Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. Realme 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. iPhone 12 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 164g | 190g | iPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. iPhone 12 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2412 | iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper image due to higher resolution, but the difference may not be noticeable to all users. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 394 PPI | iPhone 12 has visibly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | iPhone 12 is easier to view in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | iPhone 12 offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,083,947 | 574,000 | iPhone 12 provides a smoother and more responsive user experience overall. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 710 | iPhone 12 has superior graphics performance, providing better frame rates and visual fidelity in games and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions due to its higher resolution sensor. iPhone 12 performs better in low light due to its wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro captures more detailed selfies. iPhone 12 performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0 | Realme 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects with better clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | iPhone 12 captures wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12 Pro allows for ultra-wide shots and detailed close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR | Up to 4K@30fps EIS | iPhone 12 provides smoother video recording at higher frame rates and HDR support. Realme 12 Pro offers electronic image stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | iPhone 12 camera is professionally rated. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 selfie camera is professionally rated. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging (MagSafe & Qi) | None | iPhone 12 offers convenient wireless charging options. |
Storage and RAM
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64/128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12 Pro offers more storage space for files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12 Pro handles multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 | Realme 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro supports more audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Realme 12 Pro allows using two physical SIM cards. iPhone 12 allows one physical and one digital SIM. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides significantly faster performance compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Realme 12 Pro.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper display.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of 4K recording at 60fps and features HDR.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging standards.
- Compact Size: More pocketable and easier to handle one-handed.
- Professionally Rated Cameras: DxOMark ratings give insight into tested camera quality.
Realme 12 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life for all-day usage.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Larger Display: More immersive experience for media consumption.
- More RAM: Smoother multitasking, especially with the 12GB option.
- More Storage: Offers up to 512GB of internal storage.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom capabilities.
- More Recent: Newer phone, so software will likely be supported for longer.
- Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Supports newer codecs like aptX and LDAC for higher-quality audio.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the iPhone 12 means sacrificing battery life and a larger display for superior performance and a more compact design.
- Choosing the Realme 12 Pro means sacrificing performance and camera quality for longer battery life and a larger screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and responsiveness above all else.
- Individuals who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
- Those invested in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration.
- Users who appreciate a sharper display for detailed content viewing.
- Users who require high-quality video recording capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Demanding games run smoother on the iPhone 12 due to its powerful processor and GPU.
- Video Editing: The A14 Bionic chip accelerates video editing tasks.
- Photography: Capturing quick, high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Everyday Use: Smooth and responsive performance for browsing, social media, and communication.
Realme 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and need a phone that lasts all day.
- Individuals who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a larger screen.
- Those who value fast charging for minimal downtime.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom capabilities.
- Users who value having two physical SIM card slots.
Use Cases:
- Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, TV shows, and games on the larger display with smoother refresh rate.
- Travel: Long battery life ensures the phone lasts throughout the day without needing to be charged.
- Photography: Capturing photos and videos in various scenarios, including zoomed-in shots with the telephoto lens.
- Heavy Multitasking: The 8 or 12 GB of RAM ensures smooth performance with multiple apps running simultaneously.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- What is your budget? (While not provided, this heavily influences the "value" aspect.)
- How important is battery life to you? If you need all-day battery, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- How important is performance? If you play demanding games or use resource-intensive apps, the iPhone 12 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on a Budget: If performance is critical and the budget is a constraint, then research the price difference, and if it is not that big, the iPhone 12 is the choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize watching videos, playing games on a larger screen, and long battery life, the Realme 12 Pro is ideal.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: If you want telephoto capabilities and value larger storage, Realme 12 Pro is a good choice. However, if you want professionally rated photo and selfie cameras and don't mind the lack of telephoto, the iPhone 12 is better.
My Choice
If the budget was not an issue, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone 12. While the Realme 12 Pro offers a larger display, better battery life, and a telephoto lens, the performance difference between the two phones is significant. As someone who frequently uses my phone for demanding tasks like gaming and photo editing, the superior processing power of the A14 Bionic chip is more important to me than the added battery capacity or telephoto lens. Also, I value the more compact and pocketable design of the iPhone 12. For my use case, the iPhone 12 offers a smoother and more enjoyable experience overall, so I would pick it even if the Realme 12 Pro was slightly cheaper.
