Staying connected is a modern necessity but it isn’t always a guarantee even in 2024. Signal consistency, especially for a country like the Philippines, is still an issue. And this statement remains true whether you’re in the city or out exploring the rest of the country. Either way, it can’t be denied that reliable connectivity is crucial for both work and leisure.

Amid the buzz around AI advancements in 2024, the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G’s AI LinkBoost feature stands out as a genuinely useful tool. Aiming to solve one of our most persistent connectivity issues, I wanted to see just how useful the AI LinkBoost feature really is.

What is AI LinkBoost?

AI LinkBoost is OPPO’s own communication technology designed to enhance your network experience.

Using a  360° Surround Antenna system with nine individual antennas along with system-level AI, network conditions are analyzed and your phone will continuously switch networks to provide you with a more stable and reliable connection.

• Smarter Dual SIM Management: Allows simultaneous calls and internet browsing (available in India).
• Stable High-Speed Connectivity: Maintains strong connections on high-speed trains and in crowded locations.
• Quick Signal Recovery: Recovers quickly from weak signal areas like elevators and basements.
• Minimized Lag and Faster Switching: Reduces lag when using data-intensive apps and switches rapidly between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
• Enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Performance: Doubles Wi-Fi speeds compared to other phones and minimizes interruptions when both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are connected.
• Improved Location Accuracy: Provides better pos

What is BeaconLink?

BeaconLink, on the other hand, is for when you really have no connectivity at all. Instead, it relies on Bluetooth and works to enhance device-to-device voice calls over Bluetooth at distances of up to 200 meters, even in environments without traditional network coverage.

It will, essentially, turn your phone into a Bluetooth walkie-talkie. This is particularly useful in situations like flights, remote locations, or crowded events where conventional networks might fail.

Real-World Test: AI LinkBoost in Action

To see AI LinkBoost in action, I put it to the test in a typical city environment – right outside my door

Living in a concrete-enclosed building in bustling Metro Manila, connectivity issues are a common challenge. I lose both data and Wi-Fi signals just a few steps from my door, and I don’t regain a signal until I reach the lobby.

And I know that in those few moments, a lot can happen.

Given this, I was keen to see if AI LinkBoost could make a difference. I conducted a simple test: I left my apartment and waited by the elevator, a space void of any network connection while monitoring my signal strength. Here’s what happened:

Turning off my Wi-Fi and relying solely on data, I checked my connection speed a few seconds before heading out the door – 13mbps. This may seem low but it’s already an improvement. I heavily rely on my wi-fi connection when working from home because data is too inconsistent and too slow often not reaching 10mbps.

But the real test was just about to happen. I gathered my things, left, and locked the door. As I waited for the elevator, which usually takes a beat or two, I checked on my signal strength – 4 bars.

Again, already an improvement because my previous non-OPPO phone would already have an X in the same area I was waiting in indicating no connection at all.

While waiting for the elevator, I tested the speed on the Reno12 Pro—it was 2 Mbps. Although not fast, this solidly demonstrates that AI LinkBoost is working. At 2 Mbps, I could still receive messages and notifications. Loading images and videos might take longer, but staying connected was a significant win for this modern creature.

I’m even considering getting the rest of my family OPPO phones for the benefit of BeaconLink, which could be useful for emergency communication – but that’s a topic for another time.

Final thoughts

AI has become a buzzword, often losing its impact amid the constant stream of “AI this” and “AI that.” We’re frequently overwhelmed by its novelty, sometimes overlooking its practical applications.

It’s then ever crucial to highlight the meaningful features that AI can bring to our lives.OPPO’s AI LinkBoost and BeaconLink are excellent examples, especially in a country like the Philippines, where reliable reception is still a challenge in many areas.

You never really know when you need to be reached or when you need to reach someone so utilizing AI for something non-gimmicky like this is something I truly appreciate from OPPO.

Pricing and availability.

The OPPO Reno12 Pro Series 5G is now available in the Philippines. The base OPPO Reno12 5G is priced at  Php 24,999 while the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G, used in this article, is priced at Php 34,999.

Both variants are available in the Silver Nebula color. The base model also comes in Matte Brown while the Pro offers Space Brown as an alternative.

Perks and discounts for the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G are also available through the MyOPPO App. Bind your new OPPO Reno12 5G or OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G and look out for exciting offers and freebies.

This post is sponsored by OPPO Philippines. Views and opinions are the author’s own.