Oppo A12 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview and Design

The Oppo A12, launched in April 2020, delivers a sleek and functional design typical of budget smartphones. The device features a glass front with a plastic back and frame, making it lightweight at just 165 grams. Measuring 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm, the phone is compact and easy to handle, ideal for users who prefer devices that fit comfortably in one hand. The dual SIM capability (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) allows users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously, a feature that can be particularly appealing for those juggling work and personal lines.

Display

The Oppo A12 comes with a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, providing a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 82%. This screen real estate makes it adequate for media consumption, social media, and web browsing. With a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels and a 19:9 aspect ratio, the display offers decent quality visuals, though it may not deliver the sharpness of higher-end models with Full HD or higher resolutions. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides reasonable resistance against scratches and impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Oppo A12 is powered by the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 chipset built on a 12 nm process technology. This is coupled with an octa-core CPU composed of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz, alongside a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This setup is sufficient for basic tasks and casual gaming but might struggle with more demanding applications and games. Users can choose between 3GB and 4GB RAM configurations, paired with 32GB or 64GB storage options, expandable via microSDXC, which adds flexibility in managing data and applications.

Software

Running on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Oppo's ColorOS 6.1 on top, the Oppo A12 offers a user-friendly interface with a variety of customization options. ColorOS is known for its variety of features, including gesture controls, app clone support, and a smart sidebar for enhanced multitasking. Although the software version is not the latest, it provides a stable and reliable user experience with essential security updates and optimizations.

Camera System

The Oppo A12 equips a dual-camera setup at the back, featuring a 13 MP primary shooter with f/2.2 aperture and a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture for portrait mode shots. The camera app provides various modes such as HDR, panorama, and a built-in LED flash for low-light conditions. It supports video recording at 1080p at 30fps, suitable for capturing everyday moments. On the front, there is a 5 MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture, which also supports HDR. While the camera system may not cater to professional photographers, it performs adequately for social media uploads and casual photography.

Battery Life

A notable feature of the Oppo A12 is its robust battery life, thanks to a 4230 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. This large capacity allows the device to easily last through an entire day of moderate usage, including social media, video streaming, light gaming, and other smartphone activities. However, the lack of fast-charging technology means it might take longer to fully recharge the battery, which could be a drawback for some users.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Oppo A12 supports a variety of connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable internet access in most areas. It features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. Bluetooth 5.0 provides efficient wireless connectivity for accessories such as headphones and wearables. The device includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate location tracking but excludes NFC functionality. Additionally, it comes with an FM radio and supports microUSB 2.0 with OTG functionality.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with a mono loudspeaker and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones but still appreciated by many users for its convenience. Although the audio output may not be as rich or powerful as flagship devices, it is adequate for personal listening and basic multimedia consumption.

Security and Sensors

For security, the Oppo A12 offers a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking of the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to the overall functionality and user experience of the smartphone.

Pricing and Availability

The Oppo A12 was released on April 20, 2020, and is available in several markets worldwide. It comes in two color options: Blue and Black. The pricing is very competitive, typically starting at about $575.00 or ₹5,499, making it an affordable choice for users seeking a reliable budget smartphone option.