OPPO Reno 12 Pro Review: The Smartphone That’s Both Tough and Thoughtful

The OPPO Reno 12 Pro brings a mix of advanced AI features, impressive battery life, and a sleek design that catches the eye. Priced at S$949, it offers a range of capabilities that make it a solid choice for users looking for a reliable smartphone with a few standout features.

Design and Aesthetics

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Reno 12 Pro is its unique design. The back panel features a parallax effect that creates a subtle 3D look, adding a bit of flair to the phone’s appearance. It’s not just about looks, though—the phone is comfortable to hold, with a smooth texture that feels nice in the hand.

Camera and AI Features

The camera system on the Reno 12 Pro is decent, especially when it comes to color reproduction. The colors are vibrant without being overly intense, which makes your photos look natural and appealing. However, in low-light conditions, the camera doesn’t perform as well as we’d like. There’s some noise, and the edges of objects can appear too sharp, which detracts from the overall quality.

The phone also comes with several AI-powered tools. The AI Eraser is handy for removing unwanted objects from your photos with a simple tap. Other features, like AI Clear Face and AI Best Face, help make sure everyone in your group photos looks their best. The AI Toolbox, which is easily accessible from the sidebar, includes tools for narrating on-screen text and summarizing content—useful for those who consume a lot of media or need quick summaries.

Durability: A Tough Contender

Now, for the part that truly puts the Reno12 Pro to the test—durability. OPPO claims that the phone’s screen can withstand a drop from a durian, and naturally, we had to try it out. We dropped a durian—a notoriously tough and spiky fruit—right onto the Reno 12 Pro’s screen. The result? Not a single scratch or crack. The phone held up perfectly, proving that it’s built to last. With Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, this phone is tough enough to handle everyday mishaps and then some.

Battery Life and Performance

The Reno 12 Pro is powered by a 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day even with heavy use. When it comes to charging, the 80W SUPERVOOC technology is a standout feature, taking the phone from 1% to 100% in just over 40 minutes. This is a significant advantage for those who are always on the move and don’t have time to wait around for a full charge.

Performance-wise, the phone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy chipset. While it handles most tasks with ease, gaming performance is a bit of a mixed bag. We tested it with Zenless Zone Zero, and while the game was playable, there were occasional lags during more demanding scenes. So, while the Reno12 Pro is great for everyday use, it might not be the best choice for hardcore gamers.

Final Thoughts

The OPPO Reno12 Pro isn’t without its flaws, but it offers a lot of value for its price. The design is stylish, the AI features are practical, and the battery life is impressive. While the camera could use some improvement in low-light conditions, and gaming performance isn’t top-notch, the phone’s durability and overall usability make it a solid option for most users. If you’re looking for a smartphone that combines style, durability, and smart features, the Reno12 Pro is worth considering.