Oppo's Reno 12 FS is an excellent budget phone, but you probably shouldn't buy one

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.

While the 8Mp ultrawide camera and 2Mp macro lens are nice to have, they are most definitely less impressive, serving as functional additions rather than standout features.

The ultrawide performs decently in well-lit environments, while the macro lens struggles with detail and sharpness – especially if you get very close to the subject. Portrait Mode is similarly unhelpful, as it seems to really struggle with edge detection. The lack of a Night Mode is another notable exclusion here.

The 32Mp selfie camera is a bright spot, delivering clear and vibrant images in good lighting. It’s perfect for video calls and selfies, though performance diminishes slightly in dimmer settings.

Battery Life & Charging

• 5000mAh battery
• 45W SuperVOOC fast charging
• Intelligent battery management options

The Oppo Reno 12 FS impresses with a 5000mAh battery, a capacity often seen in pricier phones. This large battery ensures the phone can comfortably last through a full day of moderate to heavy use.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

During my testing, the Reno 12 FS consistently delivered a full day of screen time, which included a mix of gaming, social media browsing, streaming videos, and taking photos. For lighter users, this could easily stretch well into a second day before needing to recharge.

The device supports 45W fast charging, which is a standout feature in this price bracket. Using Oppo’s proprietary SuperVOOC charger, the Reno 12 FS can go from 0 to 50% in less than 30 minutes and reach a full charge in just under 70 minutes.

While it doesn’t include wireless charging, the rapid wired charging speed more than compensates, especially at this price point.

The Reno 12 FS also includes intelligent battery management features in ColorOS 14.0.1, such as an Optimized Night Charge Mode, which prevents overcharging by slowing down the charging process when the battery reaches 80% during overnight charging. Combined with its efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset and adaptive refresh rate, the Reno ensures excellent battery longevity without compromising performance.

Software & Features

• Runs Android 14 with ColorOS 14.0.1 skin
• Four years of updates
• Fun AI features

The Oppo Reno 12 FS runs ColorOS 14.0.1 on top of Android 14, offering a highly customisable user experience. From tweaking icons and animations to adjusting the Cosmos Ring light for notifications, the software provides plenty of personalisation options.

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

AI features are baked in, as is the trend these days. One such feature is the AI Eraser for removing unwanted elements from photos, and trying this feature out, it’s surprisingly comparable in quality to Google’s Magic Eraser.

Although, you’ll have to judge if you’ll actually use the feature. The inclusion of Gemini as a default assistant further enhances usability, making everyday tasks more intuitive.

With four years of guaranteed updates from launch, Oppo ensures the Reno 12 FS remains relevant for years to come, making it a solid long-term investment. Three years of major OS updates is also a decent commitment, though it’s worth noting that will only take you to Android 17.

Price & Availability

The Oppo Reno 12 FS launched in late 2024 with a starting price of £299 in the UK, offering incredible value.

It comes in vibrant colours such as Racing Green and Amber Orange, and is available through major retailers and Oppo’s online store.

The phone isn’t available on contract, so you’ll have to buy it outright and pair with a SIM deal. And like all Oppo phones, it’s not being sold in the US.

The launch price puts at right at the top of what we’d consider to be a budget phone, though some mid-range handsets are only slightly more expensive. Key rivals include the Samsung Galaxy A26 and Nothing Phone (3a).

Connor Jewiss / Foundry

Should you buy the Oppo Reno 12 FS?

The Oppo Reno 12 FS shows just how good a budget phone can be. With its premium design, vibrant display, reliable performance, and thoughtful features such as expandable storage and the Cosmos Ring, it offers incredible bang for your buck.

While it’s not without compromises, such as average secondary cameras and the lack of wireless charging, these shortcomings are forgivable given the price. If you’re seeking an affordable yet capable smartphone, the Reno 12 FS is a solid choice.

However, with the newer Reno 13 FS already available, it’s harder to justify this older model unless you find it significantly discounted.

Specs

Dimensions: 163.8 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm
Weight: 192 g
Display: 6.67-inch OLED, FHD+, 120Hz, 394 PPI
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
RAM: 12GB DDR4X
Storage: 512GB, expandable via microSD
Rear Cameras: 50Mp f/1.8 (main), 8Mp f/2.2 (ultrawide), 2Mp f/2.4 (macro)
Front Camera: 32Mp f/2.0
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired charging
Software: Android 14 with ColorOS 14.0.1
Special Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP64 rating, Cosmos Ring notification light