Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Realme has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
With the launch of the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G, the company has once again raised the bar, offering a device that combines premium features with an accessible price point.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the phone, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Design and Build Quality
The Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G showcases a refined aesthetic that belies its mid-range status. The device boasts a sleek profile, measuring just 8.75mm in thickness, and weighs a comfortable 196 grams.
Available in three striking colors – Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, and Explorer Red – the phone caters to diverse tastes.
The back panel features a vegan leather finish, providing a premium feel and excellent grip.
This material choice not only enhances the phone’s aesthetics but also makes it resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
The camera module is elegantly integrated into the design, with a circular arrangement that adds a touch of sophistication.
On the front, the 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display dominates, offering an immersive viewing experience.
The punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is discreetly positioned, maximizing screen real estate. With Corning Gorilla Glass protection, the display is built to withstand daily wear and tear.
Realme has also paid attention to durability, incorporating an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance.
This added protection provides peace of mind for users who are prone to accidental spills or use their devices in challenging environments.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Display Excellence
The centerpiece of the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is undoubtedly its 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display.
Boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers crisp visuals and smooth scrolling. The 20:9 aspect ratio ensures a comfortable grip while providing ample space for content consumption.
With support for HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 950 nits, the display excels in various lighting conditions.
Whether you’re streaming HDR content or using the phone under direct sunlight, the screen remains vibrant and legible.
The 2160Hz PWM dimming technology reduces eye strain during prolonged use, especially in low-light environments.
Color reproduction is another strong suit of this display. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage ensures accurate and vivid colors, making it a joy to view photos, videos, and games.
The curved edges of the screen not only enhance the premium look but also contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Performance Powerhouse
Under the hood, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset.
This octa-core processor, built on a 4nm process, strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
With clock speeds of up to 2.4 GHz, the chipset handles everyday tasks with ease and provides smooth performance even in demanding scenarios.
The device comes in multiple RAM configurations, with options for 8GB and 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
This is further complemented by Realme’s RAM expansion technology, which can add up to 12GB of virtual RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and app retention.
Storage options are equally impressive, with choices of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The faster storage technology translates to quicker app launches and reduced loading times for large files.
Gaming performance on the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is commendable, thanks to the Adreno 710 GPU. Popular titles run smoothly at high settings, and the 120Hz display enhances the gaming experience with reduced input lag and smoother animations.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Camera System: Versatility Meets Quality
The camera setup on the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is one of its standout features, offering a versatile and capable imaging system. The triple rear camera array consists of:
50MP main camera (Sony IMX890 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, OIS)
64MP periscope telephoto camera (OmniVision OV64B sensor, f/2.8 aperture, OIS)
8MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2 aperture, 112° field of view)
The main 50MP camera, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), captures detailed and well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions.
The large sensor size and wide aperture contribute to excellent low-light performance and natural bokeh in portrait shots.
The highlight of the camera system is undoubtedly the 64MP periscope telephoto lens.
Offering 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom, this camera brings distant subjects closer with impressive clarity. The inclusion of OIS in the telephoto lens ensures sharp images even at higher zoom levels.
The 8MP ultra-wide camera completes the trio, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group shots with ease.
While it may not match the resolution of the other sensors, it provides a useful perspective for creative photography.
On the front, a 32MP selfie camera housed in the punch-hole cutout delivers high-quality self-portraits and is capable of 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Realme has also packed the camera app with a plethora of features and shooting modes.
From AI-enhanced scene recognition to advanced night mode and pro controls, the software complements the hardware capabilities, allowing users to unleash their creativity.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Battery Life and Charging
Powering the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is a substantial 5000mAh battery. This capacity, combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, ensures all-day battery life for most users.
Even with heavy usage, including gaming and video streaming, the phone comfortably lasts through a full day.
When it’s time to recharge, the 67W SuperVOOC fast charging technology comes into play. Realme claims that the phone can charge from 0 to 50% in just 19 minutes, which is impressive for a battery of this size.
The fast charging capability is a significant convenience, especially for users who are always on the go.
It’s worth noting that while the phone supports fast wired charging, it does not offer wireless charging. This omission might be a minor drawback for some users who have invested in wireless charging infrastructure.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Software and User Experience
The Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G runs on Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14. This custom skin offers a clean and intuitive user interface while providing a host of customization options.
From personalized always-on display designs to extensive theme support, users can tailor the phone’s look and feel to their preferences.
Realme has also focused on privacy and security features, incorporating advanced permissions management and enhanced data protection measures. The inclusion of a robust gaming mode optimizes performance and minimizes distractions during gaming sessions.
The company has committed to providing two major Android upgrades and three years of security updates for the device, ensuring longevity and continued software support.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G offers comprehensive 5G support, ensuring future-proofing for next-generation network connectivity. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments.
Audio performance is another area where the phone excels, featuring stereo speakers that deliver rich and immersive sound. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition for users who prefer wired audio solutions.
The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, offering convenient and secure biometric authentication. Face unlock is also available as an alternative unlocking method.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Value Proposition and Market Position
Priced competitively in the mid-range segment, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G offers exceptional value for money.
It brings together features typically found in more expensive flagship devices, such as a versatile camera system, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, and fast charging, at a more accessible price point.
When compared to its competitors in the same price range, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G stands out with its periscope telephoto camera, a feature rarely found in this segment.
The overall package of performance, camera capabilities, and design makes it a compelling option for users looking for a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G Conclusion
The Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is a testament to the rapid evolution of mid-range smartphones.
It successfully bridges the gap between affordable devices and premium flagships, offering a compelling mix of features that cater to a wide range of users.
With its striking design, versatile camera system, robust performance, and long-lasting battery life, the phone ticks all the right boxes for a modern smartphone.
While it may not be perfect – the lack of wireless charging and IP68 water resistance being notable omissions – these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent package.
For users who prioritize camera performance, particularly zoom capabilities, along with a premium design and smooth user experience, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G presents itself as an excellent choice.
It not only competes favorably within its price segment but also challenges some higher-priced devices in terms of features and capabilities.
In conclusion, the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G is a well-rounded device that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a mid-range smartphone.
It sets a new standard for its category and serves as a benchmark for future devices in this competitive market segment.