The Realme 12 5G stands out in the mid-range phone market with its distinctive design, high-performance camera, and fast charging capabilities. But how does it perform in everyday use? In this article, we compare expert reviews with real user feedback to give a comprehensive picture of what this device can truly deliver.
Design and Appearance – Between Elegance and Practicality
Experts consistently praise the Realme 12 5G's design. Inspired by luxury watches, the circular camera island on the back reflects light in an eye-catching way, especially in sunlight. The two color options—Alconyl Purple and Forest Green—convey a premium feel, and the phone indeed looks more expensive than its price would suggest. On the downside, the metal side frame tends to attract fingerprints, though the included transparent case helps to mitigate this issue. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity these days—is also considered a plus. IP54 certification provides some protection against splashes and dust. However, when using the phone in landscape mode, the large camera module can be intrusive, and fingers may unintentionally end up on the lens.
Users echo the positive impressions. Many describe the phone as “very beautiful,” “premium-looking,” and say it “looks like an expensive device.” On the other hand, there are some concerning reports: several users noted that the display detached after about six months of normal use, without any visible damage—suggesting inadequate adhesive. Others reported that the SIM tray couldn’t be opened at all, potentially indicating a manufacturing flaw.
Display – Sharp and Smooth, but LCD
On the topic of the display, reviewers unanimously agree that the refresh rate is smooth. The 120Hz dynamic refresh rate adjusts across six levels based on the content, ensuring a fluid experience. Colors are vibrant, and brightness is adequate even in strong sunlight—particularly with “Extra Brightness” enabled. The main criticism concerns the thick bezels around the screen. It's also worth clarifying that the panel is an LTPS LCD—not AMOLED—as some reviewers mistakenly claimed.
Customer feedback is largely positive, albeit lacking in detail. One user described it simply as a “great display.” Notably, there are no complaints regarding the screen, which in itself speaks volumes.
Camera – Flagship-Level or Letdown?
The camera is arguably the most polarizing aspect of the Realme 12 5G. It features a 108MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots, with an 8MP front-facing camera. One review highlighted that the camera captures sharp images in good lighting, but also criticized overexposure, oversaturated colors, and limited dynamic range. The 108MP mode creates large files but doesn’t significantly improve image quality. The 3x zoom often appears artificial. Contrastingly, another test praised the camera as being on par with flagship models, emphasizing detail and the benefits of pixel-binning technology.
User feedback is equally divided. Some praise the camera, saying it “takes beautiful pictures” and “is great overall.” Others strongly disagree, calling the selfie camera “terrible,” the zoom “unusable,” and the entire system “very bad.” This disparity suggests that image quality heavily depends on lighting conditions—and possibly on software updates.
Performance – Smooth or Unstable?
The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip targets the lower end of the mid-range segment. Experts agree the phone performs well for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and using social media. However, some noted that apps frequently reload after switching away from them, pointing to possible memory management issues. In terms of gaming, Asphalt 9 ran decently, but Roblox suffered from serious frame drops. The phone heats up under load, though it cools down relatively quickly.
User opinions are split here too. Many say it “runs fast,” “has no issues,” and “works smoothly.” However, others report major problems: “the screen freezes,” “it restarts on its own,” “it doesn’t respond to touch,” and “it overheats without reason.” Several users mentioned Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially in cars or when using the phone as a hotspot—problems that can significantly impact daily usability.
Battery and Charging – Fast but Warm?
Testers agree the 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging are standout features. Some measurements show a full charge takes under 90 minutes, and moderate users can expect up to two days of battery life. Even with heavy usage, the phone should last a full day.
Customer feedback varies. Many are satisfied, saying it “easily lasts two days” and praising the “powerful battery.” Others are less impressed: “it drains quickly even on standby,” “overheats while charging,” and “lost 20% overnight despite being unused.” Such discrepancies suggest inconsistencies in production quality.
Audio – Loud but Lacking Depth
There’s no question about the volume—the phone gets loud. With Hi-Res Audio certification and an “Ultra Volume Mode,” the speaker can go beyond normal volume levels. However, reviewers criticize the sound quality itself: high frequencies can crackle, and bass is nearly nonexistent. For music lovers, this could be a significant drawback.
User feedback reflects similar contradictions. Some call the sound “very good,” while others describe it as “not good.” Expectations likely play a large role here.
Software and Features – New UI, Old Issues
The Realme 12 5G ships with realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14. Experts note that animations are smooth and pre-installed apps can be uninstalled. The “Dynamic Button” is customizable, and “Mini Capsule 2.0” resembles Apple’s Dynamic Island—though opinions differ on its usefulness. Features like “Snap Cards” and “Riding Mode” also seem helpful.
Real-world feedback is scarce in this area. One notable concern is that users have reported the device no longer receiving system updates, which could pose problems over time.
Value for Money – A Good Deal, If You're Lucky
Experts agree that the Realme 12 5G offers good value for money. Its stylish design, solid display, capable camera, decent battery life, and unique features make it attractive to budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability.
But buyer experiences can differ. If your unit is fault-free, it’s a “great buy,” as many have said. However, those with defective devices may face issues like freezing, connectivity failures, poor camera quality, and weak battery life. To make matters worse, users report that Realme’s customer service is less than helpful.
Conclusion
The Realme 12 5G is an ambitious device that looks great on paper and often performs well in practice. Its design is striking, the display is impressive, and the software is up-to-date. However, performance, camera quality, and reliability seem inconsistent—at least according to users. If you're lucky, you’ll end up with an excellent mid-range phone. If not, disappointment is likely.
Before buying, it’s wise to do your research and, if possible, purchase from a reputable source to minimize risk.
