1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 163.3 × 75.6 × 8.2 mm | Realme GT Neo 3 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Negligible weight difference. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme GT Neo 3 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Security Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme GT Neo 3 offers biometric security, making unlocking faster and more convenient than pin/pattern. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme GT Neo 3 offers a more immersive viewing experience, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2412 | iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in finer details and crisper text. |
| PPI | 460 | 394 | iPhone 12 Pro has noticeably sharper display quality |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality displays; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme GT Neo 3 provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic offers faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 855,842 | iPhone 12 Pro is expected to have a snappier overall experience, especially with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G610 MC6 | Both offer capable graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks; iPhone 12 Pro has a slight edge. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB | Realme GT Neo 3 with 8GB or 12GB RAM allows for more apps to run in the background and smoother multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor | Realme GT Neo 3 captures more detail in good lighting conditions, while the iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture may provide better low-light performance (sensor size plays an important role too). |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.25 | iPhone 12 Pro captures more detailed ultrawide photos. Realme GT Neo 3 may offer better low-light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | None | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better quality zoomed-in photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme GT Neo 3 can take close-up macro shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme GT Neo 3 captures more detailed selfies, while the iPhone 12 Pro's wider aperture may result in better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Both offer high-quality video recording. iPhone 12 Pro's HDR and Stereo Sound provides a better dynamic range. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers well-regarded camera performance. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Manual Focus | UIS, UIS Max, Digital Image Stabilization | iPhone 12 Pro offers more control over the camera settings. Realme GT Neo 3 offers enhanced video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme GT Neo 3 offers significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Realme GT Neo 3 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | MagSafe & Qi Wireless Charging | In-box 80W Charger | iPhone 12 Pro offers wireless charging convenience. Realme GT Neo 3 comes with a super fast charger in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 12 (Upgradable to Android 13) | iOS is known for its simplicity and tight integration with Apple's ecosystem. Android offers more customization and open-source flexibility. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme GT Neo 3 has better audio quality. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Realme GT Neo 3 can use two physical SIM cards, while iPhone 12 Pro uses one physical SIM and one eSIM. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Realme GT Neo 3 may have slightly more accurate location tracking. |
Storage
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | Both offer the same storage options, allowing users to choose the model that best fits their needs. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Users need to choose sufficient internal storage at the time of purchase. |
Audio
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme GT Neo 3 provides a better audio experience, enhancing calls. |
Sensors
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | iPhone 12 Pro can measure atmospheric pressure, useful for weather apps. Realme GT Neo 3 has additional security feature, with better navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Higher performance: Apple A14 Bionic chipset offers better processing power.
- Sharper display: Higher pixel density provides a crisper viewing experience.
- Telephoto lens: Offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed-in photos.
- Better Camera System: DXOMark scores indicate higher quality camera and video.
- Premium Build and iOS Ecosystem: Appeals to users wanting to be in the Apple ecosystem.
Realme GT Neo 3 Advantages:
- Larger display: More immersive viewing experience.
- Higher refresh rate: Smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming.
- Significantly larger battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster charging: Minimizes downtime.
- More RAM options: With 8GB or 12GB ensures smoother multitasking.
- Macro Lens: More creative control of close-up photos.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro users sacrifice battery life and fast charging for a more premium experience.
- Realme GT Neo 3 users sacrifice raw processing power for a larger display, faster charging, and longer battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem
- Those prioritizing performance and a premium brand
- Photographers who value optical zoom capabilities and high-quality image processing
- Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Demanding mobile gaming
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Apple Watch)
Realme GT Neo 3 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging
- Gamers and media consumers who want a large, smooth display
- Those seeking a feature-rich phone at a competitive price
- Users who like to take macro photos
Use Cases:
- All-day usage without needing to recharge
- Immersive gaming and video streaming
- Photography enthusiasts wanting a variety of shooting modes (including macro)
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is your budget? Consider the price difference between the phones and whether the features justify the cost.
- How important is battery life and charging speed? If you need all-day battery life and quick charging, the Realme GT Neo 3 is the better choice.
- Do you prefer iOS or Android? Your familiarity and preference for the operating system will significantly impact your experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the power user who needs maximum performance and is invested in the Apple ecosystem: Choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
- For the gamer and media consumer who wants a large, smooth display and long battery life: Choose the Realme GT Neo 3.
- For the budget-conscious buyer who wants a feature-rich phone with fast charging: Choose the Realme GT Neo 3.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Realme GT Neo 3. While the iPhone 12 Pro boasts a slightly better camera and performance, the GT Neo 3's larger, smoother 120Hz display, significantly longer battery life, and incredibly fast 80W charging offer a more compelling everyday user experience.
As a user who consumes a lot of media and appreciates a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use, the Realme GT Neo 3 addresses my key needs. While the Apple ecosystem is appealing, the advantages in display and battery outweigh this consideration.
