While triple or quad-camera setups have become commonplace in mid-tier smartphones, their efficacy beyond the primary lens has often been questionable, with additional sensors serving more as gimmicks rather than value-adding components. However, realme’s engineering prowess, exemplified in the realme 12 Pro, marks a departure from this trend. This smartphone not only elevates the aesthetics with its quad-camera arrangement but also distinguishes itself by infusing genuine functionality into each lens. In a market saturated with numerical boasts, the realme 12 Pro stands out as a testament to a paradigm shift, focusing on meaningful user experiences rather than mere camera specifications. Positioned under the Rs 30,000 price mark, it notably incorporates a dedicated telephoto zoom lens, a rarity in its category. Beyond the numbers game, the realme 12 Pro stands as an example of seamless fusion of design and functionality.
Design and Display
The realme 12 Pro boasts a premium design featuring a vegan leather back adorned with various golden accents. The collaboration with French luxury watchmaker Ollivier Savéo for the camera module design adds a touch of sophistication, resembling the intricate design of luxury watch dials. The Submarine Blue variant, characterized by hints of gold and a blue vegan leather back panel, exudes elegance and creates an eye-catching aesthetic. The flamboyant design of the realme 12 Pro is undoubtedly a subjective matter. Those who prefer simpler and minimalist designs might find it a bit extravagant.
Despite featuring a seemingly large camera module and a leather back, the realme 12 Pro maintains a sleek and lightweight profile, weighing around 190 grams and measuring 8.75 mm in thickness. The leather finish minimizes concerns about smudges and fingerprints on the back panel. The 6.7-inch FHD+ resolution screen of realme 12 Pro feels surprisingly compact due to smaller bezels and a curved design. The 120Hz refresh rate, 93% screen-to-body ratio, and 950 nits peak brightness contribute to a premium display experience. The OLED screen ensures vibrant colors and an excellent contrast ratio. The inclusion of an optical in-display fingerprint sensor further enhances the overall design and functionality. The IP65 rating for water and dust resistance adds durability.
Camera
Realme takes a step back from the megapixel race, opting for a more thoughtful camera setup. The 50 MP (Sony IMX882) wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), 32 MP (Sony IMX709) telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens deliver a versatile photography experience. The primary 50 MP shooter excels in daylight, capturing impressive detail, dynamic range, and contrasting colors. The Realme 12 Pro stands out with its dedicated telephoto lens, a rarity in its price segment. The 32 MP telephoto lens performs admirably, providing 2x optical zoom and delivering excellent shots at different zoom levels. The inclusion of OIS in the primary camera and a fast shutter speed contributes to the overall photography prowess. The night mode automatically enhances image quality in low-light conditions. There is also a 16 MP selfie camera at the front, tucked inside the notch, which captures crisp images.
Sample shot with the newly launched #realme12pro5g | Instagram
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 octa-core SoC with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB UFS 3.1-based storage, the realme 12 Pro delivers smooth performance. It effortlessly handles multitasking and gaming, showcasing its capability to cater to diverse user needs. The realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14, offers a visually appealing interface, albeit with some pre-installed apps that can be uninstalled or disabled.
Realme’s commitment to providing two major OS updates and three years of security updates ensures longevity and keeps the device up-to-date. The 5,000 mAh battery, paired with 67W fast charging, offers impressive charging speeds, reaching a full charge in around 50 minutes. With regular usage, the phone proves to be a reliable two-day usage device.
Verdict
The realme 12 Pro 5G emerges as a standout performer in the mid-tier smartphone segment, offering a compelling combination of design, camera capabilities, and performance. With a focus on delivering meaningful user experiences, it stands out as one of the best camera smartphones in its price range. Priced at Rs 25,999 onwards, it presents excellent value for users seeking a device that goes beyond the ordinary.
