Oppo‘s Reno series occupies a crowded space in the smartphone market: the ever-competitive mid-range. With the recent launch of the Reno 12, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Reno 11. So here we will take a close look at both models to see if the upgrade is worth considering. 

Oppo Reno 11 vs Oppo Reno 12

Display

Both phones feature a near-identical 6.7-inch AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates and 1080p resolution. Bezels are minimal, offering a near edge-to-edge viewing experience. In terms of raw specs, there’s little to differentiate between the two. 

Oppo Reno 12
Oppo Reno 12

However, the Reno 12 boasts a slight bump in peak brightness, reaching 1200 nits compared to the Reno 11’s 950 nits. This could offer a minor improvement in outdoor visibility. 

Additionally, the Reno 12 introduces a quad-curved display for a more premium look and feel, while the Reno 11 only has curves just on the sides. The Reno 12 also comes with Gorilla Victus 2, which the Reno 11 lacks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Oppo Reno 12 edges out its predecessor with the MediaTek Dimensity 8250 chipset compared to the Reno 11’s Dimensity 8200. While both are built on the same 4nm process, the 8250 offers a marginally higher clock speed. 

In day-to-day use, the performance difference is unlikely to be noticeable for most users. Both phones are capable of handling most tasks and games without issue. However, power users who prioritize raw processing power may want to look elsewhere since these are not the SoCs for heavy gaming.

Both phones come in a similar selection of storage configurations (256GB and 512GB) but differ in RAM options. The Reno 12 offers a top-end model with up to 16GB RAM option while the Reno 11 maxes out at 12GB, which is still ample for most users. 

Both phones lack expandable storage via microSD card, so choosing the right storage capacity from the outset is crucial.

Software

Both the devices come pre-installed with Android 14 but the Reno 12 has newer Color OS 14.1 compared to Color OS 14 on Reno 11. While there’s not a major difference in the UI and usability, 14.1 brings a hunch of AI features. Of course, 2024 is the year of AI. 

These include fixing photos where someone blinked, removing people who walked into the frame, and helping you replace backgrounds.

There’s also transcription and summarization of dictations and a document scanner that can handle tricky tasks like math formulas. The phone’s Xiaobu assistant can also act as an English teacher and a primary school tutor. Moreover, the AI can help plan your next vacation and create a custom itinerary. 

These features should eventually be available on the Reno 11 through a software update.

Cameras

The camera systems on both phones are triple, but the configuration differs slightly. The Reno 12 ditches the 32MP telephoto of the Reno 11 for a 50MP telephoto lens. The main and ultrawide sensors remain the same at 50MP and 8MP, respectively. 

OPPO Reno 12 series

On paper, this appears to be an upgrade that should capture better zoom shots. However, it’s the real-world testing that will help us understand if the megapixel boost translates to an improvement in image quality. 

The selfie camera on the Reno 12 also receives an upgrade to a 50MP sensor from the 32MP unit on the Reno 11.

Battery Life and Charging

The Oppo Reno 12 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the Reno 11’s 4800mAh. While the difference may seem small, it could translate to slightly longer battery life for the Reno 12, especially for heavy users. 

Both phones offer fast charging, but the Reno 12 takes the lead with its 80W wired charging compared to the Reno 11’s 67W. This translates to potentially faster charging times for the Reno 12.

Design and Others 

The design language between the two phones is similar, with both sporting sleek glass backs and minimal bezels. However, the Reno 12 boasts an IP65 dust and water resistance rating. 

Reno 11 misses on any sort of IP rating. It could be a deciding factor for users who require a phone that can withstand the occasional splash. For audio, they come with a single speaker and miss the 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Conclusion

The Oppo Reno 12 offers modest upgrades over the Reno 11 in specific areas – a marginally better processor, a higher-res main and telephoto lens, a larger battery, faster charging, and better ingress protection. These improvements alone may not be game-changing for all users, especially those content with the Reno 11’s performance. 

However, for those seeking the latest features and a slight edge in battery life and camera capabilities, the Reno 12 could be a compelling choice. 

Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and budget. If you can find a good deal on the Reno 11, it may still offer excellent value for the price. But if you crave the newest features and are willing to pay a premium, the Reno 12 might be the better bet.

Below is a quick rundown of the specifications:

FeatureOppo Reno 11Oppo Reno 12
Body162.4 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm, 184 g161.4 x 74.8 x 7.3 mm, 179 g
Water ResistanceNoIP65
Display6.7 inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 120Hz6.7 inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 120Hz
Peak Brightness950 nits1200 nits
Display ProtectionNoneCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
ProcessorMediatek Dimensity 8200Mediatek Dimensity 8250
RAM8GB, 12GB12GB, 16GB
Storage256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB
Rear CameraTriple: 50MP main, 32MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawideTriple: 50MP main, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide
Front Camera32MP50MP
Battery4800 mAh, 67W charging5000 mAh, 80W charging
Oppo Reno 11 vs Reno 12

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