Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G review
The Xiaomi Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G ranks as the #542 smartphone globally, achieving a LibraScore of 54. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #194-ranked display among 865 phones. Consider the vivo T1x or vivo Y78, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is the most affordable version of the new Redmi phones from Xiaomi. When it comes to build quality and design, this phone has some notable features. The Redmi Note 12 4G's body is made of plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The back panel has a smooth frosted finish that resists smudges, making it easy to clean. The sharp edge and flat frame add a bit of grip, making the phone comfortable to hold. One of the notable differences between this model and its 5G-capable counterpart is the design. While the 5G version boasts a curved back, the Redmi Note 12 4G has a flat back with a similar overall shape. The plastic body gives off a budget-friendly vibe, but it's not unpleasant. The phone also boasts IP53-rated ingress protection, which means it can withstand minor splashes of water and dust. This is impressive considering its price tag. In terms of dimensions and weight, the Redmi Note 12 4G feels substantial for its size, weighing in at a comfortable level that makes it easy to hold and carry around. Overall, while it may not be the most premium device on the market, Xiaomi has done a solid job with the build quality and design of the Redmi Note 12 4G. Take a look at vivo Y33s - its improved design sets a new standard.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 4G is its impressive battery life. The phone packs a sizable 5,000mAh battery that manages to keep up with demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. In our tests, the phone lasted an impressive 117 hours on a single charge, making it one of the longest-lasting budget phones we've seen. The Redmi Note 12 4G's battery life is all the more remarkable given its affordable price tag. While some budget phones may struggle to reach even half that endurance rating, the Redmi Note 12 4G consistently delivered impressive results in our testing. Charging speeds are also noteworthy, with the phone capable of going from 0-55% charge in just under 30 minutes using the included 33W charger. This is a significant improvement over some other budget phones on the market, and makes it all the more convenient to top up when you're on-the-go. While not quite as long-lasting as some other high-end smartphones, the Redmi Note 12 4G's battery life is certainly competitive in its price range. If you're looking for a phone that can keep up with your daily tasks without needing to be plugged in every few hours, the Redmi Note 12 4G is definitely worth considering. If you're after top-notch battery, consider Xiaomi Civi 3.
Display
The display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a highlight of the phone. It's a 6.57-inch AMOLED panel with a 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This is impressive for a budget device, as many phones in this category still use LCD screens. The display itself looks good, with deep blacks and sharpness that makes it easy to read text and view images. The color accuracy is decent, although there's no HDR video support. However, the high refresh rate makes swiping and scrolling feel extra smooth, which is a nice bonus for everyday tasks. When it comes to maximum brightness, the Redmi Note 12 4G does a good job, measuring 470 nits with a manual slider. This can boost up to 740 nits in auto mode. This level of brightness is more than enough for use outdoors or in bright environments. One thing worth noting is that the display doesn't dial down to a lower refresh rate when idling to save energy. While this might not be a major issue, it could potentially lead to increased battery drain if you're not actively using the phone. Overall, the display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is one of its strongest features. The AMOLED panel and high refresh rate make for a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience, making this phone a good option for those who want a budget device with a decent display. It’s worth checking out Xiaomi Civi 3, delivering remarkable display.
Camera
The camera department of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is one area where this phone doesn't quite excel. While it's understandable given its budget price tag, the camera quality is mostly unimpressive. The main camera, which features a 50-megapixel sensor, captures decent photos during the day. However, there are some caveats to consider. The high contrast in challenging scenes can lead to dark shadows, and visible noise and graininess can be seen if you look closely at the images. Portraits taken with the main camera are pretty good, but only as long as the background isn't too complex. The ultra-wide camera produces lively-looking photos with pleasant colors and contrast, although they're overall soft and noisy. Unfortunately, its performance in low-light conditions is subpar, producing very soft and noisy images with limited dynamic range. The lack of a night mode for the ultra-wide camera is also a notable omission. Low-light photos taken with the main camera are not great either, with washed-out colors and poor dynamic range. However, turning on the dedicated night mode does produce slightly brighter photos that restore some of the detail. Unfortunately, the images remain soft with dull colors. The 13-megapixel front-facing camera is also a bit underwhelming, producing soft, noisy, and blurry selfies if the lighting conditions aren't perfect. Lastly, video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p resolution, and while the main camera's footage isn't terrible, it's certainly not great either. The images are soft with narrow dynamic range, although colors look decent. The ultra-wide camera's videos, on the other hand, are even softer with washed-out colors, clipped highlights, and dark shadows. While the camera department of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is a letdown, it's not entirely unexpected given its price point. If you're looking for alternatives in this range, the Poco M5S or Samsung Galaxy A14 5G might be worth considering. Give Xiaomi Redmi K70 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled camera.
Price and Value
The Redmi Note 12 4G is the most affordable variant in Xiaomi's latest lineup, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget. Priced competitively, this phone offers a great value proposition that's hard to ignore. At its price point, the Redmi Note 12 4G delivers more than what you'd expect from a mid-range device. The phone boasts a high-quality AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. Additionally, the device is IP53 rated, offering protection against dust and water ingress. While the camera performance may not be spectacular, especially in low-light conditions, it's still decent considering the price tag. The phone's processor, Snapdragon 685, handles everyday tasks with ease, making it suitable for general use cases. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank, the Redmi Note 12 4G is an excellent choice. Its impressive display, good battery life, and IP-rated design make it a great value proposition. While not perfect in every aspect, this phone's price-to-performance ratio makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable mid-range device. For those considering alternatives, the Poco M5s or Samsung Galaxy A14 5G might be worth exploring. However, if you're looking for an affordable option that still packs decent specs, the Redmi Note 12 4G is definitely worth checking out.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is an affordable smartphone that packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, this device delivers decent results in CPU benchmarks, considering its price tag. In our tests, the phone performed adequately in various tasks such as gaming, video playback, and app usage. However, its results in graphics-intensive tests left more to be desired, making it unsuitable for demanding gamers. Nevertheless, the Redmi Note 12 4G should suffice for everyday tasks like social media browsing, email checking, and casual gaming. One of the standout features of this phone is its fast charging capabilities. The device supports 33W fast charging, which can take your battery from 0 to 55% in just half an hour. This is a significant improvement over last year's Redmi Note 11s, making it more convenient for users with busy schedules. Another positive aspect of the Redmi Note 12 4G is its efficient power management. The phone does a good job of balancing performance and battery life, allowing you to enjoy smooth performance without sacrificing too much battery life. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G's performance is respectable for its price category. While it may not be suitable for intense gaming or heavy multitasking, it should provide a seamless user experience for casual users. Consider discovering the power of vivo Y76 5G, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Pros
1. Impressive Display with a 6.57-inch AMOLED display, 1080p resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate
2. Good Battery Life with a 5000mAh battery providing decent endurance
3. Adequate Performance from the Snapdragon 685 chipset for everyday tasks
4. Durable Design with IP53-rated ruggedness and smooth frosted finish
5. Expandable Storage via MicroSD
Cons
1. Unimpressive Camera Quality, especially in low-light conditions
2. Stereo Speakers Absent, unlike previous Redmi Note models
3. Limited Performance from the camera's Night Mode feature