Apple iPhone 12 vs Oppo Reno12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 June 25, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 90.89 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.79 "/g
Weight 164 g 177 g
Height 146.7 mm 161.4 mm
Width 71.5 mm 74.1 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Matte Brown
  • Sunset Pink
  • Astro Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 90.3 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 55.01 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Mali-G615 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 14
Maximum OS Version 18 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm161.4 × 74.1 × 7.6 mmReno12 is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable.
Weight164g177giPhone 12 is slightly lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use.
Build Quality (Screen Protection)UnknownCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Reno12 likely offers superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. Unknown protection on iPhone 12 is a downside.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.7"Reno12 provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. iPhone 12 is more compact.
Resolution1170x25321080x2412iPhone 12 has a sharper display, leading to clearer text and images.
Pixel Density460 ppi394 ppiNoticeably sharper image on the iPhone 12, especially for reading small text.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDSimilar quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzReno12's display will appear smoother, particularly when scrolling or gaming.
Brightness1200 nits1400 nitsReno12 is easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm)A14 Bionic offers significantly faster processing speeds and better overall performance.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947702,140iPhone 12 handles demanding apps and games with greater ease.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Mali-G615 MC2iPhone 12 offers better graphics performance, which translates to smoother gaming and video editing.
RAM4 GB12 GB or 16 GBOppo Reno12 will have better multitasking capabilities with the higher RAM. iPhone 12 will have limited multitasking capabilities.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Main Camera Resolution12MP50MPReno12 captures more detail in photos, allowing for greater cropping and editing flexibility.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.6f/1.8iPhone 12 performs better in low-light conditions due to the wider aperture.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/2.55"1/2"Reno12 captures more light and detail due to its larger sensor, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP32MPReno12 captures more detailed selfies.
Selfie Camera Aperturef/2.2f/2.0Reno12 might perform slightly better in low-light selfies.
Wide Angle lens Resolution12MP8MPiPhone 12 captures wider scenes with better detail in wide angle shots.
Macro LensNone2MPReno12 can take close-up photos of small objects.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone 12 is able to record video at a higher frame rate.
FeaturesOptical Zoom, Night ModeNoise Reduction, Digital Image StabilizationEach phone has unique strengths. iPhone excels in low light with Night Mode and clearer zoomed shots with Optical Zoom. Oppo prioritizes stabilized video and cleaner images with Noise Reduction.
DXOMark Score (Mobile)117N/AiPhone 12's camera performance is independently verified by DXOMark, adding confidence in its quality.
DXOMark Score (Selfie)132N/AiPhone 12's selfie camera performance is independently verified by DXOMark, adding confidence in its quality.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhReno12 offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Charging20W80WReno12 charges much faster, minimizing downtime.
Wireless ChargingMagSafe (15W), Qi (7.5W)NoneiPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options.

Storage

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Internal64/128/256 GB256/512 GBReno12 offers larger storage options, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.

Connectivity

FeatureApple iPhone 12Oppo Reno12Practical Impact
Bluetooth5.15.4Reno12 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering improved connection stability and efficiency.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMiPhone 12 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip delivers significantly faster processing speeds, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a noticeably clearer and more detailed display.
  • Established Camera Performance: Validated by DXOMark, provides confidence in camera quality, especially for selfies.
  • Wireless Charging: Offers convenient MagSafe and Qi wireless charging capabilities.
  • Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a richer audio experience.

Oppo Reno12 Advantages:

  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides extended usage, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Faster Charging: 80W fast charging allows for quick power-ups.
  • Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and scrolling.
  • Higher Resolution Cameras: Main and front cameras capture more detail in photos.
  • More RAM: The larger RAM capacity allows for better multi-tasking.
  • Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers superior screen protection.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and screen smoothness for performance and camera reputation.
  • Choosing the Reno12 means prioritizing battery, display and camera detail over raw processing power and audio experience.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12:

  • Performance-focused users: Those who prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming, video editing, and demanding apps.
  • Camera enthusiasts: Users who value a well-established camera system and verified selfie performance.
  • Ecosystem loyalists: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and its seamless integration.

Use Cases:

  • Mobile gaming: The A14 Bionic chip provides a smoother gaming experience.
  • Video editing: The powerful processor handles video editing tasks with ease.
  • Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, especially selfies.
  • Working within the Apple ecosystem: Seamlessly syncing data and devices.

Ideal Users for Oppo Reno12:

  • Battery life-conscious users: Those who prioritize long-lasting battery performance.
  • Multimedia consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger, smoother display.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Capturing more detailed photos with the higher resolution cameras.

Use Cases:

  • All-day usage: Long battery life ensures the phone lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
  • Video streaming: The larger display and high refresh rate enhance the viewing experience.
  • Photography in well-lit conditions: The high-resolution cameras capture detailed photos.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? (This was not provided, and therefore not factored into the decision)
  2. How important is battery life to you? If you need a phone that lasts all day, the Oppo Reno12 is the better choice.
  3. Do you prioritize performance or camera quality? If gaming and demanding tasks are important, the iPhone 12 is better. If you value high-resolution cameras and detailed photos, the Reno12 is a good choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 for its superior performance and smoother gaming experience.
  • Scenario 2: Frequent Traveler: Choose the Oppo Reno12 for its long battery life and fast charging capabilities.
  • Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you love taking detailed photos and want the latest in camera technology, the Oppo Reno12 is the better choice.
  • Scenario 4: Apple Ecosystem User: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 for seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Personal Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Oppo Reno12.

Here's why:

  • Battery Life: As someone who uses their phone extensively throughout the day, the significantly longer battery life of the Oppo Reno12 is a major advantage.
  • Display: The larger and smoother display of the Oppo Reno12 would improve my overall multimedia consumption experience.
  • Camera Detail: I appreciate high-resolution cameras and the Reno12 provides a greater level of detail than the iPhone 12.

While the iPhone 12 offers superior performance, the benefits of longer battery life, a larger display, and higher resolution cameras outweigh the performance difference for my personal use case. I am not a heavy gamer, so I would prefer that extra battery life!

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.