Launched in China in late 2023, the Realme 12X carves a niche in the budget-conscious 5G smartphone market. While not yet confirmed for a global release, its features suggest it could be a compelling option for users seeking a balance between affordability and performance. Let’s delve into the details of the Realme 12X and see if it lives up to the hype.
Display and Design: Smooth Visuals and Modern Aesthetic
The Realme 12X boasts a large 6.67-inch LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). The highlight here is the smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering a noticeably more fluid experience when scrolling through apps, browsing the web, or gaming. With a peak brightness of 625 nits, the display should be clear even in moderately bright outdoor conditions.
The phone adopts a modern design with a slim profile and a sleek finish, available in Black and Blue Bird color options. While the construction utilizes plastic, it shouldn’t feel cheap, and the phone maintains a comfortable weight in hand.
Performance Packed with Potential
The Realme 12X is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, a 6nm processor that offers a good balance between performance and battery efficiency. This is complemented by up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling demanding applications. Realme’s Dynamic RAM feature allows the phone to virtually expand RAM by utilizing storage space, bringing the total effective RAM up to a massive 24GB. This can be particularly beneficial for users who juggle multiple apps simultaneously.
Camera System: Capable Enough
The Realme 12X features a dual rear camera system with a 50-megapixel primary sensor. While it may not boast the megapixel count of some competitors, the sensor itself is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. A lack of additional lenses for telephoto or ultrawide shots might be a drawback for some users. The 8-megapixel front-facing camera should suffice for basic selfies and video calls.
Storage, Battery, and Software
The Realme 12X offers a welcome surprise in the storage department. It comes in options ranging from 128GB to a whopping 512GB, eliminating storage anxieties for most users. The 5000mAh battery promises long-lasting endurance on a single charge. However, a downside is the 15W charging, which feels sluggish compared to the faster charging solutions offered by some competitors.
The phone runs Realme UI 5.0, based on the latest Android 14 operating system. This ensures access to the newest features and security updates. Realme UI is known for its customization options and user-friendly interface.
Verdict: A Promising Contender, But Availability is Key
The Realme 12X presents itself as a compelling option in the budget 5G smartphone segment. It offers a large, smooth display, a capable processor with ample RAM, and long battery life. The camera system, while not top-of-the-line, should satisfy casual users. However, the lack of global confirmation and the slow 15W charging are factors to consider.
If the Realme 12X makes it to markets outside China, it has the potential to be a strong contender, especially if offered at a competitive price point. For budget-conscious users who prioritize a smooth display, long battery life, and the potential of 5G connectivity, the Realme 12X is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
