Highlights

• Offers a premium design with a vegan leather back and a polished aesthetic.
• Features a 120Hz FHD+ display for smooth visuals but lacks AMOLED quality.
• 108MP main camera delivers detailed photos, though night mode could improve.
• Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset for balanced performance and efficiency.

The Realme 12 5G is the third entrant in the company’s signature Realme 12 series, following closely on the heels of the Realme 12 Pro lineup launched last month.

While the handset doesn’t claim the premium tag of its predecessors it does impress me, at least on paper, with a slew of top-notch features. 

I feel that the Realme 12 5G can deliver considerable value but to be sure it has to be put through the wringer, so to speak.

Let’s delve deeper into what makes this device a compelling choice for smartphone enthusiasts in my complete Realme 12 5G review.

Realme 12 5G: Pricing and Sale Date

Realme 12 5G: Key Specs

• 6.72-inch FHD+ 120Hz display
• 108MP main camera
• MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
• 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
• 5000mAh battery with 45W charging
• RealmeUI 5.0 based on Android 14
• 5G connectivity

Realme 12 5G: Pros and Cons

Realme 12 5G: Unboxing

Unpacking the Realme 12 5G feels strikingly similar to the Realme 12 Pro, with the same familiar sequence of unveiling. 

Upon lifting the lid, the first thing that meets your eye is the handset itself, its elegant design and prominent features immediately catching your attention.

Tucked underneath the handset, you’ll find the 45W charger, neatly placed.

Accompanying the charger is a USB Type-C cable, a crucial accessory for powering up the device and transferring data.

A separate section of the box houses a transparent silicone cover.

The box also contains standard documentation, offering vital details about the device, and a SIM card removal tool, a necessary gadget for installing your SIM card into the phone.

Realme 12 5G: Unboxing Video

Realme 12 5G: Design and Visual Cues

Holding the Realme 12 5G for the first time, I was impressed by how cleanly it retained the signature look that set its older siblings apart. 

In my opinion, this choice contributes a lot to its premium feel and also ensures that the device stands out in its price segment. 

The craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of its construction, from the sunburst dial, which creates a light gradient UV texture, to the polished PVD edges that further enhance its appeal.

I have with me the Twilight Purple colour combination which looks just lovely shimmering in the sunlight. 

Weighing in at just 188g and with a slim profile of 7.69mm, the device is remarkably comfortable for extended use.

I have to reiterate that the handset’s resemblance to the Realme 12 Pro series is unmistakable, especially from the exterior, reinforcing the brand’s cohesive design philosophy across its product range. 

Moving on to the display the Realme 12 5G is equipped with a 6.72-inch FHD+ screen.

It boasts a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio and the colour reproduction is decent, thanks to its capability to display 16.7 million colours. 

Moreover, the 120Hz refresh rate eliminates any blur during fast-paced scenes in games or while scrolling.

The flexibility of having 6-level dynamic refresh rates (45Hz, 48Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz) is also a thoughtful touch.

On the flip side, while the display of the Realme 12 5G is impressive in many respects, it’s only fair to address a few aspects where it falls short of expectations.

First, despite the commendable peak brightness of up to 950 nits, I couldn’t help but feel that the overall brightness could be slightly better in outdoor usage. 

Another noteworthy point is that the display technology used here is not AMOLED.

At this price point, AMOLED screens have become increasingly common, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colours compared to the LCD panel found on the Realme 12 5G. 

Additionally, there’s a slight off-axis color shift noticeable when viewing the screen from an angle.

Although this is a common trait among LCD panels, it’s something that could have been mitigated with better technology or calibration. 

Despite these drawbacks, the display of the Realme 12 5G remains a strong selling point for everyday use, gaming, and media consumption.

Realme 12 5G: Camera Exploration

Exploring the camera capabilities of the Realme 12 5G, I do appreciate the device’s dual-camera optical setup.

The highlight is a 108MP sensor with a 24mm equivalent focal length and an f/1.8 aperture, which proved to be a powerhouse during my daylight photography excursions.

Its fast shutter speeds and decent focusing capabilities made capturing high-quality images a breeze. 

The dynamic range was particularly commendable, ensuring that photos captured in daylight were not just good but impressive.

The ability to take up to 3X optical zoom crop-ins without significant loss of detail, thanks to the high megapixel count, was a feature I found incredibly useful for capturing distant subjects with clarity.

However, the addition of a 2MP portrait camera felt somewhat superfluous to me.

In a time when software can adeptly handle background separation and portrait effects, a dedicated macro shooter might have been a more practical choice. 

The portrait shots, while decent, didn’t stand out, underscoring my belief that software alone could achieve similar, if not better, results in background separation.

Night photography with the Realme 12 5G was as expected for its price bracket.

The AI-based scene detection that attempted to brighten images was a welcome feature, though I noticed focusing speeds took a hit in low-light conditions. 

Night mode was more than decent, enhancing my image details to a large degree, albeit sometimes oversaturating colours more than my preference.

The front-facing 8MP selfie camera delivered detailed selfies and supported my video calling needs adequately.

While the Cinematic Bokeh mode was hit-or-miss, standard portrait mode shots generally looked good. 

Daylight photography with the Realme 12 5G’s camera setup was where it shone brightest, offering a level of detail and color accuracy that is competitive at this price point.

Although it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Realme 12 Pro+ in terms of color accuracy or detail.

Realme 12 5G: Day Camera Samples

Realme 12 5G: Night Camera Samples

Realme 12 5G: Day Video

Realme 12 5G: Night Video

Realme 12 5G: Performance Specs

As for the performance of the  Realme 12 5G, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset at its core.

This processor, featuring an 8-core configuration with two A76 cores at 2.2 GHz and six A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, strikes a balance between handling demanding tasks smoothly and ensuring energy efficiency for prolonged battery life. 

Although the Realme 12 5G may not boast the most powerful processor in its price range, its performance is commendably solid and is evident from the 95% of its maximum performance being maintained even under significant load. 

Also, I think the option of expanding the RAM virtually is a growing trend that all OEMs should adopt.

The top configuration offers up to 6GB of RAM plus 256GB of storage, with the possibility of 6GB more via virtual swap.

Navigating through the user interface, I was also impressed by the fluidity of the animations and scrolling thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.

However, it’s worth noting that for heavy-duty gaming, the device is best suited to medium graphics settings to maintain smooth gameplay at 60fps. 

The device’s connectivity features, including stable 5G performance and an efficient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, add to its appeal.

The Dolby Atmos-powered stereo speaker setup is another highlight, offering loud, crisp sound with a lot of depth, enhancing the overall user experience.

It won’t be a stretch to say that the handset is indeed feature-packed.

Realme 12 5G: Software and Battery Life

I’ve come to appreciate Realme’s proprietary RealmeUI 5.0 based on Android 14.

This interface brings several new and exciting features to the table, enhancing my overall user experience. 

The Realme 12 5G introduces the upgraded Mini Capsule 2.0, enhancing user interaction and visual appeal across several functionalities.

It incorporates dynamic animations in music playback, showing a rhythm bar that changes color with the music for an immersive experience. 

The weather feature provides timely updates with a unique animation once daily post 6 AM, offering a glance at the day’s weather as the device is unlocked. 

For calendar events, I get animation alerts for upcoming activities with details on start times, subtly enhancing time management.

Additionally, an upgraded step counter animation is also there but I do have doubts concerning the veracity of its results. 

What I don’t like is the constant ads being pushed after installing an app.

Apart from that the bloatware issue in RealmeUI persists. 

The Realme 12 5G’s battery life and charging capabilities are pretty good. The device is equipped with a massive 5000mAh battery and offers satisfactory endurance, comfortably supporting extended usage without frequent recharges.

I got about 6 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage, which is something I expect at this price range.

This capacity is particularly notable given the device’s rather form factor and what I found more impressive was the 45W SUPERVOOC charging technology, which rapidly powers the device to 50 percent in just about 30 minutes. 

Realme 12 5G: Final Verdict

The Realme 12 5G feels like a noteworthy contender in the competitive sub-Rs 20,000 segment, providing me with a balance between performance, design, and features. 

Even without its premium pricetag it’s a robust offering in terms of design, display, camera capabilities, and battery life. 

Through my experience, it delivered on several fronts, offering a versatile and satisfying user experience that is hard to overlook for its price point. 

5 Reasons to Buy

• Premium Design: Vegan leather back and meticulous craftsmanship offer a premium feel.
• Impressive Display: 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution ensure a smooth and vivid visual experience.
• Robust Camera: 108MP main sensor provides detailed and dynamic range-rich photos.
• Stable Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and ample RAM support smooth multitasking and gaming.
• Rapid Charging: 45W SUPERVOOC charging rapidly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime.

3 Reasons Not to Buy

• Brightness Could Be Better: Despite its peak brightness, outdoor visibility is just adequate.
• Lacks AMOLED Display: At this price point, the absence of an AMOLED screen is noticeable.
• Off-Axis Color Shift: The slight colour shift when viewing from an angle could be improved.

Top 5 Alternatives to Realme 12 5G

Realme 11 5G

• Display: 6.72 inches, 120Hz IPS LCD
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus
• Camera: 108MP main, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
• Battery: 5000mAh with Super VOOC Charging
• Price: Approximately Rs. 16,149​​.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

• Display: 6.5 inches, 120Hz Super AMOLED
• Processor: Samsung Exynos 1280
• Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 13MP front camera
• RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
• Battery: 6000mAh with Fast Charging
• Price: Approximately Rs. 15,999​​.

Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G

• Display: 6.67 inches, 120Hz AMOLED
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8050
• Camera: 64MP main, 2MP depth sensor, 32MP front camera
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
• Battery: 5000mAh with Super Flash Charging
• Price: Approximately Rs. 19,999​​.

Lava Agni 2 5G

• Display: 6.78 inches, 120Hz AMOLED
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050
• Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB
• Battery: 4700mAh with Fast Charging
• Price: Approximately Rs. 19,999​​.

Vivo T2 5G

• Display: 6.38 inches, 90Hz AMOLED
• Processor: Snapdragon 695
• Camera: 64MP main, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera
• RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB
• Battery: 4500mAh with Flash Charging
• Price: Approximately Rs. 15,999.

Realme 12 5G Twilight Purple

Realme 12 Specs

What sets the Realme 12 5G apart from its predecessors?

The Realme 12 5G distinguishes itself with a blend of premium design elements like a vegan leather back, advanced features like a 108MP main camera, and a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, offering a significant upgrade in both aesthetics and performance compared to previous models.

Does the Realme 12 5G have a good display for gaming and video playback?

Yes, the Realme 12 5G’s 6.72-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and immersive viewing experience, making it suitable for gaming and video playback, although it features an LCD panel instead of the more vibrant AMOLED.

Can the Realme 12 5G handle multitasking and high-performance gaming?

With its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and 8GB of RAM, the Realme 12 5G is well-equipped for multitasking and can handle most games at medium settings smoothly, although it may not match the highest performance levels of more expensive flagships.

What are the camera capabilities of the Realme 12 5G?

The Realme 12 5G features a dual-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor that excels in daylight photography, offering high-quality images with good dynamic range, although its low-light performance and the 2MP portrait camera could see improvements.

How does the battery performance of the Realme 12 5G stand out?

The Realme 12 5G’s 5000mAh battery coupled with 45W SUPERVOOC charging technology ensures long-lasting battery life and rapid recharging, offering a compelling combination of endurance and convenience.

What are the Key features of realme 12 5G ?

108 MP 3X Zoom Portrait Camera

The realme 12 5G features a 108MP 3X In-Sensor Zoom Primary Camera with a 1/1.67” sensor that captures high-definition details in every shot.

It also comes with three unique filters adding a distinctive touch to your photos.

The Cinematic 3X Portrait Mode, along with the unique Cinematic Bokeh Algorithm, helps capture vivid and realistic portraits with natural blurriness and adjustable aperture.

The AI Beauty feature refines skin textures using AI, ensuring a natural and flattering finish that adapts to various skin tones and meets diverse aesthetic preferences globally.

The NightEye Engine captures original image data in RAW format, perfect for low-light shoots and night shoots.

It works with the ProLight super-sensory algorithm to brighten up shadows and highlight details in a night scene, resulting in the clearest possible photo even in low light.

Fashionable Watch Design

The realme 12 5G draws inspiration from trendy watches, and is available in Twilight Purple and Woodland Green.

The device features a polished Sunburst Dial and PVD Edges and with a thickness of 7.69mm and weighing around 188g, the smartphone ensures comfortable single-handed usage.

Performance-driven 5G MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G Chipset

The realme 12 5G features a high-performance MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G Chipset processor featuring an 8-core configuration.

The octa-core processor comprises two A76 2.2GHz cores and six A55 2.0GHz cores, ensuring smooth, efficient performance. The Arm Mali-G57 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering, providing an immersive experience for gaming and multimedia.

The device supports dual SA modes, smart 5G switching, super network searching, and dual-channel network acceleration for seamless and stable connectivity.

Efficient 45W SUPERVOOC Charging and 5000mAh Battery

To ensure a long-lasting and efficient user experience, the realme 12 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh Massive Battery and supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charge.

FHD+ Sunlight Display with a High Color Display

The smartphone offers a 6.72-inch FHD+ Sunlight Display with a High Color Display. With a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio and a peak brightness of 950 Nits, users can enjoy a vibrant and clear viewing experience even in outdoor sunlight conditions.

The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and 6-level dynamic refresh rates for smooth animations and energy efficiency.

What are the key highlights of the newly launched realme 12 series 5G?

The realme 12+ 5G features the segment’s first 50 MP SONY LYT-600 main camera with OIS, with 2X In-sensor zoom and a Cinematic 2X Portrait Mode.

It is equipped with a 120Hz Ultra-Smooth AMOLED Display, 67W SuperVOOC charging with a massive 5000mAh battery.

The realme 12+ 5G comes in two colors: Pioneer Green and Navigator Beige and two storage variants: 8GB+128GB, priced at INR 20999 and 8GB+256GB, priced at INR 21999.

The realme 12 5G features a 108 MP 3X Zoom Portrait Camera, and comes with MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G Chipset, a 6.72 inch FHD+ Sunlight Display along with a 45W SUPERVOOC Charge.

It comes in two colors: Twilight Purple and Woodland Green and two storage variants: 6GB +128 GB, priced at 16999 and 8GB+128GB, priced at INR 17999.

The First Sale for realme 12 Series 5G starts from 6th March 2024, 3pm onwards till 10th March 2024 with limited offers starting from INR 18999 on realme.com, Flipkart & mainline channels for realme 12+5G and limited offers starting from INR 14999 on realme.com, Flipkart & mainline channels for realme 12 5G.

Does realme redefines the mid-premium segment with the realme 12 Series 5G starting from INR 16999 ?

realme, India’s Most Reliable Smartphone Service Provider, announced the launch of the realme 12 Series 5G today.

The realme 12 Series 5G introduces two standout smartphones: the realme 12+ 5G and the realme 12 5G, and marks a significant milestone in realme’s journey, aligning with its revamped strategy ‘Make it real’ and a refreshed brand identity that resonates with young users.

Offering the PLUS experience and raising the standard of mid-range smartphones, the realme 12+ 5G is a standout smartphone, boasting segment’s first 50 MP SONY LYT-600 main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 2X In-sensor zoom, and a Cinematic 2X Portrait Mode for capturing clear, DSLR-like portraits.

It also comes equipped with a 112° ultra-wide camera, a 16MP HD selfie camera.

It features a 120Hz Ultra-Smooth AMOLED Display, and 67W SUPER VOOC charging and a massive 5000mAh battery for long-lasting use.

It also houses notable features like storage and dynamic RAM of up to 256 GB, and IP54 dust and water resistance.

Running on the user-friendly realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, the realme 12+ 5G is available in Pioneer Green and Navigator Beige, two storage variants: 8GB+128GB, priced at INR 20999 and 8GB+256GB, priced at INR 21999.

For the 8GB+256GB variant, buyers can avail Bank offers worth INR 1000 with no cost EMI up to 9 months on realme.com & Flipkart.

Customers will get realme Buds T300 worth INR 3998 on the purchase of the smartphone from mainline channels.

For 8GB+128GB variant, users can avail discounts up to INR 2000 with bank offers & price offers worth INR 1000 on realme.com & Flipkart. Additionally, users can get No cost EMI up to 9 months on realme.com & up to 6 months on Flipkart.

The realme 12 5G is a feature-packed smartphone that boasts a 108 MP 3X Zoom Portrait Camera for capturing high-quality images.

It comes equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G Chipset for smooth performance and a 6.72-inch FHD+ Sunlight Display with a High Color Display, ensuring vibrant and clear visuals.

The smartphone also features a 45W SUPERVOOC Charge and a massive 5000mAh battery for long-lasting use.

Other notable features include dual stereo speakers, expansive memory for flexible performance, an 8MP selfie camera, a dynamic button for biometric identification, and a Riding Mode*.

It also includes the Mini Capsule 2.0 and offers protection from water and fine particles.

Running on the realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, the realme 12 5G is available in Twilight Purple and Woodland Green, with two storage variants: 6GB +128 GB, priced at INR 16999 and 8GB+128GB, priced at INR 17999.

For the 8GB+128GB variant, buyers can avail bank offers worth INR 1000 with No cost EMI up to 9 months on realme.com & up to 6 months on Flipkart.

Buyers will get realme Buds Wireless 3 worth INR 2998 on the purchase of the smartphone from mainline channels.

For the 6GB+128GB variant, users can avail coupons worth INR 2000 with No cost EMI up to 9 months on realme.com & up to 6 months on Flipkart.

Also Read: Realme 12+ 5G Key Specs Revealed Ahead of Launch; Pre-Orders Going Live Today

Also Read: Realme 12 Series with 200MP Camera, Periscope Lens Set for Launch on Flipkart

Also Read: Realme 12 Series Set For India Launch in January, Confirms Company

Also Read: Realme 12 Series Launched in India With Dimensity 7050 SoC, 50MP SONY LYT-600 Sensor: Pricing, Features, Specs