When OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 12 worldwide, practically everyone agreed that the new model was a near-perfect representation of what we should expect from a high-value flagship product. Now, a few months – and a couple of launches – later, this reality appears more accurate than ever.
I, like many others, have always had a modest curiosity regarding the allure of OnePlus devices. For years, the phones have had a smaller, but loyal, following, yet, with the OnePlus 12, and the continual limits to competition in major markets such as the US, we could be about to see a breakthrough in high-value flagships hitting the mainstream, with the OnePlus 12 leading the charge.
Older and wiser
When the OnePlus 12 was released globally on January 23, it was natural to predict that its competitors would immediately outperform it in terms of quality. However, based on my observations, this appears to be implausible.
More recently, we saw the release of both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Xiaomi 14, which both serve as excellent indicators of what we might anticipate from ‘flagship’ devices this year. Frankly, the OnePlus 12 demonstrates why it is so popular among high-end flagship enthusiasts.
When comparing the three phones, the OnePlus 12 falls in the middle of the pricing range, retailing at £849/$799, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24’s price of £799/$799 and the Xiaomi 14’s price of £899 in the UK but unavailable in the US.
These devices aren’t the only ones to consider; we’ve already seen the Honor Magic 6 Pro launch, and another Nothing gadget is expected to join the market this year. However, these handsets do not quite compete on the same level; contrary to popular belief, the duel between the OnePlus 12 and the Galaxy S24 is closer than we’ve ever seen.
David or Goliath?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t immediately consider the Galaxy S24 as the phone to get, but closer inspection reveals a much closer race between Samsung’s new standard flagship model and the OnePlus 12 than many may have previously thought.
For starters, the handsets are extremely similar in terms of display, with the Galaxy S24 employing a superior display panel and the OnePlus 12 delivering a larger display with a significantly higher resolution and peak brightness.
Both handsets use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the United States, with the S24 using a unique ‘Made for Galaxy’ version and the OnePlus 12 running the standard processor. However, unlike the Galaxy S24, the OnePlus 12 is available with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 internationally, whereas consumers outside of the United States, Canada, or China will receive a Galaxy S24 with Samsung’s Exynos 2400 processor, which, while still quite powerful, isn’t as impressive.
The OnePlus 12 has 256GB or 1TB of storage, UFS 4.0, and up to 16GB RAM depending on the model. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 provides storage ranging from 128GB to 512GB, with the 128GB variants running UFS 3.1 and RAM options of 8GB or 12GB depending on the storage option you choose.
In terms of photography, OnePlus has, unsurprisingly, created a significant difference between itself and the Samsung Galaxy S24, and in a very positive way. Working with Hasselblad has put the OnePlus 12 in a much stronger position than many had imagined, and the photography experience on the OnePlus 12 is now one of the best alternatives available, as is the front-facing selfie camera.
If you want to retain your phone longer, there are several cases for both in terms of longevity. The OnePlus 12 features a larger battery, faster charging, greater device cooling, and battery maintenance technology, as well as Wi-Fi 7 compatibility. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has a smaller battery Slower charging, but has seven years of Android features and security upgrades. So, depending on your preferences, either device’s longevity will most likely satisfy you.
Future or faster?
In all honesty, the decision between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the OnePlus 12 will most likely be based on how long you intend to use it. See, both phones will live considerably longer than most flagships we’ve seen in the last ten years, but will they actually suit your needs for that time?
For the first time, possibly ever, your interest in your phone is likely to wane before it takes the decision to switch for you. If you seldom worry about your phone and just want a terrific bargain Android flagship, the Galaxy S24 is nearly unbeatable. However, you will most likely look to If you’re looking to upgrade your phone in the next few years, OnePlus could be the way to go. In too many ways, the OnePlus 12 outperforms its main Galaxy S24 competition and, frankly, deserves more attention than it will most likely receive.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for the best phone deal on either the Galaxy S24 or the OnePlus 12, the OnePlus 12 is likely to be cheaper or more frequently on sale, owing to its slightly older release date and lower popularity among the masses, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic piece of kit.
