Where good camera systems used to be a flagship-exclusive, the evolution of mobile tech means lower-end models can now offer photography expertise as well. The Oppo Reno series of smartphones has always sought to make high-grade camera performance more accessible, and the tradition will continue with the Oppo Reno12 Pro.
The latest mid-range is set to inherit its long-standing expertise in portrait photography, featuring a 50-megapixel (MP) main camera, a 50MP telephoto portrait camera with up to 20x digital zoom and 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The triple-lens setup is joined by a 50MP front camera – up from 32MP previously (the same for the telephoto outfit) – and unlike its predecessor’s rounded design, features a traditional rectangular camera module.
Here are the specifics for those who need them:
- Main: 50MP; f/1.8; FOV 79°; 5P lens; AF; OIS supported
- Ultra-wide angle: 8MP; f/2.2; FOV 112°; 5P lens
- Telephoto: 50MP; f/2.0; FOV 50°; 5P lens; AF supported
- Front: 50MP, f/2.0, FOV 90°; 5P lens; AF supported
Taking it out for a spin in Chiang Mai, Thailand yielded surprising results from a smartphone of its calibre. While it’s hardly on the same level as its premium Oppo Find X7 Ultra counterpart, the Reno12 Pro is a decent shooter, showcasing natural colours and fine detail in captured images. Portrait Mode brings out some aggressive bokeh and background separation, but it’s easy enough to turn a blind eye to it in a pinch.
Both the device’s Nebula Silver and Space Brown iterations feature the Oppo’s Fluid Ripple texture, which creates a 3D-like sensation of rippling water and changes their look depending on the angle they are held in hand. The Reno12 Pro will also be the first in the family to offer a quad-curve 6.7-inch AMOLED display, touting an FHD+ resolution (2,412 x 1,080) and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, it pairs a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor with a Mali-G615 chip. The phone boasts 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, available for upgrade to 512GB. Other notable features include a 5,000mAh battery capacity and generative AI capabilities, including AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Clear Face. Where the former removes unwanted background subjects in photos, AI Clear Face performs high-definition detail restoration to facial contours, hair, and eyebrows. AI Best Face works similarly, tapping into GenAI to automatically identity people with closed eyes and reopen them.
The Oppo Reno12 Pro will retail at S$949 (12GB RAM + 512GB storage) when it launches in Singapore on 29 June. The base Reno12 model presents a more affordable option at S$699 (12GB RAM + 256GB storage), albeit with some compromises – instead of a 50MP telephoto and front camera, users can expect a 2MP macro and 32MP selfie camera.
There are differences in the display as well, sporting two curved edges (as opposed to four) with the same FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 7i tech, versus Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the Pro. Like its more powerful sibling, the Reno12 will come in two different colours: Matte Brown and Astro Silver.
In celebration of its upcoming launch, Oppo is currently holding a special launch promotion, where customers can enjoy S$50 off the Reno12, and S$80 off the Reno12 Pro. Each device purchase includes a free pair of the Enco Buds 2 Pro (worth S$69) and Enco Air 3 Pro (worth S$130) on the Oppo Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, Qoo10, TikTok Store, iShop Changi, and KrisShop, respectively.
Meanwhile, those who purchase directly from local telcos Singtel, StarHub, and M1, as well as electronic stores like Challenger and other authorised retailers, will receive a complimentary pair of OWS Q3 earbuds worth S$99.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
