Just a month after the launch of the realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ in the Philippines, realme finally completes its 12 series lineup with the launch of the realme 12 5G on Thursday (April 25). Following the successful release of the Pro and Pro+ versions locally, the realme 12 5G promises 5G accessibility, aesthetics, and camera quality at an “affordable price point” which has not yet been revealed.

I got my hands on the Twilight Purple in 8GB+256GB variant and as always, here’s a closer look before it becomes available nationwide! Focusing on its design, display, and camera for now but more details will be up after its official launch:

INSIDE THE BOX

Pretty much like its predecessors, the realme 12 5G comes in the usual yellow box with the usual contents – the unit with screen protector, a free jelly case, SIM ejector tool, user manual, warranty card, USB Type-C cable, and charging brick.

Nothing special about it but as always, I’m thankful that it comes with complete accessories. I’ve recently encountered smartphones that come with a free screen protector but you have to apply it yourself, which can be a hassle!

DESIGN AND DISPLAY

The variant I got is in Twilight Purple – a mix of silver and light purple hues which gives off a balance between elegant and futuristic. Design-wise, the realme 12 5G shares the same sleek aesthetics as its siblings, featuring a circular camera layout housing two cameras and an LED flash, along with the signature accent in the middle. However, unlike the Pro and Pro+ variants, the realme 12 5G opts for a plastic back with a matte finish, available in eye-catching colors — Twilight and Woodland Green. With its 7.69mm Trendy Watch Design, the realme 12 5G is sure to appeal to millennials and younger generations.

It’s also easy to get used to its functions and buttons. The fingerprint scanner, which also serves as the on/off button and lock, is conveniently located on the right side of the device alongside the volume rocker button. At the bottom, you’ll find the audio jack, USB Type-C port, and speaker grilles, while the top houses the SIM card slot and secondary speaker, leaving the left side smooth and minimalist, almost like a mirror because of its reflective coating.

In front is its Sunlight Display—a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, offering full high definition and high resolution to ensure that content remains clear and vibrant, even under direct sunlight. No need to use one of those mobile phone umbrellas just to see through your screen under bright lights! This also makes capturing moments and catching up on your favorite KDrama possible even if you’re up and about at exactly 12nn.

CAMERA

When it comes to photography, so far, the realme 12 5G doesn’t disappoint with its 108MP, 3x Zoom Portrait Camera on the rear. Despite being the “basic” variant in the 12 Series, it still has decent settings for night photography. I’ll share more updates about its low-light performance the full review! For now, here are samples from both the 108MP + 2MP rear cameras and the 8MP front camera:

REAR

FRONT

Lastly, for battery life, the realme 12 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery – a common battery capacity for a entry to mid-range smartphones, to keep you powered throughout the day. I appreciate how it’s still equipped with 45W SUPERVOOC Charge, but we’ll have to test it out further in the coming days.

PRICE REVEAL AND LAUNCH DATE

Mark your calendars for April 25, Thursday at 6PM, as realme Philippines unveils the realme 12 5G’s price, complete features, and offers via their Facebook page. Expect exciting discounts and freebies, just as how realme welcomes every mobile addition to their roster!

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

• Screen Type: LTPS LCS
• Size: 6.72″
• Resolution: FHD+ 1080 x 2400
• PPI: 391
• Screen-to-body ratio: 91.4%
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Touch Sampling Rate: 240Hz
• Brightness: 180Nits (Typ); 950 Nits (HBM)
• Protection: IP54 Dust & Water Resistance
• Storage: 8GB + 256GB
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Rear Camera: 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait + 2MP Black and White
• Front Camera: 8MP

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