Spending more time at home means more time for us to keep our eyes glued on our phones for different reasons – more time to play games, binge-watch our favorite series, listen to songs, or browse social media platforms non-stop after (and even in between) classes or work. With this rising need for a reliable phone that can last for over a day, smartphones like the newly released realme C12 are something worth considering if we need an affordable phone that can keep up with our lifestyle.

Here’s what you can expect from this battery beast below the Php 6,000 price point:

DESIGN AND BUILD

What makes this smartphone standout aesthetically is its Geometric Gradient Design – trapezoid shapes at the back, which bring out the colors with different gradations. I’ve mentioned how I like C11’s design, but this one is even better! It’s also less susceptible to fingerprints, scratching, and sliding. However, note that it’s not scratch-proof so it’s still best to put a phone case for added safety. Colorways available in the Philippines are Marine Blue and Coral Red.

At the back, you’ll also find the 13MP AI Triple Camera enclosed within a square module, which personally looks more organized than a really long column of lenses. You’ll also find the Instant Fingerprint Sensor at the back in its usual spot that is easy to reach. At the bottom, you’ll find the speakers and audio jack – a plus for people who prefer wired earphones that don’t need to be charged, and a microUSB port. Despite not having a Type C port, the realme C12 still supports reverse charging!

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At sides, you’ll find the usual placements – the volume rocker and power button on the right and the SIM tray on the left. This has 3 card slots – 2 for nano-SIM cards and one for microSD (expandable up to 256GB).

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The smartphone is quite light at 209g and it fits perfectly on my palm. Even without a phone case, it feels secured since it neither feel slippery nor attracts fingerprint marks all over the unit. Easy to clean and also feels clean to hold.

DISPLAY

The realme c12 has a 6.5 inch Mini-drop Fullscreen with 88.7% screen-to-body ratio, enabling users to experience less visual disturbance and get a wider screen space. This has been a norm for new phones in the market but it’s great that even budget phones under realme continue to don such display.

Brightness can be adjusted – manually or automatically, and the screen is still visible even when used under the sun. For those who are always indoors, there’s also a Dark Mode and an Eye Comfort feature to adjust screen color. As someone who’s always cooped up in my room, the Dark Mode option is my go-to option.

CAMERAS

For a budget phone, the realme C12 isn’t the best but it has a decent camera. The 13MP AI Triple Camera with Nightscape Mode enables colors to pop out in every photo. This is supported by a 2MP B&W lens, and 2MP macro lens. It performs well outdoors or under well-lit areas but photos tend to become a bit grainy when used under low-light indoors. Nightscape mode helps but it could still use some improvement.

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In front, it has a 5MP Selfie Camera which produces a decent output. The beauty filter can be adjusted but even when turned off, photos are not as crisp and clear as taking photos using the front camera. It works well for video calls, in case you need to use your phone for online meetings or catch up with friends but make sure to find a good light source in front of you since it still needs work in dealing with bright backlight.

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STORAGE AND PERFORMANCE

The realme C12 is powered by a Helio G35 12nm octa-core 64bit processor, just like other budget phones under the brand. Only one storage variant is available – the 3GB RAM + 64GB storage, but this can still be expanded up to 256GB via microSD. Pretty good already if you religiously clean up your apps, files, photos, and videos on the phone. It also supports the realme UI, which is based on Android 10 and ColorOS 7 – a youthful and seamless aesthetic that I personally enjoy.

I’ve experienced very minimal lags when switching from app to app but I guess it’s also a good reminder to close some tabs from time to time. Gameplay is decent enough, too.

BATTERY

Finally, let’s talk about the main selling point of the realme C12 – its 6000mAh high-capacity battery which is good enough for reverse charging and keeping up with our daily tasks for 2 days straight. It boasts of a 57-day super long standby and based on experience, I was able to use it for almost two days before it reached 10% with continuous heavy browsing, switching between social media apps, watching YouTube videos, and an entire day of chatting via Messenger. For gamers, the C12 promises to deliver up to 10 hours of uninterrupted gaming for games like PUBG and games with lower specs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display	Size: 6.5 inches Screen Ratio: 88.7% Resolution: HD+ 720*1600
Size	164.5mm * 75.9mm * 9.8mm
Weight	209g
Storage	RAM: 3GB LPDDR4x ROM: 32GB Expandable up to 256GB
Processor	MediaTek Helio G35 12nm Production Process 2.4 Ghz
System	Realme IU based on Android 10
Rear Camera	Primary: 13MP PDAF f/2.2 Aperture HDR Chroma Boost Slo-mo 5P Lens   B&W Lens: 2MP f/2.4 aperture   Macro Lens: 2MP 4cm Focus Distance f/2.4 aperture
Video	720p/ 1080p, 30fps
Front Camera	5MP AI Front Camera f/2.4 aperture 3P lens AI Beauty HDR Panoramic View Timelapse
Connectivity	SIM Card Type: Dual nano-SIM Cards microSD expansion/triple slot VoLTE
Sensors	GPS/Beido/Glonass Magnetic Induction Sensor Light Sensor Proximity Sensor Accelerometer Sensor Fingerprint OTG
Battery	6,000mAh
Color	Marine Blue, Coral Red
In the box	Realme C12, 9V2A adapter, microUSB cable, Important Info booklet with Warranty Card, Quick Guide, SIM Card Tool, Screen Protection Film

AVAILABILITY

The realme C12 is already available for only Php 5,990. You can find this in realme stores nationwide and also in official online realme stores. Shopee users can enjoy a Php 100 discount during the exclusive launch of the device on Shopee.

Shopee purchasers may also use the voucher code GADGETZONE8 upon check-out to bring down the price of the realme C12 eight percent further, a promo valid on September 03 only. With the one-day Php 100 discount and the eight-percent voucher code, realme customers can slash a total of Php 600 off of the realme C12 price tag. Expect flash sales for the device today from 12:00 p.m. to 4:59 p.m., too!

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