Introduction
In an age where smartphones are evolving faster than ever, iQOO continues to make bold strides with its flagship series. The newly launched iQOO 12 5G is a powerhouse that perfectly balances performance, design, and price. Touted as one of the fastest Android smartphones in its segment, the iQOO 12 5G promises top-tier hardware, innovative software features, and gamer-focused enhancements. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the iQOO 12 5G full specifications, performance metrics, camera capabilities, battery life, and whether it truly stands out in the competitive 5G smartphone market.
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO 12 5G stands out with a premium design language. The device is available in two color variants: Legend (BMW M Motorsport Edition) and Alpha (Glossy Black). The Legend edition features a unique white rear panel with racing stripes inspired by BMW Motorsport, while the Alpha version flaunts a classy, glossy glass back.
Frame: Aluminum
Back Panel: AG glass with anti-glare coating
Weight: ~203 grams
Thickness: 8.1 mm
The in-hand feel is exceptional thanks to curved edges and balanced weight distribution. It’s built like a true flagship, offering both durability and elegance.
Display: Ultra-Clear Visual Experience
One of the key highlights of the iQOO 12 5G is its stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO display. With a 1.5K resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate, it ensures a buttery-smooth visual experience ideal for gamers and multimedia lovers alike.
Display Specifications:
Type: AMOLED LTPO
Size: 6.78 inches
Resolution: 2800 x 1260 pixels
Refresh Rate: 1Hz to 144Hz adaptive
Peak Brightness: 3,000 nits
HDR Support: HDR10+ and HDR Vivid
Whether you’re binge-watching Netflix or playing high-fidelity games, the color reproduction, brightness, and fluidity of the screen are unmatched in this price range.
Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
At the heart of the iQOO 12 5G lies the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful mobile chipset. Built on a 4nm architecture, it delivers extreme performance without compromising on efficiency.
Performance Highlights:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
GPU: Adreno 750
RAM: 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0
AnTuTu Score: Over 2 million
Coupled with iQOO’s vapor chamber cooling system, this phone stays cool even during intense gaming or multitasking sessions. The iQOO 12 5G is arguably the best gaming smartphone under ₹60,000 in India.
Gaming and Software Features
The iQOO 12 5G takes gaming seriously. It features a dedicated Supercomputing Q1 chip for enhanced frame rate stability and visual quality in supported games.
Gaming Features:
Game Frame Interpolation
Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC)
4D Game Vibration
In-Game Voice Changer
Ultra Game Mode 3.0
Software:
OS: Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14
Bloatware: Minimal with uninstall options
Update Policy: 3 years of Android updates, 4 years of security patches
iQOO also includes custom features like Memory Fusion, allowing you to use up to 8GB of your storage as virtual RAM.
Camera System: Versatile and Powerful
The iQOO 12 5G camera setup is another area where the device shines. It features a triple rear camera setup, powered by advanced imaging algorithms and AI processing.
Rear Cameras:
Primary: 50MP GN5 sensor (OIS)
Telephoto: 64MP periscope lens (3x optical zoom, up to 100x digital zoom)
Ultra-Wide: 50MP 119° field-of-view lens
Front Camera:
Selfie: 16MP f/2.5 sensor
Camera Features:
Night Mode, Portrait Mode, Astro Mode
8K video recording at 30fps
Pro Video and Cinematic Filters
The camera performance is outstanding, especially in daylight. The telephoto lens offers lossless zoom with minimal distortion, and low-light photography is competitive thanks to the advanced AI night mode.
Battery Life and Charging
With its 5,000mAh dual-cell battery, the iQOO 12 5G easily powers through a full day of heavy usage. And when you need to recharge, the 120W FlashCharge gets you from 0% to 100% in just around 25 minutes.
Battery & Charging:
Capacity: 5000mAh (dual-cell)
Charging: 120W wired (charger included in the box)
Wireless Charging: Not supported
Reverse Charging: Supported via cable
Thanks to the LTPO display and efficient chipset, battery management is excellent, even when running at 144Hz refresh rate.
Connectivity and Audio
As expected from a premium smartphone, the iQOO 12 5G offers the latest in wireless and wired connectivity.
Connectivity:
5G: Dual SIM, SA/NSA
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth: v5.4
GPS: Dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, NavIC
NFC: Supported
Ports: USB-C 3.2 Gen1
Audio:
Stereo Speakers: Dual speakers with Hi-Res Audio
Dolby Atmos: Yes
3.5mm Jack: No (Type-C to 3.5mm adapter recommended)
Security and Biometrics
The iQOO 12 5G comes with a fast and accurate in-display fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock for added convenience.
Fingerprint Sensor: Optical under-display
Face Unlock: Fast but less secure than fingerprint
Security is also reinforced through Android 14’s enhanced privacy controls.
Price and Availability in India
The iQOO 12 5G price in India is aggressively competitive, offering flagship-grade features at a mid-range price.
12GB + 256GB: ₹44,999
16GB + 512GB: ₹54,999
Available exclusively on Amazon India and iQOO.com, the phone frequently comes with launch offers, including bank discounts and exchange bonuses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
Stunning AMOLED LTPO 144Hz display
Excellent camera system with 100x zoom
Superfast 120W charging
Premium design and build
Cons:
No wireless charging
No IP rating
Funtouch OS still not as refined as competitors
Who Should Buy the iQOO 12 5G?
The iQOO 12 5G is an ideal choice for:
Mobile gamers wanting a lag-free experience
Content creators who need versatile cameras
Tech enthusiasts looking for flagship performance at a mid-range price
Power users who multitask heavily
If you’re looking for a future-proof 5G smartphone with unbeatable performance, gorgeous display, and fast charging, the iQOO 12 5G should be at the top of your list.
Conclusion
The iQOO 12 5G is a near-perfect blend of performance, design, and value. It not only meets expectations but exceeds them in many areas. From its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, to its vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, and incredible 64MP periscope camera, it offers features usually found in phones twice its price.
For those hunting for the best gaming smartphone or a high-performance 5G phone, the iQOO 12 5G is currently one of the most compelling choices in the Indian smartphone market.
photos and videos credit by official website
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