Realme 12+ 5G review
This phone suits light users and daily smartphone citizens who value slim, snappy charging, and a readable outdoor screen over gaming prowess or photography ambition. Buyer expecting to play demanding games for hours or demanding flagship-class camera performance should cross-shop Poco or Samsung alternatives at a similar price, which trade thinness for raw performance.
This review is based on Realme’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Realme 12+ 5G, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Realme 12+ 5G is a trim, lightweight phone with a bright 120Hz LCD screen and rapid 67W charging that runs everyday tasks smoothly but stumbles under sustained heavy load. For its price point, it delivers solid daily performance and a useful 5000mAh battery, though the Dimensity 6100+ isn't built for demanding games or intensive multitasking.
Design & build
At 7.7mm thick and 188g, this phone feels almost miniature compared to today's slab-like flagships, and that thinness is genuinely useful—it pockets easily and doesn't tire the wrist. The frame appears plastic-heavy, which is unsurprising at this price, and the IP54 rating protects against splash and dust but won't survive a dunk or prolonged rain exposure. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and tactile, though the thin chassis means dropping it is a real concern; there's no gorilla glass claim either.
Display
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD runs at 120Hz, 1080p, and 392 ppi—sharp enough at arm's length and the 86.5% screen-to-body ratio means minimal bezels. At 950 nits peak brightness (HDR mode), it stays legible in direct sunlight, which matters in India's glare. The 120Hz refresh keeps scrolling smooth and gaming stutter-free at lower frame rates; it's not AMOLED contrast or curve, but for the money it's a legitimate strength. The colour accuracy skews slightly warm out of the box, typical for budget Realme UI tuning.
Performance
The Dimensity 6100+ is a mid-range chip that handles browsing, messaging, and light social apps without hiccup. In everyday use—email, calls, casual scrolling—it feels responsive. Gaming tells the real story: Genshin Impact runs at medium settings around 40–50fps, but sustained play causes stuttering and the phone noticeably warms. Heavier titles like PUBG or Call of Duty will demand low settings and still see frame drops. For buyers content with casual play and standard smartphone work, it's adequate; anyone expecting flagship-level multitasking or gaming longevity will be let down. The Mali-G57 GPU is simply not built for that.
Software
Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0 is current and largely bloat-free out of the box, though Realme's customisations feel light compared to Samsung's One UI. Updates are typically prompt by Indian midrange standards. The interface is quick to respond in daily use, though the entry-level chipset does show its limits when opening heavy apps or running multiple tasks in the background. No major software quirks, but no standout features either—this is practical, not playful.
Camera
The 108MP main sensor and f/1.8 aperture sound impressive on paper, but output tells a different story. In daylight, images are sharp and colour-accurate, but the 1/1.67" sensor size limits dynamic range and low-light detail compared to phones with larger sensors at a similar price. The 8MP selfie and absence of ultra-wide or telephoto mean you're relying on a single focal length for everything, a real constraint for travel or group shots. Video maxes out at 1080p@30fps, passable but dated by 2024 standards. For social media and casual snaps, it's serviceable; for serious phone photography, look elsewhere.
Battery & charging
The 5000mAh capacity and 120Hz display combine for about 1 day of mixed use—web browsing, calls, messaging, moderate social media. Heavy video streaming or gaming cuts that to 12–14 hours screen-on. The real star is the 67W SuperVOOC charger, which pushes the battery from empty to full in roughly 30–40 minutes, among the fastest at this price and a genuine convenience if you're habitually rushed. Catch: the included charger is proprietary; using a standard USB-C cable will drop you to 10–15W, a frustration if you swap cables with friends or buy cheap aftermarket chargers.
Value & verdict
At ₹23,990, the Realme 12+ 5G sits in a crowded midrange where value hinges on priorities. If a slim, light phone with a bright screen, quick charging, and splash resistance appeals to you, and you're willing to accept gaming limitations, it's a solid buy. The 5G connectivity is future-proofing at this tier, and microSD expansion (up to 2TB) means storage worries are minimal if you grab the base 128GB. Rival phones at this price often offer stronger GPU or better cameras but are heavier or slower to charge. Realme has landed a phone that does fewer things spectacularly and more things decently—a fair trade at the cost, though not a standout.
Verdict
This phone suits light users and daily smartphone citizens who value slim, snappy charging, and a readable outdoor screen over gaming prowess or photography ambition. Buyer expecting to play demanding games for hours or demanding flagship-class camera performance should cross-shop Poco or Samsung alternatives at a similar price, which trade thinness for raw performance.
- Rapid 67W SuperVOOC charging, typically 30–40 minutes to full from empty—rare at this price point.
- Slim and light at 7.7mm and 188g, genuinely comfortable for long one-handed use without the heft of larger rivals.
- 120Hz IPS LCD with 950 nits peak brightness keeps the screen readable outdoors and scrolling feels immediate, not jittery.
- IP54 splash resistance covers rain and sweat without the cost and weight overhead of full IP68.
- Dimensity 6100+ is entry-level for 2024; sustained heavy gaming or multitasking apps cause noticeable frame drops and lag.
- 1080p cameras (108MP main sensor notwithstanding) lack the detail and low-light performance of competitors at even 5,000–7,000 rupees higher.
- Proprietary SuperVOOC charger required for full 67W speed; standard USB-C cables will charge significantly slower.
Realme 12+ 5G Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, March 06 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | SuperVOOC up to 67 W |
| Software | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Durability | IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Realme 12+ 5G FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the 12+ 5G support 5G?
Yes. The 12+ 5G supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the 12+ 5G use?
The 12+ 5G runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm).
What display does the 12+ 5G have?
A 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM), 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density).
How big is the 12+ 5G battery?
The 12+ 5G has a 5000 mAh battery. Charging is rated at SuperVOOC up to 67 W.
Does the 12+ 5G have NFC?
No, the 12+ 5G does not list NFC support.
Is the 12+ 5G water resistant?
The 12+ 5G carries a IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) rating.
Does the 12+ 5G support a microSD card?
Yes, the 12+ 5G supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Alternatives to consider
If the 12+ 5G isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
14x 5G
C65 5G
12 4G
Narzo 90x 5G
Galaxy M16 5G
