The OnePlus 12's Action mode is a specialized camera feature designed to capture fast-moving subjects with clarity and reduced motion blur. It is particularly praised for its ability to freeze action shots with minimal effort, utilizing a combination of rapid burst shooting, dual-frame technology, and optical image stabilization. This mode supports shooting in burst, allowing users to capture multiple frames per second, which increases the likelihood of getting the perfect shot during dynamic moments. Action mode is integrated into the camera interface and is accessible through the top menu, where it sits conveniently between exposure controls and Google Lens features.
OnePlus has implemented Action mode to excel particularly with the telephoto lens, which provides users with the advantage of zoom capabilities while maintaining sharpness in fast-action shots. The mode employs a faster shutter speed and higher ISO settings compared to some competitors. For instance, it was used to capture sharp images of fast-paced sports activities like ice hockey at fractions of a second shutter speed (e.g., 1/2000 second) while managing the noise levels effectively given the high ISO used. This capability affords the OnePlus 12 a standout performance in scenarios where movement is intense and rapid, making it ideal for capturing children, pets, sports, or any subject in motion.
Compared with other smartphones, the OnePlus 12's Action mode performs well against heavyweights like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy series. Specifically, users on platforms like Reddit have noted that the OnePlus 12's Action mode competes closely with the Pixel when it comes to photographing dynamic subjects such as kids and pets, areas traditionally challenging for smartphone cameras. While Google's Action modes may utilize slower shutter speeds with computational methods to stabilize images, OnePlus opts for faster shutter speeds combined with hardware stabilization, offering a different approach that excels in certain conditions.
OnePlus 12 benefits from the Hasselblad co-engineering partnership, which enhances color accuracy and image processing, lending its Action mode shots a natural and vibrant appearance even under less-than-ideal lighting. Although the mode doesn't allow on-the-fly switching between default focal lengths while in use, it supports all rear lenses including telephoto and ultra-wide, making it flexible for different framing and compositional needs during action capture.
The Action mode's effectiveness also stems from OnePlus's proprietary algorithms. It uses enhanced capture algorithms, full-body gesture recognition, and rapid dual-frame technology. This technology combination allows users to snap up to 7 ProXDR pictures per second, ensuring that no moment is missed. Furthermore, the mode is part of a suite of camera options on the OnePlus 12, which includes a Master Mode (Pro mode), Movie mode (similar to professional video modes), slow-motion, time-lapse, and dual videoâall blending to offer a robust multimedia capture toolkit.
When specifically compared to Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone action or sports modes, the OnePlus 12's approach with a fast shutter speed results in crisper freeze-frame shots in adequate lighting. Samsung and Apple tend to rely more on computational photography techniques that might mix multiple exposures for sharpness and noise reduction. However, OnePlus prioritizes capturing the action at high speed with hardware and optical stabilization playing a significant role, which appeals to users who prefer a more direct capture method without extensive post-processing smoothing.
In summary, the OnePlus 12's Action mode is a high-performance feature tailored for capturing fast-moving subjects sharply, with support for burst photography, all three rear cameras, and stabilized, rapid shutter performance. Its balance of hardware speed, optical stabilization, and Hasselblad-enhanced color processing makes it highly competitive against flagship devices from Google, Samsung, and Apple, with particular strengths in versatility and clear, sharp results in sports and active scenarios. This feature adds significant value for users looking to capture high-speed activities without blurry images, making the OnePlus 12 a strong contender in the smartphone photography landscape for action shots.