Realme 12+ 5G : The mid-range smartphone segment in India is getting hotter than ever before. Realme, a brand known for offering feature-packed phones at competitive prices, recently expanded its portfolio with the Realme 12 5G series. This lineup boasts two phones – the standard Realme 12 5G and the slightly more expensive Realme 12+ 5G.
On the other hand, Nothing, the London-based tech company led by Carl Pei, has just launched its first-ever mid-range contender – the Nothing Phone 2a. Unveiled at the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, this phone promises a unique design and a compelling set of features.
So, which phone should you pick? To help you decide, we’ll be dissecting the Realme 12+ 5G and Nothing Phone 2a across various aspects like display, performance, camera, battery, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Realme 12+ 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Rs 20,999 | Rs 23,999 |
| Display | 6.67-inch 120Hz Full HD+ OLED | 6.7-inch 120Hz Full HD+ AMOLED |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| RAM | Up to 8GB LPDDR4X | Up to 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | Up to 256GB | Up to 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP wide + 2MP macro | 50MP (OIS) + 50MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 67W fast charging | 5000mAh with 45W fast charging |
| Operating System | Android 14 based Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14 based NothingOS 2.5 |
| Unique Features | Luxury watch-inspired design, vegan leather back panel | Transparent back with Glyph interface with multiple functionalities |
| Colour options | Pioneer Green and Navigator Beige | Black and White |
Breaking Down the Key Differences
While both phones offer a near-about identical display experience with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution, the Nothing Phone 2a takes a slight edge with a slightly larger screen size (0.03 inches) and AMOLED technology compared to the Realme 12+ 5G’s OLED panel.
However, the performance crown goes to the Nothing Phone 2a. It boasts the more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset and offers higher RAM options (up to 12GB) compared to the Realme 12+ 5G’s 8GB limit.
Camera systems on both phones differ in their approach. The Realme 12+ 5G opts for a triple-camera setup with a dedicated macro lens, catering to close-up shots. The Nothing Phone 2a, on the other hand, ditches the macro sensor for a more versatile 50MP ultra-wide lens, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. Selfie lovers will find the Nothing Phone 2a more appealing too, thanks to its higher resolution 32MP front camera.
Battery capacity on both phones is identical (5000mAh), but the Realme 12+ 5G pulls ahead with its faster 67W fast charging compared to the Nothing Phone 2a’s 45W charging.
The software experience might differ based on your preference. Realme’s Realme UI 5.0 is a well-established custom skin known for its rich features and customization options. NothingOS 2.5, on the other hand, is a newcomer, offering a near-stock Android experience with a focus on minimalism and clean aesthetics.
Beyond the Specs: Design and X-Factors
The Realme 12+ 5G boasts a unique design inspired by luxury watches. It features a sleek metal frame with a vegan leather back panel that adds a touch of sophistication. The Nothing Phone 2a, true to its brand name, takes a more unconventional approach.
It features a transparent back that allows you to peek inside the phone’s internals. This back is accentuated by the Glyph Interface, a set of programmable LED lights that can light up for notifications, calls, and even while charging.
