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REVIEWS
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realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£240RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.72 inchesMain camera megapixels:108 MP & 2 MP

realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

90%

6.4

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 54% of smartphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

â–²Better than 51%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

25%

6.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.1

Camera

15%

5.8

Display

15%

6.3

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

7.3

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Audio

3%

6.3

Design

â–¼Worse than 57%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 67%
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Where to buy
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Best rankings
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Technical Specifications of smartphone realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

25%

6.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.1

Camera

15%

5.8

Display

15%

6.3

Battery

10%

7.4

Software

10%

7.3

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Audio

3%

6.3

Design

6.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Popularity:
realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 6.6 points, which is higher than 60.2% of smartphones.
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

7.4
Brand name
realme
Processor model
MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor model which is slower than processors in 63.9% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.2 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 68.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 14.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
108 MP & 2 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 108 MP & 2 MP which is higher than that of 89.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.7% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.75 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.75 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 77.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
44.2 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 44.2 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 60.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.4% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.64 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.64 µm which is smaller than in 75.1% of smartphones and equal to the size in 18.6% of smartphones.
1.92 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.72 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.72 inches which is larger than the screens of 62.7% of smartphones and equal to those of 2.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
392 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 392 ppi which is lower than that of 64% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.8% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
45 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 45 W which is faster than in 57.1% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 6.6% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
165.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 165.6 mm which is taller than 70.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Width
76.1 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.1 mm which is wider than 53.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.8% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.7 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.7 mm which is thinner than 82.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.8% of smartphones.
Weight
188 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 188 g which is lighter than 70.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.8% of smartphones.
Device volume
87,780 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 87,780 cm³ which is smaller than 72.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.5% of smartphones.
Show more

realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 38.1% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 0.05 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.72 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 36.4% faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (45 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    45 W vs 33 W
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 21.2% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (800 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    800 nits vs 660 nits
  • 0.1% higher user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    realme 12 5G
    the average smartphone
    realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.01 vs 8.000).
    8.01 vs 8
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 38.1% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.75 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.75 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 0.05 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.7 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.72 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 21.2% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (800 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    800 nits vs 660 nits
  • 36.4% faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (45 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    45 W vs 33 W
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 0.6 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.7 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.7 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 4.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (188 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    188 g vs 196.2 g
  • 2.5% higher French repairability index
    This smartphone has a higher French repairability index score than the average smartphone (8.2 vs 8). The average score is 8.
    8.2 vs 8
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 6,100 Plus vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 6,100 Plus vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 8.3% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 22.1% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (734 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    734 vs 942
  • 14.3% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 14 GB
  • 23.8% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (1930 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    1,930 vs 2,533
  • 6.5% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (10,087 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    10,087 vs 10,783
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • 0.16 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    1.92 binned
    0.64 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 0.8% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (392 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    392 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP54 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP54 vs IP67
  • 2 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (165.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    165.6 mm vs 163.6 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
root-nation.com
20/06/2024
Summary of the review
Root-Nation.com — Realme 12 5G Smartphone Review
J
jamonline.ph
27/06/2024
Summary of the review
realme 12 5G Review - Jam Online
C
croma.com
06/03/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 5G review - Croma Unboxed If you need a breakdown of how this model compares to its Pro or Plus siblings in terms of camera hardware or scre...
A
azraelsmerryland.com
26/03/2024
Summary of the review
Let’s talk about the realme 12 5G smartphone - full review Would you like a breakdown of how the camera performance of this standard model compares to...
W
walastech.com
24/05/2024
Summary of the review
WalasTech — realme 12 5G Review
Y
yugatech.com
25/04/2024
Summary of the review
realme 12 5G Review
D
de.root-nation.com
20/06/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 5G Review: Testing the 5G Smartphone
(Translated)Show original
S
smartworld.it
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 Review: It's only missing a launch promotion
(Translated)Show original
T
techzilla.it
09/08/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 Review - A Great Compromise
(Translated)Show original
C
corriere.it
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 Series: our video review of the Realme 12
(Translated)Show original
T
tuttoandroid.net
29/05/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 5G Review: The middle ground of the new family
(Translated)Show original
D
dday.it
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
Realme 12 5G Review: Superb Battery Life and the Promise of Perfect Portraits
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

Verdict

The Realme 12 5G (8GB + 256GB) is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with a "trendy watch" inspired design that features a large 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 950 nits peak brightness for good outdoor visibility. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G processor (6nm process) and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging support, offering reliable all-day performance and quick charging. The main camera is a capable 108MP sensor with 3x in-sensor zoom, complemented by dual stereo speakers and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. A major con is that it uses an LCD panel instead of the more vibrant AMOLED found on some competitors and its more expensive sibling (the 12+), the secondary 2MP rear camera is largely unusable, and the device comes with some pre-installed software (bloatware).

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