Are you on the hunt for a mid-range smartphone that doesn’t skimp on camera quality? The Oppo Reno 12 Pro might just be the answer. This review dives into the performance, design, and value of this budget-friendly device, exploring whether it truly stands out in a crowded market.
Pros:
- Competitive price point
- Dual 50MP rear cameras
- 50MP selfie camera
Cons:
Low-resolution ultrawide lens
No dedicated macro mode
Oversaturated colors in certain scenes
Overview: A Closer Look at the Oppo Reno 12 Pro
Smartphone photographers can now find excellent options at various price points, and the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is no exception. Priced at just under £500, it offers a solid blend of features and affordability. With the Oppo Reno 12 series, you get both a standard and a “Pro” version, and today, we’re focusing on the latter.
Oppo Reno 12 Pro Key Specs:
- Price: £499
- Main Camera: 50MP, 26mm f/1.8 equivalent lens
- Telephoto Camera: 50MP, 47mm f/2.0 equivalent lens
- Ultrawide Camera: 8MP, 16mm f/2.2 equivalent lens
- Selfie Camera: 50MP, f/2.0
- Video: 4K at 30fps
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits peak brightness
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 80W fast charging
- Operating System: ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14
Equipped with two 50MP sensors on the rear and another on the front for selfies, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is designed to impress. The rear cameras come with 26mm and 47mm lenses, while the 8MP ultrawide camera features a 16mm lens. Although the video recording tops out at 4K 30fps (compared to 60fps on flagship models), this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most users.
Design and Handling: Stylish Yet Practical
Despite its mid-range status, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro boasts a sleek and attractive design. The “Nebula Silver” variant has a subtle purplish hue, and the phone’s curved edges add a premium feel. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, is bright and vibrant, with a maximum brightness of 1200 nits. However, the IP65 rating means it’s splashproof, not fully waterproof—fine for rain but not for submersion.
The camera array is arranged in a simple triple-line setup on the back, making it less flashy compared to other models, such as the Oppo Reno 10.
Camera App Features: Versatility with a Few Limitations
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro’s native camera app comes loaded with various modes, including Night, Portrait, and Panorama. The Pro mode allows you to manually adjust settings like shutter speed, though it doesn’t support raw format—a feature that might disappoint some photography enthusiasts.
A notable omission is the macro mode, a feature common even in lower-tier smartphones. This absence is surprising given that the standard Oppo Reno 12 includes a macro mode, albeit a basic one. In Photo mode, users can switch between 0.6x, 1x, 2x, and 5x zoom levels, with digital zoom available up to 20x.
Image Quality: Highs and Lows
In good lighting conditions, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro delivers pleasing images, especially from the dual 50MP sensors. However, the 8MP ultrawide sensor struggles with detail, and colors can appear overly saturated in scenes with lots of blue and green. Auto HDR can mitigate this issue somewhat, but it’s something to watch out for.
The 2x lens captures decent images, though if you need a longer telephoto range, this might not be the phone for you. Digital zoom quickly degrades image quality beyond 5x, and the absence of a macro mode limits close-up photography.
Night mode is serviceable with the 1x lens, but the ultrawide lens introduces artifacts in low light, and the 2x lens resorts to digital cropping in such conditions, further diminishing quality.
Video Performance: Solid for Everyday Use
For casual video shooting, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro performs adequately. The 4K 30fps capability is sufficient for most users, with decent detail and color accuracy. While it may not satisfy the needs of videography enthusiasts, it’s perfectly fine for quick clips and social media content.
Value for Money: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Range Market
At under £500, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank. However, it faces stiff competition from models like the Tecno Camon Premier 5G and the Vivo V40 Pro, although these aren’t widely available in all markets.
One of the closest rivals is the Google Pixel 8a, which offers superior image quality but lacks the 2x lens found on the Oppo Reno 12 Pro.
Verdict: A Good Mid-Range Option with Some Caveats
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a viable option for many users. Its dual 50MP rear cameras and 50MP selfie camera are highlights, though the lack of a macro mode and occasional oversaturation may disappoint some. If the price drops further, it becomes an even more compelling choice. However, if you can forgo the 2x lens, the Google Pixel 8a remains a strong alternative.
