vivo iQOO 12 vs Realme 12x - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 12x
Realme 12x
Realme

General

Launch Date November 14, 2023 April 7, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 100.33 cm³ 99.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 198.5 g 190 g
Height 163.2 mm 165.6 mm
Width 75.9 mm 76.1 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • White (BMW M branding)
  • Glowing Black
  • Feather Green

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1260 x 2800 720 x 1604
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.6 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 453 PPI 264 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1400 nits 625 nits
Peak Brightness 3000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.77 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.83 mAh/cm³ 50.22 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 750 Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 14 14
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a comparative analysis of the vivo iQOO 12 and Realme 12x, focusing on the user experience rather than just specs.

Design and Usability Assessment

Featurevivo iQOO 12Realme 12xUser Experience Impact
Display6.78" LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 3000 nits peak brightness6.67" IPS LCD, 120HzThe iQOO 12 offers a significantly richer visual experience with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, smoother scrolling, and exceptional brightness for outdoor readability.
Resolution1260x2800 (453 ppi)720x1604 (264 ppi)Sharper details and crisper text on the iQOO 12 result in a more enjoyable content consumption experience. The lower resolution on the Realme 12x might appear pixelated.
PerformanceSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Mediatek Dimensity 6100+iQOO 12 provides significantly faster processing power for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Design Ergonomics163.2 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm, 198.5g165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm, 190gBoth phones are similar in size and weight, but the iQOO 12's slightly curved display might offer a more premium feel.
Fingerprint SensorUnder displaySide-mountedUnder-display fingerprint sensors offer a more modern and integrated aesthetic, while side-mounted ones can be more easily accessible depending on user preference.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine you're a photographer capturing a vibrant sunset. The iQOO 12's brilliant AMOLED display with HDR10+ brings the scene to life, allowing you to accurately review your shots with incredible detail even under direct sunlight thanks to its peak brightness. The Realme 12x's LCD struggles in bright conditions, making it harder to compose and review images.

Scenario: You're a mobile gamer. The iQOO 12's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 144Hz refresh rate deliver a buttery-smooth gaming experience with stunning visuals. The Realme 12x's Dimensity 6100+ and 120Hz refresh rate provides decent performance, but it can't match the iQOO 12's raw power and responsiveness, especially for graphically intensive games.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

Both phones offer large displays suitable for users who prefer bigger screens for media consumption or accessibility needs. However, the iQOO 12's superior display quality significantly benefits users with visual impairments. The Realme 12x's lower price point makes it more accessible to budget-conscious users, but compromises on certain aspects of the user experience.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

While both phones cater to the mid-range market, they offer vastly different user experiences. The iQOO 12 prioritizes a premium, performance-driven experience with a stunning display and top-tier hardware. The Realme 12x focuses on affordability while still providing a decent overall experience.

My Choice: vivo iQOO 12

Why? As a technology communicator focused on user experience, I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. It offers a significantly more compelling and engaging user experience thanks to its superior display, powerful performance, and sleek design. While the Realme 12x is a more budget-friendly option, the iQOO 12's investment in a high-quality display, powerful processor, and overall refined experience aligns more closely with my values of prioritizing user-centered design and delivering a truly enjoyable technological experience. The difference in display quality alone is a major deciding factor, as it drastically impacts everyday interactions, from browsing photos and videos to reading text. The iQOO 12's performance capabilities also ensure a future-proof device that can handle demanding tasks and evolving user needs.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.