The realme 12 4G — the latest addition to the realme 12 Series, has officially made its debut in the Philippines last Saturday (August 10, 2024) via an online livestream. Tech fans were quick to judge how its 4G capability and chipset can be improved, especially with the smartphone lineup already moving to 5G, but since recent reports revealed that it will take Asia Pacific until the year 2030 to reach almost a 50% rise in 5G connection in Asia Pacific, we’re giving it a chance. Even as the most affordable variant in the lineup, the realme 12 4G still performs well in some areas:

1. Sony LYT600 OIS Portrait Camera for detail in movements

Out of all the features, what stood out for me was its rear camera setup – a 50MP Sony LYT600 OIS Portrait Camera + 2MP Mono + Flicker combo. This high-resolution camera is designed to capture detailed portraits, from sceneries to the intricate features of a subject’s face. It also comes with several filters including Vivid, Warm, Cool, Gray, and Mono, to enhance or add drama to your snaps. It also features an optimized Portrait Mode, which uses a 48mm Portrait Focal Length at 1x to produce vivid, realistic shots. Aside from people, this feature works well on objects, too!

Additionally, the SuperOIS technology reduces blur, making it easier to capture sharp images even when there’s movement. It was easy for me to capture scenes at the office and moving vehicles on the street!

The Bokeh Algorithm, on the other hand, adds a professional touch by applying natural blurring and textured light spots. So far, the photos I’ve taken are all clean – no rugged blurs on the hair or people’s eyeglasses which are usually a problem for budget smartphones. For nighttime photography, the realme 12 4G’s NightEye Engine decently preserves details, giving clear snaps even in low light.

2. AMOLED Display for clear (and tough) visuals

Another highlight would be its 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, offering a vibrant viewing experience. The display supports a Full HD+ resolution of 2400×1080 pixels and a 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy for sharp images and vivid colors. What sets this display apart is its 2,000-nit peak brightness, making it easy to view under direct sunlight – may you be using your smartphone while on the way to buy lunch at 12nn or taking photos under direct sunlight. The display is also equipped with an In-Display Fingerprint Sensor and AI Dual Light Sensors, which adapt the screen brightness to your surroundings for a consistently clear view.

3. Full power in less than an hour

For its price tag, I also appreciate how the realme 12 4G with 5,000mAh battery is capable of 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging which allows users to charge up from 0% to 50% in just 19 minutes, and up to 100% in just 47 minutes to be exact. As a praning (paranoid) user who gets anxious about devices that have the tendency to blow up, I also like how realme reassures that the smartphone is equipped with 38 safety protections and intelligent charging algorithms, ensuring that it gets to 100% safely. The AI Smart Charging feature further optimizes battery life by slowing down charging when the battery reaches 80%, making it ideal for users who want to extend their phone’s lifespan.

It’s also worth mentioning that the realme 12 4G can keep up with a day’s worth of work – around 10 hours, and maybe even longer when the battery saver feature is enabled.

4. Real Essentials: Smart Features for Everyday Use

Like its siblings, this also has practical features that we never knew we needed in a smartphone! Air Gesture, for instance, allows you to control the phone with simple hand movements without touching the screen — helpful for hands-free moments like scrolling through your feed while eating or washing the dishes. If you want to use it with wet hands, that also won’t be a problem, though! The realme 12 4G also has Rainwater Smart Touch which makes the screen responsive even with droplets of water (or in worst cases, your tears).

The device also includes a Smart Code Scan for quick QR code scanning and Riding Mode for easy access to essential apps while on the move. These real essentials make the realme 12 4G not just a smartphone, but a versatile tool for daily life.

5. Durable even for kids’ use

Durability is a key consideration for any smartphone user, and the realme 12 4G does not disappoint. The device has undergone rigorous testing, including 500,000 power button clicks, 100,000 volume rocker clicks, and 20,000 USB plug-ins, to ensure long-term reliability. It’s also tested for extreme conditions, including high temperatures and humidity, making it a suitable option for users who need a phone that can withstand everyday wear and tear. It’s something that a grade schooler may find handy! Just don’t forget to enable the Kids Mode option to limit their access and screentime.

Speaking of safety, using it for minimal gaming won’t be a problem, too. It has a Stainless Steel Vapor Chamber Cooling System which stops the smartphone from heating up. I was able to play Roblox for 3 hours straight as a test!

Price and Availability

While the smartphone may not be for those who are looking for 5G-ready devices and better chipsets, the realme 12 4G still has a market to serve – those who need a solid, reliable smartphone with decent camera features and those who may need a smartphone for kids’ use. For users who prioritize features like an OIS camera, vibrant display, ample storage (8GB with up to 8GB Dynamic RAM expansion and 256GB internal storage) and fast charging, the realme 12 4G remains a decent contender. It would still be better if realme improves the chipset or adjust the price point to reflect its limitation, though.

The realme 12 4G is now available in the Philippines for Php 13,999. Customers who will avail the realme 12 from August 10-25 are also entitled to a FREE TechLife Handheld Fan 3 worth Php 1,599, valid in all official realme retail stores until stocks last.

FULL SPECS

Display	Screen Type: E4 AMOLED Screen Size: 6.67” Screen Resolution: FHD+ 2400*1080 PPI: 394 Screen-to-Body Ratio: 92.65% Refresh Rate: 120Hz Touch Sampling Rate: 180Hz Brightness: 600Nits (typ); 1,200Nits (HBM); 2,000Nits (Sunglight Mode) Protection: IP54 Dust & Water Resistance
Dimensions	Dimensions (LxWxH): 162.95mm x 75.45mm x 7.92mm Weight: 187g
Storage	8GB + 256GB
Battery Capacity	5,000mAh
Power Supply	Charging Wattage: 67W SUPERVOOC Charge
Cameras	Rear: 50MP Sony LYT600 OIS + 2MP Mono + Flicker Front: 16MP
Audio	Speakers: 2 Audio Ports: 3.5mm Headphone Jack Audio Certification: Hi-Res
System	OS: realme UI 5.0, Android 14 Voice Assistant: Google Assistant Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm; 4G)
Connectivity	WiFi: 2.4GHz, 5GHz Bluetooth: 5.0 Frequency Bands: 2G/ 3G/ 4G
Color	Pioneer Green, Skyline Blue
In The Box	Unit 67W SUPERVOOC Charging Adapter Type A to Type C USB Cable Warranty Card Safety Guide Quick Guide SIM Ejector Pin Protect Case

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