Mid-range smartphones often grapple with a reputation for being lackluster. They sit awkwardly between budget-friendly options and high-end devices, but the Realme 12 Pro is here to change the narrative.

This smartphone offers a blend of premium aesthetics, high-end features, and value for money that is hard to ignore.

Is it without faults? Certainly. But does it impress in its category? Absolutely.

Let’s explore the remarkable experience that the Realme 12 Pro offers, beginning with its captivating design.

First Impressions Matter – and the Realme 12 Pro Knows It

If smartphones were judged like runway models, the Realme 12 Pro would undoubtedly steal the spotlight. With its limited-edition hues and plush vegan leather back, this device is not just visually appealing; it feels premium and sophisticated. The subtle touches inspired by luxury watch designs around the camera module only amplify its high-end vibe.

Measuring just 8.75mm thick, the Realme 12 Pro strikes a balance between being stylish and robust. With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus adorning the front and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, this phone is more than a pretty façade. It’s designed for real-life usage, able to withstand daily wear and tear.

In terms of aesthetics and durability, the Realme 12 Pro punches well above its weight in the mid-range segment.

That Display?

The display on the Realme 12 Pro is nothing short of remarkable. This 6.7-inch AMOLED panel not only looks stunning but also excels in performance. With a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution, this screen provides an immersive experience for all your media consumption.

Whether you’re streaming the latest movies or scrolling through social media, this display shines brightly – even in direct sunlight, with a peak brightness of up to 950 nits. It delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, ensuring that everything from gaming to video watching is a visual treat.

The high refresh rate enhances user interactions, making everything from scrolling to gaming buttery smooth – a feature that sets it apart in its class.

Performance: Good Engine, Not Built for Track Days

However, every star has its limits. The Realme 12 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which balances everyday usability with performance. It caters to average users more than serious gamers, promising smooth operation for browsing, social media, and light gaming.

In everyday scenarios, this chipset performs admirably. Apps launch swiftly, and multitasking is seamless, although it may struggle under intense gaming conditions. Titles like Call of Duty Mobile run well on moderate settings, but if you’re looking for a device for heavy-duty gaming or 4K video editing, you might want to explore other options.

Benchmark performance sits at a respectable range, with AnTuTu scores between 576,000 and 594,000—making it more than sufficient for most users’ needs.

Cameras: Lights, Lens, Action

Photography stands as one of the Realme 12 Pro’s strong suits. While it lacks the polish of flagship cameras, it shines in the mid-range segment with a versatile setup:

• 50MP Sony IMX882 Main Sensor
• 32MP Telephoto Lens with 2x Optical Zoom (a notable rarity at this price point)
• 8MP Ultrawide Lens
• 16MP Front Camera

The inclusion of a telephoto lens is commendable, delivering sharp, detailed images in favorable lighting conditions. The colour accuracy and dynamic range are impressive, enabling users to capture stunning portraits with pleasing bokeh effects.

However, the ultrawide lens doesn’t hold up quite as well, often producing softer and muddled images. Colour inconsistency is also noticeable when switching between the main and telephoto lenses, particularly in rapid succession.

Even with some drawbacks, the camera app operates swiftly, and the night mode performs reliably, providing good low-light capabilities.

Battery + Charging: All Day and Back Again

The Realme 12 Pro boasts a robust 5,000 mAh battery, a true asset for power users. This battery effortlessly lasts a full day, often extending into the next without the need for frequent charging. PCMark tests back Realme’s claim of over 15 hours of screen-on time, making this a dependable choice for heavy users.

When it’s time to recharge, the 67W SuperVOOC fast charging feature gets the job done in under 50 minutes, allowing users to quickly top up during short breaks. Whether you’re scrolling, gaming, or binge-watching, you can count on this phone’s staying power.

Sound, Software, and Those Little Extras

Sound quality is another area where the Realme 12 Pro excels. Equipped with dual stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, this device ensures an enjoyable audio experience – whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or gaming.

On the software front, Realme UI 5.0, layered over Android 14, presents a responsive experience filled with useful features like smart sidebar tools and extensive customization options. However, users should be aware of the pre-installed bloatware that may require deletion upon setup.

While Realme promises regular security updates, some users have expressed concerns regarding delays – an area that could benefit from improvement.

Realme 12 Pro: The Trade-Offs and the Triumphs

In summary, here’s what makes the Realme 12 Pro shine and where it might need improvement:

What Works:

• Striking Design with vegan leather finish
• Top-notch AMOLED Display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate
• Impressive Telephoto Camera for enhanced photography experiences
• Long-lasting Battery accompanied by rapid charging capabilities
• High-quality Stereo Sound and great call quality

What Could Be Better:

• Chipset Performance is adequate, but not designed for avid gamers
• Ultrawide Camera requires enhancement
• Software Bloat and delayed security patches could affect experience

Verdict: Should You Go for It?

For anyone seeking a mid-range smartphone that offers flagship-like features, the Realme 12 Pro stands out. It combines premium design, reliable performance, and appealing camera quality under ₹25,000.

Hardcore gamers and photography enthusiasts may seek models with superior specs, but the majority of users will find this phone to be a stylish and solid choice.

With its fresh aesthetic and practical features, the Realme 12 Pro offers a compelling option that doesn’t pretend to be something it is not – making it a standout in a crowded market.

FAQs

1. Is the Realme 12 Pro good for photography?

Yes, especially with its main and telephoto cameras that deliver impressive results in most lighting conditions, though the ultrawide could use improvement.

2. How long does the battery last?

The 5,000 mAh battery typically lasts a full day, and occasionally even longer, under regular use.

3. How fast does it charge?

Thanks to the 67W SuperVOOC technology, you can charge from zero to nearly full in just 50 minutes.

4. Can it handle games like BGMI or Call of Duty?

Yes, it can run these games well on moderate settings, but it’s not optimized for high-intensity gaming.

5. Is the phone water-resistant?

Yes, the Realme 12 Pro has an IP65 rating, providing protection against dust and moderate water exposure.

6. What are the software downsides?

While Realme UI is user-friendly, it does contain some bloatware, and there can be delays in security updates.

7. Why is the design getting so much hype?

The use of vegan leather and luxury-inspired finishes distinguishes the Realme 12 Pro in terms of both aesthetics and tactile experience.

The Realme 12 Pro, amidst a multitude of “safe” smartphones, sports a distinctive personality, making it a refreshing choice for users seeking both style and substance. If you’re ready to elevate your smartphone experience, consider the Realme 12 Pro as your next move.