A beast for affordable(er)
The OnePlus 12 gives nearly all the pieces you would need from a flagship cellphone in 2024. It contains a unbelievable digital camera system, long-lasting battery life, and a show that’s simplly gorgeous. However, if you happen to’re searching for AI enhancements, you are higher off with one thing else.
ForMuch less expensiveMuch sooner wired and wi-fi chargingMore performantBrighter displayAgainstNot out there by means of carriersOxygenOS is not for everyoneLacks IP68 ratingLimited to 5 years of software program assist
The Ultimate Pixel
Google got here out swinging with the Pixel 8 Pro, exhibiting off a tool that does not want probably the most efficiency to nonetheless be nice. While it is costlier than others, there are a boatload of options that intention to set the usual for the market.
ForSeven years of software program supportArguably higher camerasPixel-specific options are niftyUnique AI options with Tensor G3 and Gemini NanoAgainstMore expensive1TB mannequin restricted to 1 colour
There are a whole lot of nice smartphones to select from these days, and, evaluating the OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro reveals how troublesome a call will be. While there are just a few similarities between these two units, each OnePlus and Google provide a little bit of “flair” to assist every cellphone stand out from the pack.OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Design(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both of those units keep true to their predecessors by way of the general design. They additionally provide distinctive and distinct digital camera layouts as Google has caught with the “visor” with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 makes use of primarily the identical rounded digital camera cutout because the OnePlus 11.Where the Pixel 8 Pro may enchantment extra to some is within the show. Google is lastly utilizing a flat panel, versus the curved display from earlier fashions. The show of the OnePlus 12 stays largely unchanged, as there are slight curves on both facet. This makes it one of many few remaining flagships to function a curved panel, as Google, Samsung, and others are shifting again to flat screens.OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Hardware and specs(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)LTPO OLED appears to be the show kind that many corporations are implementing, and that rings true for OnePlus and Google. With the OnePlus 12, you may take pleasure in a 6.82-inch show, sporting a 3168 x 1440 decision, and a 120Hz variable refresh fee. As for the Pixel 8 Pro, we have now a 6.7-inch panel, with a 2992 x 1344 decision, and the identical 120Hz variable refresh fee.However, the place the OnePlus 12 pulls away is within the peak brightness of its show. Both of those units present 1,600 nits of brightness in regular situations, however the OnePlus 12 can max out at 4,500 nits. This is a large enchancment over the two,400 nits of peak brightness provided by the Pixel 8 Pro. What this boils all the way down to is that you will have a far simpler time utilizing your OnePlus 12 whereas out and about, in comparison with Google’s providing.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 OnePlus 12Google Pixel 8 ProOSAndroid 14 (OxygenOS 14)Android 14ColorsSilky Black, Flowy EmeraldObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, MintScreen Size6.82-inches6.7-inchesScreen Resolution3,168 x 1,4402,992 x 1,344Display TypeAMOLED LTPOLTPO OLEDRefresh Fee120Hz120HzProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Google Tensor G3RAM12GB / 16GB / 24GB12GBStorage256GB, 512GB (not expandable)128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (not expandable) Cameras50MP broad, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto, 32MP entrance50MP fundamental, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto, 10.5MP ultra-wide entranceSpeakersStereo SpeakersStereo Speakers, Spatial AudioBattery5,400 mAh5,050 mAhWireless ChargingYesYesBluetooth5.35.3Water ResistanceIP65IP68Cellular5G5GSize6.46 x 2.98 x 0.36 inches6.4 x 3.01 x 0.35 inchesWeight220 grams213 gramsPrice$799$999On the subject of “horsepower” it will not take lengthy to see that the OnePlus 12 arguably gives a extra performant bundle. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the identical chip present in lots of the greatest Android telephones launched to date. This is paired with both 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, together with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are the most recent units to be powered by Google’s in-house SoC. The Tensor G3 finally ends up being barely extra performant in comparison with the G2, however gives much-improved energy effectivity. Like the OnePlus 12, the Pixel 8 Pro options 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM however comes with extra storage configurations, starting from 128GB all the way in which as much as 1TB.Comparing battery life introduces one other fascinating comparability. The OnePlus 12 has a bigger 5,400mAh cell, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5,050mAh battery will get the job accomplished. However, OnePlus has applied 100W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W wi-fi charging into the OnePlus 12. It’s not even a good comparability, to be frank, because the Pixel 8 Pro maxes out at 30W or 23W, respectively.OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Software and extra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)If there’s such a factor as an “Achilles heel” with the OnePlus 12, it is the software program. Long gone are the times when OxygenOS was thrilling and tuned to the person, as the corporate has merged it with ColorOS. The present state of OxygenOS is a lot better than when this journey initially started, nevertheless it nonetheless won’t be everybody’s cup of tea.On the flip facet, Google’s “Pixel experience” stays largely the identical in comparison with earlier iterations. Material Design continues to be broadly prevalent if you’d like it, and all the pieces simply type of works while not having to fiddle an excessive amount of. However, OxygenOS has a particular edge in the case of varied options such because the bigger folder home windows, and the flexibility to make use of icon packs with out counting on a third-party launcher.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Outside of aesthetics, Google has an edge by way of how lengthy it claims to be supporting the Pixel 8 Pro. The firm introduced that each of its most up-to-date units will obtain as much as seven years of software program updates. Meanwhile, OnePlus has been steadfast in sticking with 4 years of main OS upgrades, and 5 years of safety patches.We do not know what the state of the software program will seem like in seven years, so you may must take Google’s announcement with a grain of salt. But, at the very least on paper, it is refreshing to see Google lastly fall consistent with Samsung in the case of the longevity of software program assist.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)None of that even mentions the assorted AI enhancements and options that have been introduced and are nonetheless coming to the Pixel 8 Pro. Since launch, the Pixel 8 Pro has acquired “Summarize in Recorder,” Smart Reply in Gboard, Video Boost, and Magic Editor. Not to say seeing enhancements to staple options reminiscent of Google Lens, Live Translate, and Pixel Call Assist.The OnePlus 12 fails to supply any related options or performance to compete on the AI panorama. However, that may change sooner or later, as a current replace to the Chinese variant introduced “AI Summarizer,” “AI GC Remover,” and “Article summaries” to the OnePlus 12. Unfortunately, we aren’t certain whether or not these options or any others, will make their option to the OnePlus 12 in different areas.OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Cameras(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)If you are to see if OnePlus has lastly managed to compete with the likes of the Pixel 8 Pro, you then’re in luck. Both of those units sport a triple digital camera array on the again, headlined by a 50MP wide-angle lens, paired with a 48MP ultrawide sensor. As for zoom capabilities, the OnePlus 12 makes use of a 64MP telephoto lens able to providing 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro, makes use of a decrease 48MP telephoto sensor however options an optical zoom of 5x.Even while you take note of the software program processing, the images you are taking shall be nice, no matter which gadget. It actually comes down as to whether you favor Google’s processing and the flexibility to zoom in a little bit bit nearer.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)In our overview, Harish says that the OnePlus 12 is “on par with the likes of the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8 Pro.” It’s not till you begin entering into the digital zoom territory that the cracks of the OnePlus 12’s digital camera system actually begin to present.As for the Pixel 8 Pro, your footage are nonetheless going to look unbelievable, together with images shot in low mild. But, Google lastly listened to its customers and applied a Pro Mode, though it is at present solely restricted to the 8 Pro. Obviously, that is one thing that OnePlus, Samsung, and others have provided for years. But, it is good to see which you can lastly take management over the assorted settings when taking footage with out using third-party apps.OnePlus 12 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)At this level, you would not be “wrong” selecting both the OnePlus 12 or Pixel 8 Pro. However, there’s yet one more consideration to be made, and that is the value. The Pixel 8 Pro with 128GB of storage is priced at $999, shifting up in increments relying on if you’d like extra storage. The OnePlus 12 with its 256GB of storage is available in at simply $799.That’s a $200 distinction proper off the bat and is definitely $300 if you happen to bump up the Pixel 8 Pro’s storage to match the OnePlus 12. It’s actually powerful to argue in Google’s favor right here, even when it gives extra in the way in which of AI options in comparison with OnePlus.The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a greater general chip, OnePlus appears to lastly have nailed the digital camera tuning, and the 12 costs a lot sooner than the Pixel. However, on the similar time, you will get the Pixel 8 Pro out of your native provider or massive field retailer. If you need the OnePlus 12, you will not be capable to take pleasure in any provider offers and must undergo the likes of Best Buy, Amazon, or OnePlus straight.If that is not one thing that issues you, then I might recommend simply going with the OnePlus 12. It’s a a lot better worth, whereas being extra highly effective, having a brighter show, and a bigger battery. Plus, OxygenOS does proceed to get higher with time, even when it is nonetheless not fairly on par with the Pixel in some areas.However, those that can make the most of varied provider and trade-in offers may simply be higher fitted to the Pixel 8 Pro. We’ve seen loads of offers that knock tons of off the value, so there is a good likelihood you’ll be able to commerce in your present cellphone and get the 8 Pro for a similar value.
Fast, stunning, and inexpensive
After years of struggling to seek out its footing, evidently OnePlus has hit its stride with the OnePlus 12. This cellphone is about as full because it will get, and is priced extra competitively than you may count on.
A future with AI
The Pixel 8 Pro won’t have one of the best efficiency, nevertheless it makes up for that in different areas. For one, it does not fall too far behind the competitors, and contains options that you just will not discover on different Android telephones.