Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Realme 12 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Realme 12 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | iPhone is wider and slimmer, Realme is narrower but thicker. Volume is similar. |
| Weight | 228g | 196g | Realme is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have large displays, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1080x2412 | iPhone display is noticeably sharper, with finer details visible. |
| PPI | 458 | 394 | iPhone offers higher pixel density, resulting in a clearer and crisper visual experience. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use high-quality display technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme offers much smoother scrolling and animations, more pleasant for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits (Missing Data) | iPhone is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Realme's brightness is unknown, making outdoor visibility unpredictable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | iPhone offers superior processing power, leading to faster app loading and better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 603,400 | iPhone significantly outperforms Realme, particularly in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 710 | iPhone’s GPU is better optimized for graphics intensive applications, making it suitable for high-end gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 5000mAh | Realme has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges much faster, reducing time spent tethered to an outlet. |
| Features | MagSafe Wireless, Qi Wireless | Non-removable | iPhone supports wireless charging, while the Realme is non-removable, both fairly standard features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.6, 1.70 µm, Sony IMX603) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890, 1.00 µm) | Realme captures more detail due to higher resolution. iPhone's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP (f/2.2, Sony IMX514) | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615, 0.80 µm) | Realme offers higher resolution for sharper selfies. iPhone's wider aperture may do better in low light. |
| Telephoto | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/3.4", Sony IMX590, 1.00 µm) | 64MP (f/2.6, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.70 µm) | Realme has a telephoto lens with higher resolution, and a larger sensor. iPhone has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.4, 1/2.55", Sony IMX372, 1.40 µm) | None | iPhone has a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Wide/Macro | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", Hynix HI-846, 1.12 µm) | Realme has a dedicated wide angle macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | iPhone offers higher frame rate HDR video recording. Realme has EIS for stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 131 (Photo:131, Video:130) | Not Available | iPhone has proven camera performance. Realme's camera performance has not been officially tested by DxoMark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 (Photo:127, Video:140) | Not Available | iPhone has proven camera performance. Realme's camera performance has not been officially tested by DxoMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 | Different operating systems with distinct user interfaces and ecosystems. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones support fast Wi-Fi standards. Realme offers extra features like Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme has a newer Bluetooth version, and more audio codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Multiple Systems, BeiDou (B1) | Realme has better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. Realme uses physical dual nano SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both offer good storage capacity, but neither supports microSD cards. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme offers more RAM, which can help with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Realme offers fingerprint security; The iPhone lacks a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | iPhone has a barometer, while Realme includes fingerprint sensor and geomagnetic sensor. Both have proximity, accelerometer and gyroscope. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processing power and graphics, suitable for demanding tasks and high-end gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density resulting in a crisper and clearer visual experience.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Much higher brightness, ensuring great visibility even under direct sunlight.
- Proven Camera Quality: Higher DxoMark scores, indicating proven camera performance, and better HDR video recording.
- eSIM Support: Easier carrier switching for international travelers.
- Ultra-Stable Video
Practical Implications: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for users who need top-tier performance, a high quality display, and reliable camera performance. The brighter display is a major advantage for outdoor use and the overall performance is significantly better for heavy duty tasks.
Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to higher battery capacity.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging times, minimizing downtime.
- More RAM: Option for more RAM which can be beneficial for multitasking and gaming.
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation mic and 2 microphones
- Wider Angle + Macro lens: More diverse camera functionality.
- Fingerprint Sensor: For quick and convenient unlocking.
- Newer Bluetooth
Practical Implications: The Realme 12 Pro+ is suited to users who want a long battery life, a smooth display experience, and faster charging. The added camera diversity and fingerprint sensor are practical advantages.
Significant Trade-offs:
- iPhone: Lower refresh rate screen, slower charging, not as versatile camera for wide or macro shots.
- Realme: Lower performance, lower resolution screen, potential lower outdoor brightness, no DxoMark camera results for reference.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Ideal User:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and gaming.
- Users who prioritize image and video quality with reliable performance.
- Those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who frequently use their phone outdoors and need great visibility in bright conditions.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Professional photography.
- Daily outdoor use in varying conditions.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User:
- Users seeking a smooth display experience with long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who need more RAM for multitasking and a good array of audio features.
- Users who want a versatile camera with a macro capability.
- Price conscious users who want to get good value for their money.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday multitasking and social media.
- Long hours of phone usage without needing to frequently recharge.
- Capture wide and macro photography.
- A smoother experience for general user use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Daily Usage: Do you need the absolute best performance for high-end tasks (iPhone), or is smooth day-to-day usage with longer battery life more important (Realme)?
- Display Priorities: Is high resolution and outdoor visibility more important (iPhone), or do you prioritize a smooth 120Hz refresh rate (Realme)?
- Ecosystem Preference: Are you invested in the Apple ecosystem or want the customization of Android?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer: If you are a gamer or a power user who values raw processing power and a high quality display, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the better choice despite its age.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you want smooth day-to-day usage, longer battery life, a more versatile camera with Macro capabilities, and faster charging at a lower price point, the Realme 12 Pro+ is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Outdoors: If you are constantly outdoors the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the better choice due to its high brightness.
Conclusion
My Choice and Why:
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would lean towards the Realme 12 Pro+. Here's why:
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max still holds its own in performance and display clarity, the Realme 12 Pro+ provides a more compelling package for my specific needs in 2024. I value the smoother 120Hz refresh rate for everyday use and the significantly faster charging is a major convenience. Additionally the larger battery capacity should provide a better user experience. While the iPhone’s camera is proven, I enjoy the versatility offered by the Realme with its wide + macro lens and extra RAM, plus its higher refresh rate. Most importantly for me, the Realme is likely to be more affordable, representing better value for money in a 2024 market with newer options available. The fact that brightness was missing from the provided spec, makes it difficult to fully trust the display.
The Realme 12 Pro+ offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and battery life, all at a very competitive price. Its design is also more comfortable in-hand, since it is lighter. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a powerhouse, its age makes the Realme a more sensible choice for me.
