The latest mid-range smartphone realme 12 5G launched in the Philippines on April 25, 2024, and is officially priced at PHP 14,999.00.
realme 12 5G constitutes the third iteration of the most recent realme 12 Series 5G. Among its main features are a 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera, a 7.69mm Trendy Watch Design, and a 6.7-inch 120Hz Sunlight Display. Additionally, the Android 14 OS-based realme UI 5.0 software includes innovative features like Dynamic Button and Mini Capsule 2.0.
To learn more about the latest realme 12 5G smartphone, check out our review below. It includes the phone's features, Antutu benchmark score, gaming performance, and camera samples.
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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
Unboxing
The prominent yellow box of the mobile brand has a neat and simple appearance, with two logos on the front: a large number 12 and a small "realme" logo at the bottom.
What's Inside The Box?
After unboxing realme 12 5G, here are the items inside:
- realme 12 5G (main unit) x1
- 45W SUPERVOOC Charging Adapter x1
- Type A to Type C USB Cable x1
- Warranty Card x1 (Warranty: 1 Year)
- Quick Guide x1
- Safety Guide x1
- SIM Ejector Pin x1
- Clear Jelly Case x1
- Screen Protector x1 (pre-installed)
Design and Build Quality
The color of realme 12 5G I have is Woodland Green. Its overall appearance is truly pleasing to the eye, especially the circular camera bump on the back. Its 7.69mm Trendy Watch Design has elements incorporated from the watch industry, which include the Polished Sunburst Dial (500 gradient patterns in the camera module), 3D Jubilee Bracelet (the zipper-like strip with diamond patterns in the center), and Polished PVD Edges (glossy metal-textured frame).
Moreover, it feels very comfortable when I hold the realme 12 5G phone, even with only one hand, thanks to its flat frame, C-angle side design, and ultra slim and lightweight form factor (thickness of 7.69mm and weight of 188 grams). With its matte finish, it attracts less fingerprint smudges and scratches.
At the bottom part of realme 12 5G, you will see the 3.5mm headphone jack, mic, USB Type-C port, and four-holed speaker grill. On the right side, there's the volume rocker and the power button (also dubbed the dynamic button, which quickly launches specific functions by double tapping). The left side is clear. Found on the top are the Hybrid SIM tray (2 SIM Cards OR 1 SIM Card + 1 microSD Card), a one-holed speaker grill, and a mic. As a music lover, what I really appreciated about the realme 12 5G is its inclusion of the audio jack because most phones today usually use USB-C audio output.
Further, realme 12 5G has an IP54 rating. Certified with the assurance that small solid particles and accidental splashes will not damage the device severely. Do note that it is water resistant only, not waterproof. Thus, it is not submersible.
You can also assure of its quality. According to realme, realme 12 5G has undergone over 320 stringent tests inclusive of 200,000 times of clicking the power button; 200,000 times of clicking on the volume rocker buttons; 20,000 times of plugging and unplugging the USB cable; temperature tests at -40°C ~ 75°C for 300 hours; long-term high temperature and high humidity at 65°C, 95% RH in 21 days.
Display Quality
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD screen of the realme 12 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a touch sampling rate of 240Hz, 950 nits of peak brightness (in Sunlight Mode), a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio, and a Full HD+ resolution at 2400x1080 pixels, offering a high-resolution display that can easily be viewed under direct sunlight for taking and viewing photos. There are two screen color modes (vivid and natural) available in the settings to achieve optimal color accuracy. Check out its display quality below.
What I can say about the display of realme 12 5G is it's really colorful, smooth, and vibrant. Its slim bezels and tiny top-centered punch-hole offer a wider viewing experience. The default screen refresh rate is set to "Auto select." This setting supports a 6-level Dynamic Refresh Rate that allows the display to adjust Refresh Rate according to the ongoing activity for maximum power efficiency and performance: Static/Still (45Hz), Video Playback (48Hz or 50Hz), Reading (60Hz), and Necessary Apps and Overall System UI (90Hz or 120Hz).
Speaker Quality
The realme 12 5G features dual stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio Certification. You can find the speaker grills located at both the top (one hole) and bottom (four holes). It also has an "Ultra Volume Mode" that pushes the speakers to 200% Volume for media, ringtones, alarms, and notifications.
As I listened to music and watched videos, I could not help but note that the realme 12 5G's speakers produced a high-quality and clear sound. The vocals were calming and defined, the bass had a nice thump, and the highs were distinct and precise. I was extremely impressed with the efficacy of the sound system as a whole.
Hardware and Software
The realme 12 5G has a big 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB storage and supports a micro SD card slot (via the Hybrid SIM tray). It can go up to 16GB Total RAM with up to 8GB Dynamic RAM Expansion, which uses up to 8GB of the device's internal storage to serve as Virtual RAM to help improve total performance and overall multitasking. To extend the RAM of realme 12 5G, go to Settings > About device > RAM, toggle on the switch button for RAM expansion, and choose one of the options: 4GB, 6GB, or 8 GB. The system will then request that you restart the phone to save changes. Meanwhile, the massive 256GB internal storage can store at least 1,000 TV Series episodes, 60,000 songs, or 60,000 photos. (Based on an average of 250MB for each 720p HD video episode and 4MB for each song or photo)
Additionally, realme 12 5G is powered by a 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ octa-core processor. This highly power-efficient chipset supports 5G connectivity. So, if your area is covered by 5G networks from Globe, Smart, or DITO, you can enjoy fast mobile data speeds. Its Smart 5G feature intelligently switches between 4G and 5G networks, according to which it is stronger. It also supports WiFi/5G Network Overlay to help enhance network speed and stability.
Further, the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC on realme 5G has an ARM Mali-G57 GPU and CPU Clock Speed of up to 2.2GHz and has a dedicated ISP that supports the use of a 108MP Camera.
In the tests I conducted, I could conveniently execute various tasks seamlessly on realme 12 5G. I was able to play the hit MOBA game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at 60 fps, 52.5 ms ping, and 39 degrees Celsius. Its high refresh rate and precise taps have made my gaming experience smooth and seamless. I have not encountered any lag or frame drops, which has kept me fully immersed in all my in-game matches. With its high-quality visuals and fluid animations, it is definitely ideal for gaming, streaming, and other graphics-intensive mobile apps.
For connectivity, it has 5G, dual nano SIM slot, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, and 360-degree NFC.
The realme 12 5G packs a massive 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W SUPERVOOC charging via USB-C. It can quickly charge the device up to 100 percent in 83 minutes. The 45W SUPERVOOC Charge technology is fine-tuned with charging algorithms courtesy of realme and has 38 Safety Protections and an intelligent Four Core Chip Protection for safe high-speed charging. It has a long-lasting battery that has up to 590.8 hours of Standby. Further, it can provide an average usage time of up to 33.6 hours of phone calls, 17 hours of YouTube video streaming, 21 hours of WhatsApp, 18 hours of Twitter, 86.4 hours of music, 5.5 hours of FPS games such as Free Fire, or 10.4 hours on MOBAs such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
When it comes to software, realme 12 5G runs realme UI 5.0 on top of Android 14. In comparison to other skins, this one is exceptionally customizable, which I consider to be quite remarkable. Also, the new and improved version of realme UI has a more updated design and new features that are tailor-made for security, personalization, and performance. It includes features launched alongside realme UI 5.0, such as File Dock and PhoneLink. However, realme UI 5.0 features such as Smart Image Matting and Flash Capsule are not included, given device compatibility.
The software has three key highlights: Dynamic Button, Mini Capsule 2.0, and Riding Mode.
The Mini Capsule 2.0 has an expanding animation from the front camera hole-punch that shapes itself into a capsule with necessary info and the following features: Charging & Battery Status, Data Usage, Step Tracking, Weather Notifications, Event Reminders, and Music Playback Control. To access this feature, go to Settings > realme Lab > Mini Capsule, and turn on the toggle button. From there, you can select your desired functions.
The Dynamic Button allows custom mapping of the side-mounted power button for certain usage scenarios simply by double-tapping/double-pressing the button to activate. It also acts as a biometric fingerprint scanner. Some of the functions are Sound Modes (Ring, Vibrate, Mute), Quick Card Pack/Snap Cards, Turn On/Off DND (Do Not Disturb), Turn On "Riding Mode", Turn On/Off Airplane Mode, Turn On Camera (Street Mode/Google Smart Lens), and Opening a preferred application.
Riding Mode places the device into "Riding Mode," which is an exclusive suite or User Interface meant to prioritize the three "Modules": Google Maps, Music, and Google Dialer. Designed for "riding" or travel scenarios to help enhance user experience.
Antutu Score
I conducted a performance test of the realme 12 5G using the Antutu Benchmark app version 10.2.4.
realme 12 5G reached 418,572 points in the Antutu Benchmark. Here's the breakdown of its Antutu score: 135,514 (CPU), 62,365 (GPU), 109,480 (MEM), and 112,213 (UX). The battery temperature was recorded at 40.8 degrees Celsius and CPU temperature at 41.8 degrees Celsius.
Camera Quality
- realme 12 5G dual rear camera system:
- 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait (Samsung HM6 Sensor)
- 2MP B&W Camera
- realme 12 5G single selfie camera:
- 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera
The 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera uses a Samsung HM6 Sensor. A high-level 108MP Sensor that captures a lot of detail in scenes with a lot of light but also uses pixel-binning technology to get clear photos at night or in the dark. It supports 3x In-Sensor Zoom for taking clear photos both in the default Photo Mode and Portrait Mode in the Camera interface. The 3x In-Sensor Zoom allows support for Cinematic 3x Portrait Mode with a 72mm focal length for an almost true-to-life POV when taking photos. It supports Group Portrait Mode by taking full advantage of the 108MP camera and improved facial recognition to capture everyone's faces clearly. It has Master Portrait Filters that realme has worked on with Claudio Miranda (Oscar Award Winner for Best In Cinematography and realme Invited Photography Master) that include Journey, Memory and Maverick. It has a Cinematic Bokeh Algorithm that intelligently adjusts blurring and lighting to look more natural and textured. Aperture adjustments and AI Beautifications can also be updated in real-time before taking the shot. It also has a NightEye Engine to help with balancing shadows and highlights in the dark when taking photos for the best possible photo quality.
Meanwhile, the 8MP Camera with a sensor size of 1/4" has an FOV of 80° and an Aperture of f/2.0, a focal length of 25mm, and video capture capabilities of up to 1080p at 30fps.
Check out the photos I have captured with realme 12 5G using the phone's default camera settings.
Final Thoughts
The design of realme 12 5G integrates sophistication and functionality. In addition to providing grime resistance, the matte finish on the back panel imparts a sense of elegance. Although the phone features a generous 6.72-inch display, its dimensions of 165.7 x 76.1 x 7.69 mm render it practical for routine usage. The IP54 rating guarantees resistance to dust and water. Nevertheless, some users may find the absence of a curved body design to be a minor disadvantage, while gamers may find it a plus factor as they prefer flat display.
The realme 12 5G, boasting 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera, 7.69mm Trendy Watch Design, and 6.72-inch 120Hz Sunlight Display, presents a persuasive package for individuals in search of a cost-effective and all-around phone.
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