Smartphone reviewRealme 12 Pro Plus: Can it shake up the mid-range smartphone landscape?
Smartphone review
Realme 12 Pro Plus: Can it shake up the mid-range smartphone landscape?
The Chinese manufacturer's new smartphone does not threaten the flagship devices, but it will be enough for the daily use of many consumers
Top Line
The Realme 12 Pro Plus competes in a crowded mid-range market against devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, and others. While it may not match flagship devices in every aspect, it offers strong overall performance, a capable camera system, and a stylish design. Minor issues, such as occasional freezes and pale image colors, are outweighed by its affordability and value proposition, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Design and structure: Elegant with a look reminiscent of a flagship device
Realme didn't stray far from the design of the latest OnePlus models. The rear camera lenses, encased within a circular module, dominate the back of the device. The lenses sit centrally, adorned by a decorative strip stretching across the back. While the back feels like plastic with a faux-leather texture, it's comfortable and not slippery. The front features an edge-to-edge screen with a subtle curve and a small selfie camera cutout at the top, presenting an elegant aesthetic.
The device, albeit large with its 6.7-inch screen, doesn't feel overly heavy. Protection-wise, it adheres to IP65 standards, offering decent water and dust resistance. Additionally, the device comes with a basic silicone protector for added safety.
Hardware: Strong performance with minor hiccups
Powering the 12 Pro Plus is Qualcomm's second-generation Snapdragon 7s processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While these specifications are standard for mid-range devices, the processor choice may raise eyebrows. However, it's worth noting that the "s" designation signifies a newer Qualcomm processor launched toward the end of 2023.
In practical terms, the device handles daily tasks and gaming with ease, although it occasionally experiences brief freezes when loading web pages. The battery life is respectable, with the 5,000mAh battery lasting a day or more on a single charge. Fascharging support ensures quick refills, with the included 67W charger providing swift charging times.
The screen boasts excellent color reproduction, although its maximum brightness falls slightly short of competitors. Nevertheless, the display remains readable even in bright sunlight. The speakers deliver decent sound quality overall.
Software: Customizable interface with pre-installed apps
The Realme 12 Pro Plus runs on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14. During setup, users can choose between fixed navigation keys or gestures for navigation. The device comes with pre-installed applications, including Amazon, Netflix, and LinkedIn, which may not suit everyone's preferences. Additionally, an application that displays lock screen recommendations can be disabled in the settings.
Icons are spread across the home screens and can be organized according to user preference. Overall, the interface offers flexibility and customization options.
Camera: Surprisingly good performance
Equipped with a triple-lens setup, the 12 Pro Plus delivers impressive photography results. The primary 50-megapixel sensor captures sharp images, with the device automatically switching to night mode for low-light scenarios. However, colors in photos tend to appear slightly washed out, with limited options for adjustment.
The camera's editing features allow for various corrections and enhancements, including skin tone adjustments and object removal. Additionally, the "AI palettes" feature provides quick tone adjustments akin to filters.
First published: 08:56, 12.06.24
