Realme has steadily made a name for itself in the budget smartphone segment, and the Realme 12 is yet another promising addition to the lineup. But does it hold its own against the stiff competition? Is it an actual upgrade to the Realme 11? Can it be a budget beast? Let’s dive deep into this highly anticipated phone! I got my hands on the Realme 12, and after thorough testing, I’m ready to share my full thoughts in this detailed review.
Design: A Touch of Rolex Inspiration
Let’s start by addressing the obvious – the Realme 12 draws design inspiration from luxury watches like Rolex. The round camera module has a fresh look, adding a touch of elegance to the phone. Realme offers two unique color options: Twilight Purple and Woodland Green, both of which are eye-catching.
While the frame is plastic, it has a polished PVD coating that creates a shiny, almost metallic appearance. The phone has a comfortable weight of 188 grams and a sleek 7.69mm profile. Its boxy design and in-hand feel are reminiscent of higher-end models.
On the right side, you’ll find the power button integrated with a speedy fingerprint sensor, along with volume controls. And yes, there’s the good old 3.5mm headphone jack! The IP54 rating, while not full of dust and waterproofing, gives some peace of mind for everyday splashes.
Display: LCD Power
The Realme 12 sports a spacious 6.7-inch LCD panel protected by Asahi Dragontrail Star 2 glass. While it might not have the deep blacks of an AMOLED display, the LCD offers decent brightness and clarity. It’s a good compromise for the budget segment.
Realme 12 Cameras: A 108MP Surprise
The camera setup is led by a surprising 108MP primary sensor. This camera features 3x in-sensor zoom for sharper zoomed-in shots. In my testing, the Realme 12 captured detailed images with good color reproduction. It strives for a natural look, avoiding over-saturation, especially in well-lit environments.
Dynamic range is handled well, even though it sometimes struggles a little when there’s a bright background and a human subject. The 3x in-sensor zoom provides decent details, and the color consistency across the lenses is impressive. Of course, you can digitally zoom up to 20x, which, while not the most useful thing in the world, does offer surprising quality for the price.
Unfortunately, Realme chose a macro camera as the secondary lens. While somewhat usable, an ultrawide camera would’ve been vastly more practical. Portrait mode is functional with decent edge detection, but dynamic range limitations can creep in again.
Night mode is respectable for the price, brightening up dark scenes. The 8MP front camera takes decent selfies that should satisfy most casual users. Regarding the video, both front and back cameras can record 1080p at 30fps, delivering suitable quality for the segment.
Realme 12 5G Battery Life: Long and Lean
The Realme 12 features a generous 5000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage. When you do need a top-up, the 45W fast charger quickly gets you back in action. Expect a full charge in about 70 minutes and 50% in roughly half that time.
Performance & Specifications: The Dimensity Difference
The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, a capable mid-range chip. My test unit had 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, offering smooth performance in everyday tasks. Antutu benchmark scores exceeded 4 lakh, confirming solid performance in its price bracket. Even light gaming was perfectly enjoyable.
Realme UI 5 on top of Android 14 provides a smooth user experience. Realme’s promise of two major Android updates and three years of security patches is a huge plus in this budget category. Unfortunately, a few pre-installed bloatware apps are present, but most of them can be uninstalled or disabled.
Extra Perks
For connectivity enthusiasts, the Realme 12 supports 5G on both SIM slots and features dual speakers for better audio output. You also get the reliable Bluetooth 5.2 for your wireless accessories.
Should You Buy the Realme 12?
The Realme 12 is a compelling package for budget-conscious shoppers. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help with the buying decision:
Pros
- Unique, eye-catching design
- Good primary camera with 3x in-sensor zoom
- Large, durable battery with fast charging
- Excellent performance for the price
- Promising software support from Realme
- Generous specs including 5G and dual speakers
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- Dynamic range can struggle in tricky lighting scenarios
- Plastic build (understandable for the price)
- Some pre-installed bloatware
The Verdict
The Realme 12 isn’t perfect, but its attractive price point makes the shortcomings easier to swallow. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver on a budget, here’s why the Realme 12 might be perfect for you:
- Camera Enthusiasts on a Budget: The 108MP camera and in-sensor zoom offer quality beyond what most rivals deliver at this price range.
- Performance Seekers: The Dimensity 6100+ and 8GB of RAM make this a surprisingly powerful device for casual gaming and demanding everyday apps.
- Value above All Else: You get excellent build quality, software support, and a long-lasting battery – a winning combination at the right price.
Pricing is Key
To be a real contender, the Realme 12 should ideally be priced under 17,000 – 18,000 INR to offer the most competitive value proposition. If it fits your budget and priorities, then the Realme 12 is worth considering.
