The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G launched in South Africa

The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G has officially launched in South Africa, priced at R18,999. This model is the first AI-focused phone from the Chinese manufacturer available in the country.

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In highlighting the phone’s AI capabilities, OPPO has emphasized its partnerships with Google, Microsoft, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. These collaborations aim to introduce next-generation AI phones under the OPPO brand.

“Breaking down the barriers of exclusivity traditionally associated with high-end devices, the Reno12 Pro marks a significant step forward in this journey. It introduces a suite of GenAI features for everyday use,” OPPO South Africa stated in a release shared with Hypertext.

“The AI toolbox, built on the Google Gemini 1.0 Ultra large language model (LLM), recognizes on-screen content and suggests relevant AI tools, like social media content generation or article summaries,” the company added.

Some of the GenAI-specific features on this device include a newly updated AI Eraser, which can remove unwanted elements from photos, and AI Studio, which can transform a single photo into digital avatars or artistic portraits.

“The Reno12 Pro, with its cutting-edge GenAI features and innovative design, is likely to be the first AI phone for many South Africans. We are democratizing access to advanced technology by offering the best-in-market features at an unbeatable price,” said Liam Faurie, head of go-to-market and operations at OPPO South Africa.

Regarding hardware, the Reno12 Pro 5G is powered by a 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, supporting its AI features and providing 5G connectivity. The phone includes three 50MP lenses: a primary and telephoto lens on the rear and a selfie lens up front.

It also features a large 5,000mAh battery with OPPO’s SUPERVOOC technology, enabling up to 80W fast charging. This allows the battery to reach 32 percent in just 10 minutes and 100 percent in 46 minutes.

Additionally, the Reno12 Pro 5G boasts what OPPO calls All-Round Armour for the body. According to the company, it can withstand being run over by a 3.2-tonne car, operates in extreme weather conditions, and is IP65-rated for water resistance. The phone also features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its 6.7″ FullHD+ display.