Xiaomi Redmi note 12 Pro review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid mid-range smartphone that stands out from its counterparts with a more powerful chipset and stereo speakers. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The device also has a side-mounted fingerprint reader and comes with 128 or 256GB of storage, but lacks expandability. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip, which provides improved CPU and GPU performance compared to last year's model. The device has a 5,000mAh battery that lasts up to 97 hours in our tests, although it only supports 67W charging, which is still relatively fast. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. While the 50MP camera may seem like a downgrade from last year's model, it produces great results with sufficient detail, low noise, high contrast, and punchy colors. The main camera can also record 4K videos at 30fps, which are impressive in terms of detail and color accuracy. In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers good performance, a great display, and decent camera capabilities. While it may not be perfect, it's solid for its price and worth considering for those looking for an affordable option.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a sleek design that sets it apart from its predecessors. The back of the phone is completely flat, devoid of any curvature, giving it a more minimalist look. This flat design makes it easy to smudge, so be prepared for fingerprints and scratches. The plastic frame is standard across the series, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro's build quality feels sturdy enough. One notable difference between this model and its more expensive counterpart, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, lies in the design. While both phones share a similar aesthetic, the Pro model's flat back sets it apart from the curved design of the Pro Plus. This distinction is likely to appeal to fans of clean lines and minimalism. The IP53 rating ensures protection against dust and splashes of water, which is reassuring for those who want a phone that can withstand minor mishaps. However, this level of protection does not extend to submerging the device in water or exposing it to heavy pressure. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's build quality holds its own against other mid-range devices. Its flat design may not be for everyone, but it adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise utilitarian phone. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro presents itself as a solid, dependable option that prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics.
Battery Life
In our latest review, we take a closer look at the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, one of the newest mid-range smartphones from the brand. While it offers impressive specs and features, how does it perform in terms of battery life? The Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a massive 5000mAh battery, which is designed to provide all-day power. In our proprietary tests, we were able to score an endurance rating of 97 hours, making it one of the longest-lasting mid-range devices on the market. While this may seem like a great result, there are some caveats. Standby performance was just average, and the phone's screen-on time was slightly less impressive than last year's model. However, when you do need to charge your device, the Redmi Note 12 Pro supports up to 67W fast charging, which is still quite quick. In our testing, we were able to charge the phone from 0-78% in just half an hour, making it a great option for those who need a reliable and powerful battery. However, compared to the more expensive Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, which comes with a faster charging system, this might be a drawback. Overall, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's battery life is solid, but not spectacular. While it may not offer the longest-lasting power in its class, it's still a reliable option for those who need a mid-range device that can keep up with their daily needs.
Display
The display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a highlight of this mid-range smartphone. The device features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it smooth to navigate through menus and scroll through content. One of the standout features of the display is its high brightness, peaking at 490 nits in manual mode and reaching up to 890 nits when auto-adjusting. This ensures that the screen remains readable even in bright environments. Additionally, the AMOLED panel offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, making for an immersive viewing experience. The display also features Dolby Vision 10-bit color support and HDR10+, which adds depth and nuance to video content. The screen's sharpness and contrast are excellent, with minimal visible pixelation or light bleed. Colors can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, although the default settings provide a pleasingly accurate representation of the scene. One potential drawback is that the display may not be as bright as some premium devices on the market, but it remains more than sufficient for general use. Furthermore, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures seamless motion and scrolling, making interactions feel responsive and fluid. In terms of overall performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's display holds its own against more expensive flagships. It may not have the same level of brightness or color accuracy, but it still provides a great viewing experience that is well-suited to the device's mid-range price point.
Camera
The camera system on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is an interesting aspect of the device. The primary camera features a 50-megapixel sensor, which might seem like a downgrade from the 108-megapixel sensor in last year's model. However, with pixel binning, the effective resolution isn't drastically different. The main camera's 12.5-megapixel photos are impressive for the class, boasting high detail, low noise, and great contrast. The dynamic range is also commendable, with balanced exposure and punchy colors. In comparison to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus with its 200-megapixel camera, the quality of the two is quite close. The main difference lies in the color accuracy and fine details like foliage, which are more organic on the Pro Plus. Portraits taken with the Note 12 Pro are also impressive, with well-exposed subjects, vibrant colors, and good separation. The dynamic range is equally good, making for pleasing photos overall. The ultra-wide camera takes respectable photos as well, with plenty of detail, accurate colors, and low noise. However, in low-light conditions, these photos can become dark and noisy, with limited dynamic range. Interestingly, the Note 12 Pro's auto night mode processing produces nice results, especially considering the lack of a dedicated night mode button on some other Xiaomi phones. These photos exhibit great exposure, plenty of detail, saturated colors, and low noise. The dynamic range is wide, but shadows can become quite dark in some cases. The difference between these night mode photos and those taken with the Pro Plus's main camera is minimal. However, opting out of the night enhancements on the Note 12 Pro yields more natural-looking results with a bit more detail, albeit darker exposure. Ultimately, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's camera system delivers solid performance in various scenarios, although it might not be as impressive as some of its competitors. Nonetheless, it's an aspect that contributes to the overall value proposition of this device.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a solid mid-range offering that punches above its weight. With a price point significantly lower than some of its competitors, this device delivers impressive value for those looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is its display. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen boasts a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making it perfect for gaming and multimedia consumption. The display's brightness and color accuracy are also noteworthy, with a maximum manual brightness of 490 nits and support for Dolby Vision 10 bit color. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset, which provides more than enough processing power for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. The phone's performance is further augmented by its fast charging capabilities, with a 67W charger capable of delivering up to 78% charge in just half an hour. The camera setup on the Redmi Note 12 Pro may not be the most advanced, but it still delivers impressive results. The 50-megapixel main camera takes clear and detailed photos, while the ultra-wide camera adds some much-needed versatility to the package. Video recording is also a strong point, with smooth 4K footage and decent electronic stabilization. While the Redmi Note 12 Pro may not be perfect, its price tag makes it an extremely compelling option for those on a budget. With a price significantly lower than many of its competitors, this device offers an unbeatable value proposition that's hard to ignore. For those looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts a Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chip, the same processor found in its more expensive counterpart, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. This is a significant upgrade over last year's Snapdragon 695-powered Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, delivering improved CPU and GPU performance. The Dimensity 1080 powers the device with ease, handling multitasking and gaming with satisfaction. Thermal management is also commendable, as it can withstand prolonged stress tests without any issues. In our testing, the phone performed admirably, with scores among the best in its mid-range class. One of the notable aspects of this chip is its ability to handle demanding tasks while maintaining a relatively cool temperature. This is especially important for users who tend to use their devices for extended periods. However, it's worth noting that the Redmi Note 12 Pro's performance might not be drastically different from other mid-range devices with similar processors. Nevertheless, it still manages to deliver solid overall performance, making it a suitable option for those seeking an affordable device without sacrificing too much power. In terms of performance alone, the Redmi Note 12 Pro holds its own against its more expensive counterpart. While it may not be a powerhouse, it's certainly capable enough for everyday use and some more demanding tasks. As such, it remains a solid choice in the mid-range segment.