Realme continues to make waves in the budget and mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the Realme 12. Positioned as a solid choice for users looking for flagship-like features without the flagship price, the Realme 12 brings a compelling combination of performance, camera capability, and design aesthetics.
Design & Display
Realme has embraced a premium look for the 12 series, with a sleek and refined body that feels more expensive than its price tag suggests. The device sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals ideal for gaming and scrolling through apps. While it’s not AMOLED, the color reproduction and brightness levels are respectable for its category.
Performance
Under the hood, the Realme 12 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, which provides enough horsepower for day-to-day tasks and casual gaming. It’s paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, making multitasking and storage management relatively seamless. Realme also includes Dynamic RAM expansion for smoother performance.
Camera System
One of the standout features in this price segment is the 108MP primary camera, enabling users to capture sharp and detailed photos. The secondary 2MP portrait lens adds depth to shots, though it’s mostly supplementary. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera ensures social media-ready selfies and decent video calls.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is another strong point, thanks to a 5,000mAh battery that can easily last a full day with moderate use. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging ensures you can go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes — a great bonus for users always on the go.
Software & Features
Running on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, the user interface is fluid and loaded with features. There are some pre-installed apps (bloatware), but many can be uninstalled. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, and the device supports 5G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2 for solid connectivity.
Realme 12 Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72″ FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB (with Dynamic RAM expansion) |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 2.2 |
| Rear Camera | 108MP (Primary) + 2MP (Portrait) |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging |
| OS | Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14) |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| Build | Plastic frame and back, premium finish |
| Weight | Approx. 190g |
| Colors | Twilight Purple, Woodland Green |
| Price | Starting at(/ ~$200 (Global) |
Verdict
For under ₹17,000, the Realme 12 delivers excellent value, especially for users prioritizing camera quality, display smoothness, and fast charging. It may not offer an AMOLED screen or high-end gaming performance, but for most everyday users, it strikes a very smart balance of features and price.
