Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G Review: 8GB RAM, 5000mAh Battery!

Introduction and unboxing

After the introduction of the most affordable Redmi phone: Redmi Note 12 4G, it’s time for the arrival of another version: Redmi Note 12 5G. The Redmi Note 12 4G and Note 12 5G feature different hardware. Therefore the user experience may change significantly. It isn’t only the 5G aspect.

The gadget arrives in regular retail packaging with the usual user instructions, a USB-A to USB-C charging and data transfer cable, and the necessary 33W charging brick. To get you started, the packaging includes a free clear silicone case.

Design and handling

The design of the Redmi Note 12 is slightly different from the 4G variant, and it is more in keeping with the other Redmi Note 12 members. In reality, it’s nearly identical to the Pros, with the same curvatures, aesthetics, and camera island. The camera bulge is less prominent, and the individual camera rings protrude slightly. The rear is made of frosted plastic that looks like glass. We have Frosted Green, but there are also Matte Black and Mystique Blue. Fingerprints and smudges can be visible from a specific angle, although they are not noticeable. They are very easy to clean.

However, the power and volume buttons are difficult to detect. They are nearly identical to the touch, and you can occasionally strike the wrong one. The SIM card/microSD card tray is located on the left side, while the USB-C connector and loudspeaker grille are located on the bottom. The 3.5mm audio jack is located on the top of the frame, next to the IR blast. In general, the Redmi Note 12 has a good design. It’s pretty light, weighing 188 grams, which isn’t bad for a 6.67-inch smartphone. Perhaps a little top-heavy, giving the impression of a larger handset.

Lab tests – display, battery life, charging speed, speaker

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G specs flaunt a 6.67-inch AMOLED with 1080 x 2400 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate. Either Redmi Note 12 will have a bright enough OLED screen to give exceptional sunlight legibility. Regarding color reproduction, we found that the so-called Standard color mode produced the best results.

The Redmi Note 12 has the same 5,000 mAh battery as its 4G sister but also has a new, purportedly more efficient processor. And based on the screen-on testing, it performs somewhat better in the online surfing scenario but not as well in the video-playing test. In any event, we are pleased with the screen-on runtimes, but because of the short standby duration, the device obtains an unsatisfactory durability rating of 101 hours. That’s a little low for a low-cost smartphone with a big battery. The 5,000 mAh battery charges entirely in an hour and 8 minutes with the provided 33W charger, with 56% remaining at the 30-minute mark.

This year’s vanilla Redmi Note is skipping the loudspeaker setup and relies solely on the bottom-firing one. This is a bit of a letdown since the Redmi Note 11 from last year offered a stereo setup.

Software and performance

The Redmi Note 12 5G boots an earlier version of Android – Android 12. Nonetheless, it receives Xiaomi’s latest and finest – MIUI 14. However, remember that the Indian version of the device will arrive with the older MIUI 13, so keep that in mind. The home screen, recently used applications, and other settings remain unaltered. The app drawer is also activated by default, and we like Xiaomi’s decision to move the search bar to the bottom of the screen for easy access. For easier navigation, there are custom and predefined app categories.

The Xiaomi machine accepts power from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 performs well in comparison to other chipsets in the same price range. The gadget under evaluation is the base model, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Aside from that, the device is available in 4GB/128GB and 6GB/128GB configurations.

Camera

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G cameras comprise a triple 48MP primary lens + 8MP ultrawide shooter + 2MP macro snapper on the back. There is a single 13MP front sensor. The Redmi Note 12 takes decent enough photos if the right lighting conditions are met. We find the photos to be sufficiently detailed and sharp enough, with natural colors and acceptable dynamic range. Compared to the Note 12 4 G’s stills, the 5G is the better cameraphone overall. The 4G version produces noisier and darker photos with more aggressive contrast. The colors on the 5G iterations are nicer, too. The video recording capabilities are quite modest but appropriate for the price bracket.

Price, pros, and cons

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 release date occurred in January 2023. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 price ranges from $235 ~ Rs. 19,288, making it an even more desirable option.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a comfortable design, an excellent 120Hz OLED display, decent charging speed, and a microSD slot. However, its main camera performance is unimpressive.

However, its camera is disappointing compared to other phones at the same price. Additionally, the phone has no stereo speakers, which is a negative aspect.