Introduction
In a marketplace where mid-range to flagship smartphone cameras compete to replace bulky camera gears for content creators and “social media enthusiasts”, realme introduces the 12 Plus 5G—a device that promises to elevate your photographic journey with its advanced camera system. Here’s a full review of what the realme 12 Plus 5G brings to the table.
Precision-Engineered Design Meets Outstanding Camera Specs
The Camera Island – A Central Focus: Center-aligned on the back, the camera module is home to three lenses. This symmetrical design isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a calculated choice to provide stability and balance for consistent photo quality.
Triple-Lens Array – The Specs
- Primary Lens and Sensor: A 50MP Sony LYT600 with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) dominates the setup, boasting a sensor size of 1/1.95” and a very bright aperture of f/1.88. It’s designed to pull in ample light for crisp images, bolstered by up to 2x In-Sensor Zoom for detailed close-ups without compromise. This Wide angle lens has 79° field of view with an equivalent of 26mm focal length at 1x and 52mm at 2x digital zoom without loss of quality.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: An 8MP 112° Wide Angle lens with an aperture of f/2.2 extends your field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots without crowding.
- Macro Lens: A 2MP macro lens encourages you to get up close and personal with your subject, unlocking a micro-universe of detail often missed by the naked eye.
Portrait Master – Bokeh and Cinematic Color Grading
Rear Camera Portrait
With the primary lens’s bokeh capabilities, you can achieve a shallow depth of field, focusing on the subject while beautifully blurring the background. The virtual aperture can be adjusted to control the depth of field from the shallow and strong effect of f/1.4 to the deeper f/16 with no background bokeh/blur effect.
Selfie Shooter
The 16MP front camera with an f/2.45 lens captures high-resolution selfies. Its advanced software algorithms provide a bokeh effect for portraits, giving your self-portraits an artistic touch similar to the rear camera portrait.
Cinematic Filters
3 cinematic filters of realme 12 Plus 5G’s Camera have been created to create a cinematic film quality portraits inspired by iconic movies: Journey, Maverick and Memory in collaboration with Oscar Winner cinematographer Claudio Miranda who did movies like Top Gun Maverick, Life of Pi and Benjamin Button to name a few. These cinematic filters have unique color grading coupled with cinematic-level bokeh adjustment making every shot feels bigger than life.
Advanced Photographic Features for Day and Night
The realme 12 Plus 5G camera is built to perform in any light. The primary camera’s large aperture and OIS work in tandem to reduce blur in low-light conditions, aided by a proprietary Night Mode that enhances clarity and detail when daylight fades.
Pro Mode – Total Control
The Pro mode of realme 12 Plus 5G’s Camera is amazing. In addition to the standard ISO, Shutter Speed, EV compensation, and white balance controls, it also can display histogram to guide you in your exposure and a peak focusing guide when you are manually focusing to show you area which are focused.
You have an option to show in JPG or RAW fo those who wants to post process their photos in Photoshop.
Capturing Motion – Video Capabilities and Stabilization
Moving into motion, the realme 12 Plus 5G records up to 4K video at 30fps from the rear camera but also do 1080P at 30/60fps and 720P at 30/60fps.
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) dubbed ‘Ultra Steady’, counteracts handshakes for smoother footage for the main rear camera.
The front can handle 1080p at 30fps and 720P at 30fps video recording.
More Photography Functions
Aside from the standard Photo, Portrait, Video and Professional Mode, here are the other functions:
Night Mode – improves photos by 14% in low light situations by longer exposure and with OIS in the main camera
- Street Shooting Mode – has flashsnap to make action shots easier by identifying the subject and tracts it even when moving
- High Pixel – for better color, clarity and texture to bring more pop to your photos.
- Panoramic View – to capture a panoramic view by stitching multiple takes
- Macro – capture close up
- Super Text – document scanning
- Super Group Portrait – idea for group photos
- Tilt-shift – to straighten photos of tall building where you need to tilt-up your phone or for bokeh effects
- Long Exposure Photo – for slow shutter shot effects like light trails, cotton condly like water effects, light painting
SAMPLE PHOTOS
DESIGN – Crafted Like a Rolex Watch
The Realme 12 Plus 5G isn’t just another smartphone—it’s a masterpiece co-created with the expertise of luxury watch designer Ollivier Savéo. It flaunts design elements inspired by high-end timepieces, such as the polished sunburst dial pattern and the golden fluted bezel.
Embodying elegance and a touch of environmental consciousness, the phone is encased in a premium finish. The choice of vegan leather for the back panel not only speaks volumes about sustainable luxury but also provides a comfortable, non-slip grip that enhances the user experience. The color options, including the suave Pioneer Green and the understated Navigator Beige, add to the phone’s sophisticated allure, ensuring it stands out in the sea of commonplace designs.
To top it, the 3D Jubilee Bracelet Intricately assembled diamond patterns seamlessly run across the back of the phone, capturing the texture of luxury watch straps.
Display and Sound – A Feast for the Senses
Visual Brilliance
- The display is a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels and peak brightness of 2000 nits. It offers a high 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring your photos and videos look as smooth as they are vibrant.
Audio Clarity
- Dual stereo speakers provide an immersive listening experience, supporting Hi-Res audio standards. This ensures that your video playback and live viewing are as sonically pleasing as they are visually stunning.
These makes the phone not only ideal for viewing or editing your photos and videos but also as a good phone for consuming video content on Netflix, Youtube and social media.
Battery Life – The Photographer’s Endurance
The 5,000mAh battery, combined with the 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging, guarantees that you won’t miss a shot. In testing, this powerhouse lasted upwards of 16 hours on continuous use and recharged rapidly—reaching 50% capacity in just 19 minutes.
realme UI 5.0 – A Software Suite for Shutterbugs
On the software side, the Realme 12 Plus 5G runs Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, which offers a clean, user-friendly interface with ample customizations to enhance your photographic experience. You can customize the arrangements of the photography features in the More screen.
Camera interface is straight forward and easy to use.
Conclusion: A Balanced Symphony of Style and Functionality
As we wrap up our review of the realme 12 Plus 5G, it’s clear that this device is a standout in the crowded smartphone market, especially for those who prioritize photography and design over hardcore gaming capabilities. The realme 12 Plus 5G, with its meticulously crafted design, courtesy of collaboration with luxury watch designer Ollivier Savéo, and premium finish, sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from a mid-range smartphone.
While the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset ensures smooth day-to-day operations and can handle casual gaming with ease, it’s important to note that this device may not satisfy the demands of hardcore gamers looking for high-frame-rate experiences in graphically intensive games. However, this slight compromise in gaming performance is overshadowed by the phone’s impressive photography capabilities. With its triple-camera setup led by a 50MP Sony sensor, the Realme 12 Plus 5G is a photography enthusiast’s dream come true, especially considering its price point.
For those who live their lives through the lens of their smartphone camera, capturing everything from everyday moments to extraordinary landscapes, the realme 12 Plus 5G offers a compelling package. Its combination of high-quality imaging, stylish design, and overall value for money makes it a top contender for anyone looking for a great photography phone without breaking the bank.
In summary, the realme 12 Plus 5G stands out as an exemplary choice for social media enthusiasts, content creators, and anyone who appreciates the blend of aesthetic appeal and photographic prowess. While it may not cater to the hardcore gaming crowd, its strengths in camera performance and design more than make up for it, positioning the Realme 12 Plus 5G as a must-consider device for those prioritizing photography and style in their smartphone selection.
p.s. I would do a review of the realme 12 Pro Plus if I get a review unit. Based on the specs, it is a good camera phone as well. Stay tuned!
Summary Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The central camera module design offers a unique aesthetic and functional balance.
- Triple-lens setup captures sharp images in various scenarios.
- Night Mode ensures detailed low-light photography.
- Portrait Mode on both front and rear cameras provides professional-grade depth of field.
- 4K video recording with stabilization creates high-quality footage.
- The AMOLED display brings a visual treat with high refresh rates.
- Dual stereo speakes makes it great for audio and video consumption
- The addition of the headphone jack is very welcome for audio enthusiast
- Long-lasting battery life with fast charging capabilities.
Cons:
- In the absence of OIS/EIS of other cameras than the main, some video recordings may be prone to shakiness.
- The 2 MP macro lens, while a valuable addition, might not satisfy all close-up photography needs
- Performance may not be ideal for hard core gamers only for casual gaming
- Some users may find the realme UI comes with bloatware that requires cleanup.
Pricing, Availability, and Exciting Promotions
Competitive Pricing Unveiled: The realme 12 Plus 5G marks its entry into the market with two variants designed to suit different user needs:
- The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option is priced at an attractive Php 17,999.
- The more robust 12GB RAM + 256GB storage version stands at Php 19,999.
Availability Across Platforms: Starting from March 7 to March 15, these devices are up for grabs on realme’s key e-commerce partners: Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Here’s your chance to blend performance with affordability.
Promotional Discounts: An exciting early bird offer includes a discount of up to Php3,000 off on the realme 12 Plus 5G. Specifically, on Shopee’s Super Brand Day sale on March 8, the 12GB+256GB variant will see an additional exclusive discount, bringing the price down by up to Php3,400.
realme Care+ for Early Shoppers: The first 2,000 buyers of either storage variant from the designated e-commerce platforms will be rewarded with realme Care+. This includes a one-time Free Replacement for Damaged Display, valid within the first 6 months, and a 6-Month Extended Repair Warranty to cover those inevitable non-human-related mishaps.
Flexible Installment Options: Home Credit, as realme’s official installment partner, makes owning the realme 12 Plus 5G easier with up to 18-month installment programs at 0% interest. Credit card holders are also in for a treat, with similar 0% interest plans extending up to 18 months.
Exclusive Offline Offers: For those who prefer in-store experiences, realme Stores and authorized dealers across the nation have special perks waiting for you. From March 8-17, buyers have the choice between a complimentary TechLife High-Speed Hair Dryer or a TechLife 4L Digital Rice Cooker, each valued at Php2,399.00, with their purchase of the Realme 12 Plus 5G. Keep in mind, these gifts are subject to availability while supplies last.
CHECK ALSO:
realme 12 Servies 5G Debuts in the Philippines starting at 14,999
realme 12+ 5G: First Impression
Realme 12 Plus 5G: Technical Specifications at a Glance
Display Excellence:
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED Display
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Peak Brightness: 2000 nits
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Performance Powerhouse:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset
- Octa-core CPU (Up to 2.6GHz)
- ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB
- Internal Storage: 256GB
- Expandable Storage: Up to 2TB via microSD card
Camera Capabilities:
- Rear Cameras:
- 50MP Sony LYT600 main sensor with OIS, f/1.88 aperture
- 8MP 112° Ultra-Wide Angle camera, f/2.2 aperture
- 2MP Macro Sensor
- Front Camera:
- 16MP In-display Selfie Camera
Audio and Video:
- Dual Stereo Speakers with Hi-Res Audio support
- Video Recording:
- Rear Camera: Up to 4K at 30fps
- Front Camera: Up to 1080p at 30fps
Connectivity and Sensors:
- 5G Enabled
- Wi-Fi 6 Support
- Bluetooth 5.2
- NFC
- In-display Fingerprint Sensor
- GPS, A-GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS
Battery and Charging:
- 5000mAh Battery Capacity
- 67W SUPERVOOC Charge
- USB Type-C
Operating System:
- Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14
Design and Build:
- Premium Vegan Leather Finish
- Dimensions: 162.95 x 75.45 x 7.87 mm
- Weight: 190g
- IP54 Dust & Water Resistance
- Color Options: Pioneer Green, Navigator Beige
In the Box:
- Realme 12 Plus 5G Handset
- 67W SUPERVOOC Charger
- USB Type-C Cable
- SIM Card Ejector Tool
- Protective Case
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
