Redmi Note 12 Review

The Budget Smartphone That Packs a Punch

Overview

The Redmi Note 12 is a continuation of Xiaomi's popular Note series, designed to provide users with a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Priced competitively, it aims to offer a balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life. The device is particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers looking for a capable daily driver that can handle a variety of tasks, from browsing to gaming.

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi Note 12 features a sleek design that feels premium for its price range. It sports a glass front with a plastic back, which contributes to its lightweight feel. The device is comfortable to hold, with rounded edges that fit nicely in the hand. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption.

Key design elements include:

1. Weight: Approximately 184 grams, making it quite lightweight.
2. Dimensions: 165.5 x 76.2 x 8.1 mm, which is slim and easy to handle.
3. Corners: Rounded corners that enhance grip and comfort.

Display Quality

The AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 12 is one of its standout features. With rich colors and excellent contrast ratios, the screen is perfect for watching videos or playing games. The peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures that visibility remains high even in direct sunlight. Additionally, the 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and a more responsive touch experience, which is especially noticeable in gaming or when navigating apps.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, the Redmi Note 12 offers reliable performance for everyday tasks. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it handles multitasking, social media, and casual gaming with ease. The device comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, allowing for smooth operation and app management.

Performance highlights include:

1. Gaming: Adequate for popular titles like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings.
2. Multitasking: Capable of managing multiple apps without significant slowdowns.
3. Storage: Options for 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.

Camera Performance

The camera system on the Redmi Note 12 is impressive for its price point. It includes a 48MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor, providing versatility for various shooting conditions. The camera software includes features like Night Mode, which enhances low-light photography, and AI enhancements that help to optimize photos automatically.

Camera features to note:

1. 48MP Main Camera: Delivers sharp and detailed images in good lighting conditions.
2. 8MP Ultra-Wide: Great for landscape shots and group photos.
3. 2MP Macro: Allows for close-up shots with decent detail.
4. Selfie Camera: 13MP front camera that performs well for social media selfies.

Battery Life

Equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, the Redmi Note 12 can easily last a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. It supports 33W fast charging, which means you can quickly top off the battery when needed. In our testing, it consistently provided around 7-8 hours of screen time, making it an excellent choice for users who rely on their device throughout the day.

Software and User Experience

The Redmi Note 12 runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13, offering a range of customization options and features. While MIUI is known for its extensive bloatware, it also includes useful tools like a built-in screen recorder, dual app support, and various themes. Users might find the interface a bit cluttered compared to stock Android, but it provides a rich experience once you get accustomed to it.

Final Thoughts

The Redmi Note 12 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget smartphone that does not compromise on performance, display quality, or camera capabilities. It strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it ideal for students, professionals, or anyone in need of a reliable smartphone. However, users who prioritize a stock Android experience or top-tier performance might want to explore other options in the market.

In summary, the trade-offs include:

1. Pros: Great display quality, decent camera performance, long battery life, and solid build quality.
2. Cons: MIUI may not appeal to everyone, and performance may lag behind higher-end devices.