's the obvious choice if you're interested in mobile gaming.

If you missed all of the Prime Day festivities last month, you'll be pleased to learn that Best Buy has just dropped a familiar OnePlus 12 deal during its Labor Day sale. Buy the flagship phone this weekend and you'll score a straight $100 off, no strings attached. That's the same deal that we saw during Amazon's big sale event, only this time it's not a members-only affair. 

• See more of the best Labor Day phone deals of 2024

✅Recommended if: you want a phone with a vibrant, bright display; speed and battery life in a smartphone are important to you.

❌Skip this deal if: you're hoping to use all the latest AI features; you want a phone with over four years of software support. 

The OnePlus 12 is probably my favorite phone released in 2024 — and many of my colleagues agree — namely because it focuses on what's actually important in a smartphone. You get a glorious 120Hz display with 4500 nits of peak brightness alongside a super-fast Snapdragon chipset that can handle any task with ease. The battery life is also arguably better than the base model Galaxy S24, and the 100W wired charging ensures you'll be back in business quick when you do eventually need to juice up.

Sure, the cameras aren't groundbreaking and you'll miss a few of those trendy features prioritized by other OEMs lately (have you heard of this new thing called AI?) but the OnePlus 12 is an epic performer where it counts. And for many Android lovers, that's all that matters.

The OnePlus 12 is a great phone, but it's not invincible. Consider protecting your new device with one of the best OnePlus 12 cases. You'll thank me later. 

In the world of Android phones, there's no shortage of choice. For me, OnePlus has been the go-to choice in 2024 thanks to the OnePlus 12's unbelievably good (and eye-friendly) display, its fantastic features, blazing fast speed, and dreamy haptics that feel good with every touch. While the Prime Day sale was a steeper discount, getting a OnePlus 12 for $699 is still a fantastic deal.

You can choose from the sleek black or the unique marble green colorways, as both are discounted. However, it looks like marble green is only available in the 512GB storage option, making it $799. That's $100 off the normal price, though, so it's still a great deal.

The OnePlus 12 is a true powerhouse phone and this deal even includes 6 months of Google One and 3 months of Youtube Premium to sweeten it even further! As Harish said in our OnePlus 12 review, it beats the Galaxy S24 where it counts.

The deal

✅Recommended if: You're looking for a phone that's faster than the rest, plays games at 120FPS, charges lightning fast with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, lasts for 2 days on a single charge, has the best haptics in the business, and even sports a brilliant OLED display with vision-friendly options.

❌Skip this deal if: You need the best cameras on a smartphone. OnePlus has made great strides over the years but they're still not as good as the cameras on a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or Honor phone.

Of all the reasons I use the OnePlus 12 every day, the display is my number one pick. It's incredibly bright with 4500 nits of peak brightness yet offers important vision-friendly options to protect our eyes. I'm one of the unfortunate folks who is sensitive to flickering lights and displays, which means I can no longer use Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones unless those companies make some big changes.

Thankfully, OnePlus has my back and has made great strides to make a display that both looks better than the competition and still offers flicker-reduction options so I can use it!

Aside from that, the daily experience of using the OnePlus 12 has been nothing but bliss since the phone debuted earlier this year. Oxygen OS is a superb version of Android built on Android 14 which includes some of the best features I've ever seen on a smartphone and a great UI that I enjoy using every day. It's got more options than a Pixel but isn't as convoluted as a Galaxy.

I also cannot sell the hardware short here. Not only is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside incredibly fast but OnePlus Trinity Engine means that basically all games run at 120FPS thanks to AI-based frame interpolation. Plus, the phone keeps cool under pressure because of a great cooling design.

OnePlus charging speed is legendary in the industry, and I'm always pleasantly surprised at how quickly this phone charges. Seriously, just 20 minutes usually gets me a full battery and it blows me away every time.

And while the haptics are the best in the business, I can't say the camera is the greatest one I've ever used. It's perfectly fine, don't get me wrong, but camera snobs will probably want to stick to a Google Pixel if that's the most important thing on a phone to them. As someone who generally prioritizes a good camera, though, I haven't found many situations where it's been a massive disappointment.

Quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: get your phone faster with Prime
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target 

What you need to know

• OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open get the June Android security patch this week.
• Additionally, the latest update has several improvements, new features, and bug fixes.
• While the OnePlus 12 receives the latest firmware in multiple regions, including the U.S., the firmware release for the OnePlus Open is currently limited to India.

OnePlus has started rolling out its June Android security patch update for its premium handsets, including the latest OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open. Both phones are getting the OxygenOS 14.0.0.810 builds. However, they differ significantly when it comes to their change logs.

The build to the OnePlus 12 is being rolled out extensively with regions including the European Union, India, and North America. It brings several new Touch Control improvements, such as app icons that are promised to respond faster when users tap them on their home screens.

Similarly, overall touch responsiveness will see improvements when opening/closing apps. The company notes in the accompanying community post that the animations are also said to be optimized when opening and closing multiple apps and when dragging them on the home screen.

Widget showcasing on the Home Screen is likely seeing improvements as well. Besides, there are several animation upgrades with the latest build on the OnePlus 12, which comprise:

• Adds Gaussian blur effects when opening and closing app icons on the Home screen.
• Adds a transition animation when opening and closing Home screen widgets.
• Adds a transition animation for clock widgets when the screen is turned off.

The other system-wide improvements on the OnePlus 12 involve Lock Screen Pin/Pattern tracking, which means users can choose to turn off animation tracking while entering their Pin or Pattern while unlocking the device. 

The Fluid Cloud feature, which is popular with OxygenOS 14, will now showcase music controls. There was a bug that would display a volume slider in Quick Settings and another one while hitting the physical volume rockers simultaneously. This is supposedly addressed with the latest firmware on the OnePlus 12. 

The new release incorporates the June Android security patch and improves gaming stability. A fix seems to address the screen turning black in some instances while gaming on the OnePlus 12. These and the volume slider fixes are the common issues shared and addressed with the firmware update released to the company's first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open.

OnePlus notes in the post that security improvements are included on the OnePlus Open with the latest OxygenOS build. These include minimal-level permission grants for the Calendar app to provide maximum information security. The latest firmware release also improves clipboard privacy. It will automatically detect privacy information on the clipboard and prevent unauthorized app access without users' consent to "minimize the risk of privacy leaks."

Other system-wide changes include music controls displayed in Live Alerts on the foldable phone. The firmware release addresses an issue where system data is taking up more storage space. Issues causing unexpected screen rotation "when switching a video app from the cover screen to the main screen" are also being fixed.

The OnePlus 12's builds are rolling out in batches for the aforementioned regions, and the OnePlus Open firmware release is currently confined to the Indian region.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• A new leak claims that the OnePlus 13 will rock the Sony IMX882 sensor with 50MP strength for its ultrawide and periscope lenses.
• The periscope lens could continue to offer 3x optical zoom, though there's no word about its in-sensor and digital zoom capabilities.
• The OnePlus 13 was recently rumored to feature an upgraded 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging but it may not feature wireless charging capabilities.

We might be able to better understand what could be in store, camera array- wise in the upcoming OnePlus 13, thanks to a new leak.

Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) states that the OnePlus 13 could take its ultrawide and periscope lenses up a notch with new Sony sensors (via Android Authority). The tipster states that both lenses could feature Sony's IMX882 sensor. It's worth noting that this is the same sensor OnePlus popped into its Ace 3V, which launched earlier this year.

The sensor provides 50MP strength, meaning the OnePlus 13's auxiliary lenses might see a worthy upgrade. The post states that the periscope lens could continue to offer 3x optical zoom.

The OnePlus 13's main camera isn't rumored to see any changes, as the tipster states it will continue to feature the Sony IMX808 lens.

Like the OnePlus 12, the upcoming iteration will likely offer 50MP on its primary shooter.

Information about the OnePlus 13 has continued to surface little by little, with the latest round highlighting a missing charging feature. Unlike its soon-to-be predecessor, the OnePlus 13 might miss out on wireless charging capabilities. However, its battery could grab a boost as those rumors suggested a 6,000mAh battery, up from 5,400mAh, with 100W wired fast charging.

Also, those rumors from earlier in June teased an "upgraded" periscope triple camera setup, which we've now seen in detail. The OnePlus 13 might continue to feature a 6.8-inch display. However, it could benefit from its 2K 8T LTPO specifications.

The OnePlus 13 is rumored to rock the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC once it's out. Moreover, there's speculation that the company could revamp its back panel, shifting its circular camera array to the center instead of off on the left side. Some quick barebones sketches suggested what the device could look like, alongside a potential change for the 13R.

What you need to know

• The OnePlus 13 is rumored to drop its wireless charging feature, which was a notable talking point for the OnePlus 12 as the 11 model didn't feature it.
• The phone is also rumored to offer a 6,000mAh battery, a 6.8-inch 2K 8T LTPO display, and an upgraded triple camera array.
• Previous rumors state the OnePlus 13 could feature an all-new design as its circular camera array shifts to the center of its back panel.

OnePlus isn't expected to debut its next flagship phone for a while, but that's not stopping these rumors from speculating on what we might see.

Rumors stem from notable Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) on Weibo, which states the OnePlus 13 could miss out on wireless charging (via Android Headlines). The device may sport a 6,000mAh battery, backed by 100W wired charging. Additionally, as previously rumored, the OnePlus 13 will likely gain strength from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

The leaks continue as DCS posted another set of rumors about the device's supposed camera and display specification, according to Gizmochina.

The OnePlus 13 will supposedly feature an "upgraded" 50MP periscope triple camera setup. The tipster didn't suggest what the other two lenses would be. Additionally, the phone is rumored to offer a 6.8-inch 2K 8T LTPO "customized" display.

The post explains that the display will be almost entirely flat as OnePlus could place a "micro-curved" glass on top of it. Such changes might add to its "conventionally" large display size.

The OnePlus 12 is a device that launched without any noticeable drawbacks. For context, the device offers a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED. However, one of its notable features, which the OnePlus 11 didn't have, was wireless charging. The 2024 flagship offered 100W wired charging alongside 50W wireless charging capabilities. It was one of the phone's highest talking points as OnePlus continued to hone its flagship craft.

Additionally, this year's launch only offers a 5,400mAh battery, so that's another improvement aside from its display and camera changes.

In March, the OnePlus 13 was rumored to feature a design change and an upgraded fingerprint sensor. Those whispers suggested there could be a change to its "hinge," which was a reference to the phone's camera visor as it flows off to the side of its frame. Doubling down on that rumor was a leak in May that supposedly contained a mock-up of its supposed design changes.

Speculation states the OnePlus 13 could have its circular camera array moved to the center of its back panel instead of on its side. Moreover, the OnePlus 13R could separate from the pack and offer a side-mounted squarish array.

Recent rumors have suggested that OnePlus could launch its next flagship phone late this year.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What I like the most about OnePlus is its ability to churn out limited-edition variants of its phones. This isn't something new either; the first limited-edition OnePlus device was the 5T Star Wars edition that debuted back in 2017, and since then we got plenty of standout collaborations, including the McLaren 7T Pro, Pac-Man Nord 2, and the Harry Potter OnePlus Watch.

While the limited-run collaborations are always enticing, OnePlus regularly releases custom colorways, and these are no less special. Last year saw the introduction of the OnePlus 11 Marble Odyssey, which had a gorgeous marble design with no two devices featuring the same pattern at the back, and my favorite was the OnePlus 11R Solar Red.

Earlier this year, OnePlus showcased the Genshin Impact 12R, which is easily the manufacturer's most ambitious effort yet. The company is now following it up with the launch of the OnePlus 12 Glacial White, a striking new white color variant of the OnePlus 12 that looks elegant.

The OnePlus 12 already looks incredible in the standard Flowy Emerald color option, which is inspired by flowing rivers and has an etched design with a bold green hue and a satin texture that's great in daily use. OnePlus did a good job using the same hue within the camera island, and the metal encircling the cameras, which then flows into the mid-frame.

The Glacial White variant has all the same design characteristics, and it switches out the patterned texture at the back for a smooth white finish. Obviously, it isn't as flamboyant a design as we're used to from OnePlus — particularly with its limited editions — but it is elegant, and it highlights the camera island a little better.

Talking about the camera island, each module now gets a chrome accent, and there's a shimmery silver design within the island that accentuates the cameras. You still get the stylized H logo to the left that indicates the Hasselblad integration, and the steel mid-frame contrasts well with the white color scheme.

The only point of contention with the design is that the OnePlus 12 Glacial White has a glossy back; a matte texture would have made the device feel a little better in-hand, and hid smudges. Similarly, the sides also have a glossy coat, and the standard black model is the only option if you want a OnePlus 12 with a matte finish.

Other than that, the design is identical to the regular OnePlus 12; you get the alert slider on the left, the power and volume buttons on the right, the SIM card tray at the bottom to the left of the USB-C port, stereo sound, and an IR blaster that's located up top.

Because of that oversized camera island, there's no wobble when using the OnePlus 12 Glacial White on a table, and it has the same dimensions — and weighs the same at 220g — as the standard model. The in-hand feel is great thanks to the curves at the front and back along with rounded corners, and it has a good heft to it.

The hardware itself is unchanged, and that's a good thing; the OnePlus 12 Glacial White has the same 6.82-inch AMOLED as the standard model, and it is just as vibrant here. Colors look vivid, there's plenty of customizability, and it continues to be one of the brightest AMOLED panels on any device today.

You get the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and I would have liked to see a 16GB/512GB model instead; limited editions usually get the highest storage configuration, but that isn't the case this time.

Cameras are identical to the regular model, and you get a 50MP Sony LYT-808 with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and OIS, 64MP telephoto lens with OIS, and 6x in-sensor zoom, and a 48MP wide-angle lens with autofocus. The camera is easily the best of any OnePlus phone, and while it's not quite on par with the likes of the Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Magic 6 Pro, it comes mighty close, and that's an achievement in and of itself.

As for the software, the OnePlus 12 Glacial White runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box, and my unit had a day-one update that installed the April 2024 security patch. The software had a few issues at launch, but that isn't the case now, and it is fluid in daily use and comes with plenty of useful features.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 12 Glacial White doesn't feel quite as special as earlier limited-edition models. That said, the white color option looks elegant, and makes the OnePlus 12 look just that little bit more upmarket. If you didn't like the look of the existing color variants, the Glacial White is a notable addition to the OnePlus 12 portfolio.

Like the best limited-edition models released by OnePlus over the years, the OnePlus 12 Glacial White is exclusive to India, and won't make its way to other regions. While that's annoying, customers in India can get their hands on the device by shelling out ₹64,999 ($782) — what the standard 12GB/256GB model costs. 

There has been no shortage of great Memorial Day sales this year, but I just uncovered a OnePlus 12 deal that's stopped me in my tracks. Grab the unlocked flagship from Amazon today and you'll score a straight $100 off your purchase, regardless of storage configuration or color. 

Believe it or not, that's the biggest discount that the 256GB phone has ever received from the retailer! And there are no pesky eligibility requirements or strings attached whatsoever, just add the device to your cart and the savings are yours. There's a good chance that this offer will disappear once Amazon's Memorial Day sale wraps up, so don't miss this opportunity if you like to buy your phones unlocked. 

✅Recommended if: you want a stylish, premium-feeling smartphone with excellent performance and battery life; you like to buy your phones unlocked. 

❌Skip this deal if: you want the absolute best camera technology on the market (if so, look towards Google or Samsung); you're looking for a trade-in deal. 

As senior editor Harish Jonnalagadda stated in his glowing OnePlus 12 review, this flagship phone easily "holds its own against the best that Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google have to offer". You get a truly stunning 120Hz OLED display with two days of battery life on a single charge, plus some great camera tech and five years of software updates guaranteed. 

Sure, you could spend a little more on a Galaxy S24 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro and receive marginally better camera tech and some newfangled AI features, but if you don't need all of those bells and whistles, you'll enjoy an equally-great experience for considerably less cash by going with the OnePlus 12. 

For what it's worth, this offer really only makes sense for folks who like to buy unlocked phones. If you have a device to trade in or you're looking to buy through your carrier, skip this offer and look for one of the other OnePlus 12 deals that are available now. 

What you need to know

• OnePlus found testing a new repair mode on its latest flagship.
• The recent Android 15 beta has introduced the feature on the OnePlus 12.
• The official rollout of the feature is expected with OxygenOS 15 later this year.

Repair mode is an essential feature for phones that will help users hide their data whenever they send their devices to service centers for repair. The latest Android 15 beta has enabled the feature for the flagship OnePlus 12.

As noted by Android Authority, the OnePlus 12, which received the first Android 15 beta alongside the OnePlus Open, has now gained a new Repair mode feature on the flagship phone. It is similar to the Repair mode on Pixel devices, next to Maintenance Mode on Samsung phones.

The first Android 15 beta users on the OnePlus 12 can head over to the device’s Settings> System & updates> Repair mode, which can be seen right under the Developer Options.

According to the publication's screenshots, the Repair mode can be enabled before users take their flagship for repair, and they can hide their personal information, including photos, videos, contacts, SMS messages, and chats.

However, repair personnel can use essential functions required for troubleshooting, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile data, and phone calls. OnePlus 12 users are still advised to back up their phones before entering repair mode. 

Strong Lock screen password is another parameter that the flagship phone owners should be aware of before submitting their device to the personnel via repair mode. Overall, the functionality certainly adds privacy when submitting devices to repair personnel.

As mentioned, the instructions are similar to those on Pixel and Galaxy phones. While the former opts for Dynamic System Updates, the latter allows users to create a new profile. Samsung was one of the first OEM makers to introduce a Maintenance mode in OneUI 5.0 (Android 13-based). Google picked up the Repair mode in Android 14 back in December 2023.

While it is encouraging to see OnePlus opting for Repair mode in the latest Android 15 beta, Android Authority notes that there’s a catch with the approach on the OnePlus 12. In Galaxy and Pixel phones, the respective repair mode takes the device to the home screen.

In the OnePlus 12’s case, the repair mode brings the device to a phone setup stage wherein users have to follow a process similar to setting up a new device. While users can still skip these steps, it still takes some time compared to the aforementioned process.

Since it is the first time that OnePlus is bringing a Repair mode in the first Android 15 beta, it is still likely in the testing phase, and it presumably would be hassle-free when the rollout happens officially with the OxygenOS 15 later this year.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• OnePlus announced that Android 15 Beta 1 is now available for OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open users. 
• Separately, Google released the Android 15 Beta 2 update, listing OnePlus devices as eligible. 
• For now, only Android 15 Beta 1 is officially supported, but OnePlus will likely add support for Beta 2 soon enough. 

We're in the middle of Google I/O 2024 week, and OnePlus is celebrating the occasion by bringing the Android 15 beta to its flagship phones. The company announced the release of Android 15 Beta 1 in a post on its community forums on Tuesday, May 14. It's available on the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open, the latter of which only got the update to Android 14 in March. 

OnePlus only recommends the Android 15 Beta 1 update for "developers and advanced users." The beta isn't available as a cloud OTA update, and must be manually flashed or upgraded locally. Additionally, the company says you shouldn't install the update if you "have limited software development experience, intend to use the device as your primary driver, or lack experience with custom ROM installations."

OnePlus 12 phones need to be running OxygenOS version 14.0.0.610 or older to upgrade to Android 15 Beta 1. For the OnePlus Open, the maximum OxygenOS version is 14.0.0.702. If your OnePlus 12 or OnePlus Open device is running a more recent version of OxygenOS, you'll need to manually roll back your OS before trying to install the Android 15 beta.

There are a handful of known issues with Android 15 on OnePlus devices so far. Both phones may suffer from Bluetooth incompatibility issues while running Android 15 Beta 1, and the OnePlus 12 specifically might have trouble connecting to printers over Wi-Fi. OnePlus adds that "some camera functions display abnormally in certain scenarios," and this applies to both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open. Plus, like with any pre-release software, OnePlus says the two phones will have overall stability problems in certain situations. 

The availability of the Android 15 Beta 1 for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus open came a day before Google announced Android 15 Beta 2 with new features. Google also shared that third-party phones are now supported from partners, including OnePlus.  However, the exact models aren't listed, so we're not sure what support for Android 15 Beta 2 looks like on the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open yet. 

For users that encounter issues with Android 15 Beta 1, OnePlus has a guide for rolling back Android 14 and includes rollback packages on its community forums. It also accepts feedback in the comments of the original post. 

If you've been waiting for a good OnePlus 12 deal to come along, we've got some good news for you. Best Buy is FINALLY carving $100 off the eye-catching flagship, with an additional $100 discount up for grabs when you activate the phone today. That may not seem like a lot, but discounts on the OnePlus 12 have been few and far between since the phone's February release date, and the ones that do appear never seem to last for long. In other words, don't sleep on this offer. 

✅Recommended if: you want a stylish and incredibly fast smartphone with loads of battery life and great cameras; you're sick of Google and Samsung hogging all of the attention. 

❌Skip this deal if: you're passionate about AI-powered software features; you want over five years of OS updates in your device; you're looking for a trade-in deal.

The OnePlus 12 easily earned a spot in our list of the best Android phones of 2024 (so far), thanks in part to its blend of stylish, sophisticated design, high-powered performance, and epic battery life with lightning-fast charging. You get the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor straight out of the box and four years of OS updates guaranteed, plus OnePlus has continued to dramatically upgrade its camera tech with every new release. 

One bit of bad news is that Best Buy isn't offering any trade-in credit with this deal, so if you're planning to recycle an old device, you may want to look elsewhere. If you aren't picky about the brand, it's worth noting that there are plenty of great Pixel 8a preorder offers and Verizon deals floating around for folks who are trying to trade in. 

Is the price of the OnePlus 12 still too steep for your budget? It's worth noting that the OnePlus 12R boasts many of the same features and specs found in the base model for considerably less cash. That's why we call it a "flagship killer". 

What you need to know

• A white colorway for the OnePlus 12, currently exclusive to China might be coming soon to the global market.
• A code hinting its release was spotted in a recent Oxygen OS update 
• The variant dubbed "Glacial White," could be released as a limited edition or a to specific regions

A new colorway for the OnePlus 12 could soon make a global debut. As first spotted by Android Authority, a code hinting at a white colorway exclusive to China was found hidden in the recent OxygenOS v14.0.0.608.

The OnePlus 12 has been around since February this year and has been rated as one of the overall best Android phones of 2024. The device is known for its sleek design, fast processor, ultra-fast charging speeds, and epic battery life. It comes in two colorways at the moment—Flowly Emerald and Silky Black. 

A user on X, who goes by 1NormalUsername, discovered the new variant in the OxygenOS code and mentioned that this colorway will be officially dubbed "Glacial White." Android Authority adds that the white color variant of the OnePlus 12 was previously only mentioned in ColorOS builds since the OnePlus 12 runs ColorOS in the region.

It remains uncertain when the company plans to release this colorway to the rest of the world. However, the mere presence of the recent OxygenOS update suggests the Glacial White variant could also be coming to other countries. Some speculate it could be released only to a specific region, like the OnePlus Watch 2, which rolled out in a third Nordic Blue color variant in April across Europe, in addition to Radiant Steel and Black Steel.

Alternately, OnePlus might follow Google's strategy with the new Mint Green Pixel 8, making it a limited edition option to boost hype around the product mid-way through its launch cycle.

Back in 2022, OnePlus released an Extreme Edition version of the OnePlus 10 Pro, which was available in Panda White and featured a ceramic back with 512 GB storage. However, the company made this version exclusive to China, and it didn't see an international market launch, making the potential global debut of a white OnePlus 12 all the more interesting.

Where and when the Glacial White will make its debut outside China remains to be seen. We feel that the wait for this new clean white option may soon be over.

What you need to know

• OnePlus is rolling out a new AI feature that aims to simplify image editing and lets users substitute unwanted objects in the image with the image background.
• AI Eraser made its debut in global markets on the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12 R, OnePlus Open, and even the most recent Nord CE 4. 
• COO Liu stated that OnePlus devices will gain more AI features, which are set to appear this year.

AI is something that people hear a lot lately, with most smartphone companies leveraging the generative AI software and pushing it into every aspect of customers' lives. While Google and Samsung have taken the help on the smartphone front, OnePlus is entering the game with its own AI feature, and it 

On Wednesday, April 3, OnePlus announced that it will be rolling out a new generative AI feature dubbed "AI Eraser" to several of its smartphones. This feature allows users to edit or erase unwanted elements in a photo. 

"AI Eraser represents the first step in our vision to liberate user creativity through AI and revolutionize the future of photo editing, empowering users to create remarkable photos with just a few touches," says Kinder Liu, president and COO of OnePlus.

Similar to the Magic Eraser, which first debuted on Google Pixel phones, OnePlus users can manually select and remove unwanted objects from images in the Photo Gallery. Once the user highlights certain objects, such as pedestrians or imperfections in the image, the tool analyzes the selected area and automatically creates a replacement background that blends into the surrounding environment.

This isn't the first AI feature we've seen from OnePlus. Earlier this year, OnePlus rolled out an AI Call Summarizer as part of an OxygenOS update, which listens to your phone call and summarizes it for your reference.  However, this feature was only available to OnePlus 12 users. The AI Call Summarizer could extract "times, places, action items and other key information" from your conversation, according to the changelog.

There's also Breeno Touch, allowing users to scan their screen for content and make suggestions for related services based on their search.

Nicole Zhang, general manager of AI products at OnePlus, says that "all OnePlus AI features are built from genuine user needs, and we will continue to invest heavily in developing more revolutionary AI-based features that move us closer to our vision for a more convenient future for all."

Liu also stated that OnePlus devices will gain more AI features that are set to make an appearance this year.

OnePlus will be rolling out the AI Eraser to the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12 and 12 R, OnePlus Open and even the most recent Nord CE 4 across the globe.The company said that this feature will show up gradually in April to the above mentioned devices, however they have not specified an exact date.

What you need to know

• OnePlus brings system-wide stability improvements with the latest OxygenOS 14 release.
• It brings notable features like individual “app-specific volume” and pressing the volume down the rocker to turn on the flashlight.
• The firmware rollout has been rolled out to a small percentage of OnePlus 12 users, and more will follow in the coming days.

It is that time of month when OnePlus 12 users should check their device’s settings for OTA updates, as the company announced a new update with the latest security patch.

After rolling out the OxygenOS 14.0.0.602 early last month, the company is now rolling out the 14.0.0.604 version for the OnePlus 12 devices across the Indian, North American, and Global regions, OnePlus shared in its accompanying community post over the weekend.

The new firmware released across regions brings the latest March 2024 Android security patch, and the shared changelog notably has system-wide improvements and fixes.

The latest update allows users to “create photo collages without frames in Photos.” A new “Partial screenshot” option has been added to the Smart Sidebar in the latest OxygenOS 14 release.

The update also brings convenience for the OnePlus 12 users, who can now turn on the flashlight without waking up the screen by simply long-pressing the volume down rocker.

The interface also has other nifty features, such as typing the first letter of an app in the home screen search bar, which gives you way better results in Drawer mode. 

Additionally, users won't have to tamper with the real volume settings since they can modify the volumes at "app-specific" levels. For instance, users may reduce the volume on the Instagram app individually while maintaining the current system volume settings.

The update also notably improved “the volume bar’s design for ease of use and visual consistency.” Lastly, alongside the security patch, users can expect system-wide stability enhancements with the new incremental release of OxygenOS 14.

OnePlus says that the new update has begun rolling out to the OnePlus 12 in the aforementioned regions in batches, meaning only a small percentage of users have started getting it over the weekend, and a broader rollout will presumably follow in the coming days or weeks.

OnePlus is further encouraging its users to submit bugs and feedback to the community, which may be addressed in the following update.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What You Need To Know

• On-device generative AI on the new Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 will allow for the integration of AI chatbots and creation tools.
• Wi-Fi 7 with High Band Simultaneous Multi-Link will be part of the latest chipset. 
• Advanced gaming features on the new chip will bring desktop-like visuals. 
• OnePlus will be among the first companies to launch a phone with the new chip.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 Mobile Platform is the latest expansion to the company's midrange Snapdragon 7 series. Announced by the tech company on Thursday (Mar. 21), this innovation brings with it on-device generative AI capabilities, a 15% boost in CPU performance, and a 45% boost in GPU performance. 

According to the company, the newest Snapdragon Mobile Platform will support a range of AI, large language models, and large vision models, including Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, Gemini Nano, and Zhipu ChatGLM, allowing users to take advantage of features like AI chatbots and creation tools. Perhaps most noteworthy is the capability for multi-language translation, a key hallmark of AI capabilities.

In addition, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 will bring enhanced gaming visuals. The Game Post Processing Accelerator and Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2 from Snapdragon Elite Gaming will also be brought on board. These will help bring games' visuals to a more desktop-like level.

Photos will also be getting a boost courtesy of the 18-bit cognitive ISP, and the Mobile Platform will be the first in the 7-series to support Wi-Fi 7 with High Band Simultaneous (HBS) Multi-Link. 

"Today, we embark on the latest expansion in the 7-series to create new levels of entertainment for consumers – integrating next-generation technologies for richer experiences," says Chris Patrick, Qualcomm's senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets.

Another noteworthy element of the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 is the capability for lossless audio. Through Snapdragon Sound and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio, the company notes that music will be lossless over Bluetooth, with the addition of smart head tracking features for immersive and low-latency listening. 

The Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 will first be integrated with the OnePlus, Realme, and SHARP phones, with a device announcement slated for later this year. 

"We are delighted to announce that OnePlus will be among the first smartphone brands to adopt the groundbreaking Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 Mobile Platform," Louis Li, president of OnePlus China, said in a statement. "... Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of our commercial devices as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver extraordinary experiences to our users."

There are a lot of great smartphones to choose from nowadays, and, comparing the OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro shows how difficult a decision can be. While there are a few similarities between these two devices, both OnePlus and Google offer a bit of "flair" to help each phone stand out from the pack.

OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Design

Both of these devices stay true to their predecessors in terms of the overall design. They also offer unique and distinct camera layouts as Google has stuck with the "visor" with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 utilizes essentially the same rounded camera cutout as the OnePlus 11.

Where the Pixel 8 Pro might appeal more to some is in the display. Google is finally using a flat panel, as opposed to the curved screen from previous models. The display of the OnePlus 12 remains largely unchanged, as there are slight curves on either side. This makes it one of the few remaining flagships to feature a curved panel, as Google, Samsung, and others are moving back to flat screens.

OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Hardware and specs

LTPO OLED seems to be the display type that many companies are implementing, and that rings true for OnePlus and Google. With the OnePlus 12, you'll enjoy a 6.82-inch display, sporting a 3168 x 1440 resolution, and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. As for the Pixel 8 Pro, we have a 6.7-inch panel, with a 2992 x 1344 resolution, and the same 120Hz variable refresh rate.

However, where the OnePlus 12 pulls away is in the peak brightness of its display. Both of these devices provide 1,600 nits of brightness in normal conditions, but the OnePlus 12 can max out at 4,500 nits. This is a massive improvement over the 2,400 nits of peak brightness offered by the Pixel 8 Pro. What this boils down to is that you'll have a far easier time using your OnePlus 12 while out and about, compared to Google's offering.

When it comes to "horsepower" it won't take long to see that the OnePlus 12 arguably offers a more performant package. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same chip found in many of the best Android phones released so far. This is paired with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, along with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are the latest devices to be powered by Google's in-house SoC. The Tensor G3 ends up being slightly more performant compared to the G2, but offers much-improved power efficiency. Like the OnePlus 12, the Pixel 8 Pro features 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM but comes with more storage configurations, ranging from 128GB all the way up to 1TB.

Comparing battery life introduces another interesting comparison. The OnePlus 12 has a larger 5,400mAh cell, while the Pixel 8 Pro's 5,050mAh battery gets the job done. However, OnePlus has implemented 100W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W wireless charging into the OnePlus 12. It's not even a fair comparison, to be frank, as the Pixel 8 Pro maxes out at 30W or 23W, respectively.

OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Software and more

If there's such a thing as an "Achilles heel" with the OnePlus 12, it's the software. Long gone are the days when OxygenOS was exciting and tuned to the user, as the company has merged it with ColorOS. The current state of OxygenOS is much better than when this adventure originally began, but it still might not be everyone's cup of tea.

On the flip side, Google's "Pixel experience" remains largely the same compared to previous iterations. Material Design is still widely prevalent if you want it, and everything just kind of works without needing to fiddle too much. However, OxygenOS has a definite edge when it comes to various features such as the larger folder windows, and the ability to use icon packs without relying on a third-party launcher.

Outside of aesthetics, Google has an edge in terms of how long it claims to be supporting the Pixel 8 Pro. The company announced that both of its most recent devices will receive up to seven years of software updates. Meanwhile, OnePlus has been steadfast in sticking with four years of major OS upgrades, and five years of security patches.

We don't know what the state of the software will look like in seven years, so you'll have to take Google's announcement with a grain of salt. But, at least on paper, it's refreshing to see Google finally fall in line with Samsung when it comes to the longevity of software support.

None of that even mentions the various AI enhancements and features that were announced and are still coming to the Pixel 8 Pro. Since launch, the Pixel 8 Pro has received "Summarize in Recorder," Smart Reply in Gboard, Video Boost, and Magic Editor. Not to mention seeing improvements to staple features such as Google Lens, Live Translate, and Pixel Call Assist.

The OnePlus 12 fails to offer any similar features or functionality to compete on the AI landscape. However, that might change in the future, as a recent update to the Chinese variant brought "AI Summarizer," "AI GC Remover," and "Article summaries" to the OnePlus 12. Unfortunately, we aren't sure whether these features or any others, will make their way to the OnePlus 12 in other regions.

OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Cameras

If you're interested to see if OnePlus has finally managed to compete with the likes of the Pixel 8 Pro, then you're in luck. Both of these devices sport a triple camera array on the back, headlined by a 50MP wide-angle lens, paired with a 48MP ultrawide sensor. As for zoom capabilities, the OnePlus 12 utilizes a 64MP telephoto lens capable of offering 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro, uses a lower 48MP telephoto sensor but features an optical zoom of 5x.

Even when you take into account the software processing, the photos you take will be pleasant, regardless of which device. It really comes down to whether you prefer Google's processing and the ability to zoom in a little bit closer.

In our review, Harish says that the OnePlus 12 is "on par with the likes of the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 Pro." It's not until you start getting into the digital zoom territory that the cracks of the OnePlus 12's camera system really start to show.

As for the Pixel 8 Pro, your pictures are still going to look fantastic, including photos shot in low light. But, Google finally listened to its users and implemented a Pro Mode, although it's currently only limited to the 8 Pro. Obviously, this is something that OnePlus, Samsung, and others have offered for years. But, it's nice to see that you can finally take control over the various settings when taking pictures without the use of third-party apps.

OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which should you buy?

At this point, you wouldn't be "wrong" picking either the OnePlus 12 or Pixel 8 Pro. However, there's one more consideration to be made, and that's the price. The Pixel 8 Pro with 128GB of storage is priced at $999, moving up in increments depending on if you want more storage. The OnePlus 12 with its 256GB of storage comes in at just $799.

That's a $200 difference right off the bat and is actually $300 if you bump up the Pixel 8 Pro's storage to match the OnePlus 12. It's really tough to argue in Google's favor here, even if it offers more in the way of AI features compared to OnePlus.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a better overall chip, OnePlus seems to finally have nailed the camera tuning, and the 12 charges much faster than the Pixel. However, at the same time, you can get the Pixel 8 Pro from your local carrier or big box store. If you want the OnePlus 12, you won't be able to enjoy any carrier deals and have to go through the likes of Best Buy, Amazon, or OnePlus directly.

If that's not something that concerns you, then I would suggest just going with the OnePlus 12. It's a much better value, while being more powerful, having a brighter display, and a larger battery. Plus, OxygenOS does continue to get better with time, even if it's still not quite on par with the Pixel in some areas.

However, those who can take advantage of various carrier and trade-in deals might just be better suited for the Pixel 8 Pro. We've seen plenty of deals that knock hundreds off the price, so there's a good chance you can trade in your current phone and get the 8 Pro for the same cost.

What you need to know

• The OnePlus 12 is beginning to receive a March update that includes the February security patch and several camera improvements.
• OnePlus has tried to improve the zoomed capabilities of the device when using Portrait mode and more for its selfie camera.
• The OnePlus 12's last update in February brought in a few AI-powered features a month after launch.

Owners of the OnePlus 12s are in for an update as the Chinese company starts rolling out the latest improvements today.

As spotted by Android Authority, OnePlus is starting to roll out update version 14.0.0.602 for its OxygenOS 14 software. The update is around 770MB. However, it forgoes the latest March security patch, instead delivering February's patch to users. Some of the larger changes in this update involve the OnePlus 12's camera array.

The changelog states that users can "switch between more focal lengths" by tapping the zoom buttons with this update. OnePlus is refining its experience, stating that the patch "improves the clarity" of photos when using the 2x zoom option in Portrait mode.  

Additionally, the OnePlus 12 should now take photos with better color accuracy when using the front-facing selfie camera in "warm-light environments."

The rest of the changes are as follows:

• Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of the NFC function
• Improves stability of network connections
• Improves system stability
• General bug fixes

The publication adds the patch seemingly lets users unlock their OnePlus 12 while the display is off. Testing showed that the fingerprint sensor remained active while off.

Users should begin seeing the update appear today as OnePlus spreads it across the different regions. But, if you'd like to manually check, head into your Settings > About Device > Check for Update.

The OnePlus 12's latest update for March follows a month after its February patch, which brought new AI-powered features to OxygenOS. The latest flagship picked up the "AI Call Summarizer" feature, which listens in on a user's call and summarizes it for them shortly after. OnePlus stated the AI summarizer could pull important pieces of information like times, places, and more.

The OnePlus 12 also recently gained a version of Google's Magic Eraser known as "AIGC Remover." It functions similarly to Google's feature as users can remove entire people from photos with AI alongside objects.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Once upon a time, all smartphones used DC dimming to control the brightness of their displays. These days, far too many phones rely on the use of PWM dimming to flicker the display quickly and fool your eyes. If you're anything like me, flickering displays can give you headaches, eye aches, or even make you nauseous and dizzy.

Thankfully, companies like OnePlus are listening to complaints and have brought back DC-like dimming on their latest phones. The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R are two amazing phones with fantastic displays, but you can only bring out their most eye-friendly nature by enabling DC dimming.

Oddly enough, the same method doesn't work on both phones. I've broken this down per device, so scroll down to the one you use and follow the simple instructions to enable DC dimming on your OnePlus 12 or OnePlus 12R.

How to enable DC dimming on the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12's display is one of the brightest in smartphone history, and while it supports DC dimming, the description for OnePlus' anti-flicker solution is a little confusing. Out of the box, the OnePlus 12 uses a triple-pulse PWM dimming method that keeps modulation low but still flickers at a 720Hz rate.

OnePlus calls this special algorithm "Ultra anti-flicker" and while it's better than the Galaxy S24's PWM rate, it's still using display flicker to control brightness. Disabling this setting changes it to DC-like dimming above 25% brightness. Here's how to do that:

1. Open system settings by tapping the settings icon in your app drawer, or swiping down on the status bar and tapping the hexagonal gear icon in the top right.

2. Select display & brightness from the list of options.

3. Select eye comfort and sleep from the list of options.

4. Scroll down and disable ultra anti-flicker.

Now you can enjoy a more eye-friendly DC-like dimming method at brightness levels above 25%. Dropping the phone's brightness below 25% switches to 2,160Hz PWM regardless of this setting. Typically, though, 2,160Hz is comfortable for most people and makes this one of the best PWM-sensitive phones.

No more headaches or eye strain

Now you can enjoy single-pulse DC-like dimming on the OnePlus 12R above 25% brightness. Be aware that setting the brightness level below 25% will toggle 2,160Hz PWM dimming regardless of this setting. Most people should feel comfortable with that high of a refresh rate but there are still some that will find it uncomfortable.

If you need lower brightness but want to avoid PWM completely, we recommend using a screen dimmer app to artificially lower brightness by adding a grey overlay to the screen.

Note that the DC-like dimming modes between the two phones are not identical. In our testing, the OnePlus 12R was the most eye-friendly of the two at higher brightness levels as it uses a dimming mode that's more similar to an LCD or an incandescent light bulb, with a single pulse brightness drop at each screen refresh interval.

Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 uses a 2.3x pulse rate at max brightness, which can still irritate folks who are more sensitive to flicker.

You just bought the OnePlus 12, and are looking to set up the device just right. OnePlus offers one of the most feature-rich interfaces on Android, and while the UI itself has a lot of overt styling these days, you still get an extensive amount of configurability.

Then there's the fact that the OnePlus 12 has a lot of custom features, so if you're upgrading from an older OnePlus device or switching from another brand, you'll find plenty of new additions. I used every single device OnePlus launched thus far, and most of the time, I switch back to a OnePlus phone after I'm done with other reviews. I used the OnePlus 12 for just over a month when it launched, and here's how I set up my phone immediately after transferring data over to the device.

Access notifications easily with a pull-down gesture

One of the most annoying features in OxygenOS is that the default action for a pull-down gesture anywhere on the home screen is to launch Global Search. This is a feature that's baked into the UI, and it doesn't offer much in the way of utility. You'll needs a lot of permissions as well, and is generally not worth the hassle.

So what you should do instead is switch the gesture to surface the notification pane — like all other Android phones. To do this, go into the Settings, go into the Home screen & Lock screen menu, and select the Swipe down on Home screen setting. In the options that show up, choose Notification drawer. After that, you can go back to the home screen and use the pull-down gesture to show the notification pane.

Get the most out of the display

The OnePlus 12 has one of the best AMOLED panels you can get on any phone today, with the screen going up to 4500 nits in HDR content. Of course, you don't get to use this a whole lot, but even in daily use, it gets incredibly bright. It also has a QHD+ resolution, but this isn't selected out of the box. By default, the Standard (2376x1080) is selected, but you can switch to the High (3168x1440) resolution if you want to maximize the screen density.

You can change the mode by going into Settings -> Display -> Screen resolution and selecting High. While you're there, you should also change the screen refresh rate; it's selected to Auto out of the box, and you can change it to High to get 120Hz everywhere. Go to Settings -> Display -> Screen refresh rate and set the mode to High.

Give your eyes some comfort

OnePlus has a few useful features that boost the colors of videos and images, and you can toggle these in the display settings if you want to. What you'll end up using more is the eye comfort settings; you get a Bedtime mode that switches colors to warmers hues at night, and an Eye Comfort mode that adjusts the colors based on ambient lighting. Toggle Ultra Anti-Flicker if you're sensitive to PWM flicker.

What I also like is the Nature Tone Display mode; this basically changes the color balance based on ambient light conditions to deliver accurate colors, and it makes a difference. Note that switching this on disables the Bedtime mode and other Eye Comfort features.

Never miss a notification

If you don't want to turn on the always-on mode but want to see notifications as they come in, OxygenOS has a nifty setting that wakes the screen whenever there's a new notification. You can set this up by going into Settings, selecting the Notification & status bar menu, choosing the Lock screen icon, and toggling Wake screen when a notification is received to On.

Doing this wakes the screen every time you get a new notification, and it is very handy.

Make the most out of AOD

OnePlus has the best Always-on Display styles of any device, and you get a ton of unique options that stand out. The Insight style that debuted a few years ago is still my favorite, and it gives you a visual overview of the amount of time you've used your phone over the course of the day — unlocks, usage, and so on — with the bar diminishing based on length of use. The Homeland style shows the effects of global warming, and the new Carbon footprint option shows how CO2 emissions impact ecosystems.

You can also use a silhouette of your own images on the lock screen in what is called Canvas, or make a Bitmoji, an avatar, draw custom patterns, or text. OxygenOS shows contextual info on the lock screen, so if you use Spotify, you can control music playback without having to wake the screen.

Customize everything to your liking

OnePlus always had a lot of customizability on its devices, and that has continued in the new iteration of OxygenOS. You get a decent selection of options to tailor the phone to your tastes, including default backgrounds, always-on styles, and icons.

You can easily change these by going into the Wallpapers & style menu. You can see all the wallpapers available with the device, change the font — you get the standard Roboto font that's available on all Android devices, a One Sans font that looks a little cleaner, and OnePlus Sans.

I'm a big fan of the icon customization that's available in OxygenOS, and it easily lets you change to rounded icons, or go with a custom style. You can change the size and design of the icon, and use the system color palette — a new addition in OxygenOS 14.

OxygenOS lets you use the color picker feature that's standard in Android 14, and this allows you to select vibrant access colors. You can also change the look of the quick settings tiles, and change edge lighting — where the edges of the screen light up when getting a notification.

Get the battery stats you need

OxygenOS has a few different styles when it comes to how it shows the battery icon, and you can change these by going into Settings -> Notifications & status bar -> Status bar -> Battery style. You can choose a vertical icon, horizontal, or not have the icon visible at all. You also get the ability to enable the battery percentage in this sub-menu; just toggle Battery percentage to On.

If you want to increase battery longevity, you'll need to go into the dedicated Battery menu and enable a few features. Go to Settings -> Battery, and then select Battery health. In this section, toggle Smart charging, and the phone intelligently tweaks charging patterns based on your usage. This basically means the battery doesn't charge all the way to 100% immediately, instead going up to 80% and only charging the rest of the way before you take it off the charger.

Connect your phone to Windows

Samsung offered Link to Windows on its phones for several years now (the feature is dubbed Your Phone), and other brands are getting in on the action. OxygenOS has it baked into the UI now, and it easily lets you link your phone to your Windows machine so you can mirror notifications and transfer data seamlessly.

Anyway, it's available via Settings -> Connection & sharing -> Link to Windows. You'll get a screen asking you to log in to your Microsoft account, and once you do this, you'll be able to use the feature.

Edit quick settings tiles

OxygenOS has a notification pane with two large rectangular tiles and smaller tiles at the bottom, and as is the case with everything else in the UI, these are easily customizable. Just use a pull-down gesture to bring down the shade, select the three vertical dots, and select Edit tiles. I like adding Bitwarden's autofill and Tailscale tiles, and you can easily drag tiles around to change the configuration any way you want.

Immerse yourself in audio

A big change in OxygenOS 14 is new ringtones and notification tones (seriously). And while I like to use my own on all the new devices I test, the new tones are very good, even if they're not designed by Hans Zimmer. What's more interesting is that the phone has Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, and you can change profiles based on scenario: Smart automatically does this, and there are Movie, Music, and Gaming modes.

There's spatial audio as well, and it makes a difference when you use earbuds, like the Buds 3. But what I like the most is Holo Audio, which lets you place audio sources in various zones, and it does a good job. All of these settings are accessible via Settings -> Sounds & vibration.

Talking about audio, the alert slider on the left is very useful if you want to switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. 

Customize haptics

As we're in the same section, you'll want to customize the haptic feedback. The OnePlus 12 has an excellent haptic motor, and the phone delivers granular feedback. What I like about OxygenOS is that it lets you adjust the level of feedback, and you can also tweak how they feel. You can enable the feature and tweak the feedback intensity by going to Settings -> Sounds & vibration -> Haptics.

Achieve some Zen

OxygenOS has a great utility that lets you minimize distractions. Dubbed Zen Space, it lets you launch a distraction-free mode wherein only the apps you whitelist will be available. You won't get notifications or alerts from other apps while in this mode, and you can set the duration.

There used to be a Zen Mode that did this, but it was a bit extreme — you couldn't use your phone at all when the mode was active. This is a lightweight version of it, and the best part is that you get to select ambient music to play while in the mode. Zen Space is available as a dedicated app in the drawer, and you can put it on the home screen. 

That's a short rundown of the things you can do to get your OnePlus 12 customized just the way you want. There's a lot to like with the device, and it is one of the best OnePlus phones launched to date. If you're interested in knowing more about the hardware and cameras, be sure to read my OnePlus 12 review.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Design

Apple isn't known for changing the designs of its phones, and the result is that the iPhone 15 Pro Max looks nearly the same as its predecessor, which was identical to its predecessor, and so on. But what's different this time is the switch to a titanium mid-frame, and this allowed the brand to considerably reduce the weight and size of the device. The titanium portion only covers the outer section of the phone, and a bulk of the mid-frame is made out of aluminum.

That said, the sheen of the titanium gives the phone a different look, and it's great to hold and use. But what I like best is the fact that it's lighter and thinner than previous years, and this makes it almost comfortable to use. The camera housing at the back is unchanged, but it is still instantly recognizable, and that counts for a lot.

OnePlus, meanwhile, isn't afraid to introduce bold designs, and the OnePlus 12 has a new Flowy Emerald finish that looks fabulous. The green hue immediately grabs attention, and the camera module is larger than last year and uses the same green color inside. The camera modules have individual rings now, and they highlight the modules a little better, and the overall design looks more polished than last year.

The OnePlus 12 has the same smooth curves as its forebears, and it makes holding and using the device a lot easier. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max isn't as unwieldy, it still has flat sides, and I like the design and in-hand feel of the OnePlus 12 a little better.

OnePlus continues to offer the alert slider, but it is now located on the left of the phone. The toggle lets you easily switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes, and is a nifty addition. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a new Action Button that's much more customizable than the mute toggle from previous years; the button lets you launch actions, switch Focus modes, toggle between ring and silent modes, and is one of my favorite features on the device.

Where the iPhone 15 Pro Max also wins out is ingress protection. It offers IP68 dust and water resistance as standard, and is able to be submerged in up to six meters of water. The OnePlus 12, on the other hand, has IP65, and you miss out on protection from water ingress.

To sum it up, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still has a design that's recognizable the world over, and the OnePlus 12 introduces a bold aesthetic that looks terrific.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Display

Both phones have outstanding displays, but the OnePlus 12 takes things to a new level with its 6.82-inch AMOLED panel. It has a higher 3168 x 1440 resolution, but where it stands out is the brightness levels — the panel is able to hit 4,500 nits in HDR content, going up to 1,600 nits in HBM mode.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max goes up to a maximum of 2,000 nits in HBM mode, but where it excels is in daily use; its OLED panel is brighter in most daily usage scenarios, and that makes a difference. The screen is marginally smaller at 6.7 inches, and the 2796 x 1290 resolution is more than adequate.

I don't have any issues with the panels on these devices, and they both sport 120Hz refresh with dynamic scaling that adjusts the refresh based on the content on the screen. They both have Dolby Vision, and they hold up incredibly well for gaming; the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the edge in this area as it is able to play demanding games at 120fps with ease, and although the OnePlus 12 uses a custom Pixelworks chip that allows the device to hit the same 120fps in all games, it doesn't actually show up in real-world use.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has even thinner bezels than last year, and the highlight at the front is the Dynamic Island, the interactive cutout that highlights useful information. The pill-sized cutout is significantly larger than what you get on the OnePlus 12, but you get a decent amount of usability out of it. Talking about the OnePlus 12, the phone has a selfie camera cutout located in the center now.

OnePlus delivers better customizability with the always-on mode and adjusting the color balance of the panel, and what the iPhone 15 Pro Max lacks in customization it makes up for in useful features. The TrueTone engine does a great job changing the color balance based on ambient light, and the Screen Distance mode reduces eye strain by sending alerts whenever you're holding the phone too close to your face.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Hardware

Like the best Samsung phones, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering outstanding performance in daily use as well as gaming. You don't see any slowdowns or lag whatsoever, and the interface is fluid. The phone comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard, and there's also a 16GB/512GB version if you need more storage.

Although OnePlus has a 1TB model, that variant is limited to China, and isn't available in other markets. That isn't an issue with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which starts at 256GB (thankfully), and is available in 512GB and 1TB versions. I'm using the 1TB variant, and it definitely comes in handy when shooting Dolby Vision videos.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the A17 Pro, and it is the fastest mobile platform around. It has excellent gaming potential and is overkill in most daily tasks, and in all the time I used the phone, I didn't once get the feeling that it was lacking in power.

Both phones have extensive connectivity options, with the OnePlus 12 offering a Wi-Fi 7 modem, Bluetooth 5.4, AptX HD and LHDC codecs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a Wi-Fi 6e modem, Bluetooth 5.3, and you don't get much in the way of AptX codecs, as that's Qualcomm tech. What is interesting is the switch to USB-C with this generation, and the phone has a full-fledged USB 3.2 Gen 2 slot, and you get DisplayPort out, making it easy to connect to an external monitor.

OnePlus has been stingy with USB-C connectors in the past, but the OnePlus 12 uses the USB 3.2 standard, and that's a good thing. But when it comes to the extras, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a lot more on offer; you get UWB 2, crash detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite.

Switching over to the battery, the OnePlus 12 has a massive 5400mAh battery that lasts up to two days with medium use. Alongside the large battery, you get 100W charging tech that takes just over 30 minutes to charge the battery, and there's even 50W wireless charging this time, along with 10W reverse charging.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a considerably smaller 4441mAh battery, but it manages to last over a day with relative ease. Where it loses out is the charging; you don't get a charger in the box, and the phone only goes up to 30W charging, taking considerably longer to charge the battery. That said, the StandBy mode is useful when using a MagSafe charger like the UGREEN 2-in-1 charging stand.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cameras

Cameras are the biggest differentiator in this category, and both phones have plenty to offer here. The OnePlus 12 uses a 50MP Sony LYT-808 camera module with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and OIS, and it's joined by a 64MP OmniVision OV64B telephoto lens with OIS that has 3x optical zoom. There's also a 48MP Sony IMX581 module that serves as the wide-angle lens, and it has autofocus this time, allowing it to double as a macro shooter. You get a 32MP Sony IMX615 selfie camera, and it doesn't have autofocus.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has new camera hardware as well, with the phone touting a 48MP main camera with second-gen sensor-shift stabilization and the ability to change focal lengths. The phone also has a 12MP telephoto lens with OIS that hits 5x optical zoom, and there's a 12MP wide-angle lens that is also the de facto macro shooter.

There's a ton of shooting modes and effects available on either device, and what I like about the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ability to add background blur after a photo is taken. The OnePlus 12 leverages its Hasselblad integration to full effect, rolling out custom modes and a watermark feature that highlights the Swedish brand's involvement.

Photos taken with both phones are outstanding, and you get daylight shots with plenty of detail and color vibrancy. The OnePlus 12 manages to deliver shots that are just as good as the iPhone, and that's no small feat. It's a close contest in low-light situations as well, with the OnePlus 12 taking terrific photos. The iPhone 15 Pro Max still has an edge in this area, but it is a slender lead.

But the one thing the iPhone 15 Pro Max does better than most other phones is video recording; you get good stabilization and dynamic range, and all three sensors deliver a similar caliber of footage. You don't quite get that on the OnePlus 12, but other than that, it is just as good.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Software

The OnePlus 12 runs OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box, and there really isn't much to talk about in this area. It has all the new features Google introduced in Android 14, and other than a slight change in fluidity and general stability, you don't notice much in the way of difference to the previous version of OxygenOS.

The interface is heavily customized, and it continues to be identical to ColorOS. That said, you get a lot of configurability, and unlike the last two years, the phone actually feels stable in daily use. As for updates, the phone will pick up four Android OS updates and five years of security patches.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs iOS 17 out of the box, and it doesn't have much in the way of notable new features either. While iOS doesn't have anywhere close to the same level of customizability as Android, it is immediately familiar — on account of most UI elements not being altered for several years — and although it is in need of an overhaul, it is stable and fluid.

I've had issues with notification management in previous iterations of iOS, but thanks to Focus modes, that isn't a problem these days. Overall, there is a lot to like in iOS, and if you're like me and are heavily invested in Google's ecosystem, you'll find that all the utilities are available on the iPhone as well, and they're just as good.

On the subject of updates, the iPhone 15 Pro Max should get at least five platform updates, making it one more than the OnePlus 12.

OnePlus 12 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which should you buy?

You're obviously getting two stellar phones here, and choosing between the two comes down to what you need in a phone. If you're used to iPhones and are looking to upgrade, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the obvious choice; it has amazing hardware, a vibrant OLED screen with terrific colors, much better cameras at the back, battery that lasts longer, and the latest software features — all encased in a titanium shell that feels wonderful to hold and use.

If you're partial to Android, there is a lot to like with the OnePlus 12. The phone has a gorgeous design that is sure to turn heads, the hardware is among the best in this segment, you get a huge battery that's designed to last up to two days, and cameras that hold their own against the best phones available today.

There isn't anything inherently wrong with either device; regardless of whichever phone you buy, you'll be satisfied with the choice. But there's one additional thing to take into account, and that's the price. With the hardware on offer, neither device is affordable, but the OnePlus 12 starts off at $799, and that's a good overall value considering the caliber of the cameras and everything else you're getting.

Coming to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you'll need to shell out $1,199 to get your hands on the 256GB version of the device, or $400 more than what you end up paying for the OnePlus 12. Things are a bit different outside the U.S. In the U.K., the OnePlus 12 costs £849 ($1,068), and over in India, the phone retails for ₹64,999 ($785).

The iPhone 15 Pro Max costs £1,199 ($1,509) in the U.K., or $440 more than what the equivalent OnePlus 12 costs in the region. But it's in India where things get truly ridiculous, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max starting out at ₹1,59,900 ($1,927). You can get two 521GB variants of the OnePlus 12 for that amount of cash, and have enough money left over to get OnePlus Buds 3 and the OnePlus Keyboard 81.

Choosing between the two in the U.S. is straightforward; you don't need to pay the entire asking price upfront, so the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the obvious choice. But everywhere else, the OnePlus 12 just makes much more sense. I have both phones with me, and for my own use, I'd go with the iPhone 15 Pro Max — as much as I like the design of the OnePlus 12, I'm still not sold on the software, and the iPhone has a bit more polish in this area.

But if I had to buy a phone with my own money, I'd just get the OnePlus 12. Sure, it isn't as good as the iPhone 15 Pro Max in a few areas, but it is much more affordable while nailing the basics, and that's good enough for me.

OnePlus makes some really great Android phones that include fast processors, wonderful cameras, and sleek designs, and are available for affordable prices. If you're considering a phone from this brand, two viable options are the OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 11. The OnePlus 12 launched in North America early this year while the OnePlus 11 came out a year prior, making them both relatively new phones. If you're trying to decide between these two.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: How the phones compare in looks

First off, let’s look at the aesthetics and basic features and functions of both phones from this brand.

The OnePlus 12 employs a design inspired by nature, with two color options: Silky Black or Flowy Emerald. The rounded edges and smooth curves make for an enjoyable experience while holding and using the phone. The camera island on the back nicely blends into the mid-frame, housing all four cameras. In his review, Android Central’s Harrish Jonnalagadda describes the design of the cameras as, quite simply, “striking.”

The phone has a nicely sized 6.82-inch QHD+ 120Hz ProXDR advanced LTPO screen that feels nice to the touch, and elongated versus wide. It’s made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering good durability. You get a stunning 3,168 x 1,440 resolution and peak 4,500 nits brightness so it’s viewable in just about any scenario, from bright sunlight to a dimly lit room. The 120Hz refresh rate, meanwhile, means it can keep up with intensive tasks.

The moderate IP65 water-resistant rating means it can withstand some moisture but it's not as durable as other premium phones. What makes it stand out, however, is the AquaTouch technology. This makes it responsive even if there are water droplets on the screen or your hands are wet or sweaty during a workout or marathon gaming session.

With the 5,400 mAh battery, you’ll get all-day use and then some. Along with supporting 80W SUPERVOOC charging using the charger included in the box, the OnePlus 12 also supports 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging so it can work with compatible Qi wireless chargers. That means it can recharge wirelessly at a rate faster than most average wired charging cables and adapters! In 30 minutes, you can get up to two more days of use, and it takes just an hour to wirelessly recharge to full.

In terms of storage, the options are 256GB or 512GB but you are tapped out there since there’s no microSD memory card slot (you can also rely on cloud storage, as with any phone). The 5G phone works with both eSIM and dual SIM and boasts the latest Bluetooth 5.4 spec along with USB 3.2. It’s also Wi-Fi 7 ready. This phone runs on the latest OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 right out of the box.

With four years of Android OS updates and five years of security support, you're good with this phone through January 2029.

How does the OnePlus 11 compare? It comes in similar color options, Eternal Green or Titan Black (there was, for a limited time, a premium Marble Odyssey finish as well that was available in some countries), and is made of surgical-grade stainless steel with a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, so it’s not quite as durable but can still stand up to the day-to-day rigors of use. It has a starlight dial that offers an elegant look. Jonnalgadda says in his review of this phone that it’s nice to the touch and the materials feel premium, with the black having more of a matte look and feel and the green being glossier.

The screen is smaller at 6.7 inches and it’s an AMOLED QHD+ LTPO 2K Super Fluid screen that boasts slightly higher resolution at 3,216 x 1,440 as well as the same adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. But peak brightness taps out at 1,300 nits, so even with the moderately higher resolution screen, you’ll notice a big difference with the OnePlus 12 screen.

You’ll get slightly less storage at 128GB or 256GB: there’s no 512GB option nor does the OnePlus 11 have expandable memory. The battery is impressive compared to other phones in this class at 5,000 mAh but it might not last quite as long as the OnePlus 12. It does support 80W SUPERVOOC charging with the charger in the box, but there’s no support for wireless charging. If you love using wireless chargers, maybe already invested in one for your desk, this could be a dealbreaker. Nonetheless, using the wired charger, the phone can be back to full in half an hour, so this might not matter so much.

Running on OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13, this phone comes with the step-down software. But you can update it to the latest OS if desired (and recommended). Also with dual SIM cards, it has Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C, and offers slightly less water resistance with a rating of just IP64. You won’t get the cool AquaTough feature either. It's supported for four years of Android OS updated and five years security updates, so this takes you through to February 2028.

OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 11: Spec comparison

How do these phones compare head-to-head when it comes to specs?

You’ll see that in almost every respect, the OnePlus 12 is a slight step up from the OnePlus 11, which may sway your decision.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: Usability and power

When it really comes down to it, is there a difference in how these two phones operate for your day-to-day tasks, from work to school, entertainment, gaming, streaming, and more? Let’s take a look.

The OnePlus 12 has a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and dual vapor chamber that provides better heat dissipation compared to other premium phones in its class. Ideal for gamers as well as multitaskers, you’ll also get an impressive 16GB RAM if you step-up to the top-line model.

Further for gamers is the Trinity engine that works together with these features to help reduce lag so you get smoother video playback and seamless gaming experiences. Jonnalgadda did observe that he could only play games at 60fps, even with frame booster on. But a future over-the-air update might fix this.

You can expect a solid network connection with the OnePlus 12 thanks to the omni-directional antennas as well as the support for Wi-Fi 7. The stereo speakers offer Spatial Audio support when listening to compatible music sources through compatible headphones.

You’ll get the step-down but still pretty powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with the OnePlus 11 along with up to 16GB RAM if you step up to the top-line model with 256GB storage: the step-down is 8GB (versus 12GB with the entry OnePlus 12), so keep this in mind. If you want the best experience, spend a bit more. It will be worth it.

The dual reality speakers with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support provide favorable audio to complement video or while listening to music or podcasts, or playing games through compatible headphones, like the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 as well as the new OnePlus Buds 3. This phone can also connect via Wi-Fi 7 with dual-band Wi-Fi for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrums. Jonalagadda found that games were limited to 60fps with this phone, too, but he did enjoy a smooth and lag-free experience.

The OnePlus 11 integrates technology to offer improved cooling and to prevent overheating as well, and Jonnalagadda confirms that it works wonderfully. After running synthetic benchmarks for an hour, the phone barely got warm, he says.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: Taking photos and videos

OnePlus is known for its Hasselblad camera systems, so you can expect to get great photos from both these phones. But how do they compare?

The OnePlus 12 has vastly improved cameras over the OnePlus 11. It begins with the main 5MP camera with a wide sensor and continues with a 64MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, and 32MP front camera. As with most premium phones nowadays, you can choose from a variety of different photo modes, from portrait to natural, and even RAW with watermarks.

This is all possible through the 4th generation Hasselblad camera system, which includes a Sony main sensor. Jonnalagadda says the photos he was able to take with this phone were, put simply, “outstanding.” It didn’t matter the lighting condition: even in low light, he got fabulous shots with lots of detail and dynamic range along with accurate color reproduction. Cameras in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 Pro have been lauded, and Jonnalagadda says this phone is right up there with those ones in terms of camera performance.

Don’t count out the OnePlus 11 and its third-generation Hasselblad Sony cameras for taking photos, though. It has a 50MP main camera as well along with a 48MP ultra-wide camera and 32MP portrait camera with 2x optical zoom. The front camera, however, is just 16MP so you won’t get as crisp and detailed selfies, but they’ll still be Instagram-worthy.

At the time this phone was released, Jonnalagadda said it had the “best camera on a OnePlus phone yet.” So while it won’t disappoint, the OnePlus 12 cameras are even better. The same, it should be noted, goes for videos.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 11: Which should you buy?

It’s a pretty simple decision when it comes down to what you should buy between the OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 11. The OnePlus 12 is a step up in many ways, from the improved cameras to the incredible peak brightness of the screen, more RAM and storage options, the inclusion of wireless charging, and larger AquaTouch screen. Given that the price jump is nominal, it’s a no-brainer to get the new phone.

The real question is if you should upgrade from a OnePlus 11 you already own. The short answer is no. The OnePlus 11 is still a solid phone that takes fabulous photos and videos, has cooling technology for intense gamers and multitaskers, adaptive refresh rate, fast charging, and decent RAM and storage if you have the higher-end version. Considering the longest amount of time you could have owned this phone is just over a year, it’s not worth setting it aside just yet.

With that said, if you have someone you can hand it into or trade in for a discount without paying a huge upgrade fee, you’ll notice the improvements in the OnePlus 12. Consider your budget, how happy you are with the phone right now, and what you can get a OnePlus 12 for, or if you might be able to hand off the OnePlus 11 to a friend or family member so you can experience the best in the line.

Both phones are wonderful additions to the Android space with OnePlus’ OxygenOS flavor added. In fact, both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 11 rank among the best OnePlus phones you can buy. You can’t go wrong with either, but the OnePlus 12 is a stunning device in every way.

It's worth noting that the OnePlus 13 just launched in China. While there's no official word on when (or if) it will arrive in North America, if OnePlus sticks with its usual launch schedule, it could be as early as January 2025. So if you can wait, you might want to consider that upgrade or new buy instead.

Step aside, Samsung: the best OnePlus 12 deals of the month have landed. The flagship device officially hit store shelves on February 6th, and there are already a number of ways to get your hands on the eye-catching phone and save some money in the process.

As senior editor Harish Jonnalagadda notes in his glowing review, the OnePlus 12 is a near-perfect phone, with a sophisticated, gorgeous design, years of software support, and the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. You're also getting the best camera tech on any OnePlus phone to date, and the 120Hz AMOLED panel is truly a wonder to behold. 

If it wasn't already the case, the release of this flagship places OnePlus neck-and-neck against Samsung, so if you can find the right offer, you may want to skip the Galaxy S24 deals altogether. Keep reading to find all the best OnePlus 12 offers we've found so far, and check back later to see what's new: we'll keep adding more deals as they go live. 

Quick links

• OnePlus 12 512GB: $899.99 $699.99 with activation at Best Buy
• OnePlus 12 256GB: $799.99 $699.99 at Amazon
• OnePlus 12 512GB: $899.99 $799.99, plus up to $400 off with trade-in at OnePlus
• OnePlus 12R 256GB: $599.99 $529.99 at Best Buy

OnePlus 12 deals

OnePlus 12R deals

In addition to the OnePlus 12, the Chinese OEM took the opportunity to unveil the OnePlus 12R on January 23rd. Starting at $499.99 for the 128GB model, this midrange device boasts an impressive 5,500mAh battery alongside a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and super-bright 120Hz display. Although most retailers have been pretty slow to launch OnePlus 12R deals, we've gathered a few for you to check out. If you don't see anything yet, check back later to see if we've added any new offers.  

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

By all accounts, the OnePlus 12R looks to be the reincarnation of the original OnePlus One in a very palpable way. It's $300 less than the excellent OnePlus 12, yet still offers a brilliant display, a near-identical-looking build, a super speedy processor and charging speed, and what appears to be an excellent camera experience on paper.

While you should never expect a $500 phone to keep up the pace with an $800 phone, the OnePlus 12R does a remarkable job of delivering a solid camera experience despite the more budget-friendly price. Both phones feature a similar-looking camera island, but the hardware contained within can be quite different.

I put both phones head-to-head to find out if it's worth spending the extra $300 on the OnePlus 12 to get a better camera or if you should just stick with the more affordable OnePlus 12R.

Main and ultrawide cameras

From a branding standpoint, you would absolutely expect the OnePlus 12 to deliver a superior camera experience in every way. The Hasselblad branding means the OnePlus 12 enjoys more options in the Pro camera mode — it's actually called Master mode on the OnePlus 12 — and sports an additional XPAN mode the OnePlus 12R doesn't have.

In short, XPAN uses both the main and ultrawide camera sensors to create one film-like aspect ratio photo, something film and camera nerds will certainly salivate over.

But I was surprised when I found that I preferred images captured from the OnePlus 12R's main camera over the OnePlus 12's, despite the automatic Hasselblad color and exposure tuning from the more expensive phone.

What makes this more interesting is that the OnePlus 12 uses a newer sensor, while the 12R uses the same IMX890 found in the OnePlus 11 and 11R. OnePlus has had more time to tweak the imagery from this sensor than it has with the OnePlus 12's newer sensor, but it's always a surprise from a spec standpoint when the latest and greatest doesn't outperform something that's been around for a while.

Likewise, photo performance from the ultrawide-angle cameras is nearly identical in quality, trading blows depending on the shot taken. Notably, the ultrawide camera on the OnePlus 12 provides a slightly wider-angle lens. So, while the quality is essentially identical between the two phones, you'll capture a slightly wider image from the OnePlus 12.

The OnePlus 12's ultrawide-angle camera doubles as a macro mode camera, while the OnePlus 12R has a fairly useless 2MP dedicated macro camera. Worse yet, you need to manually switch to the Macro mode on the 12R to take macro photos. The OnePlus 12 automatically switches to macro scene adjustment when you get close to objects while using the phone's auto mode.

In short, don't bother with macro photos on the 12R. They're not worth your time.

Telephoto cameras

Zooming in on a subject using the viewfinder is a common tactic used to get a clear picture without getting physically closer to the subject, and one of these phones clearly does a better job than the other.

Zoom detail remains fairly identical in the short to mid-range — from 1x to 5.9x — but at 6x and beyond, the OnePlus 12 trounces the OnePlus 12R thanks to a dedicated 3x periscope camera, capable of in-sensor zoom up to 6x.

This difference holds up between both day and nighttime lighting conditions, and I was impressed at how clean and clear the imagery was from the OnePlus 12, even beyond 10x zoom.

Front-facing and portrait mode

Portrait mode is superior on the OnePlus 12 but that comes with some caveats. The OnePlus 12 offers 1x, 2x, and 3x presets in its portrait mode from the rear cameras, but I found the phone was very picky with subjects. Often, the software wasn't able to identify a subject for portrait mode unless I physically moved closer, and the software clearly told me this while taking the photo.

Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12R only offers a 1X zoom portrait mode but seems less finicky with distance. There were still times when the software would ask me to move closer but it wasn't as common.

Both phones offer identical background cut-out quality and I found portrait mode from either phone was superior to what Samsung or Google can do even on each respective company's best phones.

The front-facing camera on the OnePlus 12 is better in all areas and lighting conditions but, as with the portrait mode, it's not substantially better. Both front-facing cameras deliver excellent image quality both day and night.

The OnePlus 12's front-facing camera is slightly wider, bringing in more of the surroundings into the frame, and it offers better exposure and white balance. I particularly noticed the exposure differences at night, especially when near any kind of light source.

The OnePlus 12R's front-facing camera doesn't support image stabilization while recording, meaning video from the OnePlus 12's front-facing camera will be a lot smoother when filming and walking around.

Video and software

OnePlus' camera software is very similar between the two phones, but there are some notable differences in capabilities. The OnePlus 12's manual mode, called Master mode, allows the use of RAW capture from all of the phone's rear cameras. The OnePlus 12R's manual mode offers Raw and Raw Plus options but only from the main rear camera.

It certainly feels strange for the 12R to offer Raw Plus while the more expensive 12 only offers RAW, but I didn't find Raw Plus to be much of an advantage, anyway. Largely, it acts as a sort of hybrid between RAW and JPG modes, delivering some light post-processing and 12MP JPG resolution with the added bonus of being editable as a RAW DNG file. If I'm shooting RAW, however, I'd rather just have the full-resolution photo.

If you open up the full-resolution versions of the photos below (tap on the image, then tap original resolution), you can see how much more detailed the RAW version is than the RAW Plus one.

Being able to use the ultrawide and telephoto cameras in RAW resolution is also a huge advantage for the OnePlus 12, especially if you're trying to take the best possible quality images from your phone.

Similarly, the OnePlus 12R cannot switch between any cameras while recording in 4K. You'll need to dumb down the quality to 1080p 30fps in order to do that.

Neither phone can switch between the front and rear cameras while recording, but many other phones don't offer this, either. Notably, Samsung's Galaxy line will often offer the ability to switch between front and rear cameras while recording video.

The OnePlus 12 also offers the ability to record in Dolby Vision 12-bit HDR, while the OnePlus 12R does not.

Slow motion video capture resolution and framerates are identical between both phones, but the 12R's capture is more cropped than the OnePlus 12. That means you'll get a much wider view of the OnePlus 12 at the same resolution and framerate.

Conclusion

It should come as no surprise that an $800 phone has a better camera than a $500 phone, but the cheaper OnePlus 12R holds up surprisingly well in a number of areas. Photo capture from the main rear camera sensor is nearly identical between the phones despite the OnePlus 12 having a newer sensor.

Surprisingly, I preferred the look of the OnePlus 12R's photos from the main camera. Similarly, the ultrawide-angle camera is very similar and delivers near-identical quality between the two phones. The main advantage of the OnePlus 12's ultrawide-angle camera is that it's got a slightly wider FoV.

Likewise, the front-facing cameras offered nearly identical quality, even if the OnePlus 12's delivered slightly better white balance and exposure. Portrait mode also offers similar quality between the two devices, but the OnePlus 12 offers the ability to use a 1x, 2x, or 3x zoom to replicate the look of different Hasselblad cameras.

The real advantage of the OnePlus 12 comes in its ability to zoom further while still delivering crisp imagery and video, capture Dolby Vision HDR video, switch between cameras while recording at 4K resolution, and offer up a better RAW manual mode since you can use all the rear cameras.

It's unlikely some people will care about these differences for $300, but OnePlus certainly offers more potential on the more expensive phone camera.

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone, chances are two models you might be considering are the OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24. Both were just recently announced and include premium features and specs. There are specific things to consider, however, that might sway your decision from one to the other. Here, we’ll take a look at how they compare in all the most important ways.

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: On the outside

There are some notable differences in how these two phones look. 

With a design inspired by nature, the OnePlus 12 comes in Silky Black or Flowy Emerald, with rounded edges and smooth curves and a camera island that blends into the mid-frame. It has a circular shape on the back that houses the four cameras. Android Central’s Harrish Jonnalagadda calls the camera design “striking” in his OnePlus 12 review, particularly with the Flowy Emerald finish. 

The 6.82-inch QHD+ 120Hz ProXDR advanced LTPO screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and boasts 3,168 x 1,440 resolution along with an incredible peak brightness of 4,500 nits. While the phone itself is not water-resistant, the AquaTouch technology on the screen is designed to allow you to use it comfortably and responsively even if there are water droplets from the rain, for example, or your sweaty hands while gaming. 

The battery is a generous 5,400mAh, so the OnePlus 12 will easily last all day and then some. Plus, it supports 80W SUPERVOOC charging and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. Charge it up for just 30 minutes, and you’ll get another two days of use. It takes about an hour to charge fully when using a compatible wireless charger. 

The OnePlus 12 comes with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, but this isn’t expandable, so make sure to get more than you think you’ll need. It boasts an IP65 water-resistant rating, which isn’t quite as durable as most other phones in its class, including the Samsung Galaxy S24, which offers IP68 for submersion. 

Other features include 5G, eSIM, dual SIM slot, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB 3.2; plus, the phone is Wi-Fi 7 ready.

Now, let’s look at the Samsung Galaxy S24. It comes in many more finish options to personalize the look, including Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, and Marble Grey, plus Samsung-exclusive colors only available directly through Samsung, including Sapphire Blue, Sandstone Orange, and Jade Green. The unified design is similar to that of the Galaxy S23, with a flat front and back, rounded edges, and a satin finish. 

Made of Armor Aluminum, which is lighter than steel, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has three cameras positioned in a vertical row on the back. The durable Corning Gorilla Armor screen is much smaller at just 6.2 inches, and it’s a dynamic AMOLED 2x FHD+ boasting 2,340 x 1,080 resolution, making it lower resolution than the OnePlus 12 as well. 

But Samsung does offer Vision Booster, which reaches 2,600 nits peak brightness and offers great visibility outdoors. There’s also a scene optimizer, which intelligently recognizes the scene and optimizes colors accordingly. Still, it’s much less impressive spec-wise than the OnePlus 12, though you also get a 120Hz refresh rate. 

You’ll get IP68 water resistance as well, making this phone overall more durable. It, too, supports fast and wireless charging, but it only has a 4,000 mAh battery, so you can expect that it will need to be charged more often than the OnePlus 12. Still, you should be able to get a full day from it. Samsung rates the battery as being able to last for up to 25 hours for Internet usage. There’s also Wireless PowerShare for using the phone’s battery to recharge other compatible Galaxy devices, like Galaxy Buds true wireless earbuds. 

The storage capacities options are fewer, with only a 128GB or 256GB option, and they are non-expandable. So, you’ll have to consider using cloud storage, but it’s recommended to save up to get the 256GB version. The Samsung Galaxy S24 does not come with the Samsung S Pen: if you want this for productivity, you’ll have to upgrade to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. 

Like the OnePlus 12, you get 5G, eSIM, and a dual SIM slot, and it comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and more. With the smaller screen, it’s also a much smaller, thinner, and lighter phone.

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Spec comparison

How do these phones compare head-to-head on specs alone? Let’s take a look.

There are some big differences between these phones in terms of specs. Let’s dive deeper.

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Power and performance

With the OnePlus 12, you get the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor along with a dual vapor chamber that works to provide better heat dissipation. This is something that multitaskers, and especially gamers, will appreciate. The phone boasts impressive up to 16GB RAM, which is a huge deal for productivity, content creation, and gaming. 

It also has a Trinity engine that helps reduce lag, resulting in smooth video playback and smooth and fast gaming. If you’re a gamer, though, keep in mind that Jonnalagadda was only able to play games at 60fps, even when he enabled frame booster. It’s possible that this could be rectified with a future over-the-air update, though. 

For connectivity, the OnePlus 12 has omnidirectional antennas and offers support for Wi-Fi 7. Along with standard stereo speakers, you’ll also get Spatial Audio support when listening to compatible music sources through compatible headphones.  

The Samsung Galaxy S24 has the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor but tops out at only 8GB RAM, making the OnePlus arguably the more powerful phone of the two. It has stereo speakers as well as support for Samsung DeX as well as SmartThings for controlling connected home devices. With the promise of seven years of software and security updates, you can expect more features to come to this phone in the future, keeping it consistently up to date. 

Where the Samsung Galaxy S24 really shines is in the AI integration. Through Google’s Gemini AI, you get tons of useful AI-powered features. This includes Google’s new Circle to Search, which allows you to circle or scribble on an image to instantly pull up search results without leaving the page or app you’re in. In his initial hands-on, Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich called Circle to Search — which is now also available on the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro — his favorite feature. 

There are also features like Live Translate, which can translate conversations in two languages on the fly using a split screen, even without cellular data or Wi-Fi. Note Assist, meanwhile, offers AI-generated summaries, templates, and cover creations, and Transcript Assist uses AI and Speech-to-Text to transcribe, summarize, and translate recordings. Additionally, there’s Generative Edit for photos, which I’ll discuss more in the next section.

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Photos and videos

Overall, the OnePlus 12 has a better set of cameras than the Samsung Galaxy S24. The main camera boasts a 50MP wide sensor, and it’s complemented by a 64MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, and 32MP front camera. There are various photo modes from which to choose, including Master Mode, natural, high dynamic, and portraits. You can even shoot in RAW and add a watermark to photos. 

The 4th generation Hasselblad camera system includes a Sony main sensor. In his review, Jonnalagadda says the phone “takes outstanding photos in any lighting condition, including low light.” 

His photos had plenty of detail and dynamic range, and he found that color reproduction was accurate throughout, no matter the lighting condition or type of photo he took. In fact, he found the camera to be on par with others in its class, including the cameras in the Google Pixel 8 Pro as well as the Samsung Galaxy S24. 

The specs of the Samsung Galaxy S24 cameras are not as impressive. This phone has a 50MP wide main camera as well, but only a 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto and 12MP wide front camera to complete the system. It does offer 30x space zoom and 3x optical zoom. 

The benefits come with AI features that can be leveraged both before and while taking a photo, as well as in post-editing. The biggest upgrade with the cameras in the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the ProVisual Engine, a back-end AI tool suite that powers many of the intelligent features. This includes the use of the ultrawide camera to help reduce motion blur. 

There are other features, too, that you’ll love playing around with. Edit Suggestion will recommend the best way to tweak a photo. With flaw detection, Samsung says you simply “can’t take a bad photo.” 

Generative Edit will fill in parts of the background of a photo or a missing piece of an item. Sutrich likens it to the Magic Editor feature on the Google Pixel 8 series phones. AI can fill in the borders of a crooked image as well. You will even be able to reposition people in photos with AI completing the background so it looks as seamless as possible. A watermark will appear on any photo you modify using AI, and data will appear in the metadata of the image. 

There are AI features for videos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S24, too. For example, you can use Instant Slo-mo to slow it down, and AI will generate additional frames based on the movement. The result is more detailed and compelling videos. 

Bottom line: the cameras themselves in the Samsung Galaxy S24 might not boast as impressive numbers as the OnePlus 12. But the phone still takes wonderful photos, and you can do so much after the fact to improve photos that might otherwise have been considered throwaways or unfixable.

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Which should you buy?

Now comes the big decision: which phone should you buy, the OnePlus 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S24? The OnePlus 12 is much more affordable; even the model with the highest specs, including 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, is cheaper than the highest-end Samsung Galaxy S24 with its highest specs, including 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. You’re effectively getting more for less. 

With a heavy focus on heat dissipation and processing power, the OnePlus 12 is an ideal phone for gamers. It will keep up with all your gaming needs. From a productivity standpoint overall, it’s also a wonderful phone that boasts impressive specs and an ultra-bright screen you can comfortably view in any environment. The cameras are pretty impressive, too. 

Spec-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S24 doesn’t measure up in virtually every department, from RAM to storage, cameras to screen resolution. However, it has powerful AI technology integrated right into the device, which can help in terms of productivity and content creation. If you value this, the Samsung Galaxy S24 might still be the better phone for you. 

Plus, it’s also more durable with Armor Aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and an IP68 rating. This, along with the many finish options, could end up being the dealbreaker. With that said, it’s still advisable to consider one of the best cases for the Samsung Galaxy S24 to protect the phone (and you should do the same for the OnePlus 12 as well). 

If you’re a gamer or looking for a phone that will be equally as good for taking photos and entertainment as for keeping up with your work or school day, go with the OnePlus 12. If you are already in the Samsung Galaxy camp and want to stay with it, you won’t be disappointed with the Samsung Galaxy S24. All the AI features will be fun to play around with, and you’ll find many of them tremendously useful. This is about as modern and futuristic a phone as you can get right now. 

With that said, if you’re looking for the best of the best, consider saving up for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra instead. With that phone, you’ll get higher specs, better cameras, and a Samsung S Pen included, though it’ll cost you a pretty penny more. You can also consider the Galaxy S24 Plus, which has a bigger screen and boosts storage up to 512GB and 12GB RAM for a few hundred bucks more.

What to keep in mind when your OnePlus 12 is near water

Realistically, the OnePlus 12 might now not survive a drop in the tub, sink, or toilet, even if it is only a few seconds. If you think that any of these scenarios may happen to you, then chances are the phone won't survive for very long.

The OnePlus 12 has an Ingress Protection (IP) code of two numbers, 6 and 5, but how do you read that? The first number is how resistant the OnePlus 12 is to solid foreign objects. Zero means no protection, and six means it's dust-tight.

The second number means how resistant a device is to water. Zero means no protection, and nine means it has protection against high-pressure and temperature water jets in all directions. 

What does the IP65 rating mean? It means that your phone is protected against water spray and condensation. Your phone is resistant to non-corrosive materials, oil, and dust. This rating doesn't mean that the OnePlus 12 is humidity-proof. There is no association between humidity tolerance and the IP rating.

If you're worried about your phone being damaged if you get caught in a rain storm, there is no need to worry as there will be no damage. However, make sure you don't drop it into a puddle, as that's where problems can arise.

Among the best Android phones, one with an almost-perfect rating is the Samsung Galaxy S24 with IP68. The IP65 rating is a bit disappointing for the OnePlus 12, considering it is an Android phone worth over $500. Hopefully, there will be an improvement in future models. 

If you're going to be around bodies of water and want to stay on the safe side just in case it should fall, you can rest easy by going with a waterproof OnePlus 12 case. The OnePlus 12 will survive splashes of water, but more water than that will damage the phone. 

It may not be the best rating, but at least it has one since OnePlus didn't start adding a rating until the OnePlus 8 came along. That model came with a rating of IP68, and so did the following models, up to the OnePlus 11, which came with a rating of IP64. So, things have been going downhill with the previous two models. 

The phone still has great specs, such as choosing between a 12GB or 16GB RAM model and having up to 100W charging speeds, one-upping Samsung on this one. Other typical specs you'll find on the phone are stereo speakers, a SIM card tray, Hasselblad cameras, and it is powered by a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

Ultra-fast wireless charging with AirVOOC

The OnePlus 12 is a powerful phone with an excellent display, cameras, and some of the fastest charging we’ve seen. With support for 100W charging using a USB-C cable with the international model and 80W in the U.S., this phone has charging speeds that rival laptops. That trend continues with wireless charging as well, with up to 50W of wireless charging using an AirVOOC charging pad.

To put that into perspective, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 15W wireless charging using the Qi standard. When it comes to the cheaper OnePlus 12R, wireless charging isn’t supported, so if you’re not willing to plug in, the more expensive model may be worth the upgrade.

To achieve these speeds, you’ll need an AirVOOC charger, such as the OnePlus Warp Charge. This charger is designed specifically to handle these speeds with air cooling to keep the pad and your phone cool while charging at these high speeds. That’s in addition to the phone’s own cooling system using two vapor chambers and two smaller batteries instead of one. The wireless charger does support a quieter mode at night to keep noise levels low when fast charging isn’t necessary. Of course, the wireless charger will need a powerful USB-C charger with at least 65W of power or an 80W SuperVOOC, like the one that comes with the phone.

The OnePlus 12 also supports reverse wireless charging at up to 10W, so you can share power from the OnePlus 12’s larger 5,400mAh battery pack with other devices. This can be great for giving your friend’s phone a little boost or charging your wireless earbuds or smartwatch. Most other Android phones with reverse wireless charging stick to around 4.5W, including Samsung’s Galaxy S24 phones and the Google Pixel 8 series. If you frequently need portable power for your tech, however, picking up one of the best USB-C power banks is a better option that won’t drain your phone’s battery.

What you need to know

• OnePlus has sent out a February ColorOS update in China that adds several AI-powered features.
• The move comes as both Google and Samsung add artificial intelligence offerings to their flagship phones.
• The ColorOS update looks to support both the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 series.

OnePlus is adding more artificial intelligence features to the OnePlus 12 and last year's OnePlus 11, as a ColorOS update changelog detailed. The move comes as both Samsung and Google tout new AI-based features for their flagship smartphone lineups, the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 series. 

A Reddit user first spotted the February ColorOS update appearing in China, as reported by Mishaal Rahman on X. The update was originally believed to be limited to the OnePlus 11 when it was discovered Friday. However, a post on OnePlus' community forums in China showed the update appearing on the OnePlus 12 as well. 

Notably, the changelog for the February ColorOS update includes the addition of several AI-powered features. When OnePlus debuted the OnePlus 12 series last month, AI was not at the forefront of the smartphone's new features. That was a stark contrast from how Google and Samsung have approached this generation of smartphones, with features like Circle to Search stealing the show.

Like other Android phones, OnePlus devices will also be able to help you take calls with the latest ColorOS update. The new feature is called AI Call Summarizer, and it will listen to your phone call and summarize it for your reference. This would be ideal in situations where you need to take down things like instructions, addresses, names, or phone numbers. 

As part of the process, the AI Call Summarizer can pull "extracting times, places, action items and other key information" from your conversation, according to the changelog.

OnePlus will offer a Magic Eraser-like feature as well, which is currently called AIGC Remover. The feature can remove unwanted people or objects from your photos using AI, just like similar options available on other phones.

The new features can help users digest content on the web with an article summarizer. Additionally, Breeno Touch gets an upgrade, and it now scans your screen for content and makes suggestions for related services based on what you're seeing. 

OnePlus 11 devices will receive build PHB110_14.0.0.403(CN01), while OnePlus 12 phones will receive build PJD110_14.0.0.405(CN01). Both appear to be rolling out now for eligible devices. It's not clear when these features will arrive on global models.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• The OnePlus 12 and 12R are receiving their first update following a global launch, bringing ProXDR to Google Photos.
• The update also unlocks "Master" mode for the camera app, giving users several options for retooling their Hasselblad color settings.
• Both devices bring strong improvements in speed and performance, as global regions finally get their hands on an "R" series device.

The OnePlus 12 series is beginning to receive its first update following its launch one week ago.

Internally, we've spotted the first firmware version arrives on the OnePlus 12R alongside the flagship OnePlus 12. Users should begin seeing the firmware version SP01EX01, which comes in at around 26MB. However, as spotted by MySmartPrice, users have also received a larger 1.4GB (or 6.5GB) update, bearing version number CPH2573_14.0.0.404 (EX01).

It's unclear what the purpose of this latter update is.

The initial update brings some features, such as unlocking the OnePlus 12 series' ProXDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) capabilities in Google Photos. Imaging strength like this is most commonly found in Apple's Pro Display XDR monitor.

Additionally, the update includes "Master" mode for both devices, offering "Hasselblad color tuning to enhance your photos with more natural and vibrant colors." Such tuning options include sharpness, contrast, saturation, and vignette. The publication adds users can also take photos in RAW format.

The remaining changes are as follows:

• Improves stability and compatibility of Wi-Fi network connections
• Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of the NFC function
• Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of Bluetooth connections
• Improves the success rate of fingerprint unlock
• Improve system stability

The update appears to be making its rounds and should continue to become available as we close the week. If you want to manually check, head into Settings > About Device > Check for Update.

OnePlus launched its 12 series devices globally on January 23, marking the first time the 12R was available in other regions outside China and India. This higher-end mid-range Android phone brings strength that can rival well-known flagship phones currently on the market. It features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and the same Dual Cryo-velocity Vapor Chamber as the OnePlus 12.

The top-of-the-line flagship model presses its performance and speed even more, as OnePlus cements its latest device as a gaming powerhouse.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

OnePlus recently released its two latest phones. When looking at the OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 12R, your first question is likely the most logical one: what’s the difference? We’re here to not only answer that but help you decide between the two. We’ll look at what’s both the same and different about these two phones in the look, operation, specs, and cameras to help you make a choice you’ll be happy with.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: How they look

On the outside, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R look very similar to one another, but there are a few differences.

The OnePlus 12 has a slightly larger screen at 6.82 inches in size. It’s also a higher resolution QHD+ screen with 3,168 x 1,440 resolution at 510 ppi. You’ll get an impressive 4,500 nits of peak brightness. The 2K 120Hz ProXDR display is an advanced LTPO display with AquaTouch technology that affords a smoother touch experience when there might be moisture from rain or sweaty gaming hands, for example.

Available in Silky Black or the stunning Flowy Emerald finishes, OnePlus says the design of the OnePlus 12 was inspired by nature. It looks similar to the OnePlus 11 in design, with the same camera island that blends into the mid-frame, with rounded edges and smooth curves. In his review, Android Central’s Harrish Jonnalagadda says the camera design on the back “looks striking,” especially with the Flowy Emerald finish.

There’s a rear glass cover while the screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Measuring 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15mm it’s not surprisingly, a bit larger and a tad thicker overall than the OnePlus 12r. It’s also a bit heavier at 220 grams. You’ll get all the usuals including 5G, eSIM and dual SIM slot, and Bluetooth 5.4 along with USB 3.2; the phone is also Wi-Fi 7 ready.

It has a 5,400 mAh battery and supports 80W SUPERVOOC charging along with 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging: you can get up to an additional two days of use after just a quick 30-minute charge and it wirelessly charges to full in about an hour. Get it with 256GB or 512GB of storage. It has an IP65 water resistant rating as well, which means it can’t be submerged but you should be okay if you get caught in the rain.

With the OnePlus 12R, you get a slightly smaller and lighter-weight phone measuring 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8mm (207 grams) with a 6.78-inch screen that’s 2,780 x 1,264 at 450ppi. That’s still a pretty fabulous screen. It’s also just as bright, boasting the same up to 4,500 nits peak brightness, even though it isn’t as high resolution. 

This phone uses LTPO 4 technology, which offers dynamic refresh rates and rapid scrolling up to 120Hz as well. This means it will be both smooth and battery-efficient. Indeed, it has a 5,500mAh battery and supports 80W SUPERVOOC charging, so it’s no slouch in that department. However, this phone does not support wireless charging. 

Available in Iron Gray or Cool Blue, the OnePlus 12R comes with 128GB or 256GB of storage, so you don’t get the option for as much storage as you do with the OnePlus 12. Since storage isn’t expandable in either phone, this will be an important consideration. You get the same eSIM and dual SIM slots along with Wi-Fi, 5G, and Bluetooth, though this phone has Bluetooth 5.3 versus 5.4, so it isn’t the latest spec. The improvements with Bluetooth 5.4 mainly pertain to encryption and security.

The screen of the OnePlus 12R is also made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it’s just as durable, though it has a slightly less IP64 water-resistant rating. Considering neither is IP68 like most other premium phones in their class, this is something to consider if you want to take the phone to the beach or use it by the pool without having a waterproof case.

You’ll save quite a bit with the OnePlus 12R over the OnePlus 12 since it’s much cheaper. But there’s reason for that, which we’ll get into in the next sections.

OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 12R: Head-to-head spec comparison

Before diving deeper into these two phones, let’s look at how they compare head-to-head when it comes to specifications.

Examining these specs, you can really see where the differences lie and why the OnePlus 12 is much more expensive than the OnePlus 12R. But let’s look further.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: Power and performance

It’s in the performance where these two phones differ, though it’s where they share some similarities as well. 

The OnePlus 12 comes with the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which makes it an ultra-fast and efficient phone. It also has a new dual vapor chamber designed to improve heat dissipation, a feature that games, in particular, will appreciate. Combined with the Trinity engine that affords no lag, smooth videos, and fast and smooth gaming, and this phone is ideal for content creators, gamers, and multitaskers.

Jonnalagadda did say he was only able to play games at 60fps, even with frame booster enabled, so this is something to consider. He does mention that this might change with an OTA update, so that could be resolved by the time you read this.

 You’ll be able to launch apps quickly, run multiple apps and once, and play the most intense mobile games. Thanks to the omnidirectional antennas and support for Wi-Fi 7, you’ll get a stable connection, too.

With the Spatial Audio support when listening through compatible headphones, offering 3D, immersive sound and the ultra-bright and high-resolution screen, you get a really compelling experience with both video and audio.

This is complemented with the up to 16GB RAM. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to opt for the highest-end spec available with both 16GB RAM and 512GB storage so the phone will meet all your needs.

By comparison, the OnePlus 12R uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which is still a wonderful processor, but it’s a step down in this department. You’ll also only get up to 12GB RAM. If you’re going to go with this model, you might be better off getting the 12GB RAM option of the OnePlus 12 so you get the newer, faster, more efficient processor to go with it.

The dynamic refresh of the LTPO 4 screen, which can go from 60Hz to 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz depending on what you’re doing is a neat addition. The screen might not be as high resolution but it’s still pleasant to look at. You also get the dual cryo-velocity VC cooling system, so this phone will suit gamers as well.

Both phones run on OxygenOS, which is based on Android 14 while the OnePlus 12 has an Adreno 750 GPU and the OnePlus 12R an Adreno 740 GPU. Across the board, the OnePlus 12R is a slight step down in features, which explains the difference in price. If you’re not a gamer, heavy content creator, or multitasker, you might be OK with just the OnePlus 12r in this respect. But there’s another thing to consider: the cameras.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: Taking photos and videos

The cameras are where these two phones really separate, and this could be the dealbreaker.

The OnePlus 12 has a 50MP wide camera, 64MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, and 32MP front camera. You can take photos using a variety of different modes, including Master Mode, natural, high dynamic, and portraits. There’s even an option to add a watermark as well as a pro mode for shooting in RAW.

The phone employs a 4th generation Hasselblad camera system with a Sony main sensor. The ultra-wide camera can capture shots at up to 114°. It’s a compelling experience for photographers and wannabe photo enthusiasts: you’ll be really pleased with the photos you get from this phone.

Jonnalagadda says the phone “takes outstanding photos in any lighting condition, including low light.” He saw plenty of detail, dynamic range, and accurate color reproduction in all the photos he shot throughout his review, easily saying the phone is on par with others in its category, including the new Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

The cameras are where the OnePlus 12R really falls short. It has a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 16MP front camera. This brings it into entry- or mid-level phone camera territory. It’s almost as if the camera was secondary to the phone. It still has tons of useful specs for gamers and for productivity. But if you love taking photos, this might not be the phone for you.

Instead, you could find a phone from another brand for about the same price that boasts much better camera specs. So, if taking photos is one of the main things you do with your phone, consider saving up for the OnePlus 12 instead, or check out another one of the best Android phones with better cameras.

OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 12R: Which should you buy?

The decision between the OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 12R really comes down to price. The only reason to consider the OnePlus 12R is if you are on a very tight budget. But if this is the case, I would suggest you consider another Android phone that is in the same price range and offers similar specs along with better cameras. The Google Pixel 8 or even Google Pixel 7a are worth considering, for example, given the photo editing features they include, like Magic Eraser.

Between these two phones, the extra money is a tough pill to swallow, but you’ll appreciate all the extras you get with the OnePlus 12. From the higher-resolution screen to the sleek look, the faster processor, extra storage and RAM, and much better cameras, it’s worth paying more.

Bottom line: if you want OnePlus, go for the OnePlus 12, or even consider the OnePlus 11 if you can find one for a steal. The OnePlus 12 is the much better phone of the two, and your photos will thank you.

With that said, if photos aren’t really that big a deal to you, you’ll still get decent ones for sharing on social media from the OnePlus 12R. It has tons of impressive features beyond the cameras, from the cooling system to the long-lasting battery, 4,500 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate. But if you have a bit more to spend, it’s worth it to trade up.

Forget to silence you phone? No problem

While smartphones have been straying away from physical buttons in recent years in favor of smarter software, many of us still prefer the satisfying tactile click of a physical slider. One of our favorite OnePlus features over the past few years has been its alert slider, making it as simple as possible to switch the phone to vibrate or silent.

As we found in our OnePlus 12 review, this three-stage slider has been moved to the left side of the phone, with OnePlus citing interference issues with the phone's antennas for the move. Still, the button is easy to find with a textured finish on top. In the top position, the phone will be completely silent. In the center, the phone will be set to vibrate only, and in the lowest position, the alerts will play as normal.

If you're heading into class or a meeting, you can easily switch to silent without taking your phone out of your bag or looking at the screen. Even the best OnePlus 12 cases leave plenty of room to easily find the alert slider. If you're more interested in the cheaper OnePlus 12R launching alongside the OnePlus 12, you still get the alert slider in the same place on the left side of the screen.

OnePlus builds some of the best Android phones you can get, like the last-generation OnePlus 11 and the excellent OnePlus Open, both of which have an alert slider. In fact, every OnePlus flagship phone has features an alert slider with the exception of the OnePlus 10T, which dicted the feature in order to save more internal space for other components such as support for the incredibly fact charging speeds.

If you're looking for an Android phone with a physical alert slide, OnePlus gives you several options.

Even though 2024 has barely begun, the world of Android has already seen two major product launch events, with both Samsung and OnePlus unveiling their latest smartphone lineups — led by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the OnePlus 12 respectively — within days of each other. As you'd expect, these two smartphones offer the absolute best in terms of hardware, software, cameras, and just about everything else you could possibly want in a modern Android flagship. That's all well and good, but which one of them deserves your hard-earned money? We compare Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12 to help you make the best decision.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12: Design and display

The overall design of both Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 has remained largely unchanged over their respective predecessors, although there are noticeable refinements.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a titanium frame that's more durable than the last-gen model's aluminum frame, while also being slightly lighter. The flat back panel, which is secured with Gorilla Glass, sports a smooth satin-like finish and is home to the smartphone's quad-lens rear camera system, with each lens housed in its own ring.

The back panel of OnePlus 12 is also protected by Gorilla Glass, but it slightly curves on both sides to meet with the smartphone's aluminum frame. Similar to the previous-gen model, you get a big circular camera island at the back, housing the smartphone's triple-lens rear camera setup. The entire base of the camera island flows over to one side, blending seamlessly into the frame.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 are huge smartphones that are nigh impossible to use with one hand, a fact that becomes even more apparent once you take a look at their displays. The 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panels on both smartphones are a sight to behold, featuring HDR10+ support and 120Hz refresh rate. However, there are some differences.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra finally features a fully flat screen, shielded by a layer of Corning Gorilla Armor that offers much improved scratch resistance, while also reducing reflections. The display works flawlessly with the embedded S Pen stylus and can reach a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 comes with a slightly curved screen that is guarded by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The display is backed by 'Aqua Touch' technology that allows touch input to be registered even in the presence of water and can hit an astounding peak brightness of up to 4500 nits.

With OnePlus 12, you get an IP65 rating and two colorways — Flowy Emerald and Silky Black — to choose from. Conversely, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sports an IP68 rating and is available in seven funky colorways, three of which are online-exclusive.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12: Hardware and cameras

Considering they're flagship devices, it should come as no surprise that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 are crammed with cutting-edge hardware. Both smartphones are driven by Qualcomm's top-shelf Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 silicon and are offered with multiple configurations. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra features 12GB of RAM and 256B/512GB/1TB of internal storage, the OnePlus 12 sports 12GB/16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB of onboard storage. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 also come with advanced vapor chambers for enhanced thermal efficiency and better passive cooling, and might just be two of the best gaming phones you can get in the market today.

Both smartphones are equally stacked in terms of connectivity options, offering everything from Wi-Fi 7 to multi-band 5G to NFC. There are some device-specific goodies as well, such as wired/wireless DeX support on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and alert slider on the OnePlus 12.

Now let's talk about cameras! Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a truly versatile quad-lens rear camera setup, comprising a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens (with 5x optical zoom), a 10MP standard telephoto unit (with 3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide module. OnePlus 12 also comes with a very capable triple-lens rear camera system, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom), and a 48MP ultrawide module. Of course, the camera arrays on both smartphones are complemented by a plethora of extra features such as Auto HDR, Night Mode, and 8K video capture.

Even if we just go by the numbers, there's no denying that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 are two of the best camera phones of this year. No matter which one you choose, you're going to get some great photos. You'll just have to decide whether you prefer the AI-enhanced (discussed later) photos of Samsung, or the Hasselblad-tuned images of OnePlus.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12: Software and battery

Both Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 come with the latest and greatest Android 14 out of the box, with each smartphone having its own custom UI overlay baked on top. Whether you prefer Samsung's One UI 6.1 or OnePlus's OxygenOS 14, you get loads of customization options and functionality-enhancing features with each.

That said, One UI 6.1 also includes a whole bunch of AI-powered tools for things like real-time translation of voice calls, generative photo editing, and more. They are all part of Samsung's 'Galaxy AI' software suite that you'll eventually need to pay for. Samsung has also promised seven years of major software and security updates for the S24 lineup, becoming only the second smartphone manufacturer (after Google) to do so.

On the other hand, OxygenOS 14 keeps things simple and doesn't offer any fancy AI-based features, but OnePlus will offer four major software updates and five years of security updates for the OnePlus 12 series.

Battery life is something that depends on a lot of factors, but both smartphones are pretty well-equipped to handle everyday requirements of most users. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging support. OnePlus 12 sports a slightly bigger 5,400mAh battery, with much faster 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging support.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. OnePlus 12: Which should you buy?

Loaded to the gills with powerhouse features, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 are hands down two of the best Android phones available out there. They both come with top-of-the-line specifications, amazing cameras, and much more. There's no wrong choice here, you just have to decide what exactly do you want in a smartphone, and how much you're willing to pay for it.

Of the two smartphones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra undeniably packs more features. You get a top-tier camera system, AI-powered extras, and the bundled S Pen makes the phone a productivity powerhouse. The new software update policy also means that you'll be able use the Galaxy S24 Ultra for years to come, provided you get a good case to keep it in mint condition. All that's great, but with a starting price of $1300, this smartphone doesn't come cheap.

Then there's the OnePlus 12. It has awesome cameras, superfast charging speeds, and although the curved display can limit the efficiency of screen protectors, it's a gorgeous panel that can be used even when wet. Sure, OnePlus's update policy doesn't quite match up to Samsung's, but it's good enough. However, what's most important to note here is the starting price of $800, which makes the OnePlus 12 an incredible value-for-money smartphone.

Here's our suggestion! If you're on the hunt for a fully-loaded flagship that you plan on using for a long time and money is no object, go ahead and get the Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the contrary, if you just want a well-rounded flagship that can effortlessly handle everyday tasks without costing a fortune, go for the OnePlus 12.

Buying one of the best OnePlus 12 screen protectors is an obligation, not an option. Unless you like having tiny scratches and scrapes on your brand-new phone's face, put a decent screen guard on your device as soon as possible. Anything can cause little nicks and scratches, from buttons to keys in your pockets.

There are two main types of screen protectors you can choose from for your OnePlus 12. There's the standard tempered glass which prevents shatters more efficiently. Then you have plastic films which provide far better touch response but aren't always as durable as glass protectors. A third option to consider is liquid screen protection. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preference and your lifestyle. Butterfingers are recommended to stick with glass options.

Protect your OnePlus 12's display with these screen guards

• Back to the top ^

Glass or film, a screen protector is better than nothing

Don't be brave, rocking your expensive flagship in the nude could prove to be fatal. Put on one of the best OnePlus 12 screen protectors to keep its crisp and vivid AMOLED panel intact. Happily, none of the best picks cost more than $15 at max.

For the best overall pick, we chose the highly-rated Willone Screen Protector. It's a cheap four-pack that has two sturdy tempered glass screen protectors for the OnePlus 12's display both of which have undergone the oleophobic treatment. This means you don't have to worry about nasty smudges or fingerprints on the screen guard. On top of that, you also get two camera lens protector films.

If you don't like glass, we recommend the affordable soliocial 2 Pack Hydrogel Screen Protector for OnePlus 12. This is a basic two-pack of hydrogel plastic screen protector for the OnePlus 12. There aren't any camera lens guards included but you still get great value considering the price. Hydrogel screen guards deliver much better touch response as we have seen in our testing.

After you're done picking out a nice set of screen protectors, grab a sturdy case for your phone. Feeling unsure about what to buy? We've researched and short-listed all the best OnePlus 12 cases so you don't have to. From basic thin cases to MagSafe-compatible bumper covers, there's a lot from which to choose.

The OnePlus 12 is a stunning looking flagship smartphone with impressive features, intuitive software, and capable cameras that easily rival the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. If you've invested in one, you have made a good decision, getting a premium phone for a reasonable price.

While it's a pretty durable device, however, you will still want one of the best OnePlus 12 cases to add further protection. Everyone inevitably drops their phone at some point in time, plus you want to protect the back and screen from scratches and scuffs over time. A case that has raised edges can mean the difference between a shattered screen and one that doesn't budge after a fumble or drop.

Suit up your OnePlus 12 with these charming cases

• Back to the top ^

Get yourself a sturdy OnePlus 12 case

When looking at the best OnePlus 12 cases, Spigen is one of the most reliable names in the business. Earlier this year, an iPhone in Spigen's Cryo Armor case survived a 16,000-foot free fall from an Alaska Airlines plane, and it's all thanks to Spigen's clever design. We're not saying all of its cases would necessarily fare the same, but the Liquid Air for the OnePlus 12 is a sleek, grippy, and affordable phone cover, making it our top pick. Since it is made by a trustworthy case maker, you can rest assured that it fits like a glove.

If you want a more functional case with something like MagSafe and a kickstand built-in, there are plenty of nice choices. Poetic is easily the best in this regard. The Poetic Guardian case for the OnePlus 12 is a drop-proof bumper cover with a shock-absorbent frame, raised bezels all around, a clear back to admire the phone's design, and a magnetic MagSafe adapter ring baked in. This means you can enjoy using all the best MagSafe accessories for Android with your OnePlus 12 thanks to this case.

The OnePlus 12 is a charming phone with unique features like its alert slider and marble design. To protect its curved 6.82-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, you better get one of the best OnePlus 12 screen protectors available right now if the case you choose doesn't come with one in the box. Better to be safe than sorry!