The smartphone market in India moves at a lightning pace, but some devices manage to hold their ground long after their initial appearance. The OnePlus 12 5G is a prime example of a flagship that has transitioned from a premium powerhouse to a high-value performance king. With the arrival of newer generations, the OnePlus 12 5G is currently seeing significant price adjustments and special offers during January 2026 sales, making it a hot topic for tech enthusiasts and everyday buyers alike.
This article explores the current standing of the OnePlus 12 5G in the Indian market, its long-term performance, and why it remains a formidable competitor against even the newest releases.
Current Market Price and Availability
As of January 2026, the OnePlus 12 5G has moved into a much more aggressive price bracket. While it originally arrived in India with a starting price of ₹64,999, it is now frequently available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus Store for under ₹50,000. During the ongoing “Freedom Sale” and Republic Day promotions, bank discounts and exchange bonuses often bring the effective price even lower, sometimes touching the ₹45,000 mark.
The device is still widely available in its signature Flowy Emerald and Silky Black finishes. While the base 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant is the most popular, the 16GB RAM model remains a favorite for power users who want a device that can handle heavy multitasking for years to come.
Performance and Hardware Capabilities
At the heart of the OnePlus 12 5G is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Even in 2026, this processor is incredibly capable, easily handling modern mobile games, heavy video editing, and advanced multitasking. Unlike some newer mid-range chips, this flagship-grade silicon offers a level of stability and thermal management that ensures the phone doesn’t stutter under pressure.
One of the standout features that keeps this phone relevant is its display. The 6.82-inch QHD+ ProXDR AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate is still one of the best in the industry. With a peak brightness that reaches up to 4,500 nits, the screen remains perfectly legible under the harsh Indian sun. The inclusion of “Aqua Touch” technology also means the screen stays responsive even if you are using it with wet hands—a small but practical feature that users have come to love.
Camera Quality and Hasselblad Partnership
The camera system remains a major draw for the OnePlus 12 5G. It features a triple-lens setup developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens.
The 3x optical zoom and 6x in-sensor zoom allow for detailed portraits and distant shots that many newer “value flagships” fail to match. While newer models might boast slightly better AI processing, the natural color science and raw hardware power of the OnePlus 12 5G’s camera make it a reliable companion for photography enthusiasts in India.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
In the Indian context, where long commutes and busy workdays are common, battery life is a priority. The 5,400mAh battery in the OnePlus 12 5G continues to deliver impressive endurance, often lasting well over a full day.
What truly sets it apart from competitors like Samsung or Google is the 100W SuperVOOC wired charging. It can take the phone from 1% to 100% in roughly 26 minutes. Additionally, the 50W wireless charging support provides a level of convenience that is still rare in phones at this current price point.
Software Support and Future Outlook
The OnePlus 12 5G currently runs on OxygenOS, with updates already rolling out for the latest Android versions. OnePlus has committed to four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches for this device. This means that if you buy the phone in 2026, you can expect it to stay secure and updated well into 2028 and beyond.
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The software experience is generally clean, though users should be mindful of the occasional pre-installed app. However, the overall “Fast and Smooth” philosophy of the brand remains intact, making the user interface feel snappy and responsive compared to many other Android skins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the OnePlus 12 5G worth buying in 2026?
Yes, it is currently one of the best value-for-money flagships in India. Since the price has dropped significantly, you get top-tier features like a 2K display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 100W charging at a much more affordable rate.
2. Does the OnePlus 12 5G support 5G bands in India?
Absolutely. The device is fully compatible with all major 5G networks in India, including Reliance Jio and Airtel, ensuring high-speed connectivity across the country.
3. How does the camera perform in low light?
Thanks to the large Sony LYT-808 sensor and Hasselblad tuning, the phone performs exceptionally well in low light, capturing bright images with minimal noise and accurate colors.
4. Does it come with a charger in the box?
Yes, unlike many other brands, OnePlus still includes the 100W SuperVOOC power adapter and the signature red Type-C cable in the box.
5. How long will the battery last on a single charge?
For a typical user, the 5,400mAh battery easily lasts an entire day. Even with heavy gaming or navigation, the fast charging allows you to top up the battery in just a few minutes.
