In our first impressions, we deemed the realme 12+ as a pretty looker with some nice hardware to boot, including a Sony lens in its triple rear camera system. Does the beauty run skin deep? Here’s our full review.
realme 12+ specs Philippines:
- 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED Display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G
- 8GB or 12GB RAM
- 256GB internal storage, with option for microSD up to 1TB (uses SIM2 slot)
- Triple rear cameras:
- 50MP SONY LYT-600, 1/1.95″, f/1.88, OIS
- 2MP macro 1/5″, 22mm Focal Length, f/2.40
- 8MP Ultrawide f/2.2 aperture 36mm Focal Length, f/2.20 Aperture, FOV 112°
- 16MP Selfie Camera
- 5G, Dual SIM (nano, hybrid)
- IP54 Dust and Water Resistance
- WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
- In-display Fingerprint Scanner
- Dual Stereo Speakers
- 3D VC Cooling System
- realme UI 5 (Android 14)
- 5,000mAh Battery, 67W SUPERVOOC Charge
- Colors: Pioneer Green, Navigator Beige
realme 12+ 5G Review Philippines: Design
We’ve told you: This phone is stunning. Continuing the design ethos of last year’s realme 11 series, the realme 12+ features a similar huge protruding circular area for the camera module, and a zipper-like accent in the middle that complements the Pioneer Green colorway that our unit has.
The surface of the back is still the same vegan leather featured on the realme 11 series, and it doesn’t feel cheap. The surface is great to the touch and adds more premiumness to the device.
Even the protruding circular area has a new look. There’s a grove encircling the camera modules akin to timeless watch designs. Of the four, three are cameras and the last is an LED Flash module.
Here’s what makes the realme 12+ different in the series is that the edges are flat, compared to the curved ones we saw on the realme 11 Pro and Pro+ last year. The flat surfaces and rounded corners will delight those who want to have a better grip.
On the right side are the power/lock button and the volume key protruding from the chromatic flat edge.
At the bottom are the Dual nano SIM card slot, the microphone, the USB-C port, and the bottom-firing loudspeaker. Also worth noting is that the SIM tray is a hybrid one – you’d have to choose between extra connectivity or bigger storage for the second slot.
The front has a 120Hz AMOLED display which offers very smooth and fluid motions in videos and navigation. There’s that 16MP selfie camera cut-out at the screen’s upper middle part, and the bezels are thin enough for use in any orientation. The call speaker, doubling as the other half of the phone’s stereo loudspeaker system, is at the edge.
realme 12+ 5G Review Philippines: Display
The realme 12+ offers a comprehensive package designed to meet the demands of users seeking a balanced blend of performance and entertainment features. With its expansive 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, users can expect an immersive visual experience suitable for various activities. The display is enough to view details in imagery, features good contrast and brightness even in high sunlight, and has vivid colors that give life to what you see.
This phone sports a dual stereo speaker setup – the bottom-firing loudspeaker, combined with the call speaker, creates a more spatial experience
realme 12+ 5G Review Philippines: Camera
realme pushes the envelope in mid-range smartphone photography by bringing good camera hardware and software to its newest number series of phones, including the realme 12+.
The triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP Sony primary lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 2MP macro lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens, provides versatility in capturing different scenes and perspectives. Additionally, the 16MP selfie camera delivers satisfactory results for selfies and video calls.
realme has also improved its software algorithms with better camera performance, as seen in shots we’ve taken. The same goes with the video captured with the device, though you’re only limited with 1080p on the selfie camera. Here are some samples:
realme 12+ 5G Review Philippines: Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G chipset, the device ensures smooth operation and reliable connectivity, particularly beneficial for those looking to leverage the advantages of 5G networks. With options for either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD, users have ample space for their files and applications.
realmeUI 5, based on Google’s Android 14 feels great. I’ve held various realme phones before and the evolution of the device feels just natural with more features being added every iteration of the operating system. I like that there are more tools for built-in experiences such as live translate, image cutouts, and even flash capsules, to enhance your phone experience.
Everyone complains about the many apps installed on the get-go such as Facebook, Lazada, Booking.com, and Shopee, but these can be uninstalled easily to make way for your other favorite apps. You have around 220+GB of storage for your apps and files.
With 5G capability and IP54 dust and water resistance, the device caters to users’ diverse connectivity needs and offers enhanced durability for varying environmental conditions. Connectivity features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC ensure seamless connectivity options.
Security features include an in-display fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure unlocking. The phone is also equipped ith a 3D VC Cooling System, the device ensures efficient heat dissipation during extended usage, maintaining optimal performance levels.
realme 12+ 5G Review Philippines: Battery
The substantial 5,000mAh battery, coupled with 67W SUPERVOOC Charge technology, offers extended usage periods and fast charging times, reducing downtime. We’re able to use the phone for almost a day with medium to heavy use which included calls, SMS, social media and game app usage over both WiFi and Mobile data. Recharging takes around an hour from 0 to 100%.
