Oppo Reno 12 FS Review: Affordable Excellence, Redefined

The Oppo Reno 12 FS is an excellent example of what a budget phone can offer, delivering an impressive design, solid performance, and a surprisingly feature-rich user experience.

From its premium look and durable build to a bright OLED display and capable cameras, it’s a device that punches above its weight. While it cuts corners in some areas, the value-for-money proposition is hard to beat.

Design & Build

• Premium design with flat edges and vibrant colour options
• Durable build, featuring IP64 water resistance
• Hybrid SIM tray supports expandable storage

The Oppo Reno 12 FS brings an aesthetic that belies its affordable price tag. The design feels high-end compared to the price, with flat edges reminiscent of modern iPhones and soft curves at the corners.

While the frame and back panel are made of plastic, they mimic the appearance of metal and glass so convincingly that you’d hardly notice without close inspection.

Adding to its premium look are striking colour options such as Racing Green and Amber Orange, both featuring a wave-like gradient pattern that changes dynamically under light. The Amber Orange, in particular, exudes sophistication, while the Cosmos Ring camera module adds a futuristic touch. It’s a circular light that pulses when charging or when you get notifications.

The Reno 12 FS isn’t just about good looks – it’s also built to last. Oppo’s “All-Around Armour” design includes internal cushioning that is supposed to absorb shocks and provide additional durability. I haven’t chucked this phone around to test it, so we’ll have to take Oppo’s word on this. And with an IP64 rating, the phone can withstand splashes and dust, making it well-suited for daily life.

I did want to take this opportunity to talk about the Oppo Reno 12 FS’ vibration motor. It’s not typically something I’d mention, unless it’s noticeably bad – which, unfortunately, it is on this device. The motor is incredibly weak, almost barely there. I mistakenly thought I hadn’t pressed something when I did because of how weak the haptics are.

Another standout feature is the hybrid SIM tray, which supports dual SIM or a Micro-SD card for expandable storage. This practical addition, often missing in pricier devices, sets the Reno 12 FS apart from its competitors.

Screen & Speakers

• Vibrant 6.67-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• FHD+ resolution and peak brightness of 2100 nits
• Slightly thicker bezels but excellent colour accuracy

The Oppo Reno 12FS’s 6.67-inch OLED display is a pleasant surprise, considering its price.

The screen delivers vivid colours, deep blacks, and sharp details, courtesy of its FHD+ resolution and 394 PPI density. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and smooth animations, making the phone feel much snappier than many competitors in this price range.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

Brightness is another strong point. With a peak brightness of 2100 nits, the Reno 12 FS remains easily readable under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. The display also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, offering accurate and vibrant colour reproduction for media consumption and gaming.

However, the phone’s budget roots are evident in its screen-to-body ratio. The 92.2% ratio results in slightly thicker bezels and a more noticeable chin. While this won’t impact everyday use, it serves as a reminder of the phone’s price point.

Specs & Performance

• MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip
• 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage
• Handles everyday tasks well, but struggles with heavy gaming

The Reno 12 FS is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, a capable mid-range processor that ensures smooth performance for most everyday tasks.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

Paired with 12GB of DDR4X RAM, the phone breezes through multitasking, app launches and casual gaming without a hitch. The massive 512GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD) is a rarity in this price range, providing ample space for apps, media, and files.

For its price, the Reno 12 FS delivers commendable performance, though it’s not a powerhouse designed for heavy gaming or content watching. While the phone handles light-to-moderate gaming well, more demanding titles or watching high-resolution content seems to require lower settings to maintain a smooth experience.

Oppo Reno 12 FS benchmarks

Cameras

• Main 50Mp camera delivers sharp and vibrant images
• Ultrawide and macro cameras are decent but unremarkable
• 32Mp selfie camera excels in good lighting conditions

The Reno 12 FS features a triple-camera setup, led by a 50Mp primary sensor that produces sharp and detailed photos in good lighting. Colours are vibrant but not overly saturated, offering a natural look that’s ideal for social media and casual photography.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

Low-light performance is respectable, though some noise creeps in under challenging conditions. When using the dedicated Night Mode, this camera system does an impressive job of capturing extra light detail.