Initial Verdict: realme is finally going all 5G with its numbered series lineup with the standard 12, and while we applaud the decision to go 5G even on the base 12 variant, it comes with a few compromises. 

Pros

-Sleeker design with slimmer bezels

-5G capable

-Stereo speakers are back

Cons

-Only an IPS display

-Slower charging speeds

-Pricing plays a big factor

Yes, realme expands its line of 5G-ready devices to the budget mid-range segment with the 12 5G. The realme 12 5G aims to be the brand’s most affordable 5G-ready phone, raring to compete with other budget 5G devices in the Philippines. We got our hands on the realme 12 5G ahead of its official launch on April 25.

 

realme 12 5G First Impressions Philippines: Design

The 12 5G shares the same design language as the 12+ 5G and 12 Pro+ 5G, where you have a circular camera layout for its two cameras and an LED flash. You still get the same accent strip in the middle, though the realme 12 5G does not have a vegan leather option; you are limited to a plastic back with a matte finish. Our review unit is in Twilight Purple, which has a silver-purple tone.

The realme 12 5G’s button and port layout are similar to the realme 12+ 5G, down to the high gloss finish of its flat frame. That also means you also get a headphone jack, stereo speakers, and an IP54 rating.

 

realme 12 5G First Impressions Philippines: Display

The realme 12 5G’s display is bigger than its predecessor at 6.72 inches, though it is only an IPS panel. However, it does get a few upgrades like a thinner bottom bezel and a faster 120hz refresh rate. Based on our initial impressions, the realme 12 5G’s display has good colors and a relatively good brightness range. You still get Widevine L1, so you can enjoy watching your favorite Netflix shows in Full HD.

The other upgrade the realme 12 5G gets is its speakers, where you get a stereo setup. The audio quality of the realme 12 5G’s speakers is similar to what we experienced on the C67, so you’re getting an acceptable soundstage with audible lows and mids and decent highs. This shows that realme is making an effort to give even its entry-level offerings a good set of speakers.

 

realme 12 5G First Impressions Philippines: Cameras

Like its predecessor, the realme 12 5G gets the same dual rear camera setup that consists of a 108-megapixel main camera and 2-megapixel depth sensor.

We expect the main camera to have the same performance as what we experienced on the realme 11 and C67 since you’re getting the same ISOCELL HM6 sensor.

This is also the same sensor that gives you a usable 3x in-sensor zoom and realme’s Street Mode for more creative photography options.

 

realme 12 5G First Impressions Philippines: Internals and Battery

While you get the same RAM and storage configuration at 8GB and 256GB respectively, you are getting a 5G-ready processor with the realme 12 5G’s use of a Dimensity 6100+ processor. Aside from having 5G connectivity, the Dimensity 6100+ has roughly the same architecture as the Helio G99 used on the realme 11 5G as far as CPU and GPU is concerned. The Helio G99’s GPU runs at a slightly higher clock speed, though we have to run benchmarks to see if this makes a significant difference when compared to the Dimensity 6100+.

You get Android 14-based realmeUI 5.0 out of the box, and the realme 12 5G gets the same software update commitment as its siblings: 3 years of security updates and 2 major Android updates.

The battery is the same at 5000mAh, though charging speeds are slower at 45w. The slower charging speed is not a big deal, as 45w is fast enough to top up the realme 12 5G’s battery at around an hour. We still need to do our usual set of tests to see if

realme 12 5G First Impressions Philippines: Wrap-up and initial verdict

With realme deciding to make the base 12 variant 5G, the brand is dipping its toes into budget 5G phones for the first time in the Philippines. While there are a few compromises made to give that much-wanted 5G connectivity, the realme 12 5G has its potential?as long as realme gives a compelling price to it.

Considering that the realme 11 was priced at Php 13,999 last year?and that’s a 4G-only device, realme has to give a really good price for the 12 5G to make it competitive against its rivals. We should know the realme 12 5G’s official price on April 25.