Realme C12

Realme is from the same family as Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus. The brand has a lot of devices, with many that cater to the younger generations or people who are looking for something affordable. The Realme C12 is another model in this category, with a simple design that is similar to the smartphones of this era. There is a tiny notch for the selfie camera and the rear camera bump is squarish with rounded corners. The finish at the back has two different tones creating a bit of a movement in light when observed.

This device was released in August 2020.

Internals and OS

Given this is a budget smartphone, Realme has made use of the MediaTek Helio G35 that is closer to an entry-level chipset, as it was made using the 12nm method in 2020. It does feature HyperEngine which boosts the performance in case one wants to partake in some simpler gaming. The GPU is the PowerVR GE8320, which is also optimised for such gaming.

For tasking power there is 3 or 4GB of RAM and storage has 32 or 64GB built-in. One can, however, add on a microSD card that gives you up to 256GB more for your storage purposes. Keep in mind, SD cards can be easier to access in case the smartphone is lost.

The base layer OS in the Realme C12 is Android 10, this is a Machine Learning ready system. This means it can optimise its performance based on the user's patterns, which it learns in the first two or so weeks. On top of this, the brand has layered its own ColorOS 7; giving users a more customisable user interface.

Display and camera

At 6.5inches, the display is a good size and it has a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels; making it HD. It is based on IPS LCD tech and at this size and resolution, the pixels per inch come to 264. On top, there is an unspecified version of Corning Gorilla Glass for protection.

The main camera system has a triple sensor set up, with the main one at 13MP f/2.2. There are two other sensors, both are at 2MP f/2.4; one is for black & white, while the other is for shooting macro. Combined with the app this system can shoot with beauty filter, HDR, panoramic view, portrait, timelapse, slo-mo, NightScape and expert. Video can be shot at 1080p at 30fps or at 720p which is at 30fps as well.

For selfies, there is a 5MP f/2.0 AI camera. This side can make use of HDR, panoramic view, portrait, timelapse and beauty filters via the camera app.

Connectivity Sensors & Battery

To be tethered into the digital world this device features WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM Radio, DualSIM and Data. Physical porting is possible via a microUSB or a 3.5mm audio jack. The USB port also has the On-The-Go feature which lets you make use of this device as a docking station for USBs to be read.

Realme has given the C12 an accelerometer, a compass, a light sensor and a proximity sensor. These provide the necessary feedback that helps the app with its functioning. Another sensor is the fingerprint reader, which is mounted onto the back for easy access.

A large battery is always useful and this smartphone has a 6000mAh one. It is based on a Li-Polymer cell and can also be used as a power bank with its reverse charging support. This could be super useful to help a friend out in case their device is dying.

Comments

The Realme C12 is available in Marine Blue, Coral Red and Silver; giving users the option to pick a colour they like. The price of this device is in the entry-level region, making it one of the more affordable options out there.