I’ve tested the cheap mid-range phone you should buy if you think you don’t need 5G connectivity yet

After the launch last May of the realme 12, the company has also decided to bring to market a version of this same device, but with 4G. This is an option that some manufacturers are still betting on in Spain, and that allows users who do not mind giving up 5G connectivity to enjoy better features.

Much of the current mid-range already has 5G, but it is true that there are regions where these networks do not have too much coverage, so there may be people who, either for that or other reasons, do not need compatibility with these networks. This realme 12 4G, for a price of 249.99 euros.is one of the best possible choices.

This is a well-balanced device, with a good panel that is ideal for watching hours of content and boasts a high level of brightness, in addition to having enough battery life to make it to the end of the day without a problem.

Identifying design

The Chinese company is keeping the same aesthetics in this device as in other mid-range models. it has recently launched, such as the realme 12 Pro, although it is true that it is closer to the realme 12 5G. The most recognizable thing about this one is the presence of a circular camera module located in the center of its rear. In this case, it is quite large, and mounts four sensors, in addition to the LED flash.

Its back is completely flat, as are the edges.like many of the current cell phones on the market. A design that suits it well and makes it quite rectangular, although not uncomfortable to hold in the hand, far from it. The volume and power buttons are located on the right edge.

On the front, the device features a camera that sits in an on-screen hole, a correct decision on the part of the brand, given that it gives it a better look than the notch.

Despite the fact that the material covering its back is plastic, the device features a very polished design and a hand-feel that is also quite good.. In this case, it is the model in green color, and a positive point on the part of the brand is that they are of this color both its back and its edges, and even its default wallpaper the first time we use the device, which gives it a more congruent appearance.

Good display

In terms of display, the mobile is quite correct, and even stands out in some points. Its panel has a size of 6.67 inches, and is AMOLED technology.. This is going to allow you to take advantage of special features of this type of screen, such as the possibility of achieving greater energy efficiency when displaying black color.

Its resolution is Full HD+, the right thing for this type of panels, and in addition. its refresh rate is 120 Hzso it is able to offer a fairly smooth experience. In addition, the automatic mode of this feature allows the operating system itself to intelligently tell which screen refresh rate to use for each application.

It has to be said that the maximum brightness level is good for its price point. Reaches 1,200 nits in extreme conditions, an amount that will make it quite visible to sunlight, though without giving the experience of a high-end phone.

It’s a good panel, ideal for watching movies and series, as well as gaming. In addition, the company’s customization layer offers some interesting options such as changing the color mode of the screen or setting an automatic visual comfort mode to strain the eyes less at night, allowing you to choose the color temperature and texture of what appears on the screen.

Power

This realme 12 4G only integrates this type of connectivity, and it does so thanks to having a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor. This is a fairly competent processor that we have already seen in other similar mobiles such as the Redmi Note 13 4G.

Its performance is good enough to get a good experience in all kinds of applications. When it comes to gaming, not being an extremely powerful mobile, it may fall a little short in some titles.but it is still capable of running quite a few games without having to lower the graphics too much.

In the software section, device works in a very correct way. However, it is true that it arrives with a few preinstalled applications such as TilTok, Miravia and a few games. In total, more than 20 applications, in addition to having some that duplicate those of Googlefor example the system Gallery and Google Photos. In this sense, more cleanliness could come in handy for the customization layer.

It is not a mobile that is lacking in this regard. It moves well, despite experiencing an occasional pull, but its performance is correct. This model has 256 GB of internal memory and 8 GB of RAM, which can be expanded using virtual RAM.

Camera

The photographic section of this realme 12 is quite basic, but this does not have to be bad. It has two rear cameras, one of 50 Mpx, which is the main one, and another macro with a resolution of 2 Mpx, which will serve to take pictures from a very close distance.

When it comes to taking pictures during the day, the device does not perform badly. The resolution makes it possible to zoom in without losing too much detail. The pictures look pretty good for its price point, although it doesn’t come close to what more expensive devices offer.

As far as night photography is concerned, the results are slightly worse, so its strengths stand out more during the day. As a point to improve, the camera app could be slightly more intuitive when modifying settings.

Should I buy it?

This is certainly not a bad phone at all. The realme 12 4G has a good combination of features that makes it not weak in any aspect. Both its screen and its power and even its design offer a great user experience for its price of 199 euros.

Its camera has optical image stabilizer, which is a good addition for improve the quality of photos and videos that are taken freehand. Perhaps the lack of complementary sensors of higher quality is its weak point in this regard.

However, what to keep in mind that this is a mobile with 4G connectivity. Many operators already have 5G in their rates and many regions of Spain also have enough coverage for this network. It is true that is still nowhere near as widespread as LTE networks.. Despite this, it should be kept in mind that in the next few years, whoever changes their cell phone, will be able to use such a connection.

If you do not usually perform heavy tasks outside the home, it is no drama not to have 5G connectivity. Personally, I do not have it in my personal mobile due to a compatibility problem between the manufacturer and the operator, and it is not something serious, but it is something that each user must assess depending on their type of use.