• iQOO 12 Pro

    iQOO 12 Pro Review: Striking a Balance Between Gaming and Elegance

    Daven Klarsen Posted on

    As a sub-brand of Vivo, iQOO has traditionally been synonymous with high-performance gaming phones. However, with the release of the iQOO 12 Pro, it becomes evident that the brand is steering away from being exclusively targeted at gamers. This shift is noticeable as the iQOO 12 Pro, while still a powerhouse for gaming, is crafted to appeal to a broader audience.

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    Design: A New Aesthetic Appeal

    The first thing that catches the eye with the iQOO 12 Pro is its revamped design. Unlike its predecessors, the camera module now takes center stage, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. If you were to cover the logo, it would be hard to associate this design with a traditional gaming phone. This sleek and modern design is likely to attract not just gamers but a wider audience.

    An exciting addition for iQOO fans is the support for IP68 water and dust resistance. This is a long-awaited feature that adds a layer of durability to the phone. The inclusion of the IR emitter at the top retains a convenient feature for controlling appliances.

    However, the use of USB 2.0 might disappoint some users, especially when competitors are offering USB 3.0 at a similar price point. While the relevance of USB data transfer may have diminished, it’s still a feature that users expect to keep up with the industry standards.

     

    Display: A Visual Treat

    The display of the iQOO 12 Pro receives a significant upgrade from the E6 panel to the E7, offering improvements in HDR capabilities and maximum brightness. While the default resolution might leave users wanting more sharpness, a simple adjustment in settings to UHD resolves this issue. The fingerprint recognition, although still ultrasonic, is not as generous as its predecessor, the iQOO 11 Pro, in terms of size.

    Benchmark & Gaming Performance:

    As anticipated, the iQOO 12 Pro delivers stellar benchmark and gaming performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Comparable to other flagship devices, the phone excels in stability, though at the expense of slightly higher power consumption. The self-developed Q1 chip enhances the smoothness and resolution of games, but its utility may be more evident in the Chinese gaming market.

    Despite being smaller than some competitors, the iQOO 12 Pro doesn’t completely overshadow them in gaming performance. The focus on stability, however, ensures a consistent gaming experience. The Q1 chip, while innovative, might have limited appeal outside of the Chinese gaming ecosystem, leaving non-Chinese users with a feature they may not fully utilize.

    Camera:

    While gaming phones are not typically lauded for their camera capabilities, the iQOO 12 Pro breaks the mold. With camera specifications rivaling the competition, the device outperforms its gaming-centric reputation. The absence of a well-known camera brand is compensated by a color style that is pleasing, and the dynamic range across all three cameras is excellent.

    The iQOO 12 Pro excels in macro photography, offering users the flexibility to choose between the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. The ability to switch between three lenses during 4K recording is a noteworthy feature, providing versatility for content creators.

    The front-facing camera, however, falls short for vloggers, limited to recording at 1080p 30 FPS without image stabilization. Additionally, the telephoto camera’s limitations in low light conditions and unresolved purple fringing issues highlight some areas where iQOO can improve in future iterations.

    Battery & Charging:

    The iQOO 12 Pro may not boast the colossal 200W charging speeds of its predecessor, but the 120W charging capability is more than adequate, taking just 26 minutes to fully charge. The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome addition, catering to users who prefer a cable-free charging experience. Notably, iQOO’s commitment to USB-C and PD 65 support for charging is commendable, setting a standard that other brands should consider adopting.

    Despite the powerful battery, the iQOO 12 Pro’s longevity aligns with industry standards, providing sufficient usage for most users. Gamers, however, might notice a quicker depletion when engaged in extensive gaming sessions.

     

     

    iQOO 12 Pro Review “Pros And Cons”:

    Pros:

    • Sleek Design: The revamped design with a prominent camera module gives the phone a modern and elegant appearance, appealing to a wider audience beyond gamers.
    • IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: The inclusion of IP68 certification adds a layer of durability, making the phone more resilient against water and dust damage.
    • Impressive Camera System: Surprising for a gaming phone, the iQOO 12 Pro boasts a versatile and capable camera system with excellent dynamic range, pleasing color styles, and noteworthy macro capabilities.
    • Upgraded Display: The shift from the E6 to E7 panel brings improvements in HDR capabilities and maximum brightness, offering users a visually satisfying experience.
    • Strong Gaming Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ensures excellent benchmark and gaming performance, delivering stability and a consistent gaming experience.
    • Self-Developed Q1 Chip: The innovative Q1 chip enhances smoothness and resolution in gaming, providing an added layer of optimization for gaming enthusiasts, especially in the Chinese market.
    • Fast Charging Capability: While not reaching the extreme speeds of its predecessor, the 120W charging is still more than sufficient, taking just 26 minutes for a full charge.
    • Wireless Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience for users who prefer a cable-free charging experience.
    • USB-C and PD 65 Support: iQOO maintains a commitment to USB-C and PD 65 support for charging, setting a standard for convenience and compatibility.

    Cons:

    • USB 2.0 Port: The use of USB 2.0 instead of the faster USB 3.0 may be a disappointment for users, especially considering the industry trend towards faster data transfer speeds.
    • Front-Facing Camera Limitations: The front-facing camera’s recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30 FPS without image stabilization, making it less ideal for vlogging.
    • Low-Light Photography Limitations: The telephoto camera cannot be used effectively in very low-light conditions, and the issue of purple fringing persists, indicating a gap compared to main photography-focused phones.
    • Fingerprint Recognition Size: While the ultrasonic fingerprint recognition works well, the size of the recognition area is smaller compared to its predecessor, the iQOO 11 Pro.
    • Q1 Chip Utility Outside China: The self-developed Q1 chip may have limited utility for non-Chinese users, as most games supporting this feature are from the Chinese gaming market.

    Reasons to Buy iQOO 12 Pro:

    1. Versatility: The iQOO 12 Pro strikes a balance between gaming performance and everyday functionality, making it suitable for a broad audience.
    2. Attractive Design: The sleek design and camera module make the phone visually appealing, catering to those who prioritize aesthetics.
    3. Camera Capabilities: For users who appreciate a capable camera system, the iQOO 12 Pro surprises with its impressive camera specifications and versatility.
    4. Gaming Prowess: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the self-developed Q1 chip, the iQOO 12 Pro delivers a strong gaming performance, catering to gaming enthusiasts.
    5. Durability: The addition of IP68 certification adds durability to the phone, making it resistant to water and dust.
    6. Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: The combination of 120W fast charging and wireless charging provides flexibility and convenience for users who are always on the go.
    7. Display Quality: The upgraded E7 panel ensures a visually satisfying display, enhancing the overall user experience.
    8. Commitment to USB-C and PD 65 Support: iQOO’s commitment to the latest charging standards ensures compatibility and convenience for users who value fast and efficient charging.

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, the iQOO 12 Pro defies the conventional expectations of a gaming phone. While it still packs a powerful performance punch, its refined design and impressive camera capabilities make it suitable for a broader audience. This marks a departure from the “gaming-first” approach of its predecessors.

    The design overhaul is a standout feature, making the iQOO 12 Pro an attractive option for those who may not identify as gamers. The camera system, often a secondary consideration for gaming phones, surprises with its quality and versatility. The display and performance live up to expectations, with the added benefit of a self-developed Q1 chip for gaming enthusiasts.

    However, some drawbacks, such as the use of USB 2.0 and limitations in low-light photography, remind users that the iQOO 12 Pro is not without its compromises. The phone strikes a delicate balance between gaming prowess and everyday functionality, making it a versatile contender in the competitive smartphone market.

    In the end, the choice between the iQOO 12 Pro and its competitors boils down to individual preferences. If you prioritize a device that seamlessly integrates gaming and photography without compromising on design, the iQOO 12 Pro is a strong contender in its price range.

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    Daven Klarsen
    Daven Klarsen is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the LAL. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or watching soccer news.
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