The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is anything but boring. While some elements are imitative, they do not dull the device’s inventive, innovative, and impressive aspects.

Before I share with you my thoughts on the device, here’s what you need to know. The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G was launched at the price of RM2,599. Here’s the link to the product page: https://www.oppo.com/my/smartphones/series-reno/reno12-pro/

The Reno12 Pro comes in two “vibes”. One is handsome (Space Brown), and the other is beautiful (Nebula Silver). Together, they attract attention like a celebrity couple at a gala event. 
In hand, its weight is satisfying, and its size is comfortable.
I like how the Nebula Silver version looks and feels, even with the included case. 

Based on Android 14, the ColorsOS 14.1 is what the Reno12 Pro is all about. OPPO packed a lot of software enhancements under the banner of AI into it, enhancements that are more common in devices with price tags that are double the size. 
From improving signal reception to enriching photos to fine-tuning usability, OPPO makes a lot of claims about its AI. Use it or not, I must admit they are a lot of fun.  

Apart from the one 8mp very wide lens camera, all other cameras on the Reno12 Pro are rated at 50mp. 
To test the cameras, I took the Reno12 Pro to an event that featured a dark space lit by projections. There, I found the camera’s video performance impressive. I like how I can smoothly zoom in and out while taking a video. It looked promising, even in a relatively dark location. 

While the design of the Reno12 Pro looks and feels like it is well thought out, the camera island looks like it was from another brand. 
Also, while OPPO claims that the device is built to last, expect only two years of major software updates and up to three years of security updates. 

Coming from “the other OS”, getting used to ColorsOS 14.1 is easy because it lifted so many elements from “the other OS”.
Getting the Reno12 Pro to a clean state took me a while. However, once I removed all the unwanted apps and gagged all the nagware, I found that the experience of using the device significantly improved.

Although I find the photos taken with the Reno12 Pro good, overprocessing sometimes gets in the way and bumps them down a peg or two. Still, I think it is good enough for most.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

If your telco offers the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G as its top-of-the-line free device with a contract, get it, especially since it just came out. It should outlive the 2-year contract that most telcos offer.
If the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G fits your budget, here are my recommendations.

To an OPPO fan, getting one, or at least putting it at the top of the list when looking for a new device, is an easy decision. It looks good, has all the latest AI features, and is backed up by a capable chipset.

However, for an average person, it is not as easy. The two-year software and three-year security update feel short for the price, and it takes some work to get the device to a clean state, but that’s the same as almost all other Android phones.

For those who still can’t decide, look at the new but more affordable OPPO Reno12 5G (RM1,999) and OPPO Reno12 F (RM1,399). At those prices, they are easier on the wallet to replace once they become obsolete.