Nothing Phone (1) vs. Realme 12 Pro+: A Deep Dive
Let's dissect the Nothing Phone (1) and Realme 12 Pro+, two intriguing mid-range contenders, to see which one comes out on top.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nothing Phone (1) | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly larger and thicker. |
| Weight (g) | 193.5 | 196 | Negligible weight difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Type | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Peak Brightness | 1200 nits | 950 nits | Nothing Phone (1) gets significantly brighter outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 778G+ generally performs slightly better in benchmarks. |
| CPU | Octa-core (2.5 GHz) | Octa-core (2.4 GHz) | Comparable everyday performance expected. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB | Sufficient for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP (Sony IMX766) | 50MP (Sony IMX890) | Both excellent sensors; IMX890 potentially slightly better. |
| Ultrawide | 50MP | 8MP | Significant advantage for Nothing Phone (1) in ultrawide. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 64MP with OIS | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom and telephoto OIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ likely to offer longer battery life. |
| Fast Charging | 33W | 67W | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
2. Key Insights
- Display: While both phones have excellent displays, the Nothing Phone (1)'s superior peak brightness makes it a clear winner for outdoor visibility.
- Performance: Expect similar day-to-day performance. Benchmarking reveals a slight edge for the 778G+, but in real-world usage, the difference will likely be negligible for most users.
- Camera: The Nothing Phone (1) boasts a superior ultrawide camera, while the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens with OIS, enabling optical zoom and steadier zoomed shots. This is a crucial difference depending on individual photography preferences.
- Battery: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a larger battery and significantly faster charging, addressing a key concern for power users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nothing Phone (1): Best for users who prioritize a unique design, a bright display for outdoor use, and a strong ultrawide camera.
- Realme 12 Pro+: Ideal for users who value long battery life, fast charging, and optical zoom capabilities for photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- Is exceptional outdoor screen visibility crucial? If yes, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Do you frequently use your phone's camera for zoomed-in shots? If so, the Realme 12 Pro+'s telephoto lens is a significant advantage.
- Is fast charging and long battery life a top priority? The Realme 12 Pro+ excels in this area.
My Choice: Realme 12 Pro+
While the Nothing Phone (1) has a distinctive design and a brighter display, the Realme 12 Pro+'s combination of a larger battery, significantly faster charging, and a telephoto lens aligns better with my personal needs. As someone who often uses their phone for photography and relies on it throughout the day, the 67W fast charging and the versatility of the telephoto lens are compelling features. The slightly larger battery capacity also provides peace of mind, reducing battery anxiety. While the ultrawide lens on the Nothing Phone is impressive, I prioritize optical zoom and overall battery performance over ultrawide capabilities.
