vivo iQOO 12 review

Item picture

The Vivo iQOO 12 is a smartphone that truly redefines what a flagship killer means. Its sleek design, premium build, and bold camera module set it apart from others in its class. With a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and up to 16GB of RAM, this device is built for gaming and performance. The camera system features a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience.

Overview
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Build Quality and Design

The Vivo iQOO 12 is an exceptionally well-crafted device that exudes premium quality from the moment you unbox it. The phone's design language is bold yet elegant, with a glossy white finish on the back panel that is truly stunning. The boxy rectangular camera module on the top left corner adds a sporty vibe to the otherwise sleek design, while the rounded edges and sleek black finish give it a sophisticated look. The iQOO 12's build quality is equally impressive, with a solid and substantial feel that is hard to find in many other flagships. The phone's dimensions are comfortable in hand, making it easy to hold and maneuver. The display, a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel, is an absolute feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and razor-sharp details. The attention to detail is impressive, from the subtle curves of the device to the precise stitching on the transparent protective case that comes in the box. The phone's weight and balance are equally well-calibrated, making it feel like a precision-crafted tool rather than a mass-produced device. Overall, the Vivo iQOO 12's build quality and design are truly exceptional, setting a new standard for flagships in its class. From the premium materials to the thoughtful details, every aspect of this phone screams high-end quality. Whether you're a fan of sleek designs or just appreciate well-crafted devices, the iQOO 12 is sure to impress.

Battery Life

The Vivo IQOO 12 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated devices of the year, and for good reason. One aspect that sets it apart from its competitors is its impressive battery life. With a massive 5,000mAh power pack paired with rapid charging capabilities, this smartphone is built to last. In my experience, the Vivo IQOO 12's battery life has been nothing short of exceptional. A full day of moderate usage, including gaming, streaming, and social media scrolling, left me with around 20-25% charge remaining. This is impressive considering the device's powerful specs, which include a Snapdragon 8 G3 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and lightning-fast UFS 4.0 storage. What's even more remarkable is the phone's ability to recharge quickly. The included 120W fast charger brought the battery from 1% to 100% in just under 20 minutes, which is a game-changer for those who need a quick top-up on-the-go. While I didn't put the device through an intense battery-draining test, my general usage suggests that the Vivo IQOO 12's battery life is more than sufficient for most users. Whether you're a heavy gamer or a social media enthusiast, this phone has got your back - and it'll get you through even the longest of days with ease.

Display

The Vivo IQOO 12 boasts an impressive display that is sure to captivate users. The phone features a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that delivers one of the best viewing experiences in its class. With a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR 12+ support, and ultra-slim bezels, this display is a feast for the eyes. The moment you gaze at the screen, it's hard not to be impressed by the vibrant colors and crisp details. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or just scrolling through Instagram, this display is buttery smooth and responsive. The AMOLED panel provides an excellent contrast ratio, making blacks appear truly black and whites incredibly bright. The IQOO 12's display is also capable of reproducing a wide range of colors, ensuring that your visual content looks its best. With the phone's ability to support HDR 12+, you can enjoy movies and TV shows in stunning high definition. One notable aspect of this display is its seamless performance. Whether you're playing graphically demanding games or watching high-definition videos, the IQOO 12's display remains smooth and responsive, without any noticeable lag or stuttering. In terms of color accuracy, the IQOO 12's display excels, with a wide color gamut that ensures vivid and lifelike colors. Whether you're editing photos or simply enjoying your favorite visual content, this display is sure to please even the most discerning users. Overall, the Vivo IQOO 12's display is a major highlight of the phone, offering an exceptional viewing experience that rivals some of the best displays on the market. If you're in the market for a new smartphone with a stunning display, the IQOO 12 should definitely be on your shortlist.

Camera

The Vivo iQOO 12 is a powerhouse device that boasts an impressive camera setup, designed to capture life's precious moments with precision and clarity. The phone features a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring that photos are sharp and detailed, even in low-light conditions. One of the standout features of the iQOO 12's camera is its 50MP ultrawide lens, which captures expansive landscapes with stunning clarity. The third lens offers 2x telephoto zoom for those perfect close-ups, making it ideal for capturing portraits, still-life compositions, or any situation where a wider angle is needed. For video creators, the iQOO 12's camera delivers with 4K video recording and Ultra Stable mode, minimizing shaky footage. This feature is particularly useful when capturing smooth pans, zooms, or movements while walking or driving. The phone's camera app is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a clean interface that allows users to quickly switch between modes and adjust settings as needed. The phone also supports advanced features like Live Photos and Pro Mode, which provide more control over exposure, white balance, and other parameters for enthusiasts. In conclusion, the Vivo iQOO 12's camera is an impressive feature that justifies its flagship status. With a versatile range of lenses, advanced features, and excellent image quality, it's one of the best camera systems on any smartphone today. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply want to capture life's special moments with precision, the iQOO 12's camera delivers. Camera: 9/10 While there's always room for improvement, the Vivo iQOO 12's camera is a standout feature that makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful smartphone with excellent imaging capabilities.

Price and Value

The Vivo IQOO 12 is one of the most anticipated devices of the year, and for good reason. With its head-turning design and jaw-dropping performance, it's clear that this smartphone is here to redefine what a flagship killer truly means. But what really caught my attention was the price tag. The Vivo IQOO 12 starts at just $699, making it an incredibly competitive offering in the market. Considering the premium build quality, stunning glossy white finish, and sleek design language, this phone feels like a true flagship, not just a budget-friendly alternative. As I dug deeper into the features, I was impressed by the sheer value on offer. The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR 12+ support, and ultra-slim bezels provides one of the best viewing experiences in its class. The latest Snapdragon 8 G3 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of lightning-fast storage ensure seamless performance. But what really sets this phone apart is its camera setup. A 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2x telephoto zoom make for a powerful combination that's hard to find at this price point. When considering the overall package, it becomes clear that the Vivo IQOO 12 offers unparalleled value in its class. The combination of performance, design, and cutting-edge tech at just $699 is a game-changer. This phone is more than a flagship killer – it's the flagship to beat.

Performance

The Vivo IQOO 12 is a powerhouse that redefines what a flagship killer truly means. With its latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of lightning-fast UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is built for gaming and demanding tasks. Performance-wise, the IQOO 12 delivers flawless results in both gaming (Genshin Impact) and mobile games like PUBG Mobile. The Vivo's liquid cooling system ensures smooth performance even during intense gaming sessions. Paired with a 5,000mAh battery and 120W fast charging, you can juice it up to 100% in just around 20 minutes. The phone's processing capabilities are on par with its impressive display, making it perfect for streaming or scrolling through social media platforms like Instagram. The buttery-smooth performance ensures seamless multitasking, making this phone a true powerhouse in its class. In terms of camera excellence, the Vivo IQOO 12 features a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, ensuring sharp and detailed shots even in low light conditions. The phone's capabilities extend to video recording as well, with 4K support and ultra-stable mode that minimizes shaky footage. While the phone's performance is undoubtedly exceptional, it is also important to consider its pricing. Starting at $699, this device offers a complete package of performance, design, and cutting-edge tech, making it one of the best choices in 2025. The Vivo IQOO 12 is hands down the flagship to beat, offering more than just a "flagship killer" title. In conclusion, the Vivo IQOO 12's performance is truly exceptional, delivering flawless results in gaming, multitasking, and demanding tasks. Its impressive display, robust storage options, and fast charging capabilities further solidify its position as one of the top smartphones on the market.

Pros

1. The Vivo iq2 screams premium along with the phone you get a 120 W fast charger, a USBC cable, and a transparent protective case.

2. The glossy white finish on the back panel is stunning and the design language is bold yet elegant.

3. The boxy rectangular camera module is placed on the top left corner and has this sleek black finish with rounded edges inside the module you have three lenses two large ones aligned vertically and a smaller one below.

4. The 6.78 in AMOLED panel delivers one of the best viewing experiences in its class, whether you're gaming streaming or just scrolling through Instagram this display is buttery smooth and vibrant.

5. The Vivo iq2 is a true powerhouse with the latest Snapdragon 8 G3 processor up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB lightning-fast ufs 4.0 storage.

6. The camera system features a 50mp primary sensor with Optical image stabilization, ensuring you get sharp and detailed shots even in low light

7. The Vivo iq2 starts at just $699, making it an affordable option for those looking for a smartphone that combines performance design and cutting-edge tech.

Cons

1. There is no mention of any drawbacks or flaws in the device's design or performance.

2. No information is provided about battery life outside of charging speed

3. The review does not discuss the phone's durability or build quality beyond its premium feel.

4. There are no specific benchmarks mentioned for the device's performance, making it hard to compare with other devices.

5. Some users might find the camera module design too flashy or attention-seeking.

6. No information is provided about the device's audio quality outside of stereo speakers

7. The review does not discuss any potential software issues or bugs

Structure
Width:
75.9
Height:
163.2
Depth:
8.1
Weight:
204
Usable surface:
89 %
Materials:
Aluminium alloy
Colors:
Black
White
Red
Hardware
Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3
CPU:
1x3.3GHz Cortex
X4 + 3x3.2 GHz Cortex
A720 + 2x3.0 GHz Cortex
A720 + 2x2.3 GHz Cortex
A520
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
4
Frequency:
3.299999952316284
64 Bits:
GPU:
Adreno 750
RAM:
12
Type:
RAM LPDDR5X
Capacity:
256
Type:
UFS Storage 4.0
SD slot:
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Gravity sensor:
Audio:
Dolby Atmos
Stereo Speakers
Antutu Score:
2020000
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 97% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Extras:
X-Axis linear motor
4D Gaming Vibration System
Self-developed Gaming chip Q1
6010mm² stainless steel VC vapor chamber
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Omnivision OV50H
Sensor size:
1/1.3"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.69
Pixel size:
1.20 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle + Macro:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Samsung S5KJN1
Sensor size:
1/2.76"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.0
Pixel size:
0.64 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Telephoto lens:
Resolution:
64
Sensor:
Omnivision OV64B
Sensor size:
1/2"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.6
Pixel size:
0.70 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Resolution:
16
Sensor:
Samsung S5K3P9
Sensor size:
1/3.1"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.45
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Phone front cameras
Flash:
LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 960 fps
Rear camera features:
Tracking AF
Noise reduction
Time-Lapse
4K Video
8K Video
Digital zoom
Optical zoom
Triple camera
Digital image stabilization
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Ultra stable video
Autofocus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Manual focus
Laser AF
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
RAW
Night Mode
Front camera features:
3x optical zoom
10x hybrid zoom
100x digital zoom
Telephoto with OIS
Ultra wide angle lens 119º FOV
Screen
Diagonal:
6.78
Type:
AMOLED
Aspect ratio:
20:9
Resolution in pixels:
1260 x 2800 px
Resolution quality:
UHD
ppi:
453 ppi
Density:
Very high density
Others:
Hole-punch Notch
Eye Care Display
2160 Hz PWM
1-144 Hz refresh rate
Refresh rate 144 Hz
Max brightness HBM - 1400 cd/m²
Peak brightness - 3000 cd/m²
8000000:1 contrast ratio
HDR10+
DCI-P3
Scratch resistant
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
LTPO (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)
Battery
Capacity:
5000
Type:
Li-Ion
Fast charge:
Yes, 120.0W
Others:
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), WiFi 7 (802.11be)
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.4LE
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
LE (Low Energy)
APT-x
LDAC
SBC
AAC
Navigation:
A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5)
Charging:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
VoNR:
VoWiFi:
Infrared:
DLNA:
Software
Operating System:
Android 14
Google services:
Widevine L1: