Last 2022, many users embraced the OnePlus 10 Pro as a welcome update to its direct predecessor, particularly when it comes to its (at that time) advanced cameras and wireless charging perks. But in the age of the ongoing AI revolution, would its formerly flagship specs still keep up compared to the newer and shinier OnePlus 12?
OnePlus 10 Pro vs OnePlus 12
| OnePlus 10 Pro | OnePlus 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS (China) | Android 14, OxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS 14 (China) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.7 inches LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 1440 x 3216 pixels, 120Hz, HDR10+ (up to 1300 nits peak) | 6.82 inches LTPO AMOLED, 1440 x 3168 pixels, 120Hz, HDR10+ (up to 4500 nits peak) |
| Memory | 8GB, 12GB RAM | 12GB, 16GB, 24GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (UFS 3.1) | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple: 48MP f/1.8 (wide) OIS 8MP f/2.4 (telephoto) OIS 3.3x optical zoom 50MP f/2.2 (ultrawide) | Triple: 50MP f/1.6 (wide) OIS 64MP f/2.6 (periscope telephoto) OIS 3x optical zoom 48MP f/2.2 (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP f/2.2 (wide) | 32MP f/2.4 (wide) |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum, barometer | Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo, NFC, USB-C 3.1 | Wi-Fi 6E/7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo/QZSS, NFC, USB-C 3.2 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm |
| Weight | 201 g | 220 g |
| IP Rating | IP68 water/dust resistant (T-Mobile only) | IP65 water/dust resistant |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 80W/65W wired, 50W wireless charging | 5400 mAh, 100W/80W wired, 50W wireless charging |
| Price | starts at $380 | starts at $800 |
Physical Aspects
With daily driving out of the way at this tier, we can focus instead on basic design. Both the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 10 Pro feature a sleek and modern look, with slim profiles and minimal bezels. However, the OnePlus 12 introduces new colors and textures, so we give it a slight technical win against the competitor's more traditional designs (as a OnePlus model).
Overall Performance
For its primary compute performance specs, the OnePlus 12 enjoys a huge 70%+ performance uplift from the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset compared to the more “primitive” Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Bonus points for OnePlus 12's improved cooling system, increasing the performance limit ever so slightly further under heavy loads.
Do take note though, that this difference only applies when maxing out the SoC. For most typical mobile tasks, the difference is technically negligible, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is still considerably more powerful than mid-range SoCs in 2024.
In the camera department, the OnePlus 12 features an upgraded camera system with a new main sensor and improved low-light performance. Though, the OnePlus 10 Pro's camera is no slouch either, still offering good enough image quality in most situations even in 2024. As for its display, the OnePlus 12 takes somewhat of a lead with its peak HDR brightness of 4,500 nits. This is a very good indicator of how “real” its HDR+10 feature would be from personal use.
Longevity
For longevity in terms of battery life, both are pretty much negligible. But the OnePlus 12 has more advanced optimizations both in hardware and software that make it better, usually lasting quite longer in more intermittent situations. Basic protection features show an upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the OnePlus 12, although, for standard use, we believe that the two would feel completely similar.
As for actual lifespan, both are generally built to last for many years as flagship models. The two should last way longer than it is technologically relevant in the mobile market.
Software and Updates
In terms of software, the OnePlus 10 Pro can be updated to Android 14, so technically both are on par with each other. It even enjoys significant hardware upgrades when updated accordingly, like for example increasing its battery life for any update past OxygenOS/ColorOS 13.1. That being said, the OnePlus 10 Pro has a slightly shorter update cycle, plus the model is almost going past two years already, so the jump to OnePlus 12 is definitely a considerable option.
On the AI side, the OnePlus 12 has a few more AI features than the OnePlus 10 Pro. Well, at least in the photo department, you still have a few basic AI perks to enjoy with the older model.
Conclusion: Technologically Worth It
Predictably, the OnePlus 12 offers significant upgrades across the board in terms of spec numbers and technology used compared to the OnePlus 10 Pro. Some, not too important for practical use (yet), such as WiFi 7, others, a bit more considerable, such as future AI feature updates.
If you are a power user, then the two-generation upgrade would by itself already be a very welcome productivity investment. This is even if there is a very huge price difference between the two. Especially since the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is now poised to be the first high-end gateway to make mobile AI features a common standard.
