IQOO 12
12-16GB RAM
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
6.78"
1260x2800pixels
64MP
4320p
5000mAh
120Watt
iQOO 12 Review: A Flagship Performance Beast with Stunning Display and Ultra-Fast Charging
The iQOO 12, launched in November 2023, positions itself as a performance powerhouse in the competitive smartphone market. With top-tier specifications, a sleek design, and groundbreaking charging technology, this device is targeted at gamers, power users, and those who demand speed and efficiency from their smartphones. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the iQOO 12 stand out.
Design and Display: Sleek, Vibrant, and Durable
The iQOO 12 boasts a modern punch-hole display measuring 6.78 inches, delivering an immersive viewing experience. The Super AMOLED screen supports 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, offering fluid scrolling, vibrant colors, and crisp visuals. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing, the display ensures every interaction feels responsive and smooth.
In terms of durability, the iQOO 12 has an IP64 rating, making it dust-resistant and water-resistant against splashes. While it’s not fully waterproof, the phone can handle everyday accidents, such as spills or light rain.
The design is equally premium, featuring a sleek aluminum frame with a glass back. The device feels solid in hand, yet it’s lightweight at 198g and slim at 8.1mm thickness, making it comfortable for prolonged use. Available in black, red, and a special BMW edition white, it offers options for style-conscious users.
Performance: Gaming and Multitasking Made Effortless
At the heart of the iQOO 12 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (4nm), combined with the Supercomputing Chip Q1, ensuring lightning-fast performance. The Octa-Core CPU configuration, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU, handles everything from heavy multitasking to graphics-intensive gaming without lag.
The iQOO 12 offers multiple RAM and storage variants, including 12GB/16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB UFS 4.0 storage options. This makes it a powerhouse for users who require both speed and ample space for apps, games, and multimedia files.
Running Android 14 with Funtouch OS 15, the phone delivers a smooth software experience. While some users may find pre-installed apps slightly cluttered, overall, the system is responsive and intuitive.
Camera System: Capture Every Moment in Detail
The iQOO 12 features a versatile triple rear camera setup:
50MP main camera (f/1.7)
64MP periscope telephoto lens (f/2.7, 70mm) with 3x optical zoom
50MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.0, 15mm)
This combination ensures sharp, detailed images across all scenarios. The camera supports advanced features such as Color Spectrum Sensor, Dual LED Flash, HDR, Panorama, Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, and Touch-to-Focus. Video enthusiasts will appreciate 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, and 1080p@240fps recording capabilities, along with special modes like dual video recording and slow motion.
On the front, the 16MP selfie camera (f/2.5) provides decent quality for video calls and casual selfies, recording at 1080p@30fps. While it may not match the rear cameras in performance, it’s adequate for everyday use.
Battery and Charging: Power That Keeps Up
The iQOO 12 is equipped with a 5000mAh Li-ion battery, designed to last through a full day of intensive usage. What truly sets it apart is the 120W Super Vooc FlashCharge, which can fully charge the device from 0% to 100% in approximately 27 minutes. This ultra-fast charging ensures minimal downtime and keeps you powered throughout the day.
However, it’s worth noting that the device does not support wireless charging, so you’ll need to rely on the wired charging solution for peak performance.
Connectivity and Audio: Seamless Communication
Connectivity options on the iQOO 12 are comprehensive:
Dual SIM support (Nano SIM)
5G and 4G networks
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
Bluetooth v5.4
NFC support
USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG
The device does not include a 3.5mm audio jack but delivers high-resolution audio through stereo speakers, ensuring a rich listening experience for music, videos, and gaming.
Sensors and Security
The iQOO 12 features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for fast and secure unlocking. Additional sensors include proximity, accelerometer, and compass, enhancing both usability and security in everyday tasks.
Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know
Pros:
Top-Tier Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures smooth gaming and multitasking.
Ultra-Fast Charging: 120W FlashCharge fills the battery in under 30 minutes.
Stunning Display: 6.78-inch Super AMOLED with 144Hz refresh rate.
Powerful Camera System: High-quality rear cameras with OIS and telephoto zoom.
Premium Design: Sleek aluminum frame with durable glass back.
Cons:
Basic Water Resistance: IP64 only protects against splashes.
Software Bloatware: Some pre-installed apps may clutter the interface.
Front Camera Limitations: 16MP selfie camera is underwhelming compared to rear setup.
No Wireless Charging: Missing a common flagship feature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of iQOO 12?
A: Its primary strength is performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, making it ideal for gaming and multitasking.
Q: How fast does it charge?
A: The 120W FlashCharge technology charges the 5000mAh battery fully in around 27 minutes.
Q: How good is the camera quality?
A: The triple rear camera setup delivers sharp and detailed photos with advanced features, while the selfie camera is adequate but not as strong.
Q: Is iQOO 12 waterproof?
A: It is not fully waterproof, but the IP64 rating protects against dust and light water splashes.
Q: Does it support wireless charging?
A: No, it relies on ultra-fast wired charging for efficiency.
Q: How is the display quality?
A: The 6.78-inch Super AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and excellent brightness for outdoor use.
Conclusion
The iQOO 12 is a flagship-grade smartphone designed for those who demand high performance, stunning display quality, and ultra-fast charging. While it has minor drawbacks such as limited water resistance, lack of wireless charging, and a modest selfie camera, its strengths far outweigh the cons. For gamers, multitaskers, and power users, the iQOO 12 is a compelling choice that delivers speed, style, and functionality in one sleek package.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or capturing memories, the iQOO 12 ensures every interaction is smooth, vibrant, and lightning-fast—making it one of the most attractive smartphones in its segment today.