The Realme 12+ 5G steps into the market as a member of the 12th generation Realme series, designed to offer a well-rounded experience for users who want a capable smartphone without delving into the high-end segment. This model provides a more affordable option compared to the Realme 12 Pro+, yet it still manages to cram in enough features to appeal to a broad audience. In this detailed review, we’ll investigate the Realme 12+ 5G’s strengths and weaknesses to see if it truly maintains its ground in the competitive mid-range category.
Key Features of Realme 12+ 5G
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050, 8 cores (2×Cortex-A78 @2.6 GHz, 6×Cortex-A55 @2.0 GHz)
- Graphics: Mali-G68 MC4 GPU
- Display: 6.67″ AMOLED, 1080×2400 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, 395 ppi
- Memory: 8/12 GB RAM, 256/512 GB internal storage, microSD support (combined slot)
- Camera: Triple rear camera setup (50 MP + 8 MP wide-angle + 2 MP macro), 4K video @30 fps, 16 MP front camera
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 67W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0
Design and Build Quality
The 12+ 5G’s design by Realme strikes a mix between functionality and contemporary style. The phone has a huge, spherical camera module on the back, a design decision that may not be to everyone’s taste because it detracts from the phone’s other elegant appearance. The phone’s body is made of metallized plastic, which gives off a metallic appearance but lacks the same upscale feel.
Review of Realme 12+ 5G.
A material that mimics eco-leather has been applied to the rear panel, giving it a matte, somewhat gritty texture that is both comfortable to handle and fingerprint-resistant. Nevertheless, this material’s long-term endurance is still in doubt because it could deteriorate with continued use. With a weight of only 190 grams, the phone is incredibly light—it weighs less than the 200 grams that many users find comfortable for everyday usage.
The protective case, USB-C cable, and 67W fast charger are among the usual yet useful accessories that come in the box. The case is clear and adaptable, accomplishing the task without significantly enhancing its visual appeal. It is utilitarian but nothing spectacular.
Camera Capabilities
A 50 MP primary sensor is in the center of a triple camera arrangement on the back of the Realme 12+ 5G. When the lighting is favorable, the primary camera performs admirably, generating crisp, detailed photos with a respectable dynamic range. Although the 8 MP wide-angle lens provides a wider field of vision, there is a notable reduction in clarity and distortion around the borders of the image.
Although it works, the 2 MP macro lens isn’t really valuable. It’s one of those things that, rather than being a truly helpful tool, feels more like a tick on a specification page. The primary and wide-angle cameras will be the preferred choices for the majority of users.
The main camera has trouble capturing detail in dim light, and night photography produces photographs that are frequently noisy. Although it exists, the digital zoom degrades image quality and is better avoided until absolutely required.
Video recording can be done in 4K at 30 frames per second, however the quality is rather mediocre. Particularly while panning, there is a notable loss of smoothness and stuttering. The sole accessible electronic image stabilization mode is 1080p, which compromises detail in favor of steadier video. All things considered, the camera system is adequate for casual photography but without any distinctive distinction.
Display Performance
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display that powers the Realme 12+ 5G offers the rich blacks and vivid colors that are typical of this type of screen technology. With a pixel density of 395 ppi, the display resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels offers clear visuals. The screen offers smooth scrolling and a more fluid experience with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is particularly visible when playing games and watching videos.
In bright lighting circumstances during our tests, the screen’s maximum brightness of 1125 cd/m² was achieved, which allowed for easy reading even in direct sunshine. The screen has excellent anti-glare qualities, and the oleophobic layer significantly reduces fingerprint smudges.
Although there are other color profiles available on the display, we discovered that the “Natural” profile is the most accurate because it produces a balanced color output without the oversaturation that is present in the “Vivid” or “Cinematic” modes. Overall, the screen offers both quality and adaptability, performing very well for a device in this price range.
Software and User Experience
With Realme’s UI 5.0 running on top of Android 14, the Realme 12+ 5G provides a snappy and fluid user experience. Although the interface is well-optimized, there are a lot of pre-installed programs and sporadic pop-up advertisements from Realme’s app store, which can be bothersome.
The integration of Google services, which guarantees complete access to the Google Play Store and other necessary apps, is one advantage. The stereo speakers produce loud, clear sound that is appropriate for watching media, however audiophiles may discover that the bass and depth are missing.
Performance and Gaming
The MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, which powers the Realme 12+ 5G, provides dependable performance for a variety of tasks. Gaming is handled adequately by the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, while more demanding games shouldn’t be played at their utmost settings. The phone comfortably fit into the mid-range bracket after scoring over 500,000 points in AnTuTu during our testing.
One positive is that there is not much throttling, and the phone handles heat well when playing games for extended periods of time. When attempting to push the gadget to its limits—such as trying to record 4K video at 60 frames per second, which it cannot do—the chipset’s limitations become apparent.
Battery Life and Charging
The remarkable battery life of the Realme 12+ 5G is one of its best qualities. With a 5000 mAh battery, you can play videos for up to 25 hours and play games for about 7 hours. Because of this, it’s a dependable option for people who need their phone to survive a full day of intensive use.
For individuals who are constantly on the go, the 67W fast charger that comes with the package can fully recharge the phone in just over an hour. For those users who prefer the ease of charging without a cable, the lack of wireless charging may be a disadvantage.
Final Verdict
The Realme 12+ 5G is a competent mid-range smartphone that performs admirably across the board without standing out in any specific category. For consumers searching for a dependable everyday driver, it is a sensible option because of its strong battery life, good AMOLED display, and respectable performance. It is a decent value for the money even though it lacks the upscale features of more costly models and has no significant defects.Final Verdict