Realme has once again stirred the midrange smartphone market with its latest release, the Realme 12 4G. Positioned as a solid contender in the midrange segment, this device is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including tech enthusiasts, casual users, and those seeking value for money.
With an attractive price point, the Realme 12 4G promises a balance of performance, design, and features. It is ideal for users who want a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. If you enjoy streaming videos, playing casual games, and snapping high-quality photos, this phone has you covered. Its vibrant display, decent camera setup, and robust battery life make it a great everyday companion.
However, if you are a power user looking for flagship-level performance or 5G connectivity, the Realme 12 4G might not meet your needs. Gamers who demand the highest frame rates and heavy multitaskers may find the Snapdragon 685 chipset limiting. Additionally, those who need premium build quality and advanced camera features might want to explore higher-end options.
Note: Not to be confused with another model with a similar name, namely, the Realme 12 (announced on 2024-03-06), which is a 5G phone.
Body: Sleek and Stylish
The Realme 12 4G sports a sleek design with dimensions of 163×75.5×7.9 mm and weighs just 187 grams. The phone feels comfortable in hand. It's available in two eye-catching colors: Pioneer Green and Skyline Silver. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 163 mm (6.42″), W: 75.5 mm (2.97″), D: 7.9 mm (0.31″) |
| Mass | 187 g (6.6 oz) |
| Colors | Pioneer Green, Skyline Silver |
When it comes to the physical attributes of a smartphone, the dimensions, weight, and color options play a significant role in the overall user experience. The Realme 12 4G's dimensions strike a good balance, making the phone comfortable to hold during extended usage sessions without causing undue strain on the hand. The slim profile (7.9 mm thick) ensures it slips easily into most pockets and bags, adding to its portability.
For users who often use their phone for long periods, whether for reading, gaming, or watching videos, the ergonomics of the Realme 12 4G make it a convenient companion. The weight is evenly distributed, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the slight curvature of the edges and the smooth finish contribute to a secure and pleasant grip.
The Realme 12 4G is available in two color options: Pioneer Green and Skyline Silver. Each color has its own personality and appeal, catering to different tastes and styles:
- Pioneer Green: This color option exudes a sense of adventure and individuality. It's perfect for users who like to stand out with a unique and eye-catching device. The green hue is both refreshing and bold, appealing to those who enjoy nature-inspired and unconventional aesthetics.
- Skyline Silver: This color is sleek and sophisticated, making it ideal for users who prefer a classic and elegant look. The silver finish gives the phone a modern and professional vibe, suitable for both casual and formal settings. It's a versatile choice that seamlessly blends with various outfits and accessories.
The Realme 12 4G's design not only focuses on practicality but also incorporates stylish elements that enhance its visual appeal. Whether you choose the vibrant Pioneer Green or the chic Skyline Silver, you're getting a device that looks as good as it feels.
Overall, the Realme 12 4G's body design, dimensions, weight, and color options make it a well-rounded device that caters to a wide range of users. It combines comfort, practicality, and style, making it a compelling choice in the midrange smartphone segment.
If we compare the Realme 12 4G with the predecessor Realme 11 4G, it's gotten a bit larger, thicker, and heavier. The Realme 11 4G was 159.9×73.3×8 mm and 178 g. Material-wise, it featured Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for display protection and a plastic back and frame.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
The Realme 12 4G's IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance adds a layer of durability, ensuring the phone can handle everyday challenges with ease. Let's decode the secret language of those two digits for the Realme 12 4G!
The first digit (5 here) denotes protection against solid objects. In this case, 5 means it's shielded against dust to a degree. Not completely dustproof, but good enough to keep those annoying particles at bay.
The second digit (4) is about liquids. A 4 means it can handle splashes from any direction, making it resistant to water droplets but not quite ready for a swim.
Now, considering it's not in the superhero league of IP68, here's some friendly advice for our Realme 12 4G users: treat it like the VIP it is!
- Shield It Up: A protective case is like armor for your phone. It defends against the daily onslaught of accidental drops and bumps. Plus, it adds a dash of style - win-win!
- Screen Defender: A screen protector is your phone's shield against scratches and smudges. It's like a guardian angel for that gorgeous display, ensuring it stays pristine and crystal clear.
So, to all the Realme 12 4G owners out there, think of your phone as a treasure - and every treasure needs its protective gear! A case and a screen protector are your phone's sidekicks, ready to face the world together. Go ahead, deck out your device, and let it shine while staying shielded from the environmental elements!
Display: Vivid and Smooth
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
One of the standout features of the Realme 12 4G is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, this screen offers smooth scrolling and an enhanced viewing experience. The 1080×2400 pixel resolution delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for media consumption and gaming.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.67″ (169 mm) diagonal |
| Type | AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1080×2400, about 395 PPI |
| Brightness | Typical: 600 nits; Peak: 2000 nits |
The display is one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone, and the Realme 12 4G doesn't disappoint in this regard. It boasts a high-quality AMOLED display that offers an impressive combination of features aimed at providing a superb visual experience.
The AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is celebrated for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and energy efficiency. It produces colors that pop off the screen with unparalleled vibrancy. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing for precise control and a wide spectrum of colors. Whether you're viewing photos, watching videos, or gaming, the display promises a visual feast.
One of the standout features of the Realme 12 4G's display is its 120 Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means the screen updates more frequently, resulting in smoother animations and a more responsive feel. This is particularly beneficial for gaming, where fluid motion can enhance the overall experience, and for general use, where it makes scrolling through content feel buttery smooth.
The display offers a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of approximately 395 PPI (pixels per inch). This high resolution ensures that images and text appear sharp and detailed, providing a rich visual experience. Whether you're watching high-definition videos, browsing the web, or reading eBooks, the clarity and sharpness of the display will impress.
Brightness is a crucial factor for visibility in different lighting conditions, and the Realme 12 4G excels in this area. The display features a typical brightness of 600 nits, which is more than sufficient for most indoor and moderate outdoor lighting conditions. It ensures that the display remains clear and readable even in bright environments.
And the exceptionally high 2000 nits peak brightness is particularly useful in extremely bright conditions, such as direct sunlight. It enhances visibility by boosting the brightness of crucial areas on the screen, ensuring you can see what's on your phone no matter the lighting situation.
In conclusion, the Realme 12 4G's display is a key highlight of the phone, providing a high-quality viewing experience that stands out in the midrange segment. With its vibrant AMOLED technology, smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, sharp 1080×2400 pixel resolution, and impressive brightness levels, this display is well-equipped to handle everything from gaming and media consumption to everyday tasks. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, the Realme 12 4G's display is designed to deliver consistent and enjoyable visuals.
For comparison, the predecessor Realme 11 4G featured a 6.4-inch, 1080×2400 px Super AMOLED display, with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
Navigating through the tech landscape, the Realme 12 4G supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.
SIM
The Realme 12 4G supports hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).
The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.
Chipset - Performance: Midrange Powerhouse
Under the hood, the Realme 12 4G is powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 chipset, built on a 6-nm process. The octa-core CPU, featuring two types of cores, ensures a balanced performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Adreno 610 GPU handles graphics duties, providing smooth visuals for casual games. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 + 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 |
The Realme 12 4G is powered by Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685, which is a midrange chipset built on a 6-nm process, known for its efficiency and power. Qualcomm's 6-nm process technology enhances power efficiency, allowing for better performance without excessive battery drain. This chipset is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease, providing a balanced performance for a wide range of applications.
The CPU within the Snapdragon 685 is an octa-core configuration, featuring a combination of high-performance and energy-efficient cores:
- High-Performance Cores: The CPU includes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz. These cores are designed for demanding tasks that require more processing power, such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The Cortex-A73 cores ensure that the phone can handle these intensive tasks smoothly, providing a responsive and lag-free experience.
- Energy-Efficient Cores: Complementing the high-performance cores, there are four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.9 GHz. These cores handle less demanding tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and background processes. By using these energy-efficient cores for routine tasks, the CPU conserves battery life, enhancing the overall efficiency of the device.
The combination of these two types of cores, often referred to as a "big.LITTLE" architecture, allows the Realme 12 4G to deliver robust performance when needed while maintaining energy efficiency during lighter tasks.
The Adreno 610 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) handles the graphics rendering duties for the Realme 12 4G. It is designed to provide a smooth and immersive visual experience, supporting a wide range of graphics-intensive applications and games.
The Adreno 610 GPU ensures that games run smoothly, with consistent frame rates and minimal lag. It supports advanced graphics features, allowing for more detailed and visually appealing graphics in games and applications. It supports high-definition video decoding and enhances the overall visual quality of media content. Combined with the phone's 120 Hz refresh rate display, the Adreno 610 ensures a fluid and enjoyable experience when watching videos or playing games.
In summary, the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 chipset, with its octa-core CPU and Adreno 610 GPU, provides a well-rounded performance package for the Realme 12 4G. These components work together to offer a balanced and responsive user experience, making it a strong contender in the midrange smartphone market.
For comparison, the predecessor Realme 11 4G featured the Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Memory and Storage: Ample Space
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC (shares with SIM) |
| Internal Storage Variants | 128 GB, 256 GB |
The Realme 12 4G comes in two variants, offering up to 256 GB of internal storage. The hybrid dual SIM slot supports a microSDXC card, allowing for expandable storage if needed. This flexibility ensures you have ample space for apps, photos, and media files.
For comparison, the predecessor Realme 11 4G also came in two variants, with 8 GB of RAM in each and 128 GB and 256 GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.
Cameras: Capturing Moments
The Realme 12 4G is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear. The primary camera boasts a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.88 aperture, utilizing a Sony LYT-600 sensor for excellent low-light performance. The secondary 2 MP depth sensor helps in creating better portrait shots with a pleasing bokeh effect.
On the front, the 16 MP selfie camera with an f/2.5 aperture captures clear and vibrant selfies and also supports 1080p video recording at 30 fps.
Rear Camera
The Realme 12 4G features a versatile dual-camera setup on the rear, designed to capture high-quality images and videos across various scenarios. Let's explore the roles of the two lenses and the camera features that enhance the photography experience. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide, Sony LYT-600 sensor), 2 MP (depth) |
| Focal Length | 26 mm, N/A |
| Aperture | f/1.88, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.95″, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A |
| Image Stabilization | OIS, N/A |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The main camera is a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.88 aperture and a 26 mm focal length (wide). This camera utilizes the Sony LYT-600 sensor, known for its excellent image quality and low-light performance. The large sensor size (1/1.95″) allows for more light to be captured, resulting in brighter and more detailed images.
The secondary camera is a 2 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. This lens assists in capturing depth information, which is crucial for creating portrait shots with a pleasing bokeh effect. By accurately detecting the distance between the subject and the background, the depth sensor helps to produce images with a sharp subject and a beautifully blurred background.
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) is an autofocus technology that uses phase detection to quickly and accurately focus on the subject. This results in faster and more precise focusing, especially useful when capturing moving subjects or shooting in low-light conditions.
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) compensates for small hand movements and vibrations by physically adjusting the camera lens. This stabilization is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions and when using slower shutter speeds, helping to reduce blur and produce sharper images.
For video recording, the Realme 12 4G employs gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization), which uses data from the phone's gyroscope to digitally stabilize the footage. This results in smoother videos by minimizing the effects of shaky hands or movement while recording, enhancing the overall video quality.
The built-in LED flash provides additional lighting when shooting in low-light environments. It ensures that subjects are well-lit, reducing shadows and enhancing details in darker scenes.
Panorama mode allows you to capture wide-angle photos by stitching together multiple images taken in a sweeping motion. This feature is perfect for landscapes and large group shots, providing a broader field of view.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode enhances the dynamic range of photos by combining multiple exposures into a single image. This results in better detail and contrast in both the highlights and shadows, producing more balanced and natural-looking photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
In conclusion, the Realme 12 4G's dual-camera setup is designed to deliver impressive photography and videography capabilities. The primary 50 MP camera with PDAF and OIS ensures sharp and detailed images, while the 2 MP depth sensor enhances portrait shots with a pleasing bokeh effect.
The inclusion of advanced features like gyro-EIS for video stabilization, LED flash for low-light shooting, and modes like panorama and HDR further elevate the camera's performance, making it a versatile and powerful tool for capturing a wide range of scenes and subjects. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or just love snapping pictures on the go, the Realme 12 4G's camera setup offers a robust and enjoyable experience.
For comparison, the older Realme 11 4G featured a dual camera setup, consisting of a 108 MP (25 mm, f/1.8) wide lens supporting PDAF, and a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. Its video recording capabilities and feature set matched those of the Realme 12 4G.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 MP (wide) |
| Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
For comparison, the predecessor Realme 11 4G featured a similar selfie camera with matching video capability, housed inside a punch-hold cut-out near the top-left corner of the display. Its feature set included panorama and HDR.
Battery and Charging: Lasting Power
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | SuperVOOC: 67 W, 1 - 50% in 19 minutes, 100% in 47 minutes |
The Realme 12 4G packs a 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power to get through a full day of usage. The 67 W fast charging capability is impressive, allowing the phone to charge from 1% to 50% in just 19 minutes and a full charge in 47 minutes. This ensures minimal downtime and keeps you connected throughout the day.
For comparison, the older Realme 11 4G featured a similar battery and charging setup.
Audio: Immersive Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Realme 12 4G |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Audio | Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Yes |
For audio enthusiasts, the Realme 12 4G offers a dual-speaker setup with Hi-Res audio certification, supporting 24-bit, 192 kHz audio. The presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, providing flexibility for wired audio connections.
Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Realme 12 4G supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.
For comparison, the predecessor Realme 11 4G featured a single loudspeaker, with Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz audio. It also supported the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Connectivity
The Realme 12 4G doesn't compromise on connectivity and convenience. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The Realme 12 4G boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Plus, with GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, and BDS, you'll never lose your way, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten path.
The Realme 12 4G features 360° NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
The 360° NFC is like giving your phone's connectivity a full-circle upgrade. It signifies omni-directional connectivity. Unlike traditional NFC, which might have a specific spot where you need to align your devices for a successful connection, 360° NFC is more forgiving. It means you can establish a connection from any angle, making the process smoother and more convenient. Imagine it like this: you want to share a file or make a contactless payment, and instead of doing the NFC dance to find that sweet spot, you can just tap your devices together without worrying about alignment. It's like a tech-savvy dance move - effortless and stylish. It's a small but impactful feature that adds a touch of convenience to your day-to-day tech interactions.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The Realme 12 4G comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, optical type in the Realme 12 4G.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
At its price point, the Realme 12 4G offers a compelling package for midrange buyers. Its standout features include a high-refresh-rate display, decent performance, versatile camera setup, and robust battery life with fast charging. However, the lack of 5G connectivity and slightly lower-end chipset might be a dealbreaker for some.
For those seeking a well-rounded, budget-friendly smartphone with modern features and reliable performance, the Realme 12 4G is a strong contender. It provides excellent value for money and is likely to satisfy the needs of most users in the midrange market.
Feature (top) image credit: Realme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Realme 12 4G release date?
The Realme 12 4G has been announced on the 26th June, 2024. It is expected to release on the 1st July, 2024.
What is Realme 12 4G price?
The Realme 12 4G is priced starting from PKR 59999 (about USD 215) for the 8 GB / 128 GB variant.