In the ever-evolving smartphone landscape, achieving a balance between affordability and cutting-edge features can be a challenge. Enter the Realme 12X, a phone that boldly tackles this issue by offering 5G connectivity and a feature-packed experience at an attractive price point. Launched in April 2024, the Realme 12X caters to users seeking a powerful and future-proof device without breaking the bank. This comprehensive review delves into the Realme 12X’s specifications, design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software, equipping you with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Design and Construction
The Realme 12X boasts a sleek and trendy design that wouldn’t look out of place in a higher price bracket. The phone features a glossy plastic back panel, available in two color options: Ink Black and Glacier Blue. While the plastic construction might not scream premium, it keeps the weight down to a manageable 188 grams, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The glossy finish is prone to attracting fingerprints, so a case is recommended for those who prefer a pristine look.
The front of the phone is dominated by a large 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a minimal bezel design. The display offers a sharp FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) resolution, resulting in crisp visuals and enjoyable multimedia experiences. However, some users might miss the deeper blacks and wider viewing angles offered by AMOLED displays found in some competitors.
The Realme 12X embraces the current trend of high refresh rates by incorporating a 120Hz display. This translates to smoother scrolling, transitions, and overall user experience, especially noticeable during gaming or navigating menus. The bezels are fairly thin on the sides and top, with a slightly thicker chin at the bottom.
The power button and volume rockers are located on the right side, while the SIM tray slot resides on the left. The bottom houses the USB-C charging port, a speaker grille, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome inclusion for audio enthusiasts. The phone also boasts an IP54 rating, signifying dust, and splash resistance, providing some peace of mind against minor spills or dusty environments.
Performance
The Realme 12X is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a capable 6nm processor designed for efficient performance and 5G connectivity. This chipset is paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, games, and media.
In benchmark tests, the Realme 12X delivers respectable scores, demonstrating its ability to handle everyday tasks with ease. Users can expect smooth app launches, efficient background app management, and a lag-free experience for most daily activities. For mobile gamers, the phone can handle popular titles at medium to high settings, although demanding games might require lowering graphics settings for optimal performance.
Benchmark Scores
| Benchmark | Score |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 685 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | 2230 |
| AnTuTu v9 | 387,542 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 1,820 |
Camera
The Realme 12X features a triple-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 50MP primary sensor. Accompanying the main sensor is a 2MP macro lens for capturing close-up details and a 2MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait photography. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera resides within a punch-hole cutout at the top left corner of the display.
In daylight conditions, the 50MP primary sensor captures decent photographs with good detail and dynamic range. The colors appear vibrant, although some users might find them slightly oversaturated. The macro lens allows for capturing close-up shots with a decent level of detail, while the depth sensor aids in achieving a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode.
Low-light photography is an area where the Realme 12X struggles. Images can appear grainy and lack detail, despite the presence of a Night Mode feature. The front-facing 16MP camera produces selfie shots suitable for social media sharing in well-lit environments, but low-light performance suffers similarly to the rear camera.
Camera Specifications
| Camera | Resolution | Aperture |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Main | 50MP | f/1.8 |
| Rear Macro | 2MP | f/2 |
Battery Life
The Realme 12X packs a decent 5000mAh battery, which translates to impressive battery life. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last a full day on a single charge. Power users who heavily utilize gaming, streaming, or social media might need to top up the battery in the late afternoon or evening.
Thankfully, the Realme 12X boasts 45W SuperVOOC fast charging. This technology allows you to rapidly recharge the phone, going from 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. A full charge can be achieved within an hour, eliminating the need to wait long periods for your phone to be ready to go.
Software
The Realme 12X runs on Realme UI 4.0, based on Android 13. Realme UI offers a clean and user-friendly interface with a plethora of customization options. Users can personalize the theme, icons, notification sounds, and animations to suit their preferences. Realme UI also comes pre-installed with some bloatware applications, which can be uninstalled if not needed.
Value for Money
The Realme 12X positions itself as a budget-friendly 5G smartphone. Without a definitive price mentioned earlier due to potential regional variations, it’s safe to say it falls into the affordable category. Considering the phone’s 5G connectivity, 120Hz display, capable processor, decent camera system, and long battery life with fast charging, the phone offers excellent value for money. Users seeking a future-proof and feature-rich phone without breaking the bank should strongly consider the Realme 12X.
Conclusion
The Realme 12X is a compelling option for budget-conscious users seeking a 5G smartphone with a balance of features and affordability. The phone delivers a smooth user experience with its 120Hz display and capable processor, while the 5G connectivity ensures you’re future-proofed for next-generation mobile networks. The camera system is decent in well-lit conditions, and the long battery life with fast charging is a major advantage. While the plastic construction and low-light camera performance might not be for everyone, the overall package offers exceptional value for the price.
Additional Considerations
- Alternatives: Depending on your budget and priorities, consider alternatives like the Poco M5 or the Redmi Note 12 Pro, which offer similar features at competitive price points.
- Storage: While the base model offers 128GB of storage, users who require more space for media and applications can opt for the variant with 256GB storage (if available in your region).
- Software Updates: Realme has a decent track record of providing software updates for its devices. However, it’s always wise to research the brand’s update policy before making a purchase decision.
With its combination of affordability, 5G connectivity, and well-rounded features, the phone emerges as a strong contender in the budget 5G smartphone segment. If you’re looking for a future-proof device that delivers a smooth and enjoyable user experience without burning a hole in your pocket, the Realme 12X is definitely worth considering.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the price of the Realme 12X?
As of April 24, 2024, there isn’t an official confirmation of the global pricing for the Realme 12X. The phone was launched in India, and the price might vary depending on your region. However, it sits in the budget-friendly category for 5G smartphones.
2. What are the storage options available for the Realme 12X?
The Realme 12X comes in at least two storage configurations:
- 4GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
Some regions might offer a higher storage option, like 256GB. It’s recommended to check with your local retailers or the official Realme website for availability in your region.
3. Does the Realme 12X have expandable storage?
No, the Realme 12X does not offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot. Therefore, choosing the appropriate storage variant during purchase is crucial.
4. What operating system does the Realme 12X run on?
The Realme 12X runs on Realme UI 4.0, based on Android 13. Realme UI offers a customizable interface with various themes and features.
5. Is the Realme 12X water resistant?
Yes, the Realme 12X boasts an IP54 rating, signifying dust and splash resistance. This means it can withstand minor splashes or dusty environments but shouldn’t be submerged in water.
6. What are the color options available for the Realme 12X?
The Realme 12X comes in two color options:
- Ink Black
- Glacier Blue
7. Is the Realme 12X good for gaming?
The Realme 12X, with its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, can handle most popular games at medium to high settings. However, demanding titles might require lowering graphics settings for a smoother experience.
8. How long does the Realme 12X battery last?
The Realme 12X packs a 5000mAh battery, offering impressive battery life. With moderate usage, you can expect a full day’s charge. The 45W SuperVOOC fast charging allows for rapid recharging, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes.
9. Does the 12X have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Realme 12X includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for audio enthusiasts who prefer wired headphones.
10. What are some alternatives to the Realme 12X?
Depending on your priorities and budget, consider alternatives like:
- Poco M5
- Redmi Note 12 Pro
These phones offer similar features at competitive price points.
