Realme 12

The base variant of Realme 12 5G with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is available at QAR 834, while the premium variant featuring 8GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at QAR 1,009.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.72″ IPS LCD, 120Hz
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+)
Processor	Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
RAM	8GB LPDDR4X
Storage	256GB/512GB UFS 2.2
Main Camera	108MP (f/1.75) + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	8MP (f/2.05)
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	45W SUPERVOOC
OS	Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Security	Side-mounted fingerprint, Face unlock
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Colors	Twilight Purple, Submarine Blue
Weight	188g
Dimensions	165.7 x 76 x 8.1 mm

 

Design and Build Quality

The Realme 12 showcases a modern design philosophy with its sleek profile measuring just 8.1mm in thickness. The device features a premium glass front, a high-quality plastic frame, and a meticulously crafted back panel that exudes sophistication.

Available in two striking colors – Twilight Purple and Submarine Blue – the smartphone caters to diverse aesthetic preferences while maintaining a professional appearance.

The device’s ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling despite its large display, with thoughtfully placed buttons and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as the power button. The camera module features a distinctive design that sets it apart from competitors, with a rectangular housing that houses the dual-camera setup and LED flash.

Display Technology

The centerpiece of the Realme 12 is its impressive 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, which delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals with its FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming experience, while the 240Hz touch sampling rate provides responsive touch inputs crucial for gaming and daily usage.

The display boasts a peak brightness of 950 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. With a screen-to-body ratio of 91.4%, the minimal bezels provide an immersive viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, offering robust protection against scratches and accidental drops.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Realme 12 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, manufactured using a 6nm process. This efficient processor features an octa-core CPU configuration with two ARM Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for power efficiency.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles graphics processing, delivering capable gaming performance for popular titles. The hardware is complemented by 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which can be virtually expanded by up to 8GB using unused storage space. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB variants utilizing UFS 2.2 technology, ensuring quick app launches and file transfers.

Camera System

The Realme 12’s camera system is built around a sophisticated 108MP primary sensor with an f/1.75 aperture. This high-resolution sensor employs 9-in-1 pixel binning technology to produce detailed 12MP shots with enhanced light sensitivity. The main camera supports various shooting modes, including Night mode, Portrait mode, and Street Photography mode.

Supporting the main sensor is a 2MP depth sensor that assists in creating natural background blur in portrait shots. The camera system is capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps, while electronic image stabilization ensures steady footage. The 8MP front camera with an f/2.05 aperture delivers clear selfies and supports AI beauty features.

Battery Life and Charging

The device is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, optimized for extended usage. The efficient processor and intelligent power management system contribute to impressive battery life, easily lasting through a full day of heavy usage.

The 45W SUPERVOOC charging technology can replenish the battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 20 minutes, with a full charge taking around 50 minutes.

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, the smartphone offers a clean and intuitive user experience. The custom interface includes useful features like Smart Sidebar, Quick Return Bubble for gaming, and various customization options.

The UI is optimized for smooth performance and includes privacy features like Private Safe and App Lock.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Realme 12 supports dual 5G standby, ensuring future-proof connectivity. The device includes Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments. The dual stereo speakers with Hi-Res certification deliver immersive audio, while the 3.5mm headphone jack provides flexibility for audio accessories.

Gaming and Performance Optimization

For gaming enthusiasts, the Realme 12 includes Game Space, a dedicated gaming mode that optimizes system resources and blocks interruptions during gameplay. The 120Hz display combined with the capable processor delivers smooth gaming performance in popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings.

Storage and Memory Management

The UFS 2.2 storage ensures quick app launches and file transfers, while the RAM expansion technology allows users to allocate up to 8GB of storage as virtual RAM. This feature particularly benefits heavy multitaskers and users who frequently switch between multiple apps.

Security Features

Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that offers quick and reliable unlocking. Face unlock provides an additional convenient authentication method, while the software includes features like Privacy Protection, App Lock, and Private Safe for securing sensitive data.

Market Competition and Positioning

In the competitive Qatari smartphone market, the Realme 12 faces strong competition from various manufacturers.

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, priced similarly, offers comparable features with OneUI software experience. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite provides a clean OxygenOS interface and fast charging capabilities in the same price segment.

The OPPO Reno series and Xiaomi Redmi Note series also compete in this segment, each offering unique features and design elements. However, the Realme 12’s combination of high-resolution camera, fast charging, and 5G capabilities at its price point makes it a compelling option.

Comparison with Realme Siblings

The Realme 12 offers significant upgrades in camera capabilities and charging speeds compared to the Realme 11x 5 G. The 108MP main sensor provides better low-light performance and detail compared to the 11x’s 64MP sensor.

While the Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a more premium design and superior camera system, the Realme 12 offers better value for budget-conscious users who prioritize essential features.

Value Proposition

The Realme 12 strikes a balance between features and affordability in the Qatari market. The combination of 5G connectivity, high-refresh-rate display, capable camera system, and fast charging makes it an attractive option in the mid-range segment.

The device particularly appeals to users who prioritize photography, gaming, and everyday performance without breaking the bank.

After-Sales Support

Realme provides comprehensive after-sales support in Qatar through authorized service centers. The device comes with a standard warranty and regular software updates, ensuring long-term usability and security patches.

Conclusion

The Realme 12 represents a significant step forward in the mid-range smartphone segment, offering a balanced mix of features at competitive price points. Its strengths in photography, battery life, and performance make it a worthy contender in the Qatari market. While it faces strong competition from established brands, its value proposition makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a capable 5G smartphone without premium pricing.