The Portrait Mode is the quickest way to create pro-looking photos, and so when OPPO brings in more AI smartphone capabilities to its newest AI smartphones, the OPPO Reno12 5G and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G, expect to be blown away.

This was our experience during two occasions when we joined the OPPO photowalk in Pampanga and while our editor-in-chief Geolette Esguerra was recently in Rome, Italy.

The photowalk featured the newest Portrait Experts: the OPPO Reno12 5G and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G which redefined the smartphone experience with intuitive AI features that integrate into different aspects of our lives.

These continue the legacy of the highly-renowned Reno Series, with its powerful AI camera system, futuristic and stylish design, powerful battery and fast charging, and reliable durability.

Mobile photography to the test

What did we love? The Ultra-Clear Camera System with AI Portrait features that makes every shot stunning and picturesque despite different conditions. The OPPO Reno12 5G and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G both have powerful camera systems that include a 50MP Sony LYT-600 Main Camera with an All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF and OIS, and a 112° Ultra-Wide Camera with Sony IMX355 Sensor.

The OPPO Reno12 Pro’s 50MP Telephoto Camera has a S5KJN5 Sensor and 2x Optical Zoom and 20x Hybrid Zoom, so this can easily capture half-body portraits with a natural bokeh effect, comparable to professional cameras.

Portrait mode photos take it a level higher, bokeh comparable to pro cameras! “Even accidental snaps like these give it a cinematic feel with the bokeh. Featured here are friends from Mexico Estefi Merelles and Roberto Gallegos.”

We loved how the 50MP main camera works well in taking photos and videos from afar. We’ve been using the phone for event coverage, and even from a distance, the videos come out clear and sharp. The zoom function provides HD-quality images, which helps produce photo content for our articles and posts.

Judy: Inside Betis Church (dubbed as “the Sistine Chapel” of the Philippines.) in Guagua, Pampanga taken using the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G

The pro feature of the camera is particularly impressive, allowing me to adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and focus, giving me greater control over my shots. This makes my photos look good for posting on my social media.

Judy: 'I've been using the OPPO Reno 12 Series Pro 5G for event coverage and OOTD shoots, and it has consistently exceeded my expectations.'

Check out OPPO’s Flash Snapshot feature which has nuanced adjustments of the shutter speed based on ambient light levels. 

Best selfies so far

When our editor Geolette traveled to Rome, she used the selfie functions for her OOTDs and content.

“Jet-lagged and under the 40-degree sun in Rome, the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G helped me look a lot ‘rested’ and chill whenever I needed to take a selfie. No need for a separate app or filter as the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G comes with AI Portrait retouching capabilities with autofocus and Portrait mode. Depending on the backdrop, I moved from 0.8x, 1x, and 2x zoom easily, so I didn’t have to reach out for the rear phone camera for the desired selfie effect,” says Geolette.

Better than any filter: The AI Portrait retouching on selfie softens the features and gives that gorgeous glow. Check out how the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G’s AI Portrait Retouching adjusts aspects like face shape, cheekbones, and hairline!

For both phones, there’s the Natural Tone feature which intelligently adjusts exposure based on the scene, capturing more realistic lighting effects and natural skin tones. It can detect various scenes, including diverse skin tones, buildings, and ambient lighting, ensuring the most natural skin tone whether in a selfie or a group photo.

OPPO brand ambassador David Licauco captured some kilig-worthy selfies just for us! When asked about his favorite features of the new OPPO Reno12 Series 5G, David enthusiastically praised the camera and its impressive new upgrades.

Removing Objects and Flaws

The upgraded AI Eraser 2.0, with its “Remove People” function, is a game-changer. It’s incredibly user-friendly and feels like having an editing tool right at our fingertips with just a few taps. The improved Smart Lasso and Paint Over functions also add to the overall ease of use.

OPPO’s AI Eraser 2.0 employs a comprehensive Diffusion Model, making it comparable to professional photo editing software.

'On our family trip, I used the AI Eraser 2.0’s Remove People and Smart Lasso to remove extra people from my photo—thanks to these tools, the editing was perfectly seamless.'

Also, the Smart Lasso and Paint Over functions have seen improved accuracy since it was featured in the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G last April, now boasting up to 98% recognition accuracy for virtually any object in everyday situations.

EIC Geolette shares how she was simply amazed at how she managed to remove every single person at the Spanish Steps. “Normally we try to go to the steps very early in the morning so we won’t encounter a lot of photo bombers. Who would have thought that I could simply remove everyone using the AI Eraser 2.0. I kept showing this to everyone and it was simply wild!”

Stylish and fluid design

The phone's minimalist and lightweight design makes it a pleasure to use without feeling bulky or heavy. It features a space-craft inspired, fluid metallic design and stylish colorways: The OPPO Reno12 5G comes in Astro Silver, Sunset Pink, and Matte Brown while the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is available in Nebula Silver and Space Brown.

The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G comes in Nebula Silver and Space Brown

Despite its sleek profile at just 7.4 millimeters and a weight of only 180 grams, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is fitted with excellent build protection, thanks to OPPO’s High-strength Alloy Framework that enhances corrosion and temperature resistance, and thermal conductivity. With an IP65 rating, the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G also excels in dust and water resistance.

Both devices also boast the toughest screen in the Reno Series’ history, providing ultra-flagship level resistance against impacts, drops, bending, and scratches. The OPPO Reno12 5G has a Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i while the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G has a Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.

Fun and useful features for connectivity

One of the other features include the AI Studio, which is a free, pre-installed app on both devices that gives you the ability to transform any of your photos into a digital avatar or profile picture.

Then there’s the AI LinkBoost which is a next-generation proprietary communication technology developed by OPPO that redefines connectivity standards. AI LinkBoost features a 360º Surround Antenna and Intelligent Network Selection, guaranteeing robust connectivity even in the most challenging scenarios.

Despite the slim profile, the phones come with a massive 5,000mAh battery, with fast charging via OPPO’s 80W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge, which can charge the phone from 1% to 47% in just 18 minutes and from 1% to 100% in just 49 minutes.

Get the OPPO Reno12 5G for Php 24,999 or the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G priced at Php 34,999 available nationwide!

Loyal MyOPPO App users can still redeem a PHP 3,000 discount code from CUL-DE-SAC and AKIMBO until stocks last:

• 4,500 Mabuhay Miles
• PHP 1,000 Gift Code from Happy Skin
• PHP 3,000 CUL-DE-SAC and AKIMBO Discount Codes
• PHP 300 Gift Code from Zalora

Exclusive discounts on OPPO Care are also available for OPPO Reno12 Series 5G purchases until August 11:

• OPPO Care Plan for OPPO Reno12 5G is Php 999 (from Php 1,599)
• OPPO Care Plan for OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is Php 1,299 (from Php 1,799)

The OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is available on OPPO’s official Shopee page, and via Lazada and TikTok Shop channels.

Check out some of Geolete’s favorite snaps from Rome. Take note, no retouching at all on these images:

- Sharpness seen on the foreground yet it can also capture cinematic sun flares

- Gorgeous colors during my daytime run

- UCB Bag twinning portrait with Mitch Briones

- The camera captures the vivid color of Italian fare

- Macro mode captured the cute gold flecks on this dessert

- This bar area was somewhat dark, so the night mode came in handy for these darker interiors

- This was around 830PM, almost at sundown, so thank you to night mode

- The level of detail is amazing, try to zoom in and it’s so sharp!

- You know your phone works miracles if it can make you look ‘happy’ early in the morning!