The IQOO 12 stands out as India’s budget-friendly smartphone, equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It holds the distinction of being the first phone in the market to feature this advanced system-on-a-chip. IQOO 12 Review after 90 days reveals that it outperforms other current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones. However, despite its impressive performance, this phone falls short as a flagship device due to some misjudgments in its design and features.
In the following discussion, I will elaborate on the reasons behind this assessment. Please bear in mind that the IQOO 12 is not solely focused on performance; there are other aspects to consider. Now, let’s revisit the IQOO 12 after its launch, four months down the line.
Table of Contents
Unveiling the IQOO 12: Specifications and Features
Design and Build Quality
The IQOO 12 boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a glass back and an aluminum frame. Its ergonomic build ensures a comfortable grip, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and usability. The device is IP64 rated, which is dustproof and water splashproof.
RAM and Storage
However, rather than cutting costs with USB 2.0, IQOO has provided USB 3.1 speeds.
You also get LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. So that’s all taken care of, and the storage speed is quite good. It has 256GB/12GB RAM, 512GB/16GB RAM, 1TB/16GB RAM variants.
Display Excellence
Equipped with a 6.8-inch AMOLED display which has 1400 nits (HBM), and 3000 nits (peak) brightness, the IQOO 12 offers a resolution of 1260×2800 pixels. This results in vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the viewing experience with 1 billion colors for videos, games, and general usage with HDR10+. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, which is particularly beneficial for gaming enthusiasts with a 20:9 aspect ratio, 453ppi.
Performance Powerhouse
At the heart of the IQOO 12 lies the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) processor, coupled with Octa-core (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) chipset. This configuration promises exceptional performance, enabling seamless multitasking, rapid app launches, and efficient power management with the help of Adreno 750 GPU. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working on intensive applications, the IQOO 12 handles it all with ease.
So, as I previously stated, the eye’s performance is the best we’ve tested, but it has also held up over the four months we’ve been using it. When we ran the Antutu benchmark recently, we received higher scores than when we first ran it while testing it.
Camera Capabilities
The IQOO 12 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens. This combination allows for high-quality photos and videos in various conditions. The front camera, with its 16MP sensor, ensures crisp and clear selfies, making it ideal for social media enthusiasts.
Look at these portraits: they are impressive. According to the account, cameras can compete with flagships that cost between 70 and 80 thousand rupees. However, there are a few areas where IQOO can improve camera performance in its next generation. First and foremost, IQOO, we require 4K video recording with the selfie camera, preferably at 4K30FPS. Second, switching between ultrawide primary and telephoto while shooting video should be possible even at 4K60FPS.
Battery Life and Charging
Well, first. Now, the good news is that the 120-watt charger I could include in the box also supports USB PD. Furthermore, the phone supports USB PD charging, which allows you to charge it at high speeds using any gang charger.
A robust 5,000mAh battery powers the IQOO 12, providing ample endurance for a full day’s use. The device supports 120W fast charging, enabling users to charge their phone from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes. This feature is a significant advantage for individuals with a busy lifestyle who require a quick recharge.
Software and User Experience
Running on Android 13 with the custom Funtouch OS, the IQOO 12 offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. The interface is clean, and the inclusion of customizable features allows users to tailor their smartphones to their preferences. Regular updates ensure that the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest software advancements.
if you’re a gamer, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the IQOO 12 because it has a proper vapor cooling chamber inside and several game mode-specific features such as frame interpolation. We also did not notice any heating issues.
IQOO 12 vs. Competitors
Comparing with Flagship Rivals
When pitted against other flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 14, the IQOO 12 holds its ground impressively. It matches or exceeds its competitors in several aspects, such as display quality, battery life, and charging speed. However, brand loyalty and ecosystem integration might sway some users towards more established brands.
Price Point Analysis
One of the most compelling aspects of the IQOO 12 is its competitive pricing. Offering flagship-level features at a lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who do not wish to compromise on performance and quality. This strategic pricing positions IQOO 12 as a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end market segment.
Why is the IQOO 12 a misjudged flagship?
Aside from being a performance piece, it has excellent camera performance. Take a look at these images that Anish captured using the primary and telephoto lenses. There’s plenty of depth, and the HDR is especially impressive. The IQOO 12 has been one of our favorite phones for portrait shots as well.
By the way, I didn’t say much about the display or speakers because they are fantastic. And if you’ve been following my work, you know how much I prefer flat panels to curved ones.
This one gets bright indoors and outdoors, and it also supports HDR video playback on Netflix and YouTube, as well as great haptic feedback. The only problem I mentioned earlier was MEMC, so this performance is excellent. Having said that, I have a couple of suggestions for when IQOO mixes with IQOO 13.
The selection has improved a lot, and the animations are super smooth right now, but it could be slightly more refined in terms of overall experience. The V-App Store notifications that you receive daily aren’t from a flagship phone. That is not a good experience cycle, and please improve the design of the app icons when pulling down the shared notifications.
It has a strange appearance. On the IQOO 13, I’m fine if you don’t include wireless charging, but the IP68 rating is critical. So the icon is more than just a gaming phone; it can also take good pictures. It’s also a good camera phone at a reasonable price. IQOO 12 has held up exceptionally well in the four months we’ve been using it. Anish loves it. It is without a doubt the best phone that IQOO has ever produced. It is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a high-quality flagship experience without breaking the bank.
User Feedback of IQOO 12 Review after 90 days:
Customer Reviews
By the way, Anish, our senior editor, purchased the IQOO 12 immediately after its launch. So I wanted to ask you a few questions about your experiences.
How long is the battery life?
Battery life was generally satisfactory for me. Once, I played the Genshin Impact for about 3 hours or so, until I reached 6 hours and 20 minutes of screen time. So when we went to the Taj Mahal recently, the phone was set to 60 Hz, and I had about 7 hours of battery life. I made extensive use of the camera, navigation, WhatsApp, and other features. That’s a pretty good battery life.
But did you encounter any bugs or network issues?
I didn’t see any problems with Airtel or Jio, but I don’t believe the MEMC is working properly. I believe MEMC is correct because this is a problem that many users have reported as well. The sentence does not work on YouTube, but it does on Netflix and Prime. So that’s not an issue. In addition, IQOO has stated that they will release an update to address this issue. So, fingers crossed, that happens.
Expert Opinions For Gaming
It runs well with any graphically intensive game you throw at it, whether it’s Clarity Mobile, this BGMI, Genshin Impact, or even Call of Duty: Warzone. It plays it extremely smoothly.
Of course, War Zone runs at high graphics, and the app needs to be updated for Android soon, but daily usage is also very smooth. The icon is easily the most well-balanced and high-performing Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone we’ve tested.
Is the IQOO 12 Worth Buying in 2024?
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Stunning AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Versatile triple-camera setup for diverse photography needs.
- 120-watt wired fast charging capabilities.
Cons:
- Minor software bugs at launch
- Lack of brand recognition compared to major competitors
- Limited availability in certain regions
CONCLUSION
The IQOO 12 stands out as a remarkable choice for those seeking a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank. Its blend of powerful hardware, appealing design, and advanced features makes it a strong contender in the 2024 smartphone market. While it faces stiff competition from well-established brands, its competitive pricing and robust capabilities make it a compelling option for savvy consumers.
Are there any IQOO 12 users among the audience? Has your experience been similar? Let us know in the comments section, and we’ll see you in the next one. Until then, keep tracking and stay safe with TAZA MORNING.
