Comparison and Review of Affordable Smartphones: Google Pixel 3a and Realme 12 Series
Popular smartphone makers known for releasing high-end, expensive smartphones have now started coming up with affordable versions of their smartphones. Google released the toned-down variant of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL — the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL. While the whole idea of being able to buy smartphones from tech companies we love at affordable price points is the best we can think of, there still exists the most obvious question — Are these affordable versions worth it?
Google Pixel 3a Review: Camera and Design
The camera configuration for the Pixel 3a is a 12.2MP dual-pixel rear snapper and an 8MP front camera, similar to the Pixel 3’s cameras. The Pixel 3a’s camera is more or less similar to the Pixel 3, though I still don’t find it better than the iPhone camera. The Pixel 3a has the capability to increase the contrast of the images, thus, producing, enhanced images. Furthermore, the selfies have been decent too and details have been highlighted in them, much like the Pixel 3. Having said that, Google’s Pixel phones top in low-light photography with the company’s Night Sight mode and most phones, even iPhones, fail in this area.
Regarding its physical attributes, the Pixel 3a is an ideal one to use; with 147 grams of weight, the smartphone is really easy to hold and use. Aesthetics-wise, the Pixel 3a has the proprietary Google-built design; it features a single-camera module, a fingerprint sensor, and the company’s logo on the dual-finish back. However, this one’s made of plastic. The Pixel 3a has a 5.6-inch Full HD+ OLED display with the Always-on functionality. The display is equally bright and produces vivid colors, like its elder sibling, and the top part has a 3.5mm audio jack.
Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G Official Launch in India
Realme has launched the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G smartphones in India. Both the smartphones run Android 14 operating system and are powered by MediaTek chipset. The smartphones house 5000 mAh battery and come with fast charging support.
Realme 12+ 5G features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, and IP54 rating. The mid-range Realme smartphone sports a triple rear camera setup with 50MP main sensor with f/1.88 aperture, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera. Front is home to a 16MP front camera for selfies. The smartphone also comes with rain water smart touch functionality which enables users to use the touchscreen under rain.
Realme 12 5G is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and features a 6.72-inch full HD+ display with 1080x2400 pixel resolution. The affordable Realme smartphone houses a 108MP main camera, and 2MP portrait camera. Front is home to an 8MP selfie shooter. This device is backed by a 5000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
Comparison of Smartphone Pricing and Storage
| Model | Variant | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3a | Standard | Rs 39,999 |
| Realme 12+ 5G | 8GB+256GB | Rs 21,999 |
| Realme 12+ 5G | 8GB+128GB | Rs 20,999 |
| Realme 12 5G | 8GB+128GB | Rs 17,999 |
| Realme 12 5G | 6GB+128GB | Rs 16,999 |
Availability and Offers
- The Realme 12+ 5G will be available online on Flipkart and Realme.com starting March 6.
- Realme 12 5G will go on sale starting March 6 on Flipkart and Realme.com.
- The company is offering an instant discount of Rs 1,000 on ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and SBI Cards.