Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is one of the newest mid-range phones from Xiaomi. While there are many Redmi devices on the market, this model stands out with its more powerful chipset and stereo speakers compared to other non-Pro models. However, it lags behind the more expensive Pro Plus variant in terms of camera capabilities and charging speed. The phone's design is flat and glossy, making it prone to smudges. It has an IP53 rating for dust and water resistance. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display offers a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, although its maximum brightness is slightly lower than the Pro Plus. The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. While the main camera produces excellent photos with great detail, low noise, high contrast, and punchy colors, it's not as good as the 200-megapixel camera on the Pro Plus variant. The phone runs MIUI 14 on top of Android 12, which brings some new features but is still similar to previous Xiaomi interfaces. The performance is satisfactory for multitasking and gaming, thanks to the Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset. The battery life is decent, with an endurance rating of 97 hours in our tests. Overall, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a solid mid-range experience with a great screen, decent camera capabilities, fast charging, and good performance. While it may not be perfect, it's definitely worth recommending for its price point.
Build Quality and Design
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is one of the latest additions to Xiaomi's mid-range lineup, but how does it stand out from its competitors? One area where this phone shines is in its build quality and design. On the outside, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The device features a completely flat back, which is easy to smudge due to its glossy finish. In contrast to its more expensive sibling, the Pro Plus, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's back panel does not have any curvature, giving it a slightly different look. The build quality of the phone is also impressive, with a plastic frame that provides a sturdy feel in the hand. The device has an IP53 rating for dust and splash protection, which should give users peace of mind when using the phone in various environments. One area where Xiaomi could have improved is in the design details. While the glossy back panel looks great, it can be quite slippery to hold onto, and some may find it prone to fingerprints and smudges. In terms of overall build quality, the Redmi Note 12 Pro feels solid and well-made, with a weighty feel that suggests it's built to last. The device is also comfortable to hold, making it easy to use for extended periods. Overall, Xiaomi has done a great job with the design of the Redmi Note 12 Pro, delivering a solid mid-range phone that looks and feels premium without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a mid-range phone that has been making waves in the tech world. One aspect that caught our attention was its battery life, which we put to the test. The Redmi Note 12 Pro packs a 5,000mAh battery, which we found to be quite impressive. Our proprietary tests resulted in an endurance rating of 97 hours, with the phone lasting just under two days on a single charge. While this may not seem like a significant improvement over its predecessor, it's still commendable for a mid-range device. However, our review revealed that the phone's battery life took a hit due to average standby performance. In our tests, we managed to get 78% battery life after charging the phone from 0-100% in just half an hour using a 67W charger. This is impressive, considering the slower charging speed compared to its more expensive sibling. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro's battery life is a major strength of this device, making it an excellent choice for those who need a phone that can last them through their busy days without needing multiple charges.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts an impressive 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. While not identical to the higher-end Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus model, this screen still delivers excellent results. The manual brightness slider can boost up to 890 nits in auto mode, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Display performance is further enhanced by Dolby Vision 10-bit color and HDR10+ support. Colors appear accurate depending on the chosen settings, with good sharpness and contrast. The display's responsiveness is also noteworthy, providing a smooth experience during interactions like swiping and scrolling. One notable difference between this model and the Pro Plus is a slightly lower maximum brightness measured in manual mode (490 nits). However, this doesn't significantly impact overall user experience, especially considering the phone's affordability. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's display is also capable of reducing its refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz when not actively used, which helps conserve battery life. This feature ensures that users can enjoy a high-quality visual experience without sacrificing power efficiency. Overall, Xiaomi has delivered an excellent mid-range display in the Redmi Note 12 Pro, making it a solid choice for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone at an affordable price point.
Camera
The camera system on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a notable aspect of the device. The primary sensor boasts a respectable 50 megapixels, which may seem like a step down from last year's model with its 108 megapixel main camera. However, with pixel binning, the actual resolution isn't that different, and you get optical image stabilization (OIS) this time around. The main camera produces commendable results, with images featuring sufficient detail, low noise, high contrast, punchy colors, and balanced dynamic range. The photos are well-exposed, and the subject is clearly defined. Portraits taken with the Note 12 Pro turn out nicely detailed, with good exposure and color rendition. One of the strengths of the camera system lies in its ability to capture pleasing images in low-light conditions. Using the dedicated night mode can sometimes yield brighter photos with better-exposed details in the shadows, albeit with a more processed look. The dynamic range in these situations is decent, but some shadows may appear quite dark. The ultra-wide camera on the Note 12 Pro delivers acceptable results, with plenty of detail and mostly true-to-life colors. Low noise and good contrast characterize its performance. However, in low-light conditions, the photos become darker and noisier, with a compromised dynamic range. Activating night mode can alleviate some of these issues but does come at the cost of losing fine details. It's worth noting that the camera performance on the Redmi Note 12 Pro holds its own against the more expensive Pro Plus model, despite being equipped with a lower-resolution main sensor. While the plus model might retain slightly truer-to-life colors and finer details in foliage, the gap is relatively minor. Overall, the camera system on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro provides solid performance for its price bracket and serves as one of the strengths of this mid-range smartphone.
Price and Value
In the midst of numerous budget-friendly options, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro stands out as a dependable mid-range smartphone. With its impressive array of features, this phone is sure to satisfy users seeking value for their money. Priced competitively, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. The phone's specs, including a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset, are par for the course in this segment. However, what sets it apart is its ability to deliver smooth performance, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. The phone's camera setup, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and 2-megapixel macro shooter, takes impressive photos and videos. The addition of features like stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support further enhance the overall user experience. In terms of value, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is a strong contender. With its solid build quality, snappy performance, and reliable cameras, it's an excellent option for those seeking a mid-range device without breaking the bank. While not perfect, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers great bang for your buck. If you're in the market for a dependable smartphone that won't dent your wallet, this phone is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a mid-range powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance in its class. At the heart of this device lies a Mediatek Dimensity 1080, the same chipset found in the more expensive Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. This upgrade over last year's Snapdragon 695 brings significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance. In our tests, the Redmi Note 12 Pro showcased impressive scores among the mid-range class, making it a great option for those seeking a balance between price and performance. Whether you're multitasking or gaming, this device handles tasks with ease, thanks to its efficient thermal management system. We were pleased to find that even during prolonged stress tests, the Redmi Note 12 Pro remained cool and didn't throttle like some other devices in this category. This is a testament to Xiaomi's attention to detail in designing a high-performance device without sacrificing battery life or charging speed. The Mediatek Dimensity 1080 inside the Redmi Note 12 Pro ensures seamless performance, making it ideal for daily use, gaming, and even video editing. With its efficient power management system, you can expect long battery life, even with demanding tasks. While some may argue that the camera is a letdown compared to the Pro Plus model, the Redmi Note 12 Pro's performance is undeniable. If you're looking for an affordable mid-range device that packs a punch, look no further than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Its impressive specs and capabilities make it a solid choice for those seeking value without compromising on performance. Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
1. Great Display
2. Decent Camera Performance
3. Fast Charging
4. Smooth Performance
5. Good Battery Life
Cons
1. No Expandable Storage
2. Slow Charging Compared to Pro Plus
3. Macro Camera Limitations
4. No Night Mode Improvements
5. Limited Ultra-Wide Photos