The Lenovo K12 Pro is the latest budget 5G smartphone to hit Pakistan, offering a 90Hz display, a 50MP main camera, and a 5000mAh battery for just Rs. 39,999. Announced in July 2024, this phone is designed for users who want 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. In Pakistan, it retails for around Rs. 39,999 (approximately $145 USD).
We spent a week with the Lenovo K12 Pro to see if it delivers on its promises. Does it handle daily tasks smoothly? How does the camera perform in low light? And can its battery last a full day of heavy use? Here’s our full review.
Design & Build
The Lenovo K12 Pro sports a plastic back with a glossy finish that catches fingerprints easily. The phone measures 165.7 x 76.7 x 9.3 mm and weighs 200 grams, making it slightly bulky but comfortable to hold. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works quickly, and the IP52 rating means it’s splash-resistant—useful for Pakistan’s unpredictable weather.
The 6.5-inch display is the star here, with a 90Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). Colors are decent for the price, though not as vibrant as AMOLED panels. Outdoor visibility is good, but you’ll notice some graininess in direct sunlight.
Performance
Powering the K12 Pro is the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In real-world use, the phone handles multitasking, social media, and light gaming without lag. Benchmark scores show an AnTuTu score of around 280,000, which is solid for a budget 5G phone.
Gaming performance is adequate for PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings. The phone stays cool under load, though sustained heavy use can cause slight throttling. For everyday tasks, it’s more than capable.
Camera
The 50MP main camera is the highlight, but don’t expect flagship-level shots. In daylight, photos are sharp and detailed, though colors can look oversaturated. Low-light performance is decent, but noise creeps in at higher ISO settings.
The 5MP ultra-wide lens and 2MP depth sensor are secondary, but useful for basic photography. The 8MP front camera takes clear selfies in good lighting, though details soften in dim conditions. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is standard for this price.
Battery
The 5000mAh battery is the K12 Pro’s strongest suit. In our tests, it lasted 1.5 days with moderate use—browsing, WhatsApp, and a few YouTube videos. Heavy gamers will get around 8-9 hours of screen-on time.
Charging is 18W wired, which is slow compared to competitors. A full charge takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Wireless charging isn’t supported, so you’ll need to stick with the included cable.
Verdict
The Lenovo K12 Pro is a solid budget 5G phone that punches above its weight in battery life and display smoothness. Its 90Hz screen, 5G support, and 5000mAh battery make it a great choice for students and casual users. The camera and charging speeds are its weakest links, but for Rs. 39,999, it’s a fair trade-off. If you’re looking for a reliable 5G phone under 40k, the K12 Pro is worth considering, though you might want to pair it with a power bank for long trips.