Despite the jarring frequency of churning out new models, I’ve always liked the Reno series’ flashy designs and innovative features. But recently, Oppo has been pulling a fast one on their global fans, and it’s not cool.
With the recent launch of the Oppo Reno 12 series in India, Oppo fans worldwide will be eager to get their hands on the latest devices. However, a closer look at the specs reveals a troubling trend: Oppo is shipping lower-quality processors, cameras, displays, and features in its global models compared to their Chinese counterparts. This disparity has me questioning Oppo’s practices — is the company prioritizing profit margins over consumer satisfaction outside China?
You see, Oppo’s latest Reno 12 series phones are causing quite a stir, and not in a good way. These phones are getting a serious downgrade compared to their Chinese counterparts.
Chinese Renos vs. global Renos
Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
In China, the Oppo Reno 12 boasts a Micro-quad Curve display, a Dimensity 8250 Star Edition processor, and a robust camera setup with a 50MP wide lens, a 50MP 2x JN5 telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. It supports 4K video recording at 60fps, various slow-motion options, and a range of advanced video features. The selfie camera is equally impressive, with a 50MP sensor capable of 4K video recording and multiple shooting modes.
Now, let’s hop over to the global version. The global Reno 12 comes with a 3D Flexible AMOLED display, a weaker Dimensity 7300-Energy processor, and a considerably weaker camera array: a 50MP wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. Gone is the telephoto lens. Video recording tops out at 4K@30fps, and slow-motion capabilities are non-existent. The selfie camera is downgraded to 32MP, and several video features are missing or limited.
The Pro version? More like “Pro-lific disappointment”
The Reno 12 Pro in China is a beast. It packs a Dimensity 9200+ Star Edition processor, a 50MP main camera (IMX 890 with OIS), and a plethora of video recording options, including 4K at 60fps and multiple slow-motion modes. The front camera is also top-tier, mirroring the capabilities of the rear camera with 4K@60fps recording.
Contrast this with the global Reno 12 Pro, which settles for a Dimensity 7300-Energy processor and a slightly inferior 50MP main camera (Sony LYT-600 ~ IMX 882). The video recording capabilities are also a step down, with the main camera limited to 4K@30fps and the front camera defaulting to beautification modes. Slow-motion recording is supported, but the range of options is narrower.
To add insult to injury, the Dimensity 7300 SoC used in the global models is the same one found in the budget-friendly Nothing CMF Phone 1, priced at around $200 (Kshs 35,000). In comparison, the pricing for the Reno 12 series in India is INR 36,999 (~ Kshs 58,000) for the 256GB Reno 12 Pro, INR 40,999 (~ Kshs 64,000) for the 512GB version, and INR 32,999 (~ Kshs 52,000) for the 8GB+256GB Reno 12. So, you’re paying a premium for a device with a processor designed for budget phones. Ouch.
Historical context shows a pattern of disparity
This isn’t a one-off issue. Looking back at previous models, the pattern becomes evident. The Chinese Reno 10 Pro came with the Dimensity 8200, while the global version was saddled with the Snapdragon 778G. The Reno 11 Pro followed a similar trend, and now the Reno 12 Pro continues this disconcerting practice.
One can’t help but wonder what Oppo has in store for the global Reno 13 Pro. Snapdragon 695, perhaps? At this rate, it’s anyone’s guess.
It’s unclear whether Oppo’s global strategy involves catering to retailers and distributors who might be pushing for higher profit margins at the expense of quality. While this might make business sense, it’s a raw deal for global consumers who are left with subpar devices. Is it that Oppo simply doesn’t care about its global customers as much as its Chinese ones? Whatever the reason, it’s not fair to global buyers who are paying a premium for what they think are top-of-the-line phones.
So, Oppo, if you’re listening, it’s time to level the playing field. Your loyal customers deserve the same high-quality devices as those in your home market. After all, in a globalized world, shouldn’t quality and innovation know no borders?
And to all the global Oppo fans out there, keep an eye on those spec sheets, and maybe, just maybe, hold off on that upgrade until things improve. Or, at the very least, make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, even if it means looking beyond the Reno series.
