OPPO is copying Samsung’s AI homework

OPPO has unveiled a refreshed Reno lineup that promises to bring new AI features and faster fast charging to the masses.

Announced ahead of an Australian launch on 11 July 2024, the first cab off the rank here is the Reno12. Built around a 6.7-inch OLED display clocked at 120Hz, the cheaper of the two devices comes kitted out with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Reno12 relies on a triple-lens rear camera setup that consists of a 50MP main lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. There's also a 32MP selfie camera built into the screen. Even if it's unlikely to outpace the iPhone 15, those numbers paint a picture of a mid-ranger that swings above its weight when it comes to performance. 

The more expensive Reno12 Pro shares most of these specs but differentiates itself when it comes to the camera hardware, design and on-board. On the front, the device boasts an "Infinite View Screen" with a quad micro-curve design. On the back, OPPO's latest ups the ante by swapping out the Reno12's 8MP ultrawide lens and 32MP selfie shooter for 50MP ones instead. On the inside, it's got double the amount of on-board storage.

The Reno12 and Reno12 Pro both feature 5000mAh batteries and lack support for wireless charging. Instead, the two devices feature the latest version of OPPO's SuperVOOC charging. This allows for 80W charging that can take the Reno12 from 1% to 48% charge in just 18 minutes.

Rather than performance and picture quality, OPPO is looking to emphasise the generative AI-powered features as a unique selling point for both the Reno12 and Reno12 Pro.

According to OPPO Australia managing director Michael Tran, the new devices represent a follow-through on the company's commitment to bring AI features to more affordable devices.

The list of AI-powered apps here bears some resemblance to the one seen in Samsung's recent fleet of flagships. You can perform seamless image alterations using OPPO's AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Clear Face and OPPO now has its version of the Best Take feature found in Google's Pixel line. There's also AI-powered dictation and summarisation for articles you read on the web plus instant transcription for voice recordings.

In Australia, the OPPO Reno12 starts at $799 while the OPPO Reno12 Pro starts at $999. Both devices go on sale on July 11 2024. If you preorder or pick up the new OPPO Reno12 Pro between June 27 and July 25, you'll score a free OPPO Watch X (valued at $799). Those who opt for the Reno12 will receive the OPPO Pad Neo (valued at $449) instead.