Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has been generating significant attention despite its release nearly two years ago. Its impressive specs, including an AMOLED display and mid-range processor, have made it a top contender in the affordable smartphone market. Priced around $179, this device offers excellent value for users seeking a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. In this review, we'll delve into its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall usability to help readers decide if it's still a viable option in 2023.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has been garnering attention recently, despite being released nearly two years ago. One of the aspects that contributed to its enduring appeal is its build quality and design. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear why this phone still feels premium after more than a year. Xiaomi delivered on their promise with a solid glass back paired with a plastic frame. The combination may seem unorthodox, but the execution is impressive. The Gorilla Glass 5 on the front has done an excellent job resisting major scratches, and I can attest to this myself after a Xiaomi power bank fell heavily onto the screen, leaving only a minor scratch. The phone's design still feels modern, with clean lines and a minimalist approach that eschews unnecessary embellishments. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is snappy and reliable, adding to the overall premium feel of the device. Whether you're holding it in your hand or placing it on a surface, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G exudes a sense of quality that's hard to ignore. In an era where phones are often discarded after a single year, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G stands out as a testament to Xiaomi's ability to create devices that can withstand the test of time. Its build quality and design have aged remarkably well, making it a great option for those looking for a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. Overall, I'm impressed with how well this phone has held up over time. If you're in the market for a device that combines affordability with durability, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is definitely worth considering.
Battery Life
Battery Life Review: Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G As I've been using the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G for over a year now, I wanted to take a closer look at its battery life performance. The phone's 5,000mAh battery was touted as one of its standout features when it launched. In reality, the battery has held up relatively well despite heavy usage. During my testing, I've averaged around 5 hours of screen time per day with moderate use, including social media scrolling, streaming videos, and messaging. However, if you're a power user who relies heavily on their phone for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive activities, you might notice a slight decrease in battery life. One notable feature that still impresses is the 67W fast charger, which can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in under an hour. This is a significant saving point, as it makes up for some of the reduced battery life. While I wouldn't say the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's battery has aged spectacularly well, it still delivers decent performance considering its age and use case. If you're looking for a reliable phone with good battery life that won't break the bank, this might be worth considering. In conclusion, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's battery life is solid but not exceptional. If you prioritize gaming or heavy usage, you may need to consider other options, such as faster charging speeds or larger batteries.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G boasts a stunning display that still holds its own even after nearly two years since its release. The 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+ support, making it a joy to use for both gaming and entertainment. One of the standout aspects of this display is its vibrant color accuracy and impressive dynamic range. Even after extended usage, I've noticed minimal degradation in brightness, allowing me to enjoy seamless visuals indoors or outdoors. The screen's AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and an immersive viewing experience, while the HDR 10+ support further enhances the overall picture quality. In terms of performance, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G handles basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and streaming with ease, but as expected, it can't quite keep up with resource-intensive apps or games. However, for everyday use, the display remains a significant strength of this device. The refresh rate is smooth, and the colors are rich and accurate, making it ideal for casual gaming, video streaming, or social media browsing. While some minor scratches may have accumulated on my unit over time, the Gorilla Glass 5 protection has done an excellent job in resisting major damage. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's display is a solid feature that still holds its own against newer devices in this price range. Its AMOLED technology and smooth refresh rate make it a pleasure to use for everyday activities, even if it can't quite match the performance of more premium smartphones.
Camera
The camera on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has been a topic of interest for many users, and I'm here to give you an in-depth review of its performance. Firstly, the primary 108MP sensor is still a head-turner, delivering sharp and vibrant photos even after more than a year since its release. In good lighting conditions, dynamic range and color accuracy remain impressive, making it suitable for everyday photography needs. However, low-light conditions take a significant toll on image quality, with noticeable noise and reduced details being the common issues I've encountered. While not deal-breakers, these limitations might disappoint users who rely heavily on their camera phone. The 16MP front camera, on the other hand, is decent but struggles in bright lighting conditions. In backlit scenarios, it tends to wash out, resulting in unflattering selfies. I'd like to highlight a few sample photos I've taken with the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G to give you an idea of its capabilities: * Outdoor shots: The camera excels in capturing sharp and vibrant images with good dynamic range. * Indoor shots: Image quality takes a hit, with noticeable noise and reduced details. * Low-light shots: Expect grainy and soft photos with reduced detail. Overall, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G's camera is not perfect, it still delivers decent results for everyday photography needs. However, if you're an avid photographer or plan to use your phone extensively for capturing high-quality images, this might not be the best choice. In conclusion, the camera on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has its strengths and weaknesses. While it's still a capable performer in good lighting conditions, low-light performance is where it falters. If you're considering buying this phone for its camera capabilities alone, I'd recommend weighing your expectations against the actual results. Rating: 7/10 Recommendation: If you value a good camera on your phone, consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or Vivo V27 Pro, which offer more impressive camera performance in various lighting conditions.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has been gaining attention despite being released nearly two years ago, and I'm not entirely sure why. However, it's clear that the phone offers excellent value for its price. Currently available on AliExpress and Amazon for around $179 and $270 respectively, this device provides a lot of bang for your buck. The 4G variant is one of two versions available, with the other being the more powerful 5G variant. Interestingly, the global pricing has remained largely unchanged since its release in 2023, despite significant fluctuations in other markets. I purchased my unit for ₦1,180,000 (approximately $2,700 USD) back then, which is now equivalent to around $270,000 NGN - a stark example of currency inflation. Compared to its contemporaries, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a compelling package. While it may not be as powerful as newer models like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or Vivo V27 Pro, it still delivers solid performance and good battery life. The phone's display quality is also excellent, making it a joy to use. Considering its price point, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G represents a great value proposition for users seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly device with good performance and a decent camera, this phone should definitely be on your radar. However, if you're looking for a gaming powerhouse or expecting top-tier performance at an affordable price, you might want to look elsewhere. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a solid choice for everyday users who prioritize value over raw power.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has been around for nearly two years now, but it still manages to hold its own in terms of performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 732 G processor and paired with 8 GB of RAM, this device was a solid choice at launch, and it still handles basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and streaming with ease. However, when it comes to resource-intensive apps or games like PUBG or Call of Duty mobile, you may notice lower load times, occasional frame drops, and some lags. It's not that the phone can't handle these tasks; rather, the performance is good enough overall, but you won't get the highest graphic settings for gaming. In everyday use, though, I've found no noticeable drop in performance. The device still gives me the same vibe it did since day one – smooth and responsive. It's perfect for regular users who want more from their device without breaking the bank. One aspect where the phone has aged well is battery life. While it may not last as long as it used to, a 5,000 mAh battery still averages about 5 hours of screen time during heavy usage. The 67 W fast charger remains a lifesaver, able to juice up from 0% to 100% in under an hour. Overall, the performance of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is still commendable, especially considering its price point. While it may not be ideal for gaming enthusiasts or those seeking top-tier performance at a low price, it's a great option for regular users who want a reliable and feature-rich device.
Pros
1. The phone still feels premium after more than a year, with a solid glass back paired with a plastic frame.
2. The 6.67-inch full HD Plus AMOLED display with a 120 refresh rate and HDR 10 plus is a joy to use even today.
3. The camera delivers sharp vibrant photos in good lighting, with dynamic range and color accuracy remaining impressive.
4. The 5,000mAh battery still averages about 5 hours on screen time during heavy usage, despite some degradation over time.
5. The 67 W fast charger is a lifesaver, able to juice up the phone from 0% to 100% in under an hour.
Cons
1. The processor, paired with 8GB of RAM, starts to struggle with demanding apps or games like PUBG or Call of Duty mobile.
2. Low light conditions can reveal noticeable noise and reduced details in photos taken with the main camera.
3. The front camera struggles in backlit conditions, delivering less-than-ideal results.
4. Battery degradation over time means that heavy usage can result in less than 5 hours of screen time.
5. While not exactly cheap, the phone's price has increased significantly in certain regions, making it feel like a luxury item.