ONEPLUS 12
The OnePlus 12 might be the most low-compromise phone at its price point. It crams in a striking design, an excellent screen, bang-up-to-date processing power and truly premium innards.
While past OnePlus phones have struggled on the camera front, the 12 gets a revamped setup and Hasselblad-tuned photo processing, as well as one of the biggest batteries out there. Add fast wired and wireless charging to the mix, and while it misses out on the AI skills of Google and Samsung phones, everything else about this one makes it easy to recommend.
The 12’s curved glass front tapers into a metal frame, while a big circular camera array enjoys pride of place around the back. The rounded sides make it feel soft in the hand, and it can handle a splash – OnePlus has even optimised the screen to work when wet, ideal for finding your way home on a rainy day.
Do they know nits’ crispness?
The screen is sharp, with a silky 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. Its party trick is getting eye-searingly bright when playing HDR content – up to 4500 nits – but even in daily use it looks superb.
The powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip plus OnePlus’s Dual Cryo-velocity cooling system mean gamers are covered; and with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of fast storage, you’ll struggle to slow down or fill up this phone.
Every camera impresses for the price, with OnePlus’s HyperTone engine nailing photo processing in most situations and Pro Mode offering up manual controls for experts. The OxygenOS experience is nippy and smooth, and the huge 5400mAh battery can creep into a second day – plus it refuels in a flash.
from £849 /go.stuff.tv/OnePlus12
Key specs •6.82in 3168x1440 120Hz OLED •Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 •256/512GB •50+64+48MP rear, 32MP front •5400mAh •164x76x9.2mm, 220g
STUFF SAYS A compelling iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel alternative
FAIRPHONE 5
Focusing on repairability, recycled materials and fair labour practices, this is a very special smartphone. For the fifth edition, Fairphone has added a smooth OLED display, a more powerful CPU and improved water-resistance.
Though slightly chunky, it’s secure in the hand with rounded corners and an aluminium frame, while a transparent option adds some style. The new OLED display is vibrant, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes for a smooth scroll; performance is decent, although the cameras are mediocre.
If you want to go really ‘alt’, get the Murena version (£670): it’s the same phone but running a uniquely private and secure O
