Realme 12+ 5G: It’s doing good realme of late especially in the budget mid-range smartphone category.
There were rumors that realme will soon launch a budget flagship, and with the introduction of the realme 12+ 5G, the brand appears to be targeting the mid-way between premium experience and inexpensive lest product.
Or at least tries to based on appearances: solid design, camera setup, and overall performance indicate this phone is gunning for a fight above its category. But does it pull its punches where it matters? Let’s break it down.
Design That Turns Heads
First things first — this phone looks slick. Realme is all about the aesthetics with a vegan leather back and a big circular camera module that screams I am high end flagship.
It comes in hues such as Pioneer Green and Navigator Beige, which feel a little more upscale than the standard glossy plastic designs you’re accustomed to in this price range. The gold. Ring. Around. The. Camera. Bump. That’s a chef’s kiss.
Apart from the premium look it is relatively light and comfortable otherwise to use, tipping the scales at roughly 190 grams and good hand feel.
Oh, and there’s an IP54 rating as well — so a little splosh of water or dust shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Presentation: well polished and very pleasing
Up front, you’re getting a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its punchy and bright and super smooth whether you’re gaming, watching Netflix or just scrolling through Instagram.
The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and further adds to that overall premium feel. And sunlight legibility isn’t an issue with up to 2000 nits peak brightness.
Real-world Performance: Stable, Snappy And Responsive
The Realme 12+ 5G is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC under the hood, along with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of on-board storage.
Everyday performance is seamless — apps open fast, multitasking is buttery smooth and there’s no perceivable lag. Whether using social media, video calling, or playing casual games, this phone can keep up.
Hardcore gamers you might not have ultra-level graphics on something like Genshin Impact, but for most people, it’s going to run everything with minimal fuss.
Cameras: Surprisingly Capable
Enter the Realme 12+ 5G as if from nowhere. The phone has a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra wide and a 2MP macro shooter. And honestly? The clear star here is the main camera.
Daytime images emerge crisp and color-accurate. The OIS can help keep things steady, especially in low-light shooting or videos.
Portrait shots have good edge detection and the ultra-wide also does a reasonable job without serious distortion.
The 16MP front camera is appropriate for self-portraits and video calls, though it may very occasionally soften facial details a little too much.
Battery & Charging: Reliable & Quick
Realme has included a 5000mAh battery in this phone, and it does pretty well, easily lasting a day with moderate-to-heavy usage.
Combine that with 67W fast charging and you’re back to 100% in just under an hour. No waiting around for ages. And you get the charger in the box, which is a becoming a bit of a luxury these days.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Sleek and premium-feeling: Vegan leather on the back
Vibrant, fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Good for everyday use and light gaming
Excellent performance from main camera with OIS in normal conditions
All-day battery life, and the fastest charging on the market
Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, promised to get a least 2 OS updates and 3 years of security patches.
Cons:
Average macro and ultra-wide cameras
No stereo speakers, just the one bottom-firing speaker
Not ideal for high-end gaming
No expandable storage
No IP67/68 certification — splash resistance is your lot here.
Realme 12+ 5G: Verdict: Bang for Your Buck?
If you want a phone that offers premium design, reliable performance and a fantastic main camera — all without breaking the bank — the Realme 12+ 5G is a reliable bet.
It’s not trying to be everything but what it does, it does well. That makes it a great pick for students, young professionals or anyone looking for flagship-like feel at half the price.
It’s not a gaming beast, and you won’t get flagship-level zoom shots.
But for most people? It strikes a great balance — stylish, practical, and good value.