OnePlus 12 vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The OnePlus 12 aims to be a refined all-rounder, offering a premium experience across the board. Conversely, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is unapologetically geared towards mobile gaming, packing features and optimizations for hardcore gamers. Both devices share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, making a direct comparison of their implementations crucial for discerning the best fit.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience with excellent camera capabilities and fast charging, the OnePlus 12 emerges as the winner. However, gamers who demand the brightest display, dedicated gaming features, and slightly longer battery life will find the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro the superior choice.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 12 Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, December 052024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, December 11Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~510 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 113.0 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 16 (International), ColorOS (China)Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired, PD, QC, 100% in 26 min (International) 80W wired, PD, QC, 100% in 30 min (USA) 50W wireless, 100% in 55 min 10W reverse wireless65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 5400 mAh5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsFlowy Emerald, Silky Black, Silver (Glacial White)Phantom Black
ModelsPJD110, CPH2573, CPH2581, CPH2583AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price$ 639.99 / C$ 1,099.99 / £ 549.00 / € 527.00$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66
SAR1.18 W/kg (head)     0.68 W/kg (body)-

OnePlus 12

  • Significantly faster wired charging (100W/80W)
  • Stronger all-around camera system (likely)
  • More balanced design and software experience

  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Slightly shorter battery life

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Much brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Longer battery life in active use
  • Dedicated gaming features (AirTriggers, cooling)

  • Slower wired charging (65W/30W)
  • Gaming-focused design may not appeal to everyone
  • Wireless charging is significantly slower

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1765 nits compared to the OnePlus 12’s 1155 nits. This difference is immediately noticeable in direct sunlight, giving the ROG Phone a clear advantage for outdoor use. While both utilize high refresh rate panels, the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness and potentially superior color calibration (though not specified in the data) cater specifically to gamers and media consumers who demand visual fidelity. The OnePlus 12’s display is still excellent, but falls short in peak luminance.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the provided data doesn’t allow for a detailed comparison beyond noting both support photo and video capture. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s camera system is likely tuned for vibrant, shareable images, while OnePlus typically aims for a more natural color profile. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, given OnePlus’s established reputation for camera quality, it likely holds a slight edge in overall image processing and versatility.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) with an identical CPU configuration – a 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s advanced cooling system, coupled with its gaming-centric software optimizations, likely allows it to sustain peak performance for longer periods without thermal throttling. While the OnePlus 12 will deliver excellent performance, the ROG Phone is engineered for extended, demanding gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro edges out the OnePlus 12 in battery life, achieving 14:43 hours of active use compared to the OnePlus 12’s 14:11 hours. This difference, while not massive, is significant for power users. However, the OnePlus 12 compensates with significantly faster charging: 100W wired (international) or 80W (USA) can fully charge the phone in 26-30 minutes, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro takes 39 minutes with its 65W wired charging. The ROG Phone also offers slower 15W wireless charging compared to the OnePlus 12’s 50W wireless, and both offer 10W reverse wireless charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 12 if you need a versatile flagship with a stunning display, incredibly fast charging (especially the international 100W variant), and a strong camera system for everyday photography and videography. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prioritize an immersive gaming experience, demand the highest possible screen brightness for outdoor visibility, and appreciate features like AirTriggers and a more robust cooling system.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro's AirTrigger system offer a significant advantage in gaming?
Yes, the AirTriggers on the ROG Phone 8 Pro provide customizable shoulder buttons that can be mapped to in-game actions, offering a more tactile and responsive gaming experience compared to on-screen controls. This is particularly beneficial for fast-paced action games and shooters.
❓ How does the OnePlus 12's charging speed vary between the international and US models?
The OnePlus 12 supports 100W wired charging internationally, allowing a full charge in approximately 26 minutes. However, the US model is limited to 80W, increasing the charging time to around 30 minutes. Both models support PD and QC standards.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
While both displays are excellent, the 610-nit difference in peak brightness is most noticeable outdoors in direct sunlight. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s brighter display will remain easily readable in these conditions, while the OnePlus 12 may require finding shade.
❓ Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro's gaming-focused software impact its battery life during non-gaming tasks?
While the ROG Phone 8 Pro has gaming-centric software, it allows users to switch between performance profiles. Using a balanced or power-saving profile during everyday tasks minimizes the impact on battery life, ensuring comparable endurance to the OnePlus 12.