realme 12 4G Review

The realme 12 4G has officially landed in the Philippines, targeting students and young professionals looking for a solid mid-range smartphone. While it certainly brings a lot to the table, there are a few aspects that might make you pause and wonder if it’s worth the price.

Considering to get this device? Read our full review and see what this phone offers and where it might fall short.

realme 12 4G Review: Design

The phone features a sleek, squarish build with gently curved corners, giving it a fresh and sophisticated look that’s a nice change from the usual rounded designs we always see. It’s clear that realme wanted this phone to stand out, and they’ve succeeded in making it feel more premium than its mid-range status might suggest.

The circular camera setup on the back adds a touch of elegance, copying the design language of higher-end devices, including other models in realme’s own lineup. These small details contribute to a sense of luxury that isn’t always found in this price range.

Measuring 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm and weighing in at 187g, the realme 12 4G strikes a great balance between a sizable screen and comfortable portability. The IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance is also a thoughtful addition, giving you some extra peace of mind as you go about your day.

realme 12 4G Review: Multimedia

The realme 12 4G offers great multimedia experience, especially with its display. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen is nothing short of impressive, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from YouTube videos to Instagram stories pop. With a 120Hz refresh rate, navigating through apps and swiping through social media feels smooth and responsive, adding a premium touch to your daily mobile experience.

What really sets the display apart is its peak brightness of 2000 nits. This is a standout feature for a phone at this price point, ensuring that you can easily see the screen even in bright sunlight. The ability to handle direct sunlight without any visibility issues makes it clear why this feature is becoming more common, even in mid-range phones.

Audio might not always be the first thing you consider in a smartphone, but realme hasn’t skimped in this department either. The phone is equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rare find these days. And for sure, those who aren’t ready to give up their favorite wired earphones would love this feature! Meanwhile, the speakers deliver clear sound with good volume, making your binge-watching sessions or gaming marathons more enjoyable.

realme 12 4G Review: Performance

Under the hood, the realme 12 4G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination ensures that the phone handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and the overall performance is solid. You won’t find yourself waiting around for things to load, which is always a plus.

However, the Snapdragon 685 is a 4G chipset that’s been around for a while. While it gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the same future-proofing as some of the newer 5G options on the market. Given the Php13,999 price tag, some might expect more modern hardware, especially now that almost all smartphones support 5G connectivity.

realme 12 4G Benchmark Scores:

Gaming on the realme 12 4G is a mixed bag. It handles most games well, but if you’re a serious gamer looking for top-tier performance, you might find it lacking compared to some similarly priced alternatives. It’s competent for casual gaming, but don’t expect it to blow you away in this department.

realme 12 4G Review: Software

The realme 12 4G runs on realme UI 5.0, which is layered over Android 14. The software experience is generally smooth and responsive, with plenty of customization options to make the phone feel like your own. However, like many other smartphones in this price range, it does come with some preinstalled bloatware. The good news is that most of it can be easily removed, so you won’t have to deal with unwanted apps cluttering up your home screen.

realme UI 5.0 is relatively lightweight, and it doesn’t try to overwhelm you with too many features. It strikes a nice balance between offering useful tools and keeping things simple. Whether you’re customizing your home screen layout or diving into the settings menu, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

realme 12 4G Review: Camera

The realme 12 4G’s camera setup might catch your eye on the spec sheet, boasting a 50MP main sensor with an OIS. In bright, daylight conditions, it holds its own, delivering vibrant colors and crisp details that make your everyday shots pop. It’s solid for capturing those quick snaps during the day when the lighting is just right.

However, despite the inclusion of OIS, which usually helps stabilize shots, the low-light performance isn’t quite up to par. Photos tend to come out a bit murky, with noticeable noise creeping into darker areas. You’ll get usable shots, but don’t expect the same level of sharpness or brightness you’d get in better lighting. It’s a bit of a letdown, especially when compared to other devices in its price range that handle low-light situations with better outputs.

Another point of frustration is the shutter speed. It’s not what you’d call snappy—there’s a noticeable delay when capturing photos, especially when you’re trying to catch something in motion. This lag can be a dealbreaker if you’re looking to snap quick. This sluggish performance can really take away from the overall experience.

The 2MP mono lens does a decent job with portrait shots, offering that nice portrait effect.

Meanwhile, the 16MP front-facing camera does a great job with selfies, particularly in well-lit environments. There were visible noises at lowlight settings, though.

Sample Photos:

realme 12 4G Review: Battery Life

Battery life is one of the realme 12 4G’s strongest points. The 5000mAh battery consistently delivers all-day power, even with heavy use.

In our tests, the phone comfortably lasted through a full day of web browsing, social media, video streaming, and some light gaming, with power to spare. As our main driver, this gives us confidence to leave the house without worrying about finding a charger.

Its 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging also allows our phone to go from nearly dead to 100% in about 50 minutes.

Verdict: Is the realme 12 4G Worth It?

The realme 12 4G presents a compelling package for those on a budget, offering some solid features that stand out, especially in terms of its vibrant display, long-lasting battery, and fast charging capabilities. It’s a device that aims to deliver a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank, and in many areas, it succeeds.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The absence of 5G connectivity at its price point might be a turn-off for some, particularly in a market that’s quickly moving toward the latest network standards. The camera, while capable in good lighting, struggles in low-light conditions, and the slow shutter speed can be frustrating for users who want to capture moments on the fly.

Ultimately, the realme 12 4G offers decent value for its price. You can get yours for Php13,999 (~337 CAD).

So, are you buying one?

Let us know what you think in the comment section!