realme 12 Pro+ 5G review: The best camera phone under P30K [video]

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If somoene told us that we’d be comparing the realme 12 Pro+ 5G against the SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 Ultra today, we would never have believed it.  How could we? One is a 26 thousand-peso mid-ranger while the other is an S-tier flagship that costs at least thrice as much?

Yet here we are, and it wasn’t even our idea.

realme themselves asked – or dared us, rather, to make the comparison. Of course, with  such a bold claim, we could not help but be impressed.

Flatlay back – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Maybe we were just being baited and marketing just needed to create some kind of buzz. Maybe they had something legit in their hands, and if they do – we would love to be blown away.

Only one way to find out.

WATCH: realme 12 Pro+ 5G unboxing

But first, if this is your first time hearing about the realme 12 Pro+ 5G, here’s a quick rundown of its key specs:

realme 12 Pro+ 5G specs

  • Display: 6.7″ AMOLED, 2412*1080, 120Hz
  • OS: realme UI 5.0 (Android 14)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 4nm
  • Memory + storage: 12GB LPDDR5 + 512GB UFS 2.2
  • Camera (main): 64MP periscope OIS (120x SuperZoom) + 50MP Sony IMX890 OIS + 8MP ultrawide
  • Camera (selfie): 32MP Sony IMX615
  • Battery: 5000mAh, 67W SUPERVOOC Charge
  • Price (Philippines): ₱25,999 12GB + 512GB
Back panel realme logo – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Design and build

The rear panel’s texture and the chrome line running through the center evoke a sense of premium craftsmanship, reminiscent of its predecessor, the realme 11 Pro+. This familiarity instills confidence in the device’s build quality and attention to detail.

Examining the device from all angles reveals a commitment to sleek aesthetics and ergonomic design. The absence of protruding elements and the slim bezels contribute to a seamless and visually pleasing profile.

Camera details – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

The revamped camera island was designed by reknowned Swiss watch master, Ollivier Savéo. You do not have to be a watch afficionado to appreciate the design, as its unique radiating pattern and chrome-like ring is is simply mesmerizing.

WATCH: realme 12 Pro+ 5G unboxing + first impressions review

In terms of color options, the Navigator Beige variant stands out with its understated elegance. However, for those who prefer a bolder statement, the hero color, Submarine Blue, offers a vibrant alternative

Chin – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Display

Measuring 6.7 inches diagonally, the AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp details that bring every image and video to life. With a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels, it ensures sharpness and clarity, making even the smallest details pop.

One of the standout features of the display is its high refresh rate of 120Hz. This ultra-smooth refresh rate results in seamless scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface and interactions.

Diagonal front – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Moreover, the display is capable of reaching up to 500 nits of brightness in typical conditions, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments. For situations where extra brightness is needed, the display can ramp up to 800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM) and peak at an impressive 950 nits, ensuring visibility remains uncompromised under any lighting conditions.

Curved display – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

To further enhance the viewing experience, the display features PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming technology with a refresh rate of 2160Hz, minimizing eye strain and flicker for comfortable extended use, especially during prolonged viewing sessions.

Whether you’re enjoying HDR content on platforms like YouTube or Netflix or simply browsing the web, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G’s display ensures a visually stunning and enjoyable experience.

System information – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Performance

At the heart of the realme 12 Pro+ 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, built on the 4nm process. This powerhouse of a chipset ensures lightning-fast performance, snappy responsiveness, and efficient power management, all while maintaining thermal efficiency for sustained performance under heavy loads.

Complementing the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14, delivering a fluid and intuitive user experience. With optimizations tailored to enhance efficiency and productivity, realme UI 5.0 ensures smooth navigation, seamless app launches, and minimal latency across the board.

Equipped with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G offers ample memory and storage capacity to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether it’s running multiple apps simultaneously, storing vast multimedia libraries, or installing resource-intensive games, this device has you covered.

But performance isn’t just about raw hardware specs; it’s about delivering a user experience that’s buttery smooth and free of hiccups. And that’s precisely what the realme 12 Pro+ 5G does. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos in high definition, or engaging in intense gaming sessions, this device handles everything with grace and finesse.

Notch selfie camera – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Moreover, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G is equipped with advanced connectivity options, including support for 5G networks, ensuring blazing-fast download and upload speeds for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing on the go.

Gaming

For avid gamers and casual players alike, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G offers an exhilarating gaming experience that transcends expectations. With its powerful hardware and optimized software, this device is ready to take your gaming sessions to the next level, delivering smooth performance, immersive graphics, and responsive controls.

Packed generously with 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage, you’ll have plenty of space to store your favorite games, videos, and more, with room to spare for future downloads.

WATCH: realme 12 Pro+ 5G gaming test

But it’s not just about performance; it’s also about immersion. The realme 12 Pro+ 5G’s 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals that draw you into the heart of the action. Whether you’re exploring richly detailed environments or admiring the intricate animations of your favorite characters, every moment comes to life with vibrant colors and crisp clarity.

Thermal throttling test – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Moreover, the device’s dual speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos support, deliver immersive audio that pulls you deeper into the gaming experience. From the thunderous roar of explosions to the subtle rustle of leaves in a serene forest, every sound is rendered with precision and clarity, adding another layer of immersion to your gameplay.

Camera closeup – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Camera

The realme 12 Pro+ 5G redefines smartphone photography with its impressive camera capabilities, empowering users to capture every moment with stunning detail and clarity. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, this device is equipped to handle any photographic challenge with finesse.

At the heart of the realme 12 Pro+ 5G’s camera system lies a trio of powerful sensors, each meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional results in any scenario. It packs a 64MP periscope lens with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), capable of 3X optical zoom and up to 6X in-sensor zoom.

Complementing the main camera is a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, also equipped with OIS, delivering flagship-level performance for capturing vibrant colors and lifelike details. From intricate textures to subtle nuances, this sensor excels at preserving the authenticity of every scene, ensuring your photos truly stand out from the crowd.

But the realme 12 Pro+ 5G doesn’t stop there. It also features an 8MP ultrawide sensor, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots with ease. With its wide field of view and distortion correction algorithms, this sensor ensures every subject is framed perfectly, no matter how challenging the shooting conditions.

Flatlay top – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

In addition to its impressive hardware, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G also boasts a host of intelligent software features designed to enhance your photography experience. From advanced AI scene recognition to intuitive shooting modes, such as Ultra Steady Mode and Auto Zoom, this device empowers users of all skill levels to capture professional-quality photos with ease.

But perhaps the most impressive feature of the realme 12 Pro+ 5G’s camera system is its Periscope Zoom capabilities. With a 120x SuperZoom lens, this device allows you to get closer to the action than ever before, capturing even the smallest details with astonishing clarity. Whether you’re shooting distant landmarks or wildlife, this feature ensures you never miss a moment, no matter how far away it may seem.

WATCH: realme 12 Pro+ camera test (main)

WATCH: realme 12 Pro+ 5G camera test (selfie)

Battery life and charging

The realme 12 Pro+ 5G doesn’t just promise exceptional performance and photography; it also ensures that you stay powered up throughout the day with its robust battery life and lightning-fast charging capabilities.

PCMark battery life benchmark – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

At its core lies a 5000mAh battery, engineered to keep up with your busy lifestyle and power your adventures from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or browsing the web, you can trust that the realme 12 Pro+ 5G will have the endurance to keep pace with your demands, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Bottom – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

But what truly sets the realme 12 Pro+ 5G apart is its 67W SUPERVOOC Charge technology, which takes charging speeds to the next level. With this innovative charging solution, you can go from 0 to 100% in a matter of minutes, ensuring you spend less time tethered to the charger and more time enjoying your favorite activities.

Moreover, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G comes equipped with a range of power-saving features and optimizations designed to maximize battery life and minimize energy consumption. From adaptive brightness control to app-specific power management, this device puts you in control of your power usage, allowing you to tailor your device’s settings to suit your needs and preferences.

Volume rocker, power button – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

Verdict

The realme 12 Pro+ 5G stands as a testament to realme’s commitment to innovation, performance, and user experience. With its impressive array of features, stunning design, and competitive pricing, it’s clear that this device is poised to make waves in the smartphone market.

From its sleek and sophisticated design to its powerhouse performance and immersive display, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G delivers on all fronts, offering a premium experience at an accessible price point. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or simply looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone, this device has something for everyone.

In conclusion, the realme 12 Pro+ 5G is more than just a smartphone: It’s a statement of realme’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier performance, innovative features, and exceptional value to its users.

Hit the play button to watch our realme 12 Pro+ 5G full review video or visit TechKuya on YouTube for more tech reviews!

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Diagonal back – realme 12 Pro+ 5G

realme 12 Pro+ 5G specs

  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 161.47mm x 74.02mm x 8.75mm
  • Weight: 196g
  • Display: 6.7″ AMOLED, 2412*1080, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ); 800 nits (HBM); 950 nits (Peak) 2160Hz PWM dimming
  • OS: realme UI 5.0 (Android 14)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 4nm
  • Memory + storage: 12GB LPDDR5 + 512GB UFS 2.2
  • Camera (main): 64MP periscope OIS (120x SuperZoom) + 50MP Sony IMX890 OIS + 8MP ultrawide
  • Camera (selfie): 32MP Sony IMX615
  • Features: dual speakers, Dolby Atmos
  • Connectivity: 2.4GHz, 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, 4G / 5G
  • Certifications: IP65 Dust & Water Resistance; TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification; TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification
  • Battery: 5000mAh, 67W SUPERVOOC Charge
  • Colors: Submarine Blue & Navigator Beige
  • Price (Philippines): ₱25,999 12GB + 512GB (source: realme leaks)

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