Oppo Reno 12 Pro review: the mid-range not to be overlooked

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Oppo keeps moving upmarket, and the Reno 12 Pro is proof of that blatant. Positioned just below the high-end Find series, this smartphone takes several cutting-edge technologies to offer them at a more accessible price. The Chinese manufacturer is clearly targeting users looking for a versatile device, capable of competing with more expensive models on certain key aspects such as photo, autonomy and charging speed.

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The Reno 12 Pro does not revolutionize smartphone design, but it offers a neat and functional aesthetic. Its plastic back sports a two-tone finish, with a matte part and a slightly shiny other. While this choice of material is less premium than glass, it has the advantage of lightening the device which weighs only 180 grams.

The flat edges, very trendy at the moment, offer a good grip. The very slightly protruding photo module blends harmoniously into the whole.

On the front side, the screen occupies almost the entire surface, with borders reduced to a minimum. The central punch for the selfie camera is quickly forgotten in use.

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Oppo has gone all out with a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel displaying a Full HD+ definition (2412 x 1080 pixels). The colors are vivid, the contrasts deep and the maximum brightness of 1200 nits ensure good readability, even in direct sunlight.

The 120 Hz refresh rate provides appreciable fluidity in navigation and compatible games. The option to switch to 60 Hz is still present to save battery life if necessary.

The cherry on the cake ? HDR10+ support which enhances compatible content, whether on Netflix or YouTube. Movie buffs will appreciate it.

Even better, Oppo seems to have found the solution to make its screen usable even when it is wet. What seems like a gimmick is actually a real blessing in the bathroom or in the rain.

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Under the hood, the Reno 12 Pro has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor. This choice is a bit surprising, as Oppo usually favors Qualcomm for its Reno range. Nevertheless, this mid-range SoC proves to be perfectly up to the task for everyday use.

Navigation in the interface, multitasking or launching applications is done without a hitch. On the gaming side, the smartphone performs honorably on Call of Duty Mobile, even if some slowdowns may occur with the graphics settings pushed to the maximum.

The 12GB of RAM contribute to the overall fluidity, while the 512GB of storage offer more than comfortable space for applications, photos and videos. A strong point compared to the competition, often limited to 128 or 256GB at this price point.

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This is probably one of the major arguments of the Reno 12 Pro: its photographic section. Oppo is betting big on artificial intelligence to transcend the capabilities of its sensors.

The 50-megapixel main module produces detailed and colorful shots . Optical stabilization (OIS) works wonders in low light. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle is useful for landscapes, even if the difference in quality with the main sensor is noticeable.

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The real star is the 50×2 telephoto lens megapixels. Rare in this price segment, it offers welcome versatility for portraits or zoom. The results are stunning, with little loss of quality compared to photos wide angle.

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On the selfie side, the 32-megapixel front sensor ensures self-portraits sharp and detailed. Be careful, however, with the smoothing sometimes being a little too pronounced in portrait mode.

But what really makes the difference are the AI ​​functions. The most impressive of&amp ;#8217;among them is the Magic Eraser, capable of removing unwanted passers-by from a photo with remarkable precision. The end result is stunning, with the “repaired” areas blending in nicely with the decor. The only downside: these AI functions require a certain amount of processing time. Allow a few seconds for the final result.

With its 5000 mAh battery, the Reno 12 Pro easily lasts a day and a half of intensive use. Less demanding users can even achieve two days of autonomy. A reassuring performance that places the device among the good students in its category.

The 80W fast charge is part of it, allowing you to recover a day of use in just 30 minutes of charging. Allow around 50 minutes for a full charge. Wireless charging is unfortunately absent, but this is rarely the case in this price segment.

The interface ColorOS 14.1, based on Android 14, dresses the Reno 12 Pro. It offers many customization options, handy widgets and advanced features like app clone or game mode.

Unfortunately, Oppo has not resisted the temptation of bloatware. Many third-party applications are pre-installed, some of which are frankly dispensable. The first steps with the smartphone turn into an uninstallation session, which spoils the initial experience a little.

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Offered at €499, the Reno 12 Pro is positioned as a serious alternative to the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy A55. It stands out with its telephoto lens, 512GB of storage and advanced AI photo functions.

Of course, it makes some concessions such as the absence of IP68 certification or charging wireless. But overall, The Reno 12 Pro doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it offers a balanced formula that should appeal to many users. Oppo proves that it is possible to offer advanced features at a reasonable price, without making major compromises. A smartphone to seriously consider for those looking for versatility without breaking the bank.