The real truth is, in the world of smartphones, two years is usually an eternity. But as we sit here in January 2026, the OnePlus 12 is doing something strange: it’s actually becoming a better deal than it was at launch. Originally released at ₹64,999, you can now snag this beast for around ₹47,000 to ₹52,000 during Republic Day sales.
While the newer OnePlus 13 and 14 are chasing “Agentic AI” and slightly thinner bezels, the OnePlus 12 remains the last “pure” flagship that nails the basics without the “AI tax.” Don’t waste your money on a mid-range phone just because it’s “new” in 2026; for the same price, you can get a ProXDR display and Hasselblad optics.
OnePlus 12: Quick Specs Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.82-inch QHD+ ProXDR LTPO AMOLED |
| Peak Brightness | 4,500 Nits |
| RAM / Storage | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X | 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Main) + 48MP (Ultrawide) + 64MP (3x Periscope) |
| Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615 |
| Battery | 5,400 mAh |
| Charging | 100W Wired (0-100% in 26 mins) | 50W Wireless |
| IP Rating | IP65 (Dust & Splash Resistant) |
Design & Build: That “Emerald” Elegance
The OnePlus 12 doesn’t feel like a 2024 phone. The build material is a premium sandwich of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, held together by an aerospace-grade aluminum frame.
- In-hand Feel: At 220g, it has a “heavy flagship” feel. It’s not a small phone. If you have small hands, you will struggle.
- The Alert Slider: It’s still here! In 2026, where many brands are moving to “Action Buttons” or removing physical switches entirely, the satisfying “click” of the alert slider remains a OnePlus hallmark.
- The Finish: The Flowy Emerald finish has subtle striations that look like moving water. Unlike the slippery OnePlus 11, this has a matte-frosted texture that hides fingerprints beautifully.
Display & Visuals: Still Top-Tier in 2026
OnePlus calls it the ProXDR display, and even in 2026, it holds its own against the Galaxy S26.
- Brightness Test: With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, outdoor visibility is a non-issue. Even under the harsh May sun in Rajasthan, you can read emails without squinting.
- Aqua Touch: This was a gimmick that actually worked. You can use this phone with soaking wet hands or in the rain, and it won’t ghost-touch.
- Resolution: You get a 2K resolution (3168 x 1440). Most mid-range phones in 2026 are still stuck at 1.5K. The 510 PPI density makes text look like it’s printed on the glass.
Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Legacy
The real-world truth is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still “overkill” for 95% of users.
- Gaming: We ran Genshin Impact and BGMI at max settings. After 40 minutes, the Dual Cryo-velocity VC (vapor chamber) kept the temperature at a stable 41°C. No thermal throttling, no frame drops.
- OxygenOS 15: In 2026, the phone has likely been updated to OxygenOS 15. It remains fast and bloat-free. The animations are so smooth they feel “oily.”
- Multitasking: With 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, you can keep 20+ apps open in the background without a single one reloading.
Camera: Hasselblad’s 4th Gen Magic
The camera module is a massive circular “watch-dial” design. It’s not just for show.
- Main Sensor: The Sony LYT-808 captures natural skin tones that don’t look “beautified” or “pasty.”
- The Periscope: The 64MP telephoto offers 3x Optical Zoom. In 2026, 3x is the “sweet spot” for portraits. The bokeh (background blur) looks professional, not like a cheap filter.
- The Hasselblad Look: The color science is mature. Photos have a “mood” to them, leaning towards slightly warmer, realistic tones rather than the neon-punchy colors of Samsung.
Battery & Endurance: The 26-Minute Charge
This is where OnePlus still destroys the iPhone and Pixel.
- Battery Life: The 5,400 mAh cell is a tank. Even with heavy 5G usage, we consistently got 7.5 to 8 hours of Screen-On Time (SOT).
- Charging Time: * 0 to 50%: 11 minutes.
- 0 to 100%: 26 minutes (using the 100W inbox charger).
- Wireless: The 50W AirVOOC is faster than most other brands’ wired charging. It hits 100% in about 55 minutes.
The Competition: 2026 Market Rivals
OnePlus 12 vs. Xiaomi 14 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
| Feature | OnePlus 12 | Xiaomi 14 | Samsung S25 FE |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Exynos 2500 / SD 8s Gen 4 |
| Display | 6.82″ 2K (Best) | 6.36″ 1.5K (Compact) | 6.7″ FHD+ |
| Charging | 100W (Fastest) | 90W | 25W (Snail Pace) |
| Build | Glass/Metal | Glass/Metal | Plastic/Metal |
The Winner: If you want a compact phone, the Xiaomi 14 is great. But for media consumption, battery, and value, the OnePlus 12 is the superior choice in 2026, especially since its price has dropped below the “premium” bracket.
Read More : Samsung Galaxy S23
Final Verdict
Buy it if:
- You want a flagship experience for under ₹50,000 in 2026.
- You are a heavy gamer who needs sustained performance without overheating.
- You hate waiting for your phone to charge; 100W is a life-changer.
Skip it if:
- You want a small, light phone; this is a 220g brick.
- You need IP68 rating; the IP65 here means don’t take it for a swim.
- You want 7 years of software updates (Samsung/Google are better for that).
Rating:
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Is OnePlus 12 still getting updates in 2026?
Yes. OnePlus promised 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. It will be supported until early 2028.
2. Does it have the “Green Line” issue?
OnePlus has significantly improved display quality since the 8 and 9 series. While no OLED is 100% immune, the OnePlus 12 has shown very few reports of this issue in the last two years.
3. Is the curved screen hard to protect?
A bit. You’ll need a good UV glass protector. However, the pre-applied scratch guard and the included case are decent for starters.
4. Can it record 8K video?
Yes, at 24fps. However, for the best results, stick to 4K 60fps with Dolby Vision—it looks much smoother.
5. How is the battery health after 2 years?
Thanks to the Battery Health Engine, most users are reporting 90%+ health even after 700+ charge cycles.