Introduction
The iQOO 12 Pro, launched in November 2023, is a flagship smartphone that has garnered attention for its powerful specifications and gaming capabilities. In this iQOO 12 Pro review, we delve into its design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and more, to see if it lives up to the hype as one of the best gaming smartphones of 2025. With features like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a 5100 mAh battery, it aims to compete with top-tier devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12.
iQOO 12 Pro Design and Build
The iQOO 12 Pro design is sleek and premium, making it one of the best-designed smartphones of 2025. Measuring 164.6 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm (or 8.8 mm for some variants) and weighing approximately 205–210 grams, it features a glass back panel and a metal frame. Available in Black, Red, and White color options, the Red variant with BMW M branding adds a sporty aesthetic. The phone is IP68 dust and water resistant, capable of withstanding immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, a step up from the iQOO 12’s IP64 rating (GSMArena Specifications). However, some users note that the glossy finish can be slippery and prone to fingerprints, suggesting the use of the included case.
|
Design
Specifications |
Details |
|
Dimensions |
164.6 x
75.4 x 8.6 mm (or 8.8 mm) |
|
Weight |
205–210
grams |
|
Materials |
Glass
back, metal frame |
|
Colors |
Black,
Red (BMW M branding), White |
|
IP
Rating |
IP68 |
iQOO 12 Pro Display Quality
The iQOO 12 Pro display is a standout feature, boasting a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits and HDR10+ support, it ensures excellent visibility outdoors and vibrant visuals for gaming and streaming (91mobiles Specifications). The display’s 1.07 billion color support and 518 PPI density deliver sharp and immersive visuals, making it ideal for Netflix and YouTube. Features like Wet Touch Technology enhance responsiveness, even with wet hands, which is a boon for gamers.
|
Display
Specifications |
Details |
|
Size |
6.78
inches |
|
Type |
LTPO
AMOLED |
|
Resolution |
1440 x
3200 pixels |
|
Refresh
Rate |
144Hz |
|
Brightness |
3000
nits (peak) |
iQOO 12 Pro Performance Benchmarks
At the heart of the iQOO 12 Pro performance is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. This combination ensures lightning-fast performance, making it one of the best smartphones for gaming in 2025. The Supercomputing Chip Q1 enhances gaming by optimizing frame rates, supporting up to 144 FPS in titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile. Benchmark scores, such as 1,983,471 on AnTuTu v10, place it ahead of competitors like the OnePlus 11 (GSMArena Specifications). A 6K VC Four-Zone Cooling System keeps temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions.
|
Performance
Metrics |
Details |
|
Chipset |
Snapdragon
8 Gen 3 + Supercomputing Chip Q1 |
|
RAM |
16GB
LPDDR5X |
|
Storage |
256GB/512GB/1TB
UFS 4.0 |
|
AnTuTu
v10 Score |
1,983,471
points |
|
Geekbench
6 |
Single-core:
2,225; Multi-core: 6,726 |
iQOO 12 Pro Camera Features
The iQOO 12 Pro camera quality is impressive, featuring a triple rear camera system:
- 50 MP Wide: f/1.7, 23mm, 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, OIS.
- 64 MP Periscope Telephoto: f/2.6, 70mm, 3x optical zoom, up to 100x digital zoom.
- 50 MP Ultrawide: f/2.0, 15mm, 119° field of view.
The 16 MP front camera is suitable for selfies. The rear cameras support 8K video at 30fps and 4K at up to 60fps with gyro-EIS for stabilization. Users praise the telephoto lens for detailed zoom shots and the main camera for vibrant daylight photos, though low-light performance may not match competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (GSMArena User Reviews).
|
|---|
iQOO 12 Pro Battery Life and Charging
The iQOO 12 Pro battery life is powered by a 5100 mAh battery, supporting 120W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. The 120W FlashCharge can fully charge the phone in under 30 minutes, and the battery lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage (91mobiles Specifications). Compared to the iQOO 12’s 5000 mAh battery, the Pro model offers slightly better endurance. The Pro-Performance Graphite Battery maintains ≥80% capacity after 1600 cycles, ensuring longevity.
|
Battery
Specifications |
Details |
|
Capacity |
5100 mAh |
|
Wired
Charging |
120W
FlashCharge |
|
Wireless
Charging |
50W |
|
Reverse
Wireless |
10W |
|
Charging
Time |
~25–30
minutes (0–100%) |
iQOO 12 Pro Software and Updates
The iQOO 12 Pro software runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, offering a customizable interface with gaming-centric features like Super Touch Control. In February 2025, iQOO extended software support to four years of Android OS updates (until 2027) and five years of security patches (until 2028), enhancing its long-term value (91mobiles Specifications). However, some users report bloatware and occasional promotional pop-ups, which may detract from the experience compared to Samsung’s One UI.
iQOO 12 Pro User Feedback
iQOO 12 Pro user reviews highlight its strengths in performance and display quality. One user noted, “It’s very fast because of its two chipsets, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Q1” (GSMArena User Reviews). The camera and gaming features also receive praise, but criticisms include the slippery design and USB 2.0 connectivity, which some feel is outdated for ascended to iQOO 12 Pro competes favorably with flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, offering better value at around €650.
iQOO 12 Pro vs iQOO 12
The iQOO 12 Pro vs iQOO 12 comparison reveals minor differences. The Pro model features a 5100 mAh battery (vs. 5000 mAh) and an IP68 rating (vs. IP64), making it more durable and slightly longer-lasting. Both share the same chipset, display, and camera setup, but the Pro’s premium build and enhanced features justify its higher price point (GSMArena Comparison).
Recent Updates (April 2025)
As of April 2025, the iQOO 12 Pro remains a strong contender, with extended software support ensuring updates until 2028. Wi-Fi 7 support was activated in China in April 2024, enhancing connectivity for supported regions. Discounts during events like the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 have made it more accessible (91mobiles Specifications).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iQOO 12 Pro is a top contender in the 2025 smartphone market, offering exceptional Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance, a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display, and long-term software support. Its **5100 mIf you're looking for a high-end Android phone with great gaming capabilities and value for money, the iQOO 12 Pro is definitely worth considering.
