The OPPO Reno brand has established itself as a premium line of smartphones known for its elegant design, innovative camera systems, and smooth software experience. The OPPO Reno 12 F 5G continues this tradition, bringing a solid combination of powerful hardware, stylish design, and advanced photography features, all within an affordable price range. Aimed at providing a premium user experience, this device caters to those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. In this review, we’ll break down the Reno 12 F 5G into its core elements, covering its design, software, camera system, battery performance, and pricing in Kenya.
- Design and Screen
The OPPO Reno 12 F 5G is a visually appealing device that stands out with its sleek design and premium feel. The device sports a polished glass back that seamlessly blends with a matte aluminum frame, providing both durability and a comfortable in-hand experience. Weighing below 190 grams, the phone feels light yet solid, with a well-balanced weight distribution that makes it easy to hold and use with one hand.
In terms of dimensions, the Reno 12 F 5G measures 163.1 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm which makes it slim enough to slip easily into your pocket while still offering a sizeable screen for media consumption. The phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a refresh rate of 120Hz, scrolling through apps and websites is silky smooth, and gaming feels highly responsive. The in-display fingerprint sensor adds convenience, while the screen-to-body ratio of 89.3% enhances the immersive viewing experience.
While the Reno 12 F 5G has IP64 dust/water resistant IP rating, meaning it does offer basic splash resistance and dust proofing, which is always a bonus.
- Software
The OPPO Reno 12 F 5G runs on the latest Android 14, ensuring access to the newest features and security updates. Android 14 brings a host of improvements, such as enhanced privacy controls, dynamic themes, and better battery management. The system runs smoothly, with a clean and intuitive user interface.
On top of Android 14, OPPO layers its proprietary ColorOS 14, which has become one of the most polished Android skins on the market. ColorOS 14 offers a customizable user experience with features like FlexDrop, which allows users to resize app windows for multitasking, and Three-Finger Translate, powered by Google Lens, that translates text directly on the screen with a simple gesture.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Reno 12 F 5G is its AI integration. The device comes equipped with AI scene enhancement in its camera, AI noise cancellation during calls, and AI-powered battery management, which optimizes power consumption based on user habits.
Under the hood, the Reno 12 F 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm), a mid-range processor known for its efficiency and performance. Paired with 8GB of RAM (expandable virtually up to 13GB with OPPO’s RAM expansion technology) and 256GB of internal storage on the base model, all other versions have 12GB RAM and eithr 256 or 512GB RAM.
The device offers more than enough power for multitasking, gaming, and daily use without lag. According to the Antutu benchmark, the Reno 12 F 5G scores around 452, 000 points, which places it in the upper-midrange category. This score translates into a smooth overall performance, especially when handling graphic-intensive tasks or running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Camera
One of the standout features of the OPPO Reno series is its camera performance, and the Reno 12 F 5G is no exception. The phone boasts a versatile triple camera setup on the rear, led by a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, ensuring sharp and vibrant photos even in low-light conditions.
Alongside this, there is an 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes or group shots, and a 2MP macro lens for up-close photography.
The Reno 12 F 5G’s camera software is packed with features, including AI Scene Recognition, Ultra Night Mode, and HDR, all of which help users get the best possible shot in various lighting conditions. The device is also capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, with optical image stabilization (OIS) ensuring smooth footage, even when on the move.
On the front, the Reno 12 F 5G is equipped with a 32MP selfie camera, housed in a punch-hole cutout. The front camera supports AI Beauty Mode, which enhances facial features while maintaining a natural look. Selfies are clear and detailed, making the phone an excellent choice for social media enthusiasts. You can get more photo samples of the OPPO Reno 12 F 5G at a post we made earlier.
- Battery
The OPPO Reno 12 F 5G is powered by a 5000mAh battery, which is more than enough to last a full day of moderate use, including social media, gaming, and video streaming. The device comes with 45W fast charging technology to boost from 0 to 100% battery life in mere minutes.
In terms of battery longevity, the AI-powered optimization features ensure that power consumption is minimized during periods of inactivity, prolonging the overall battery life.
- Price, Color Choices, and Availability in Kenya
In Kenya, the OPPO Reno 12 F 5G is priced competitively, targeting the upper mid-range market. The base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage is expected to retail around KES 44,999. Given its impressive features, the price is well justified for those seeking a premium yet affordable smartphone.
The Reno 12 F 5G comes in two color options, Olive Green and Amber Orange, the former being the one we reviewed.
As for availability, the OPPO Reno 12 F 5G is available for purchase in major retail stores across Kenya, as well as online platforms like Jumia and Safaricom shops, making it easily accessible to consumers.
Conclusion
The OPPO Reno 12 F 5G strikes a fine balance between premium design, powerful performance, and cutting-edge camera technology. Its 5G connectivity, coupled with a smooth software experience, ensures that it is future-proofed for the next few years. For users in Kenya looking for a stylish, feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank, the Reno 12 F 5G is certainly a top contender.