iQOO 12 5G: A Flagship Performance Powerhouse Smartphone Review

Why iQOO 12 5G is a great smartphone?

The iQOO 12 5G is a flagship smartphone that was released in 2023. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and has up to 16GB of RAM. The phone has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 2800 x 1260 resolution. The rear camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP periscope telephoto sensor. The front-facing camera is 16MP. The phone has a 5000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.

Technical Specifications

Display:

  • 6.78-inch AMOLED display
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • 2800 x 1260 resolution
  • HDR10+ support
  • 3000 nits peak brightness
  • LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rate
     

Processor:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • Octa-core CPU (1 x 3.3 GHz Cortex-X3 + 3 x 2.75 GHz Cortex-A720 + 4 x 1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
  • Adreno 740 GPU

RAM and Storage:

  • 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage

Cameras:

  • Rear camera:
    • 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS)
    • 50MP ultrawide sensor (f/2.2)
    • 64MP periscope telephoto sensor (f/3.4, OIS, 3x optical zoom)
  • Front camera: 16MP (f/2.5)
     

Battery:

  • 5000mAh battery
  • 120W fast charging support (0-100% in 20 minutes)

Connectivity:

  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • NFC
  • USB Type-C

Other Features:

  • In-display fingerprint sensor
  • Face recognition
  • Dual stereo speakers
  • Vapor chamber cooling system
  • Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14

Dimensions and Weight:

  • 165.6 x 76.7 x 9.2 mm
  • 204 grams

Available Colors:

  • Black
  • White
  • Orange
     
iQOO 12 5G

iQOO 12 5G Design and Display

The iQOO 12 5G isn’t just about raw power and performance – it boasts a stunning design and an equally impressive display that redefines how we experience smartphones. Let’s delve into these key aspects point-wise:

Design:

  • Sleek and Modern: The iQOO 12 5G stuns with its minimalist and modern aesthetic. The phone is crafted from a combination of glass and metal, exuding a premium feel.
  • Thin Bezels, Big Impact: The display is framed by ultra-thin bezels, maximizing screen real estate and immersing you in your content.
     
  • Distinctive Camera Module: The rear camera module stands out with its unique triple-lens layout arranged in a vertical line, adding a touch of personality.
  • Color Options for Every Taste: The iQOO 12 5G comes in three elegant color options – Black, White, and Orange – catering to diverse preferences.
     
  • Ergonomic Grip: The phone’s curved back and rounded edges provide a comfortable and secure grip in your hand, even during extended use.

Display:

  • A Visual Feast: The iQOO 12 5G boasts a gorgeous 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a stunning 2800 x 1260 resolution. This translates to incredibly sharp visuals, rich colors, and deep blacks.
  • Butter-Smooth Smoothness: The 144Hz refresh rate makes every interaction – from scrolling through web pages to playing games – incredibly smooth and fluid. You’ll experience virtually no lag or stutter.
  • HDR10+ for Enhanced Content: HDR10+ support ensures you enjoy movies, videos, and games with stunning contrast and vivid colors, bringing content to life.
  • Unmatched Brightness: With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the iQOO 12 5G’s display remains perfectly visible even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • LTPO Technology for Adaptive Refresh Rate: The display utilizes LTPO technology, which intelligently adjusts the refresh rate based on the content you’re viewing. This optimizes performance and power consumption.
  • Eye Care Features: The phone is equipped with features like low blue light mode and DC dimming to reduce eye strain during extended use.

iQOO 12 5G: A Performance Powerhouse

iQOO 12 5G

The iQOO 12 5G isn’t just a pretty face – it’s a beast under the hood, packed with the latest and greatest technology to deliver blistering performance for any task you throw at it. Let’s break down its power point-by-point:

Processing Prowess:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at the Helm: At the heart of the iQOO 12 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. This flagship chip boasts cutting-edge architecture and fabrication, ensuring smooth operation even for the most demanding apps and games.
  • Octa-Core Muscle: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features an octa-core CPU with one powerful Cortex-X3 core, three high-performance Cortex-A720 cores, and four efficient Cortex-A510 cores. This combination delivers the perfect balance of power and efficiency, ensuring seamless multitasking and lag-free gaming.
  • Adreno 740: Graphics King: Paired with the CPU is the Adreno 740 GPU, the latest offering from Qualcomm. This graphics powerhouse delivers stunning visuals and unmatched performance, letting you enjoy even the most graphically demanding games at high frame rates and settings.

RAM and Storage for Speed:

  • 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM: The iQOO 12 5G comes in two RAM options: 12GB and 16GB. This high-speed LPDDR5X RAM ensures smooth multitasking and app switching, allowing you to keep multiple apps open without experiencing any slowdowns.
  • 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 Storage: Choose from 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage for all your apps, games, and media. This ultra-fast storage technology translates to blazing-fast app loading times and file transfers.

Cooling for Unthrottled Power:

  • Vapor Chamber Cooling System: To keep things cool under pressure, the iQOO 12 5G utilizes a sophisticated vapor chamber cooling system. This advanced system efficiently dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance even during intense gaming sessions.

AI Power at Your Fingertips:

  • Dedicated AI Engine: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes equipped with a dedicated AI engine that accelerates AI-powered tasks like facial recognition, image processing, and natural language processing. This empowers the iQOO 12 5G to deliver smarter features and a more intuitive user experience.

Connectivity for Seamless Speed:

  • 5G for Hyper-Fast Networks: Experience the future of mobile connectivity with 5G support on the iQOO 12 5G. Download movies in seconds, stream content without buffering, and enjoy lag-free online gaming with blazing-fast data speeds.
  • Wi-Fi 6E for Reliable Wireless: The phone also boasts Wi-Fi 6E support, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved stability compared to older Wi-Fi standards.
iQOO 12 5G

iQOO 12 5G: A Camera Powerhouse

The iQOO 12 5G isn’t just about raw power and performance; it boasts a versatile and impressive camera system that caters to diverse photography needs. Whether you’re a casual snapper or a budding photographer, here’s why the iQOO 12 5G’s camera deserves a standing ovation:

Triple Threat Rear Camera:

  • 50MP Main Sensor: The core of the system is a 50MP main sensor equipped with a large 1/1.3-inch OmniVision OV50H sensor and an f/1.68 aperture. This combination captures stunningly detailed photos with vibrant colors and excellent low-light performance.
  • 50MP Ultra-Wide Sensor: Expand your horizons with the dedicated 50MP ultra-wide sensor featuring a 120-degree field of view. Capture breathtaking landscapes, stunning group shots, and creative architectural details without compromising on quality.
  • 64MP Periscope Telephoto Sensor: Get closer to the action with the 64MP periscope telephoto sensor offering a 3x optical zoom and up to 100x hybrid zoom. This allows you to capture distant objects with remarkable clarity and detail, making even faraway subjects feel within reach.
     

Advanced Features for Photography Enthusiasts:

  • OIS 2.0 for Stability: Both the main and telephoto sensors have OIS 2.0 for image stabilization, minimizing camera shake and ensuring sharp photos and videos even in low-light conditions.

  • Pro Mode for Creative Control: Unleash your inner photographer with the Pro Mode, offering granular control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and other settings.

  • Astrography Mode for Celestial Captures: Capture the beauty of the night sky with the dedicated Astrography Mode. This mode optimizes settings for long exposure shots, allowing you to capture stunning images of stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way.

     
  • Multi-Object Tracking: Keep your subject in focus, even when they’re moving, with the advanced multi-object tracking technology. This feature is ideal for capturing action shots or fast-paced events.

Selfie Camera for Flawless Portraits:

  • 16MP Front-Facing Sensor: The 16MP front-facing camera with an f/2.5 aperture lets you capture selfie portraits with natural-looking skin tones and sharp details.

  • Portrait Mode with Bokeh Effects: Achieve professional-looking portrait shots with the built-in Portrait Mode, which blurs the background to make your subject stand out.

  • Beauty Enhancements for Personalized Look: Customize your selfies with subtle beauty enhancements to achieve the perfect look.

Beyond Stills: Video Prowess:

  • 4K Recording at 60fps: Capture stunningly smooth and cinematic video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second. This makes the iQOO 12 5G ideal for vloggers, content creators, and anyone who wants to capture life’s moments in high quality.
  • HDR10+ Video Recording: Record vibrant and high-contrast videos with HDR10+ support, showcasing details in both highlights and shadows.
  • Super Slow-Motion for Dramatic Effects: Create slow-motion masterpieces with the ability to record at up to 960 frames per second, capturing fleeting moments with incredible detail.
iQOO 12 5G

iQOO 12 5G: Powering Through with a 5000mAh Battery Beast

The iQOO 12 5G isn’t just about raw power and performance; it’s also designed to keep you going throughout the day with its massive 5000mAh battery. Let’s delve into the battery aspects of this phone point-by-point:

5000mAh for All-Day Endurance:

  • Ample Capacity: At the heart of the iQOO 12 5G’s impressive battery life lies its large 5000mAh battery. This is one of the biggest batteries you’ll find in a flagship smartphone, ensuring you can stay productive and entertained without worrying about constantly plugging in.
     

AI-Powered Optimization:

  • AI Power Saving: The iQOO 12 5G utilizes AI-powered battery saving features that learn your usage patterns and optimize battery consumption accordingly. This helps extend the battery life even further, ensuring you have enough juice for the tasks that matter most.

120W Flash Charge for Rapid Refueling:

  • Blazing-Fast Charging: Even when the battery does run low, you won’t be out of commission for long. The iQOO 12 5G supports 120W Flash Charge, which can power up the phone from 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes. That’s faster than the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee!
     

Real-World Usage Scenarios:

  • Heavy Users Rejoice: With its powerful battery and AI optimization, the iQOO 12 5G can easily handle even the most demanding usage patterns. Gamers, power users, and content creators can enjoy extended hours of screen time without needing to constantly seek a charger.
  • Moderate Users, Unplug and Explore: For moderate users who primarily use their phones for communication, browsing, and social media, the iQOO 12 5G’s battery can easily last a full day or even two on a single charge. This means you can leave the charger at home and enjoy the freedom of unplugged exploration.

Travel-Friendly Battery Life:

  • Worry-Free Long Trips: Whether you’re on a business trip or a weekend getaway, the iQOO 12 5G’s battery life gives you peace of mind. You can capture stunning photos, stream movies, and stay connected without the anxiety of running out of battery before reaching your destination.

iQOO 12 5G Price Comparison with Similar Smartphones (as of December 28, 2023)

 

FeatureiQOO 12 5GOnePlus 11 ProSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraXiaomi 13 Pro
Price (base variant)₹55,999 (8GB RAM + 256GB storage)₹64,999 (8GB RAM + 128GB storage)₹1,09,999 (8GB RAM + 256GB storage)₹71,999 (8GB RAM + 128GB storage)
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate6.73-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Rear Camera50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP telephoto50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto
Front Camera16MP16MP12MP32MP
Battery5000mAh, 120W fast charging5000mAh, 80W fast charging5000mAh, 45W fast charging4800mAh, 120W fast charging
Operating SystemAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14Android 13, OxygenOS 13Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 13, MIUI 14
Other FeaturesIn-display fingerprint sensor, face recognition, dual stereo speakers, vapor chamber coolingIn-display fingerprint sensor, face recognition, alert slider, Hasselblad brandingIn-display fingerprint sensor, S Pen support, built-in zoom lensIn-display fingerprint sensor, Leica branding, HyperCharge technology

Key Takeaways:

  • The iQOO 12 5G offers competitive pricing compared to other flagship smartphones with similar specifications.
  • OnePlus 11 Pro starts at a slightly higher price but offers a lower base storage option.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive due to its higher storage variant and additional features like S Pen support and a built-in zoom lens.
  • Xiaomi 13 Pro sits in the middle of the price range and boasts Leica branding and faster charging technology.

Conclusion

The iQOO 12 5G is a great flagship smartphone. It has a powerful processor, a beautiful display, a versatile camera system, and a long battery life. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone, the iQOO 12 5G is a great option.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Powerful processor
  • Beautiful display
  • Versatile camera system
  • Long battery life
  • Fast charging support

Cons:

  • No wireless charging
  • Software can be buggy at times

Overall, the iQOO 12 5G is a great smartphone that I would recommend to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line device.

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