So, Realme has done it again. Thrown a stone into the mid-range smartphone pond and created one heck of a ripple with the Realme 12 Pro Plus. With its impressive periscope zoom, luxe design, and a battery that’s designed to keep you powered up, the brand is making a bold statement—especially for those who appreciate style and smartphone photography.
But does it truly live up to its ‘Pro Plus’ tag in everyday scenarios, or is it merely the allure of its leather-like design? Grab your chai, and let’s break it down—tech review style, sans the jargon.
First Things First—The Camera Setup
Let’s get straight to the point, because cameras are undeniably the highlight of the Realme 12 Pro Plus. It boasts a formidable 50MP main sensor, but the star of the show is the 64MP periscope telephoto lens equipped with a crisp 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. If you’re not toting a DSLR around (and absolutely, you aren’t), you’ll appreciate the remarkable shots this setup delivers, from street photography to food shots to breathtaking evening skylines.
The ultra-wide camera performs decently enough—not groundbreaking, but it broadens your shooting options effectively. Realme’s color science is vibrant, particularly during outdoor shots in natural light, although the night mode, while competent, doesn’t quite reach Pixel-level excellence. Still, in its price range, this camera setup is among the best—especially if you’re an avid user of portrait mode for social media.
A Display That’s All Curve and Colour
Moving on to the display, the 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is simply stunning. With curved edges and a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling feels incredibly smooth—whether you’re browsing Instagram, binge-watching Netflix, or gaming.
This display gives off flagship vibes. The bezels are minimal, the punch-hole is unobtrusive, and the overall in-hand feel resonates with a premium touch—thanks to its vegan leather back inspired by luxury watches. Outdoor visibility is decent, though there can be some glare under harsh sunlight.
A word of caution for display-sensitive users: some reviewers have noted PWM flicker that could cause discomfort during prolonged usage in low-light settings. If you’re particularly sensitive to flickering, keep this in mind.
Battery That Goes All Day (And Then Some)
When it comes to battery life, the 5000mAh battery inside is impressively optimized. In practical terms, you can comfortably use it for over a day and a half without constantly checking the battery percentage.
The 67W fast charging feature is impressive, too. If you plug it in with about 15% battery while grabbing lunch, don’t be surprised if you return to find over 70% charged. While it lacks wireless charging—something not too common in this price bracket—this combination of longevity and rapid charging is a definite win, especially for those averse to battery anxiety.
Performance: The Smooth Middle-Ground
Under the hood, you’ll find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. While it isn’t designed to tackle high-end gaming, it serves adequately for most daily tasks. Casual gaming, app switching, and routine operations are smooth, and it maintains a cool temperature during use.
However, the bloatware situation is a bit of a hurdle. Expect to spend some time uninstalling several unrequested apps upon setup. While the interface is relatively clean, concerns about software updates linger, with some users noting outdated security patches at launch. It may not be a major issue, but meticulous users tend to notice these details.
Let’s Talk Looks: This One’s a Charmer
Realme has truly outdone itself in the aesthetics department with the 12 Pro Plus. The device features a sleek curved screen, elegantly centered camera module, and an appealing vegan leather finish—making it look far more expensive than its actual price tag.
In the fashion-conscious Indian market, this factor cannot be understated. Coming in Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige, and Explorer Red, the phone radiates a blend of flair and sophistication. Plus, with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, it’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Audio, Network, and All the Extras
Surprisingly, the audio experience stands out, with dual speakers that deliver good clarity and decent bass. Perfect for a night of media playback without reaching for headphones.
Network support is solid, featuring 5G compatibility, and Realme’s attention to detail is evident in haptics and build ergonomics. However, a notable shortcoming is the lack of a microSD card slot—so be vigilant about your storage choice. Additionally, there’s no headphone jack, which might turn off some traditionalists relying on wired connections.
Gaming? Well…
Let’s be candid: this isn’t your go-to mobile esports device.
Casual gaming works seamlessly, enabling you to play popular titles like Subway Surfers or BGMI on medium settings, but you may experience frame drops and thermal buildup during intensive gaming sessions. For dedicated gamers, options like the iQOO Neo 7 Pro or Poco F5 might be preferable. Yet, if you game like you sip lassi—slow and steady—the 12 Pro Plus can still deliver a competent experience.
Little Things That Matter
- Haptic feedback is above average for this price range.
- Wi-Fi reception remains stable, and Bluetooth pairing is generally smooth.
- The in-display fingerprint scanner is quick and reliable.
- The user interface is colorful but tends to be slightly cluttered.
- No wireless charging or expandable storage , which may concern some users.
Pricing and Value: Worth It?
Starting at around ₹29,999, the Realme 12 Pro Plus isn’t the cheapest option in the mid-range category, but it offers an impressive value for its price point. The feeling of having a premium device is palpable, making you feel like you’re carrying something much more luxurious.
You’re investing in camera technology, aesthetic flair, and overall user experience. If you prioritize excellent photography, robust battery life, and an attractive design, this smartphone fits the bill. For those seeking raw power for gaming, other alternatives may be better suited.
Final Thoughts: A Stylish All-Rounder That Snaps Beautifully
The Realme 12 Pro Plus is akin to that overachiever in class who may not excel at everything but still shines in most subjects while acing all extracurriculars. With strong camera performance, alluring design, vibrant display, and reliable performance, it delivers incredible value.
If you’re migrating from a budget smartphone that’s a couple of years old and desire a stylish mid-range device without venturing into flagship territory, the 12 Pro Plus checks many essential boxes. Just be prepared to navigate a bit of bloatware and keep your fingers crossed for timely software updates.
FAQs
Q: How good is the camera setup on the Realme 12 Pro Plus?
A: The camera is excellent for its price, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 64MP telephoto lens, delivering vibrant, shareable images and solid night mode performance.
Q: Is the Realme 12 Pro Plus good for gaming?
A: It handles casual gaming and moderate graphics without issue but isn’t designed for hardcore gaming performance.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Expect over a full day of usage, with effective performance from the 5000mAh battery and 67W fast charging.
Q: Does the phone offer waterproofing?
A: Yes, it has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance.
Q: Are software updates regular on this device?
A: Concerns exist about the clarity of the update schedule, with some models shipping with outdated security patches.
Q: Can I expand the storage?
A: There is no microSD slot, so choose your internal storage variant wisely.
Q: What’s the display quality like?
A: It features a bright 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display that is sharp, vibrant, and a pleasure to use.
