The Realme 12 Pro 5G is the latest addition to realme’s popular mid-range smartphone lineup, offering a blend of premium design, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities. Packed with 5G connectivity, a high-refresh-rate display, and a flagship-inspired design, this phone aims to deliver exceptional value for money.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything about the realme 12 Pro 5G, including its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, software, and pricing, to help you decide if it’s the right smartphone for you.
- Design & Build: Premium Aesthetics with a Luxury Feel
The realme 12 Pro 5G takes design inspiration from luxury watches, featuring a vegan leather back panel with a gold-accented circular camera module. The "Submarine Blue" and "Navigator Beige" color options give it a sophisticated look, while the slim profile (around 8mm thickness) ensures a comfortable grip.
Key design highlights:
Vegan leather back (anti-fingerprint, premium texture)
Stainless steel middle frame for durability
IP54 dust & splash resistance (not fully waterproof but offers basic protection)
In-display fingerprint scanner (fast and accurate)
Compared to its predecessor, the realme 12 Pro 5G feels more premium and stylish, making it stand out in the mid-range segment.
- Display: Smooth & Vibrant AMOLED Panel
The phone features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with:
120Hz refresh rate (smooth scrolling & gaming)
240Hz touch sampling rate (better touch response)
100% DCI-P3 color gamut (vibrant colors)
950 nits peak brightness (good outdoor visibility)
Panda Glass protection (scratch-resistant)
Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or browsing social media, the display offers an immersive visual experience with deep blacks and sharp details.
- Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 & 5G Connectivity
The realme 12 Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset (4nm process), which provides:
Efficient performance for daily tasks
5G support (future-proof connectivity)
Adreno 710 GPU (handles casual & mid-range gaming well)
It comes in two RAM & storage variants:
8GB + 128GB
8GB + 256GB (with Dynamic RAM Expansion up to 16GB)
Performance Verdict:
Daily usage (social media, browsing, calls): Smooth
Gaming (BGMI, COD Mobile): Runs at Medium-High settings (60FPS)
Multitasking: Handles multiple apps well
While it’s not a flagship-level performer, it delivers solid mid-range performance for most users.
- Camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 + 3x Periscope Zoom
The realme 12 Pro 5G boasts a triple-camera setup co-engineered with Oppo’s HyperTone Imaging Engine, improving color accuracy and dynamic range.
Rear Cameras:
50MP Sony IMX890 (OIS-supported) – Primary (great low-light shots)
8MP Ultra-wide (112° FOV) (decent for landscapes)
32MP 3x Periscope Zoom (OIS, 6x in-sensor zoom) (rare in this price range)
Front Camera:
16MP selfie camera (supports AI Portrait & Night Mode)
Camera Highlights:
✅ 3x Optical Zoom & 6x Lossless Zoom (great for portraits & distant shots)
✅ OIS stabilization (sharper photos & smoother videos)
✅ Night Mode (improved low-light performance)
✅ Street Photography Mode (film-like filters & effects)
Sample Shots:
Daylight: Excellent detail & color reproduction
Portrait Mode: Natural bokeh with edge detection
Zoom: Up to 6x zoom remains usable (better than digital-only zoom)
Video: 4K@30fps (with stabilization)
The periscope zoom is a standout feature, rarely seen in mid-range phones, making this a great choice for photography enthusiasts.
- Battery & Charging: 5000mAh + 67W SuperVOOC
5000mAh battery (easily lasts a full day)
67W fast charging (0-50% in ~19 mins, full charge in ~45 mins)
Battery Performance:
Screen-on Time (SOT): ~6-7 hours (mixed usage)
Standby Drain: Minimal (optimized software)
The 67W charging is a major advantage, ensuring quick top-ups when needed.
- Software: realme UI 5.0 (Based on Android 14)
Clean, bloatware-free interface
3 years of OS updates & 4 years of security patches
Useful features (Smart Sidebar, FlexDrop, Game Mode)
The software experience is smooth and user-friendly, with minimal ads or unnecessary apps.
- Pricing & Competition
Expected Price (India):
8GB+128GB: ₹25,999 (~$315)
8GB+256GB: ₹27,999 (~$340)
Competitors:
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (similar specs, but lacks periscope zoom)
Samsung Galaxy F54 5G (Exynos chip, weaker camera)
OnePlus Nord CE 3 (better processor, but no zoom camera)
The realme 12 Pro 5G stands out with its periscope zoom, premium design, and fast charging, making it a strong contender in the ₹25K-30K range.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
???? Pros:
✔ Luxury-inspired design (vegan leather, gold accents)
✔ 120Hz AMOLED display (vibrant & smooth)
✔ 3x Periscope Zoom (rare in this price range)
✔ 67W fast charging (quick top-ups)
✔ Solid battery life (5000mAh)
???? Cons:
❌ No stereo speakers (single bottom-firing speaker)
❌ No IP68 rating (only IP54 splash resistance)
❌ Mid-range processor (not for heavy gaming)
Who Should Buy It?
Photography lovers (thanks to the periscope zoom)
Users wanting a premium-looking phone under ₹30K
Those who prioritize fast charging & battery life
Who Should Avoid It?
Hardcore gamers (consider Snapdragon 7 Gen 2/3 phones)
Users needing wireless charging/IP68
Conclusion: A Great Mid-Ranger with a Flagship Feel
The realme 12 Pro 5G is one of the best mid-range smartphones of 2024, offering a premium design, excellent camera versatility, and reliable performance. If you want a feature-packed phone under ₹30K with 5G, periscope zoom, and fast charging, this is a fantastic choice.