realme 12 5G Hands-on, First Impressions

realme 12 5G Hands-on, First Impressions

realme 12 5G, the latest addition to the realme 12 Series 5G, is slated for launch in the Philippines on April 25, 2024. The official launch event will be live-streamed on the official realme Philippines Facebook page.

Equipped with a dual rear camera setup (108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera + 2MP Depth Camera), 6.7-inch 120Hz Sunlight Display, and 7.69mm Trendy Watch Design, realme 12 5G boasts a high-resolution camera, a vibrant screen, and a slim and lightweight design.

Prior to the release of realme 12 5G in the country, I got my hands on this exquisitely designed smartphone. What I have is the realme 12 5G in Woodland Green color and 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM memory configuration. In this article, I'm giving my first impressions of realme's latest mid-range smartphone. Let's check out its specifications first.

realme 12 5G specs

  • Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels, 391ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 950 nits (peak brightness), and punch-hole
  • CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm), Up to 2.2GHz octa-core processor
  • GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
  • Memory: 8GB RAM (up to 8GB Dynamic RAM Expansion)
  • Internal Storage: 256GB ROM
  • Storage Expansion: Up to 2TB via micro SD card slot
  • Dual rear cameras: 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait (Samsung HM6 Sensor) + 2MP Black & White; LED flash, HDR, panorama, Up to 1080p@30fps video recording
  • Single front camera: 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera; Up to 1080p@30fps video recording
  • SIM slot: Dual SIM (nano), Hybrid
  • Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB OTG, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
  • USB port: USB-C
  • Audio: Dual Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Biometrics: Fingerprint scanner (side-mounted) and Face unlock
  • Sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
  • Operating System: Android 14 with realme UI 5.0
  • Battery and Charging: 5,000 mAh non-removable battery, 45W SUPERVOOC Charge
  • Dimensions: 165.7mm x 76.1mm x 7.69mm
  • Weight: 188 grams
  • Materials: Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back; IP54 Dust & Water Resistance
  • Colors: Woodland Green, Twilight Purple

First Impressions of realme 12 5G: FHD+ Sunlight Display and Trendy Watch Design

At an initial glance, I quickly noticed that the realme 12 5G shares some of the design elements with its siblings, the realme 12+ 5G and realme 12 Pro+ 5G, mainly the circular camera bump with a watch design as well as the zipper-like strip in the middle. While the vegan leather option is missing, the plastic back with a matte finish still looks sleek. My review unit in Woodland Green adds a touch of elegance.

realme 12 5G - back panel

Moreover, realme 12 5G has a flat frame with a glossy finish, which makes it comfortable to hold. At the bottom, you'll see the 3.5mm headphone jack, mic, USB Type-C port, and four-holed speaker grill.

realme 12 5G - bottom side

On the right side, there's the volume control button and the power button (also dubbed the dynamic button, which quickly launches certain functions by double tapping).

realme 12 5G - right side

Located on the top are the Hybrid SIM tray, a one-holed speaker grill, and a mic. As a music lover, what I really liked about the realme 12 5G is its inclusion of the audio jack, which is also present in the realme 12+ 5G, but missing on the realme 12 Pro+ 5G (uses USB-C audio output instead).

realme 12 5G - top side

When it comes to display, I can say that realme 12 5G is really colorful, snappy, and vibrant, thanks to its 6.72-inch IPS LCD with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels, 391ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 950 nits (peak brightness), slim bezels, and top-centered punch-hole. I watched an HD video on YouTube, and realme 12 5G doesn't disappoint. Though the front panel is IPS only, the colors are rich, and the brightness range is decent.

realme 12 5G - display

With a large 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD card), the realme 12 5G can handle many apps and files. It runs on Android 14-based realme UI 5.0, which features up to 8GB Dynamic RAM Expansion (Virtual RAM) and Mini Capsule 2.0. But the real star is the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ octa-core processor, making it 5G-ready. The mobile platform also delivers fast performance, whether for gaming or multitasking.

Further, realme 12 5G is packed with a big battery capacity of 5000 mAh with support for a 45W fast charging rate via USB-C. Plug it in and quickly charge it up so you can use it for hours. You won't have to worry about your battery dying because it will keep you connected.

The dual rear camera setup of realme 12 5G features a 108-megapixel main camera (ISOCELL HM6 sensor) and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Similar to realme 12 Pro+ 5G, it has 3x in-sensor zoom. Meanwhile, the Street Mode adds creative photography options.

Final Thoughts

realme 12 5G combines a classy design, a high-resolution camera, midrange performance, and innovative features (especially the dynamic button and Mini Capsule 2.0). Moreover, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack and dual speakers, which is a plus factor for music lovers, and a flat display, which most gamers prefer.

My full review of the realme 12 5G will soon be available, and I can't wait to test it out more and report back to you with my thoughts.

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