The OnePlus 12's curved display has been noted by users to present several common issues, which can be broadly categorized into usability challenges, durability concerns, visual artifacts, and protective accessory compatibility.
Usability Challenges:
A significant number of users report that the curved edges of the OnePlus 12 display cause problems with touch precision, particularly when interacting near the edges. For example, dragging icons from one screen page to another or scrubbing videos can be frustrating because the curved edges sometimes misinterpret or do not register touches accurately. This often results in unintended actions such as switching to a different app or failing to move items between pages as intended. Some users find that these issues are more pronounced in landscape mode and may be related to software handling of the curved screen gestures. Others note an improved experience compared to older OnePlus models, with less sensitivity to accidental touches, but the challenge remains notably for video scrubbing and icon management.
Durability Concerns:
Curved displays tend to be more fragile compared to flat screens. OnePlus 12 users mention that the curved edges are more prone to damage if the phone falls face down, as the curves expose more vulnerable areas of the glass. This fragility extends to difficulties with applying screen protectors, as many tempered glass protectors do not adhere well on curved edges, often requiring specialized liquid adhesives cured with UV light to ensure proper attachment. These protective measures are more complex and less reliable than with flat screens, leading to an increased risk of protective film peeling off or becoming loose, further exposing the curved edges to damage. Users also highlight that while cases help protect the device, curved edges are still a point of vulnerability. Replacing a damaged curved screen is usually more expensive than replacing a flat screen due to the complexity and rarity of the components.
Visual Artifacts:
One issue occasionally observed with the OnePlus 12 display is color shifting or halo effects near the curved edges. Users report that colors may appear distorted, and there is a visible black halo or light fall-off along the edges of the screen, which can detract from the immersive viewing experience. This color inconsistency is sometimes referred to as a "halo effect," which is more noticeable under certain lighting conditions or specific viewing angles. Additionally, there have been rare reports of "green line" defects appearing on OLED screens, which is a hardware fault usually related to the display panel itself. While OnePlus has largely mitigated this by using BOE panels instead of Samsung panels (previously linked to the green line issue), the problem is not completely absent. To diagnose, users are advised to take screenshots to determine if the green line is a hardware or software issue, as hardware-related lines will show up in screenshots and software issues will not.
Protective Accessory Compatibility:
A common complaint about curved displays is the difficulty in finding effective screen protectors. Standard tempered glass protectors often fail to fully adhere to the curved surfaces, requiring alternative solutions such as liquid adhesives and UV curing processes, which add complexity and sometimes fail prematurely. This means users often have to compromise between protection and usability. Additionally, some users express frustration that protective cases and screen protectors do not always stay securely attached, and dirt or grime can accumulate between the case and the display, further complicating protection efforts. Cases do help by covering the edges somewhat, reducing the impact from drops, but cannot fully negate the vulnerability inherent in curved displays.
Additional Observations:
Some users perceive the curved design as aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic, offering a sleek and unique look compared to flat displays. They find curved edges enhance the in-hand feel and support gesture navigation better. However, others see the curved display as a drawback mainly due to the increased risk of accidental touches and the "halo effect." Some users who are sensitive to PWM (pulse-width modulation) flickering hope that the OnePlus 12's display technology, including its special brightness settings, will mitigate eyestrainâa concern more common with OLED displays regardless of curvature. One more issue unrelated specifically to the screen curvature but worth noting involves minor manufacturing defects such as slight gaps between the display and the frame, reported by some 12R users, which may affect device durability and screen uniformity.