Realme 12 Pro

Realme 12 Pro Review

The Realme 12 Pro, launched on January 29, 2024, aims to deliver a balanced mid-range experience with a focus on camera capabilities and a smooth display.

Key Features

• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2412 pixel resolution (394 ppi), 1B colors, and up to 950 nits peak brightness.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and Adreno 710 GPU.
• RAM & Storage: Configurations include 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage.
• Cameras: Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm) main sensor (Sony IMX882), an 8MP ultrawide/macro sensor (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, Sony IMX355), and a 32MP telephoto lens (f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.8µm, Sony IMX709) with 2x optical zoom and OIS, plus a 16MP selfie camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 67W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 14.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG.
• Other: Under-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant AMOLED Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provides smooth scrolling and vibrant colors, enhanced by 1B color support, high peak brightness (950 nits), and a 240 Hz touch sampling rate.
• Versatile Camera System: The triple-camera setup including OIS in the telephoto provides flexibility with 2x optical zoom and solid image quality, supplemented by 4K video recording at 30fps with EIS.
• Good Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset offers a capable mid-range experience for daily tasks and some gaming.
• Fast Charging: 67W fast charging ensures quick battery replenishment.
• Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Provides a rich audio experience for multimedia consumption.
• Modern Connectivity: Includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC.
• Sleek Design: The phone has a contemporary design with a 3D curved glass screen.

Cons:

• UFS 2.2 Storage: The device utilizes UFS 2.2 storage, which is slower than the latest UFS 3.1 or 4.0 standards.
• No HDR Support: Despite the AMOLED display, the phone lacks HDR10 or Dolby Vision support.
• No Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is absent, limiting charging convenience.
• USB 2.0: Utilizes the older USB 2.0 standard instead of faster USB 3.0/3.1.
• No IP Rating: The phone lacks any formal dust or water resistance certification.

User Experience

The Realme 12 Pro provides a fluid user experience, primarily due to its 120Hz AMOLED display and efficient software optimization on Android 14. The display is sharp and bright, suitable for outdoor use, while the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos enhance media consumption. The fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 handles most everyday tasks smoothly and can manage some moderate gaming. However, heavier gaming titles might require adjusted graphics settings for a consistent frame rate. The 5000 mAh battery paired with 67W fast charging ensures a full day's usage for many users and a quick recharge.

Hardware & Design

The device is relatively slim (8.8mm) and lightweight (190g), making it comfortable to hold. The curved screen design adds to a premium feel. The available color options include Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige. The build quality feels robust, and the placement of buttons and ports are standard for a modern smartphone. The absence of a headphone jack is noted. The lack of expandable storage via a microSD card is a limitation for users with large local media libraries. The heat management system is included but not aggressively marketed as a gaming cooling solution.

Conclusion

The Realme 12 Pro offers a compelling package in the medium price range, featuring a high refresh rate AMOLED display, a versatile camera system, and speedy 67W fast charging. While it makes some compromises such as the lack of the latest storage and USB standards, it still delivers a generally satisfying user experience for the price. It is well suited for users looking for a capable all-rounder with solid camera performance and good media consumption capabilities. It's suitable for those who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and a capable camera setup over the bleeding-edge features present in more premium devices.