One Plus 12
With high points from its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor to unmatched display quality and advanced cameras, the OnePlus 12 may still not be the company’s dream product.
The pressing issues regarding the motherboard failure would plague the users, to whom this will cost up to ₹20,000 just to get it repaired and could have left customers a little frustrated and questioning what goes wrong with the making and if the company pays as much attention to service in after-sales.
Overview of the Problem
Since the device’s launch, many OnePlus 12 users have experienced motherboard failure within months of use.
Such failures usually make the gadget unusable, and owners have no choice but to spend a lot of money on repair.
The motherboard is one of the costliest parts in the OnePlus 12. Replacement costs for basic configurations start at ₹15,000, and it can go up to ₹20,000 or more for high-end models.
This brings the perspective that a basic version of OnePlus 12 starts from ₹49,999 in India. Repairing the motherboard might cost up to 40% of the device’s original price, a charge most users consider utterly unjustified.
Although this is seen to affect just a tiny percentage of the population, the high repairing charges exacerbate the irritation.
User Experience and Complaints
Customer complaints have been very vocal through user forums as well as other social media venues.
Users are complaining of unexplained and spontaneous shutdowns by devices after purchase, sometimes even on the same day and sometimes immediately after software updation.
Many users state that at the service centre, OnePlus has told customers that it is a failed motherboard, and the high repair price was quoted by the staff.
For example, one user shared their experience on the OnePlus Community forum, stating that his device had failed just weeks after its purchase.
Despite being under warranty, he faced significant delays in repairs and limited support from the company. Another customer, out of warranty, was shocked to receive a repair estimate of ₹19,000 for a phone he had purchased for ₹52,000
Possible Causes
While OnePlus has not reported the reasons for these motherboard failures publicly, several theories have emerged about the possible causes. In fact, experts speculate that some manufacturing defects or lack of enough quality control might be the culprits.
Overheating, especially in long durations of gaming or high usage, could be another likely cause, straining on the motherboard components. Several users also feel that updates in recent software might somehow be indirectly causing the issues by increasing power consumption and other hardware stresses.
Comparison With Competitors
High repair costs are not exclusive to OnePlus. For instance, motherboard replacements for flagship Samsung Galaxy variants are above ₹25,000, and the motherboard replacement of Apple iPhone is ₹30,000 and above.
But OnePlus has always sold itself as a brand which gives the flagship performance at affordable prices. So high repair costs are a real shocker and disappointing to its ardent customer group.
Comparison With Competitors
This is not an exclusive issue with OnePlus. Motherboard replacement for the high-end Samsung Galaxy model will cost more than ₹25,000, and motherboard repair for Apple iPhone will cost more than ₹30,000.
However, OnePlus has been marketed as a brand offering flagship performance at affordable prices. Thus, the high repair costs are shocking and frustrating for its loyal customer base.
Impact on Brand Reputation
The motherboard issue may well be the one that finally dents OnePlus’s otherwise reliable brand image.
It is not the first time the company has faced criticism for hardware issues. Earlier models, including the OnePlus 9 Pro, had display issues, and some OnePlus 10 users have reported battery drainage problems.
If these issues are not sorted out, it could eat into customer trust and loyalty.
The timing is particularly concerning for OnePlus because this is an increasingly crowded market for premium smartphones.
Rivals like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi are strengthening their foothold with robust devices and more comprehensive after-sales support. OnePlus has to step up on these challenges pronto to hold its ground.
What You Can Do If You’re an OnePlus 12 Owner With Motherboard Issues
Take the following steps if you are one of the OnePlus 12 owners experiencing motherboard issues.
1. Check whether your device is still within the warranty period. Maybe the repair cost will be covered, and you avoid paying out-of-pocket.
2. Negotiate Through Customer Service: Try raising your complaint with OnePlus service. Some people have bargained for a discount on or even free repairs due to this very step of escalation.
3. Watch Software Updates: Avoid installing the major updates at the release date. See how other people experience problems and then go for it.
4. Use Device Insurance: Look for mobile insurance plans to save on expensive repairs.
5. Join Community Conversations: Discuss with others in forums or social media regarding possible solutions or joint action against the company.
Steps Forward for OnePlus
To mitigate the damage and restore customer confidence, OnePlus should take proactive measures:
Offer Free Repairs for Affected Devices: Providing complimentary repairs for devices with known issues would demonstrate the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Extend Warranty Coverage: Offering extended warranties for devices prone to these issues could reassure customers and protect the brand’s reputation.
Improve Quality Control: Strengthening manufacturing and testing processes is essential to prevent similar problems in future models.
Enhance Customer Support: Providing timely and transparent communication to affected users can help mitigate frustrations.
The OnePlus 12 mother issue is a harsh reminder about balancing innovation and reliability in consumer technology. While the firm does take some steps to allay customer concerns, some actions are necessary to counter possible long-term damage on their reputation.
For OnePlus enthusiasts, hope is that these issues will lead to meaningful changes, not only in hardware reliability but also in the company’s approach to customer service.
As OnePlus continues to innovate, its ability to address these challenges effectively will be critical to maintaining its position as a leading player in the premium smartphone market.
