The Oppo Reno 12 F 5G aspires to be a premium mid-range phone, but it stumbles in a few key areas. This review dives deep into the phone’s design, features, performance, camera, battery, and value proposition.
Design and Features
The Oppo Reno 12 F 5G boasts a sleek metal and glass design reminiscent of high-end phones from a few years back. It packs a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, expandable via microSD. It runs Android 14 with Oppo’s ColorOS 14.0 skin.
Capture stunning moments with the Oppo Reno 12 F 5G’s advanced camera system. On the back, it is equipped with a powerful 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, an 8MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera, and a dedicated 2MP Macro Camera, so you can capture professional-quality photos in any scenario. The 32MP Ultra-Clear Selfie Camera ensures flawless selfies and video calls. Video recording tops out at 4K, mirrored by the 32MP selfie camera.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G, and GPS. There’s a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, along with a surprising inclusion: an infrared port for using the phone as a remote control.
The 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display offers Full HD+ resolution protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Both an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition unlock are available. Powering the phone is a generous 5000mAh battery.
AI Features: A Missed Opportunity
OPPO jumps on the AI bandwagon with its “AI Studio” app. This feature lets you upload photos and transform them using Oppo’s templates.
However, the execution falls flat. Images need to match specific templates perfectly, and the results feel forced and inauthentic.
Additionally, accessing this feature requires “stars,” a virtual currency earned through daily logins or (presumably) future purchases. This pay-to-play approach for a mediocre AI function leaves a bad taste.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Despite feeling smooth in everyday use, the Reno 12’s benchmarks are surprisingly low. This suggests struggles with demanding tasks like gaming. The device boasts a generous 12GB RAM for smooth multitasking and seamless app switching. With 512GB of internal storage, you’ll have plenty of space for your photos, videos, and apps. Plus, the Up to 12GB RAM Expansion feature allows you to further boost performance when needed.
However, real-world mobile network performance was decent, reaching speeds of 202Mbps in the reviewer’s tests.
Camera: Hits and Misses
The camera captures images with vibrant colours and decent detail, even in low-light conditions. However, inconsistency plagues the experience.
Selfies can appear overly softened due to aggressive AI processing, and the camera app itself can be sluggish in capturing shots.
Battery: A Shining Star
The 5000mAh battery is arguably the Reno 12’s strongest point. The reviewer achieved a remarkable two full days of use on a single charge.
This is a rare feat and a major selling point for users who prioritize long battery life. Users can stay powered up all day long with the Oppo Reno 12 F 5G’s massive 5,000mAh battery. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge technology rapidly restores your battery, so you can get back to what you love in no time.
Specifications
| Model | Oppo Reno 12 F 5G (CPH2637) |
| Chip | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB RAM; 256GB |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14.0 |
| Display | 6.7 inch flexible AMOLED, 2412×1080 Full HD+ |
| Cameras | 50mp F1.8 wide, 8mp F2.2 ultra-wide, 2mp macro F2.4 |
| Connections | 5G (sub-6), WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, USB-C |
| Size/Weight | 7.69mm3 (Olive Green), 187g3 |
| Price | Ksh 49,999 |
Value: Price Point Matters
At its initial price tag of Ksh 49,999, the Reno 12 struggles to justify its cost. It lacks features like wireless charging and water resistance, both of which are offered by competitors in this price range.
What Needs Work?
Several aspects of the Reno 12 5G hold it back from being a truly compelling option.
- Price: The initial asking price is too high for the features offered. A lower street price could make it more competitive.
- Performance: The low benchmarks raise concerns about handling demanding tasks.
- AI Features: The “AI Studio” app feels gimmicky and unnecessary.
- Camera: While capable in some situations, inconsistency and overly aggressive processing detract from the experience.
Final Thoughts
The Oppo Reno 12 F 5G is a decent mid-range phone with a fantastic battery life.
However, its high initial price tag, questionable AI features, and inconsistent performance make it a tougher sell compared to well-rounded competitors in this price bracket.
If the price drops significantly, it might be worth considering, but otherwise, there are better options available.
