The Filipino smartphone market is no stranger to competitive midrange devices, and the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G emerges as a notable contender. Positioned to appeal to tech-savvy users looking for high performance and being affordable at the same time, this device offers a mix of impressive features and some trade-offs that potential buyers should consider.
This 5G mobile device features a 6.7-inch FHD+ curved OLED display that promises vibrant colors and deep contrasts typical of Amoled panels. This makes it an excellent choice for media consumption, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix or scrolling through social media. However, with a peak brightness of 950 nits, the display can struggle in direct sunlight, which might be a concern for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The audio experience on this Realme model is another highlight, thanks to its super linear stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and Hi-Res Audio certification. Whether you’re gaming or watching movies, the stereo separation enhances immersion, making it easier to pinpoint sounds like footsteps in shooter games. The speakers are also notably loud, ensuring you won’t miss any dialogue or music beats even in noisy environments.
Under the hood, the 12 Pro+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. While not the fastest chip in its category, it handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the phone offers smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, games, and media. However, intensive gaming sessions, especially with high-end titles like Genshin Impact, can cause the device to heat up and experience slight performance drops.
The camera setup on this smartphone is one of its strongest suits. It features a triple camera array, including a 64MP periscope portrait camera capable of 120x digital zoom, a 50MP main sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. In good lighting conditions, the cameras produce sharp and vibrant photos. The periscope lens is particularly useful for portrait photography, providing clear bokeh effects and preserving details even at high zoom levels. However, in low light, the zoom can become challenging to use effectively without a tripod, and video stabilization only supports up to 1080p, making 4K videos less stable unless paired with a gimbal.
This model runs on Android 14 with the Realme UI 5.0. The user interface offers a host of customizations, such as the Flash Capsule, which is Realme’s take on Apple’s Dynamic Island, providing quick access to notifications and timers. However, the device comes preloaded with numerous bloatware apps, which can be a nuisance and take up valuable storage space. Users might find themselves spending the first few hours deleting unnecessary apps to free up space.
The 5,000mAh battery in this phone ensures that it can last through a full day of regular use. However, intensive tasks like gaming can drain the battery more quickly. For example, a 45-minute session of Genshin Impact at max settings can reduce the battery from 100 percent to 83 percent (YugaTech). The 67W SuperVOOC fast charging feature can recharge the battery from 1 percent to 50 percent in just 19 minutes, which is impressive but slower than the 100W charging speeds offered by its predecessor, the Realme 11 Pro+.
The Realme 12 Pro+ 5G strikes a commendable balance between performance and affordability, making it a strong contender in the midrange market. Its vibrant display, impressive camera system, and solid audio performance make it a great choice for users who prioritize multimedia experiences. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, such as the brightness of the display under direct sunlight, the presence of bloatware, and the slightly slower charging speeds compared to previous models.
For those looking to upgrade to a new smartphone early in 2024, the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G offers a compelling mix of features and value. It stands as a testament to Realme’s commitment to providing quality devices that cater to the diverse needs of Filipino consumers. Whether you are a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who needs a reliable daily driver, this device has something to offer. Ira James
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