OPPO Reno12 F 5G initial review: Design, build, features

OPPO is expanding its Reno12 series with the upcoming Reno12 F 5G, set to launch in the Philippines this August. Positioned as a more affordable option compared to its siblings, the Reno12 and Reno12 Pro, the F model promises to inherit key features while introducing unique selling points.

While we’re still working on the full review, let’s dive into the Reno12 F 5G’s initial look, feel, and key specifications. This mid-range contender aims to capture attention with its design, build quality, and suite of AI features.

Unboxing

As with any OPPO phone, the unboxing experience is the same across its line of devices. Housed in a familiar silver box, the package includes standard accessories: a silicone case, a fast charger with USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and documentation. A pre-applied plastic screen protector is also included.

Setting up the Reno12 F 5G was a straightforward process, typical of OPPO devices. However, there is an excess of third-party apps, notably the Hot Games and Hot Apps folders, which slows down the experience. Supposedly they help lower the overall cost of the phone, but their presence is still frustrating. You will need to spend extra time uninstalling unwanted apps.

Design and Display

OPPO has outdone itself with the Reno12 F 5G’s design. Our review unit in Amber Orange is stunning, inspired by the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. Its gradient blend of pink and orange, combined with a shimmering flame texture, gives it a premium aesthetic. Meanwhile, the other color option, the Olive Green variant, offers a contrast with deep olive hues and shadow effects.

The phone’s rear camera module is circular and positioned at the top center. It houses three lenses and an LED flash.

Surrounding the camera module is the distinctive Halo Light, a design unique to the Reno12 F 5G. It lights up with various colors and patterns in response to music, calls, charging, and notifications.

The Reno12 F 5G boasts a slim 7.76mm profile and weighs just 187g, measuring 163.1mm by 75.8mm. It has a solid build with good ergonomics, thanks to its flat frame and curved corners.

The device features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution. It offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a responsive 240Hz touch sampling rate, and reaches a peak brightness of 2100 nits. For added protection, the screen is shielded by AGC DT-Star2 glass.

The phone’s power and volume controls are located on the right-hand side. At the bottom, you’ll find the SIM tray, USB-C port, primary microphone, and speaker.

A secondary microphone and an additional speaker grill are positioned at the top of the device.

Specs and Features

The Reno12 F 5G is powered by an energy-efficient octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, featuring two high-performance Arm Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and six power-efficient Arm Cortex-A55 cores.

Graphics are handled by a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. The device also comes equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Running on ColorOS 14.0.1, the phone also shares several innovative features of the Reno12 Series, including OPPO’s AI Studio, AI Eraser 2.0, AI LinkBoost, and BeaconLink.

The Reno12 F 5G boasts a triple rear camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steady shots, an 8MP ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive scenes, and a 2MP macro camera for detailed close-ups. For selfies, there’s a 32MP front-facing camera.

The phone also packs a 5000mAh battery with support for 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which advertised a full charge in just 71 minutes. OPPO also promises over four years of sustained performance and battery life.

Additional features include immersive stereo speakers with a powerful 300% Ultra Volume Mode for an enhanced audio experience. The phone also has an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

That’s it for our initial impressions of the OPPO Reno12 F 5G. Stay tuned for our in-depth review coming soon.

Don’t miss the exclusive early access event featuring OPPO brand ambassador Bea Alonzo on August 24 at 4:00 PM, SM City Dasmariñas.

OPPO Reno12 F 5G specs