Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G: A Budget Smartphone with Solid Features but Room for Improvement
The Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G is a mid-range smartphone that aims to cover all the bases for a budget-friendly price of £300. With a big, bright AMOLED display, solid build quality, and an innovative Breathing Light notification system, it has a lot going for it. However, it struggles to excel in performance and camera quality, making it a competent but not standout choice in its price range.
Pros and Cons of the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G
Pros:
- Big, Bright AMOLED Display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and offers a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Solid Build Quality: Despite its plastic body, the phone feels durable and well-built.
- Breathing Light Notification Ring: A unique feature for color-coded notifications when the phone is face-down.
- Two-Day Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery can last up to two days with light to moderate use.
Cons:
- Mediocre Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip is not the best in this price range.
- Subpar Camera Quality: The camera struggles with dynamic range and night photography.
- No Charger in the Box: You’ll need to purchase a compatible charger separately.
Key Features of the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G
Breathing Light Notification System
The Breathing Light, also referred to as the Halo Light, is a standout feature. This customizable ring light around the camera module allows you to assign different colors for notifications, gaming, and music playback. It’s ideal for users who prefer to keep their phones face-down.
Two-Day Battery Life
The 5000mAh battery is a strong point, offering up to two days of light to moderate use. Streaming an hour of video at 50% brightness consumed only 4% of the battery, making it a great choice for media consumption.
Vibrant AMOLED Display
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasts a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 2100 nits, it’s suitable for outdoor use and HDR content.
Design and Build Quality
The Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G draws inspiration from its flagship siblings like the Oppo Find X8 Pro. Its all-plastic body is lightweight at 187g and has a silky finish on the back. The phone feels sturdy, thanks to its high-strength alloy framework. However, the single color option, Black Green, may not appeal to everyone.
The phone features an IP64 rating, offering splash and dust resistance. While its bezels are slightly thicker than competitors, the overall design feels premium for its price.
Performance and Storage
The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of storage. While the RAM ensures smooth multitasking, the chipset struggles with demanding tasks like 3D gaming. Casual users will find the performance adequate, but gamers or power users may want to look elsewhere.
If you’re in need of a phone with ample storage, the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G delivers with its 512GB capacity, making it a standout in this price range.
Camera Performance
Main Camera
The 50MP main camera performs well in good lighting but suffers in dynamic range and low-light conditions. Night photography is particularly poor, with grainy and detail-lacking results.
Additional Cameras
The 8MP ultra-wide camera offers a 112-degree field of view but lacks detail compared to the main sensor. The 2MP macro camera is largely a gimmick, adding little value to the overall photography experience.
Selfie Camera
The 32MP front camera captures decent selfies but lacks the dynamic range and autofocus capabilities of higher-end models.
For those prioritizing camera performance, alternatives like the Poco X6 5G or Motorola Moto G85 5G might be worth considering.
Software and User Interface
The Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G runs on ColorOS 14.0, based on Android 14. While the interface is smooth and customizable, it’s cluttered with pre-installed apps like TikTok, Facebook, and Booking.com. Oppo promises security updates until July 2027, but major Android updates are limited.
Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery supports 45W SuperVooc fast charging, but the required charger is not included in the box. Using a compatible charger, the phone can go from 0% to 57% in 30 minutes and fully charge in about 70 minutes. For faster charging, consider purchasing a 45W SuperVooc charger.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G?
The Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G is a decent choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life, a vibrant display, and unique features like the Breathing Light. However, its mediocre performance and camera quality make it less appealing compared to competitors like the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G or Poco X6 5G.
If you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly, options like the Moto Edge 50 Fusion offer better all-around performance. For those strictly limited to £300, the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G is a competent, if unremarkable, choice.
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FAQs
Does the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G come with a charger?
No, you’ll need to purchase a compatible charger separately.
How long does the battery last?
The 5000mAh battery can last up to two days with light to moderate use.
Is the Oppo Reno 12 FS 5G good for gaming?
While it can handle casual games, the performance is not ideal for demanding 3D gaming.
