Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 13 and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'll break down the specs, highlight key insights, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, along with the real-world implications for each:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm, 174g | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm, 196g | iPhone 13 is smaller and lighter, better for single-handed use. Realme 12 Pro+ is larger. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ provides a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2412 | iPhone 13's higher resolution results in a slightly sharper image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 460 | 394 | iPhone 13 has a visibly sharper screen. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ has noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 13 is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Realme brightness not provided |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | A15 Bionic offers significantly higher performance, especially in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,256,049 | 603,400 | iPhone 13 provides much faster app loading and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 710 | iPhone 13 has a more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.6, Sony IMX603, 1.7µm | 50MP f/1.8, Sony IMX890, 1.0µm 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution, iPhone 13 has wider aperture for low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2, Sony IMX514 | 32MP f/2.4, Sony IMX615, 0.8µm 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution, iPhone 13 has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP f/2.6, Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens for closer photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.4, Sony IMX372 1/2.55", 1.4µm | None | iPhone 13 has a dedicated ultra-wide camera, Realme 12 Pro+ uses it combined with macro. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2, Hynix HI-846, 1.12µm 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide-angle and macro camera. |
| Video | 4K up to 60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | 4K at 30 fps with EIS | Both offer high-quality video but iPhone 13 can record at higher frame rates. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | iPhone 13 offers features such as ultra stable video, night mode. Realme 12 Pro+ provides optical zoom, triple camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3240 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much larger battery for potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging, Wireless MagSafe Charging 15W, Qi 7.5W | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster. iPhone offers wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15, max version 18 | Android 14, no max version provided | Different OS experience, iPhone provides consistent software updates for 5-7 years, Realme updates are provided at the discretion of the manufacturer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual band, MiMO | WiFi 6, Dual band, MiMO, Direct, Display | Similar WiFi standards, Realme offers additional sharing features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme offers a more modern Bluetooth version and has more codec options for high quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme has better GPS with more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone has eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | Same storage options for both. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB, 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has much more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | iPhone offers features such as: enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, enhanced surround sound, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture; Realme has Hi-Res Audio certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Realme has a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information available |
2. Key Insights
- Apple iPhone 13:
- Strengths: Superior performance due to the A15 Bionic chip, a sharper display, better outdoor visibility, and refined software experience through iOS.
- Competitive Advantages: Significantly faster processor, higher pixel density screen, wider main camera aperture, more features in video, reliable software updates, and wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: Smaller display size, lower refresh rate, smaller battery, and slower charging speeds.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: Larger screen size with smoother 120Hz refresh rate, more RAM, a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, and significantly larger battery with faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Telephoto camera for better zoom, larger battery capacity, faster charging, higher refresh rate display, more RAM, newer Bluetooth version and more GPS systems
- Trade-offs: Lower overall performance, lower resolution screen and pixel density and unknown display brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Apple iPhone 13:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize performance, display sharpness, seamless iOS integration, and are invested in the Apple ecosystem. Also great for those that would prefer a smaller phone that is easier to handle.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, heavy multitasking, video editing, and those who value the reliability of long-term software support.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best Suited For: Users who want a large, immersive display, a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities, prefer longer battery life, and faster charging.
- Use Cases: Media consumption, mobile photography, and users who prefer Android with customizations, users who prefer larger phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Do you prioritize performance and software ecosystem over display size and battery life?
- If yes, the iPhone 13 is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize a larger display, more versatile camera system, and longer battery life with faster charging?
- If yes, the Realme 12 Pro+ is more appealing.
- Are you more invested in the iOS or Android ecosystem?
- The iPhone 13 is for iOS users. The Realme 12 Pro+ is for those who prefer Android.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer/Power User: The iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip provides superior performance and makes it the better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro+ with its versatile camera system, especially the telephoto lens, makes it a better pick for photography enthusiasts and having a wide angle and macro camera helps with creativity.
- Casual User/Media Consumer: The Realme 12 Pro+’s larger display and battery life make it ideal for watching videos and browsing with fewer interruptions.
- User on a budget: The Realme 12 Pro+ provides a good amount of features and would be a solid pick.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two, I would lean towards the Apple iPhone 13. My reasoning is based on several factors:
- Performance: As someone who often juggles multiple tasks and appreciates a fluid user experience, the superior performance of the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 is very compelling.
- Display: The higher pixel density, while smaller, does lead to a crisper visual experience, and I appreciate that.
- Software and Ecosystem: I personally prefer the iOS ecosystem for its consistent experience, privacy features, and timely updates, it would be hard to move away from this ecosystem.
- Build Quality and Reliability: Apple is know for their build quality, and while no build protection is listed for either device, this would be a factor.
- Cameras: While the telephoto camera is appealing, the overall consistent quality and features of the iPhone 13 camera is appealing to me.
While the Realme 12 Pro+ has its advantages, especially its battery and camera flexibility, for my usage needs, the consistent performance and cohesive experience of the iPhone 13 are more appealing.
