Realme 12 4G: In-Depth Review of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs - Is This Mid-Range Smartphone a Good Value?
The Realme 12 4G is a mid-range smartphone designed to bring style, performance, and functionality at an affordable price point. Known for its smooth display, capable camera, and long-lasting battery, the Realme 12 4G appeals to users who want premium features without the flagship price tag. However, like many smartphones, it has its share of reported issues and bugs. This article will explore the most commonly reported issues, discuss possible fixes, and analyze if the Realme 12 4G is a solid choice or if there are better alternatives in its category.
Key Specifications of the Realme 12 4G
- Model: Realme 12 4G
- Operating System: Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99
- Memory and Storage: 6GB or 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate, 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 108MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro; 16MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging support
- Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
1. Battery Life and Charging Problems
The Realme 12 4G features a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, which is quite sufficient for moderate use. However, some users have reported various battery and charging issues:
Battery Drain During Heavy Use: With the 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ display, heavy use, such as gaming and streaming, can drain the battery relatively quickly, reducing daily battery life.
Charging Speed Inconsistency: While Realme advertises 33W fast charging, some users report that the charging speed slows down at higher battery levels, especially above 80%, leading to longer charging times than expected.
"The battery drains faster when using the phone at 90Hz or when gaming, and charging slows down after 80%," noted one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Switch to 60Hz Refresh Rate: Lowering the display refresh rate to 60Hz for everyday tasks can help conserve battery life.
- Optimize Power Settings: Realme UI offers battery optimization settings that can limit background processes and reduce battery consumption.
- Use Realme's Official Charger: For the best charging speed, use the original Realme 33W charger, as third-party chargers may not achieve optimal results.
2. Display Quality and Screen Issues
The 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers good visuals for the price. However, some users have noted display issues that can impact the viewing experience:
Screen Flickering at Low Brightness: Some users report screen flickering when the brightness is set to a very low level, which may be due to the display’s AMOLED technology.
Color Shift and Tint: At certain angles, the screen may show a slight color shift or greenish tint, particularly in darker settings or when viewing dark content.
Potential Solutions:
- Enable Eye Comfort Mode: Using Eye Comfort Mode in settings can help reduce flicker, especially in low-light conditions.
- Increase Brightness Slightly: Raising the brightness level slightly may reduce the effect of flickering on the AMOLED display.
- Update Software: Realme occasionally releases updates to address display calibration issues, so ensure your software is up to date.
3. Performance and Lag Issues
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 and up to 8GB of RAM, the Realme 12 4G should handle multitasking and gaming well, but some users report performance issues:
Lag When Switching Between Apps: The phone may experience slight lag when switching between apps, especially if several apps are running in the background.
Occasional Freezing: During heavy use or extended gaming sessions, the device can freeze or slow down, which can be frustrating for users who expect a seamless experience.
"The Realme 12 4G does fine with basic tasks, but I experience lag when multitasking or running heavy games," noted a user review.
Potential Solutions:
- Clear Background Apps Regularly: Close unused background apps to free up memory and reduce lag.
- Adjust Graphics Settings for Gaming: Lowering graphics settings in games can help improve performance, especially with resource-heavy titles.
- Restart the Device: Regular restarts can clear temporary files and improve responsiveness.
4. Camera Quality and Bugs
With a 108MP main sensor, the Realme 12 4G offers impressive specs for photography, especially for a mid-range device. However, users report issues with the camera’s low-light performance and software.
Low-Light Photography Limitations: The camera struggles in low-light environments, often resulting in grainy or blurry photos, even with night mode enabled.
Shutter Lag and Processing Time: The camera can exhibit a delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the image, which can lead to missed moments or blurry photos.
Over-Processing in AI Mode: Realme’s AI mode sometimes over-processes images, leading to overly sharp or vibrant colors that may not look natural.
Potential Solutions:
- Use Night Mode for Low-Light Conditions: Activating Night Mode can reduce noise and improve photo clarity in darker settings.
- Turn Off AI Mode: For more natural-looking photos, consider turning off AI mode in the camera settings.
- Clear Cache for the Camera App: Clearing the cache periodically can improve performance and reduce shutter lag.
5. Software and User Interface Bugs
The Realme 12 4G runs on Realme UI 4.0, which is built on Android 13 and offers a variety of features and customization options. However, some users report minor software glitches and bugs:
Notification Delays: Delayed notifications from messaging apps are commonly reported, which can be disruptive if you rely on timely notifications for communication.
Random Freezes or Reboots: Some users experience occasional freezing or unexpected reboots, usually during multitasking or when running multiple apps.
Bloatware and Unwanted Notifications: Realme UI includes pre-installed apps (bloatware) and can send system notifications, which some users find intrusive.
Potential Solutions:
- Disable Battery Optimization for Essential Apps: Disabling battery optimization for messaging apps can help ensure timely notifications.
- Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Apps: Disabling or uninstalling unused apps can free up memory and storage, reducing the chance of lags or freezes.
- Regular Software Updates: Ensure that the device is running the latest software version, as updates often include bug fixes.
6. Connectivity Issues
The Realme 12 4G supports 4G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS connectivity options. However, users report connectivity issues, particularly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi Disconnections: Some users experience occasional Wi-Fi disconnections or slow speeds, especially when switching between networks.
Bluetooth Pairing and Stability Problems: Connecting to Bluetooth devices, such as wireless headphones or speakers, can sometimes be unreliable, leading to dropped connections or audio issues.
"The Bluetooth connection can be spotty, especially with my wireless earbuds," mentioned one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Reset Network Settings: This option can often resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues by restoring default settings.
- Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off: Briefly enabling Airplane Mode can reset network connections without requiring a full restart.
- Update Firmware: Checking for firmware updates on both the phone and connected Bluetooth devices can help improve connection stability.
Conclusion: Is the Realme 12 4G Worth Buying?
The Realme 12 4G offers a compelling package with its 108MP camera, AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and 5,000mAh battery. Its mid-range MediaTek processor provides decent performance for daily use, and Realme UI’s customization features appeal to users who enjoy a personalized experience. However, certain drawbacks, such as display flickering, occasional performance lag, and low-light camera limitations, may affect the overall experience for some users.
Is it worth buying? For users on a budget who prioritize a good display, high-resolution camera, and decent battery life, the Realme 12 4G is a strong contender in its price range. However, if you require better low-light camera performance, more reliable multitasking capabilities, or faster connectivity, exploring other devices might be beneficial.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering other mid-range options, here are a few comparable alternatives:
- Redmi Note 12 Pro - Offers similar specifications with a strong focus on battery life, a high-quality display, and more stable performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Samsung Galaxy A34 - Known for its vibrant Super AMOLED display, dependable battery life, and regular software updates, it provides a stable alternative to Realme.
- Poco X5 - With a Snapdragon processor and 120Hz refresh rate display, the Poco X5 provides enhanced performance and smoother visuals, making it ideal for users who prioritize gaming.
Final Recommendation: The Realme 12 4G is an appealing option for budget-conscious users who want a good balance of features and style. While it has its limitations, it performs well for the price and may be worth considering if you don’t mind occasional compromises in display and camera performance.