Combining details capable of making a difference, maintaining high level functionality, at a competitive price in a device with many now standardized aspects such as the smartphone is no easy feat today. The result achieved by realmi with the new 12 5G series, composed of the realme 12+ 5G, 12 5G and 12x 5G models, has all the conditions to go in this direction. Interesting in particular, the realme 12+ 5G, a practically revised model of the more ambitious Pro version, with interesting features and functions.
The company’s mission since its origins to include distinctive elements in its product line is further confirmed in this case. A smartphone intended precisely for those who appreciate it details that are not obvious, also interesting from a technological point of view.
Quality shots
At first glance, it is difficult not to notice the eye-catching circular block dedicated to the optics. Characteristic of the line, in this case integrated into slightly less rounded shapes on the corners and without the crown inspired by precision watchmaking.
The now main function for a smartphone, sees in the realme 12+ 5G the most evident signs of the commitment to offer a more accessible variant of the top line without excessive compromises. There are in fact four lenses installed, at least two of which we should focus on. First of all, the main one, with a 50 MP LYT 600 sensor. Built by Sony with OIS system, essential for reducing the risk of blurry images, especially in less than optimal lighting conditions.
The overall quality may not yet be at the level of a digital camera, but the results are certainly interesting. In automatic mode, the light meter actually works well, even in the absence of sun, indoors or in the evening. Digital zoom performs well up to 5X. If you intend to go further, or if you plan to crop the image excessively during processing, you will inevitably have to accept compromises with quality. However, no problem sand the final destination remains online sharing and not the press.
The availability of portrait mode also remains unchanged, in an inevitably much more simplified version compared to the realme 12 Pro+ 5G. Practically, without the periscope lens of reflex inspiration, such as to guarantee different results but also entail higher costs.
The eye also wants its part
Around the optics block it is difficult not to notice the particular coating chosen for the back of the realme 12+ 5G. A material that recalls leather, but completely synthetic, designed to also prove particularly resistant to wear. Complete the design, a vertical line along the entire length. The idea is to recall the lines of luxury watches, the result is to be evaluated according to one’s tastes.
Few doubts about the display however. The diagonal size of 6.67″ is now average for almost all smartphones. Much less obvious is the visual quality, certainly to be appreciated. The combination of Full HD+ resolution of 2,412×1,080 pixels and AMOLED technology translates into excellent visibility, with a well-responsive and effective automatic brightness adjustment.
The extreme attention to design also translates into a surface practically entirely occupied by the display, with the exception of the small 16 MP camera for self-portraits. Always integrated, in the lower part, the fingerprint reader. A choice that certainly benefits the design compared to the rear position, the ergonomics of which can however be debated.
Power as much as you need
At the heart of the smartphone, the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7050 architecture with a clock of up to 2.6 GHz. Another difference compared to the other models in the series built with SnapDragon architecture, whose practical results, however, are not particularly striking. To be understood first of all as speed of action, from simple startup to app management, where you definitely can’t complain about the performance even if you are among the most demanding.
Even when playing videos and music, loading and buffering times are really minimal, with any interruptions to be traced back much more to the connection than to the internal hardware. Furthermore, by adding the good performance of the audio component, realme 12 Pro+ 5G becomes a valid ally for entertainment. For the most part, even more than the 256 GB of internal memory, thanks to the 12 GB of RAM, which are fundamental to make the most of the processor’s characteristics
They complete the main points of the configuration the possibility of using two SIMs, on the condition however of give up the shared slot for the MicroSD memory card.
Way too much software
As expected, the operating system remains aligned with realme UI, version 5.0, developed on the basis of Android 14. Designed tailor-made for the smartphone, it has the only flaw, not even a negligible one, of providing a series of alternative features with a relative push to ‘use and as many options not necessarily required, to direct the user to interact with their world.
At launch, realmi has put great emphasis also on AI Air Gestures, function designed to perform some operations via gestures using the front camera. The idea is to learn the user’s hand movements to go beyond classic touchless controls. For example, scrolling pages, selecting songs or videos up to a few dozen centimeters away, where it is problematic to touch the display, such as while following a recipe or at the table.
A function certainly interesting, to be perfected. Starting from the gesture learning phase, not as immediate as the instructions suggest, especially if you are used to using the left hand instead of the right. Even during use, precision certainly has room for improvement.
Finally, it is needed to support an ultimately good configuration adequate support in terms of autonomy. The choice fell on a 5,000 mAh battery, useful for reaching the end of the day without any particular problems and even going for at least two hours without excessive use of video and audio functions.
