How does the OnePlus 12's telephoto lens perform in low-light conditions

Low-Light Performance of the Telephoto Lens

1. Image Quality: The telephoto lens performs reasonably well in low-light scenarios, but it does have limitations. While the overall camera system has improved significantly, particularly with the new Sony LYT-808 sensor that captures more light, users have reported that when using the telephoto lens in low light, the camera often defaults to the main lens instead. This switch occurs because the main lens can gather more light, resulting in brighter images but often at the cost of detail and clarity, leading to grainy results[1][3].

2. User Experience: Some users express frustration with this automatic switching feature, preferring to maintain control over their shooting settings. In low-light conditions, while the telephoto lens can technically capture images, the quality may suffer due to increased noise and graininess compared to images taken with the main sensor[2][3].

3. Comparison with Other Devices: Reviews indicate that the OnePlus 12's low-light capabilities are competitive with other flagship devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro. Many users have noted a marked improvement in low-light photography compared to previous OnePlus models, making it a viable option for those who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions[2][4].

4. Overall Impression: Despite some drawbacks, including potential graininess when relying solely on the telephoto lens in low light, the OnePlus 12 represents a significant step forward in smartphone photography for OnePlus. The collaboration with Hasselblad has enhanced color accuracy and image processing, contributing positively to overall photo quality even in less-than-ideal lighting[1][2].

In summary, while the OnePlus 12's telephoto lens shows improvements in low-light performance compared to its predecessors, users may still encounter challenges related to automatic switching and image quality degradation under these conditions.