Oppo Reno12 Pro review

ColorOS 14.1 + Android 14

The Reno12 Pro runs on a familiar ColorsOS 14.1, based on the latest Android 14. You can expect two years of major software updates and up to three years of security updates.

We've covered ColorOS 14 extensively in a separate review, so we suggest you check that one out. But as you might have noticed, this is not just ColorOS 14; it's 14.1. And although the version number denotes minor changes, there are quite a few new features, all of which are AI-related.

Our previous criticism of Oppo's ColorOS, Realme's Realme UI and OnePlus' OxygenOS (all of which are the same software) is the lack of any AI-powered features. With the launch of Reno12 Pro, Oppo is making progress.

Realme UI 5.1

The usual suspects like AI Eraser 2.0, Smart Image Matting 2.0 and some generative tools in the default gallery app are at hand. The first one removes unwanted objects from a photo, the second one turns everything into a sticker or emoji, and the AI Studio can reimagine someone as a different character and place them in a completely different environment.

Some productivity features are also available, like text summarization, voice recording transcribing and advanced noise cancellation during calls.

The Reno12 Pro, in particular, also offers AI LinkBoost and BeaconLink. The first one leverages AI algorithms to determine the best possible network to connect to. It will intelligently choose which Wi-Fi signal to use or whether the cellular network is more appropriate. Oppo says it makes reconnecting to networks faster and more seamless.

BeaconLink is essentially a high-tech Bluetooth-powered walkie-talkie. It works within a 200-meter range, and you can talk to other BeaconLink-supporting phones via Bluetooth without needing a wireless or cellular connection.

Benchmark performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip may be a brand-new chipset with a 4nm manufacturing process, but it's largely based on the older Dimensity 7050.

The CPU department operates with 4x 2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, while the GPU is the Mali-G615. The new chip promises 25% improvement in efficiency compared to its 6nm predecessor.

Another difference between the older 7050 and the current 7300 is the ISP. Now, the Imagiq 950 12-bit HDR is capable of dual video capture using two cameras simultaneously.

As far as memory is concerned, the Reno12 Pro offers a generous 12GB/256GB configuration by default as well as a beefier 12GB/512GB version. In both cases, you will be getting UFS 3.1.

The benchmark results show how far the Reno12 Pro is behind its competitors. Even though there's nothing inherently wrong with the Dimensity 7300 SoC, it's just not the right chipset for the price bracket. There are a handful of alternatives running on the Dimensity 9200, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or the Exynos 2400. Those are flagship chipsets with far superior CPU and GPU performance.

Sustained performance

Given that the Dimensity 7300 isn't a very demanding SoC, it's no surprise the Reno12 Pro handles the CPU at 100% load well, for the most part. The CPU maintained near-maximum clock speeds, but dropped down to around 70% after about 50 minutes into the test, before shooting back up. This dip isn't ideal, but it's not that big of a deal either.

CPU and GPU throttle tests

The system was also able to maintain 99% stability in the 3DMark Wild Life stress test - an excellent result.