VP/Tech | OPPO Reno12 F 5G: The AI Phone Within Reach
With each phone release becoming more AI-focused, the demand for a more accessible AI phone rises. To democratize this market, the tech brand just launched the OPPO Reno12 F 5G as the ultimate model for an entry-level AI phone.
Following the success of the recently launched Reno12 5G and Reno12 Pro 5G, the Reno12 F 5G comes as the entry-level variant of the Reno12 series. While it sports a complete redesign of the Reno series, the brand says it still sports the same quality and durability found in its predecessors.
After using the OPPO Reno12 F 5G for a few weeks, we tested the phone out to see what it offers. Without further ado, jump in as we review the newest AI phone in town, the OPPO Reno 12 F 5G.
Build and Design
The Reno12 F 5G features a 7.69mm slim design and weighs only 187g. You would encounter no problems with holding and gripping the phone thanks to its demure build. But in case you accidentally drop it, its All-Round Armour structure can save the day.
The phone also boasts an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance making it tenacious amidst everyday challenges. Quality Assurance company, SGS, even gave the Reno12 F 5G a five-star rating in their Multi-Scene Protection test. This rating amplifies the phone’s long-lasting durability and performance in the foreseeable future.
Between OPPO’s High-Strength Alloy Framework and the Sponge Bionic Cushioning inside, minor drops and impact will not be a problem. You can even sit down with the phone still in your back pocket and the phone would survive the pressure.
Moreover, as for its design, the Reno12 F 5G comes in two stylish colorways: Amber Orange and Olive Green. We got our hands on the Amber Orange color featuring a vibrant hue heavily inspired by the 2024 color of the year, Peach Fuzz. Tilting the phone reveals a mesmerizing texture reminiscent of flickering flames.
Display
The Reno12 F 5G sports a 6.67-inch OLED FHD+ display and a 92.2% screen-to-body ratio. It has a 1080p resolution with up to 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth and interactive experience.
If you’re into bright screens, the Reno12 F 5G has a peak brightness of 2100nits. It has punchy colors and can deliver an immersive display for your favorite shows, streaming gigs, and intense gameplay.
In case you get carried away from using the Reno12 F 5G, the brand has integrated a protective feature for your eye’s safety. First, the brand ensured that the display shifts peak blue light emissions outside the harmful range before it reaches your eyes. The screen’s temperature also adjusts depending on sunrise and sunset to make the display eye-friendly every time.
Moreover, the display also has a Splash Touch feature that keeps every swipe and tap accurate even if the screen is wet. Having used the phone outside during drizzles of rain, I can attest to the accuracy of this feature. It’s nice knowing I can still use my phone while looking for a roof to cozy off.
Performance
Now that we know how sleek the Reno12 F 5G is, let’s talk about its interior, shall we? The Reno12 F 5G sports the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 carrying a 6nm process.
With a 13% boost in GPU and an 11% improvement in power optimization, it does well in balancing performance with power consumption and even a loaded gaming session.
During our testing, the phone could run lighter games like Mobile Legends and Asphalt Unite smoothly. In terms of heavier games like Genshin Impact, we suggest playing in its default settings to ensure the smoothest playback possible.
Furthermore, our unit boasts an 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM, but it’s also available in 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM and 12GB RAM + 512GB ROM. It also features OPPO’s RAM expansion technology that can convert up to 12GB of unused ROM into additional RAM. This allows the phone to deliver efficient performance every time you use it.
Connectivity
On the other hand, for connectivity, the Reno12 F 5G comes with a 360-degree Surround Antenna that uses AI algorithms to enhance connectivity. With frequency bands across all its sides, the algorithms switch between antennas to locate which one delivers the best connection.
Prominent features from the previous Reno12 units can also be seen in the Reno12 F 5G — the AI LinkBoost and the BeaconLink system.
Stay up to date with everything, thanks to OPPO’s AI Linkboost. A technology meant to address poor connectivity and boost signal reception using AI.
On the other hand, a feature that we know and love, the BeaconLink system, reappears in the Reno12 F 5G. With this feature, you can make calls up to 200 meters even without a cellular network. This innovation comes to fruition through increasing the power efficiency of the Bluetooth hardware in the Reno12 F 5G. Now you can stay connected with family and friends anytime, anywhere, with signal or not thanks to the BeaconLink system.
Camera and Photos
Coming from the phone series dubbed the AI Portrait Expert, the cameras from the Reno12 F 5G pack a competitive punch. It has four powerful cameras overall: a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front-facing camera.
Upon testing, the cameras delivered an exceptional job of taking vibrant photos with impressive detail for an entry-level phone. Photos may seem too vibrant in certain lighting situations depending on your cup of tea.
After a few weeks of playing with its camera, we found the phone’s portrait mode to be one of the most notable features of the phone. It has solid edge detection and sharpness capable of taking photos that look like it was taken using a professional camera.
Moreover, as an AI Phone, the Reno12 F 5G also has the improved AI Eraser 2.0 feature capable of erasing unwanted objects in the background of your photos. This came in handy especially when we took pictures outside and people were passing by in the background. Now the subject of the photo pops more without photobombers lingering in the background.
Furthermore, the phone also has AI Studio integrated into it. This takes photos to a whole new level by making customized avatars of yourself in just a quick tap.
Battery
The Reno12 F 5g packs a 5,000mAh battery capable of 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge. The brand claims the phone could last 1.94 days of regular use when fully charged and 21 days in standby mode.
Based on our testing of its 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, the phone can charge up to 20% within the first 10 minutes of charging. Meanwhile, it can fully reach 100% in just 71 minutes of charging. Overall, we had a pleasant time testing the Reno12 F 5G’s battery. Its long-lasting power partnered with a decent charging speed allowed us to maximize our usage of the phone throughout the day.
Furthermore, gone are the days when you needed to replace your battery every other year. With targeted optimizations to the phone’s anode and cathode structure, the brand says the battery can maintain its optimal performance for over four years of normal use.
Overall Thoughts
As a unit, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G has all the recipe for an astounding entry-level AI phone. You get the perfect blend of style and technology through its build and design without being short-changed for the specs you need in the daily.
In the age of social media, its cameras take clear and sharp photos perfect for capturing moments and keeping memories. Paired with a huge storage a capable chipset, and a bunch of AI features, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G allows you to feel what modern-day phones can do.
Priced at PHP 18,999, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G is now available at all OPPO stores nationwide. Moreover, it is also available at any official OPPO Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok shops!
