1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2400 | iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly sharper display, but the difference may not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 395 PPI | iPhone 12 Pro has noticeably sharper text and images |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the difference is subtle. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 601,000 | iPhone 12 Pro provides a smoother and more responsive experience overall. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MC4 | Apple GPU handles graphically intensive tasks more effectively, leading to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" sensor | Realme 12+ captures more detail in good lighting conditions. iPhone 12 Pro excels in low-light photography due to its wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects without loss of quality. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 Pro captures slightly more detailed ultrawide photos. Realme 12+ ultrawide has a wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ allows for close-up shots of small objects, a feature missing on the iPhone 12 Pro. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ captures slightly more detailed selfies. iPhone 12 Pro has wider aperture. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | iPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 20W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 14 (upgradable to Android 16) | Different user interfaces and ecosystems. iOS is known for its simplicity and security, while Android offers more customization. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB or 12GB | Realme 12+ provides smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps, especially with the 12GB option. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12+ has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | iPhone 12 Pro offers more precise location tracking due to the additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Realme 12+ makes it easier to use 2 physical SIMs. iPhone 12 Pro gives the option of eSIM. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ provides a slightly better audio experience for music and calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 12+ provides basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to compare durability without more information |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | iPhone 12 Pro has a Barometer, while Realme 12+ has a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers significantly faster processing speeds, making it ideal for demanding applications and gaming.
- Higher Quality Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better low-light performance, and advanced features like RAW capture and Night Mode.
- More Compact Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its smaller size.
- MagSafe and Wireless Charging: Convenient charging options not available on the Realme 12+.
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for precise location tracking.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides significantly better endurance, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging technology allows for much quicker charging times.
- Larger Display with Higher Refresh Rate: Offers a more immersive viewing experience and smoother animations.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: Captures more detail in good lighting conditions.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers basic biometric security
- More RAM: 8 or 12 GB options for heavier multitasking
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and fast charging for better performance and camera quality.
- Choosing the Realme 12+ means sacrificing processing power and telephoto camera for longer battery life and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Professionals, content creators, users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a compact design.
- Use Cases:
- Video Editing: The powerful processor and excellent video recording capabilities make it suitable for on-the-go video editing.
- Photography: The advanced camera system excels in various lighting conditions, delivering high-quality photos and videos.
- Gaming: Demanding games run smoothly due to the powerful A14 Bionic chip.
- Professionals relying on Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal Users: Students, budget-conscious consumers, users who prioritize battery life, display size, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Media Consumption: The large display and long battery life are perfect for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Everyday Tasks: Handles everyday tasks efficiently, thanks to the ample RAM and optimized software.
- Gaming: Runs games smoothly
- Users who need long battery life: Ideal for travel or extended use without charging.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Realme 12+ generally offers a better price-to-value ratio, providing a large display, long battery life, and fast charging at a more affordable price point. The iPhone 12 Pro justifies its higher price with superior performance, camera quality, and a more premium design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme 12+ offers a more budget-friendly option.
- How important is battery life? If battery life is a top priority, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
- Do you need the best possible camera and performance? If so, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler: Realme 12+ is recommended due to its long battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: iPhone 12 Pro is recommended for its superior processing power and GPU.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Student: Realme 12+ is recommended due to its lower price and balanced feature set.
- Scenario 4: Professional Photographer: iPhone 12 Pro is recommended due to its superior camera system and RAW capture capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, even though it is an older phone. Despite its age, the A14 Bionic chip still holds up incredibly well, offering a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The telephoto lens is a feature I find essential for photography, and the iPhone 12 Pro's camera system consistently delivers high-quality results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Also, the size and convenience of wireless charging is something that I value personally.
While the Realme 12+ has its advantages, such as a bigger screen, it doesn't provide the same level of performance and user experience as the iPhone 12 Pro.
