Yo tech fam! Looking for a new phone that won't drain your wallet faster than a flagship on Fortnite? Let's dive into the realme 12 to see if this budget phone packs enough punch to compete with the big brands.
realme 12: Tech Specs Breakdown
First things first, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Here's a quick rundown of the realme 12's key tech specs:
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7050 - This mid-range chipset offers decent performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and social media. Don't expect to run Genshin Impact on max settings, but it should handle most popular games at playable frame rates.
- RAM & Storage: Options include 4GB/6GB RAM with 64GB/128GB storage. For most users, 4GB RAM with 128GB storage hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance.
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) LCD - While not the sharpest panel, it gets the job done for watching YouTube or browsing the web. The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice bonus, offering smoother scrolling compared to standard 60Hz displays.
- Camera: This is where things get interesting. The realme 12 boasts a 50MP main sensor with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. 50MP sounds impressive on paper, but real-world performance depends on optimization. We'll need to see some camera reviews to get a definitive verdict.
- Battery: 5000mAh - This is a massive battery for a budget phone and should easily last you a full day on a single charge, even for heavy users.
realme 12: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly: This is the realme 12's biggest selling point. It offers a lot of phone for your money, making it a great option for budget-conscious users.
- Large Battery: Who doesn't love a phone that can last all day? The 5000mAh battery is a huge plus.
- 50MP Camera: The high megapixel count on the main sensor has the potential to take some great photos, but software optimization is crucial.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: The smoother scrolling experience makes a noticeable difference, especially when compared to budget phones stuck at 60Hz.
Cons:
- Processor: While decent, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 won't win any performance awards. Don't expect to play graphically demanding games on high settings.
- HD+ Display: Again, it gets the job done, but some users might crave a sharper display for watching videos or gaming.
- Unknown Camera Performance: The 50MP sensor is intriguing, but camera reviews are needed to see if it lives up to the hype.
realme 12: Can it Compete?
The realme 12 definitely throws down the gauntlet in the budget phone arena. Here's how it stacks up against some of the big brands:
- Samsung Galaxy A15: A strong competitor with a good camera and long battery life. However, the realme 12 boasts a faster refresh rate display and potentially better camera hardware.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Another contender with a powerful processor and excellent battery life. However, the realme 12 might be slightly cheaper and offer a smoother display experience.
realme 12: The Verdict?
So, the big question: should you buy the realme 12?
If you're a budget-conscious user who prioritises battery life, a smooth display experience, and a decent camera, then the realme 12 is definitely worth considering. However, if you're a power user who needs top-notch performance for gaming or video editing, you might want to look elsewhere.
Here's the TL;DR:
- Get it if: You're on a budget, prioritise battery life and a smooth display, and are a casual gamer/camera user.
- Skip it if: You need the absolute best performance for gaming or video editing, or demand the sharpest display.
realme 12: Solid Budget Phone or Wait and See?
The realme 12 is a solid offering in the budget phone market. It packs a lot of features for its price tag, making it a great option for users who don't need the top-of-the-line specs. Keep an eye out for camera reviews to see if the 50MP sensor lives up to the hype.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Future-proofing: With 5G becoming increasingly widespread, you might want to consider waiting for the rumoured realme 12X, which is expected to offer 5G connectivity at a similar price point.
- Software Support: realme's track record for software updates can be inconsistent. Make sure to research how long they typically support their budget phones with updates before you buy.
- Alternatives: The budget phone market is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on upcoming releases from competitors to see if a better option emerges before you pull the trigger.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the realme 12 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for a reliable, affordable phone with a long battery life and a smooth display, the realme 12 is a strong contender. But if you crave the best camera performance, prioritise future-proofing with 5G, or are concerned about software support, waiting a bit might be the wiser choice.
Picking the Perfect Screen Protector for Your realme 12
For reliable protection of your realme 12, opt for the Optic+ Nano Glass screen protector from Screenshield. It offers superior scratch resistance and maintains display clarity and smoothness. While other options like Anti-viral protectors exist, Nano Glass is a proven solution. Explore screenshield.com.au (Australia), screenshield.us (US), or screenshield.co.nz (New Zealand) for your perfect fit.