Alright, let's dive deep into the comparison between the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Realme 12 Pro+. This is a fascinating matchup, pitting a seasoned veteran against a fresh contender. We'll go beyond just spec numbers to look at how these differences play out in your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specs of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Realme 12 Pro+, along with a look at what these specs mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | iPhone is more compact; Realme is larger and may feel more substantial in hand |
| Weight | 204g | 196g | Realme is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long periods of holding |
| Build | Premium materials | Premium materials | Both devices feel high-quality, although specifics on the materials are unknown |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme has a significantly larger screen, great for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2412 | iPhone has a slightly sharper display, leading to crisper text and images |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 394 | iPhone's display appears noticeably sharper due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use excellent panel technology, with vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone will be far more visible in bright sunlight due to higher brightness output |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | iPhone has a substantially more powerful chip, leading to faster speeds in all tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,325,768 | 603,400 | iPhone has significantly higher performance, great for gaming and heavy apps |
| GPU | Apple 5-core | Adreno 710 | iPhone's GPU is significantly more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme offers higher megapixel count for potentially more detailed shots; iPhone has larger pixels for improved low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Realme has a higher-resolution selfie camera for greater detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, f/2.8, 1.0µm | 64MP, f/2.6, 0.70µm | Realme provides a higher-resolution telephoto with wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm | None | Only the iPhone features a dedicated Wide Angle Camera |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 12MP , 1/3.4", 1.00 µm | None | Only the iPhone features a ToF sensor |
| Wide + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12 µm | Only the Realme features a dedicated wide + macro camera |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 4K@30fps EIS | Both record sharp videos, but iPhone’s HDR and 60fps capabilities make it superior |
| DXOMark Mobile | 141, 140 (photo), 146 (video) | Not Tested | iPhone is rated higher in overall quality |
| DXOMark Selfie | 134, 128 (photo), 143 (video) | Not Tested | iPhone is rated higher in overall quality |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, OIS, Ultra Stable, RAW | Triple, OIS, Digital Image Stabilization, RAW | Both have a range of features for creative photography, though the iPhone is more robust in some areas such as video |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3125 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme has a much larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme’s significantly faster charging reduces downtime |
| Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | None | iPhone offers convenient wireless charging options |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15 (upgradeable to 18) | Android 14 | iOS offers tight ecosystem integration; Android is more customizable |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both offer the latest WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC | Realme has a slightly more up-to-date Bluetooth with more audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme supports more GPS systems for increased accuracy |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone offers eSIM convenience; Realme is a more standard dual SIM configuration |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB-1TB | 128GB-512GB | iPhone has higher capacity options |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme has a higher RAM option, which aids in multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has external storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Digital Plus, DTS, 3 Mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, 2 mics | Apple has a broader sound feature profile, although both have spatial sound features |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | Realme provides biometrics for easy and quick unlocking |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint | iPhone includes a barometer, Realme has a fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Insights
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip blows the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 out of the water. It's faster, smoother, and better for heavy tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Display Quality: The higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness create a stunning display, especially outdoors.
- Camera Excellence: While it might not win on megapixel count, the iPhone's camera is superb. Its excellent processing, HDR capabilities, and video quality, along with additional features like the 3D ToF and ultra-stable video, are hard to beat.
- Ecosystem: iOS provides a seamless experience if you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, along with excellent software support.
- Wireless Charging: The convenience of MagSafe and Qi charging adds a practical touch that Realme lacks.
- Audio: Offers a more robust audio experience with multiple sound formats and an extra microphone for better noise cancellation and audio recording.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Battery Life: The larger battery capacity and faster charging make this the phone to choose if you prioritize endurance and quick power-ups.
- Camera Versatility: The higher megapixel count across its telephoto, and main sensors are excellent. The inclusion of a macro camera offers additional creative capabilities and shooting possibilities.
- RAM: More RAM enhances multitasking capabilities, making it feel smoother when running multiple apps.
- Bluetooth: Uses a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codec support.
- Value Proposition: Typically, Realme phones come with a lower price tag while offering solid performance and features.
- Biometric Security: The fingerprint sensor is more convenient for quick unlocking
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- iPhone 13 Pro: Can be pricey, is older (released in 2021), lacks the larger battery capacity, and faster charging of its competitor.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Loses out significantly on performance, display quality, and some of the premium camera features offered by the iPhone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Apple iPhone 13 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users who demand high-quality photos and videos, and who may be familiar with Apple's cameras and creative modes.
- Apple Ecosystem Loyalists: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem who appreciate the seamless experience of iOS and related hardware.
Realme 12 Pro+ is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who value a large, immersive display for watching videos and browsing.
- Battery Life Seekers: Individuals who need their phone to last all day without needing frequent recharges, and who value the ability to charge the phone quickly.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a feature-rich phone without the premium price tag.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those who prefer the customization and open nature of the Android operating system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How much do I value raw performance and a top-tier display? If the answer is "very much," the iPhone 13 Pro is likely your best bet. If raw power is less important, and screen size is key, the Realme 12 Pro+ may be suitable.
- Do I prioritize long battery life and fast charging? If you need all-day battery and quick recharges, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a clear winner.
- Am I an Apple ecosystem user or an Android enthusiast? This is a fundamental question that will guide your decision, as OS choice is often a personal one.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Professional Photographer: Go for the iPhone 13 Pro. Its camera's superior image quality, HDR, and video capabilities will make your work a lot easier.
- The Mobile Gamer: The iPhone 13 Pro's A15 chip will deliver the best gaming experience by a mile.
- The Long-Haul Traveler: The Realme 12 Pro+’s larger battery, fast charging, and larger display is a solid choice for travelers.
- The Budget-Conscious Creative: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a good combination of camera features, a large display, and good performance at a lower price.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13 Pro, despite its age. While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more modern design, a larger battery, and faster charging, the raw performance and camera quality of the iPhone are just too hard to ignore. For someone who does heavy app development, gaming, and photo/video editing, the iPhone provides a better overall experience due to its overall power and top-tier display quality. While battery is always a factor for me, the additional benefits that the iPhone provides outweigh the battery loss. While a newer phone can be tempting, the iPhone 13 Pro’s A15 chip and other camera features are a clear winner for me.
