The iQOO 12, launched in India on December 12, 2023, represents a significant leap in smartphone technology, blending cutting-edge hardware with refined software to deliver an exceptional user experience. As the first smartphone in India to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the iQOO 12 sets a new benchmark for performance, design, and innovation in the premium smartphone segment.
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO 12 boasts a sleek and modern design, available in three distinct color variants: Alpha (Black), Legend (BMW White), and Desert Red. Each variant offers a unique aesthetic appeal, catering to diverse user preferences. The device features a glass front and back, encased within an aluminum frame, providing both durability and a premium feel. With dimensions of 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm and a weight ranging between 198.5g and 203.7g, the iQOO 12 strikes a balance between a substantial presence and comfortable ergonomics. The inclusion of an IP64 rating ensures resistance against dust and water splashes, enhancing its durability for everyday use.
Display Excellence
At the forefront of the iQOO 12 is its stunning 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, delivering a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels and a pixel density of 453 ppi. This display supports a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring ultra-smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. With a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits and support for HDR10+, the screen offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. The display’s 10-bit color depth and Widevine L1 certification further enhance its capabilities, allowing for high-definition streaming on platforms like Netflix.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iQOO 12 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This octa-core processor comprises a 3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, five 3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 performance cores, and two 2.3 GHz Cortex-A520 efficiency cores, delivering unparalleled processing power and energy efficiency. Complementing the CPU is the Adreno 750 GPU, ensuring top-tier graphics performance for gaming and intensive applications.
The device is available in multiple configurations, including 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB UFS 4.0. This combination ensures rapid data access speeds and ample storage for apps, media, and files. The absence of a microSD card slot is mitigated by the generous internal storage options.
To maintain optimal performance, especially during extended gaming sessions, the iQOO 12 incorporates a 6,010 sq. mm vapor chamber with four cooling zones. This advanced thermal management system effectively dissipates heat, ensuring sustained performance without thermal throttling.
Camera Capabilities
The iQOO 12 features a versatile triple rear camera setup, designed to cater to a wide range of photography needs:
- Primary Camera: A 50MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), utilizing a 1/1.3-inch OmniVision OV50H sensor. This camera captures detailed and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: A 50MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 119° field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group shots with minimal distortion.
- Periscope Telephoto Camera: A 64MP sensor with an f/2.6 aperture, offering 3x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. This camera also supports macro photography, enabling detailed close-up shots.
The rear camera system supports various modes, including astrophotography and ‘Super Moon’ mode, leveraging AI algorithms to enhance night sky captures. Video recording capabilities are equally impressive, supporting up to 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 240fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring stable footage.
On the front, the iQOO 12 houses a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.5 aperture, capable of capturing high-quality selfies and supporting 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the iQOO 12 ensures all-day usage on a single charge. The device supports 120W FlashCharge technology, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 30 minutes. This rapid charging capability is facilitated by a graphite negative electrode and advanced battery construction techniques, enhancing both charging speed and battery longevity.
Software and User Experience
The iQOO 12 runs on Android 14, overlaid with Funtouch OS 14 for international markets and OriginOS 4 for the Chinese market. This software integration offers a clean and intuitive user interface, with minimal bloatware and a focus on performance optimization. iQOO promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The iQOO 12 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including:
- 5G Support: Ensuring high-speed internet connectivity and future-proofing the device for next-generation networks.
- Wi-Fi 7: Offering faster data transfer rates and improved network efficiency.
- Bluetooth 5.4: Providing enhanced audio quality and connectivity range.
- NFC: Enabling contactless payments and data transfer.
- Infrared Blaster: Allowing the device to function as a remote control for various appliances.
- USB Type-C 2.0: Supporting OTG functionality for connecting external devices.
Additional features include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, stereo speakers for immersive audio, and a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and magnetometer.
Variants and Pricing
In India, the iQOO 12 is available in the following configurations:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Priced at ₹52,999.
- 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage: Priced at ₹57,999.
These competitive price points position the iQOO 12 as a compelling choice in the premium smartphone segment, offering flagship-level features at a relatively accessible cost.
Conclusion
The iQOO 12 stands out as a flagship smartphone that delivers on multiple fronts, including performance, display quality, camera versatility, and charging speed. Its integration of the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with a robust cooling system and ample RAM and storage options, ensures a seamless user experience. The device’s camera system caters to both casual and enthusiast photographers, while its fast-charging capabilities minimize downtime. With a commitment to software updates and a suite of connectivity features, the iQOO 12 is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern smartphone users, making it a noteworthy contender in the competitive smartphone market.
FAQs
❓1. What is the price of iQOO 12 in India?
Answer:
The iQOO 12 is priced at ₹52,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB variant and ₹57,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB variant in India. Prices may vary based on offers or platforms.
❓2. Which processor is used in iQOO 12?
Answer:
iQOO 12 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, making it the first smartphone in India to feature this powerful flagship processor.
❓3. Does iQOO 12 support 5G connectivity?
Answer:
Yes, iQOO 12 supports dual 5G connectivity, allowing you to enjoy ultra-fast internet speeds on supported networks across India and globally.
