Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a decent mid-range smartphone that offers good value for money. The device boasts a large AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and video consumption. The battery life is also impressive, with a substantial capacity and a fast charger (33W) in the box. However, the camera setup is a major letdown. The inclusion of a useless "garbage camera" (as I'd like to call it) is frustrating, especially considering the device's price point. Build quality-wise, the Note 12S feels somewhat plasticky, which may take away from its premium feel, even if it's not marketed as a high-end device. The processor, while not the most powerful, handles everyday tasks with ease. However, those seeking more processing power may want to look elsewhere. The fingerprint sensor doubles as a power button, and the inclusion of an IR Blaster is a nice touch, allowing users to control appliances remotely. Compared to other devices in its price range, the Note 12S struggles to stand out. For instance, the Xiaomi Poco F5 (non-pro variant) offers significantly better value for your money at a lower price point. While not a flagship device, the F5 delivers impressive performance and features that make it an attractive option. In summary, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a solid mid-range smartphone with some notable drawbacks. If you're looking for a reliable device without breaking the bank, this may be worth considering. However, if budget allows, I'd recommend exploring other options like the Poco F5, which offers significantly better value and performance. Good display, decent battery life, fast charger, IR Blaster Underwhelming camera setup, plasticky build quality, unimpressive processor
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S has an unassuming design that may not immediately grab attention. The device's build quality is plastic, which might detract from the overall premium feel of a phone. While it's not necessarily a deal-breaker for a mid-range device like this, the Note 12S' construction feels less substantial than some other options in its price range. The phone's design is straightforward and functional, with no frills or excessive embellishments. The plastic build gives way to a typical silicone case that covers the device's back and sides. This does provide some protection against scratches and scuffs, but it may not offer the level of durability that some users expect from their devices. One notable feature of the Note 12S is its fingerprint sensor, which doubles as a power button located at the bottom of the device. This design choice is both practical and convenient, allowing for quick access to the phone's lock screen and other functions. The charging port also has a cover that integrates seamlessly into the silicone case. The overall aesthetic of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is inoffensive but unremarkable. It won't turn heads or command attention on its own merits, but it does get the job done as a reliable and functional smartphone. If you're looking for a device with a more premium feel, you may want to consider other options in this price range. In summary, while the build quality of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is adequate, it's not particularly impressive. The plastic construction and straightforward design are functional but unremarkable features that don't add much excitement to the overall package.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S boasts an impressive battery life, with a decent-sized 5000mAh battery that promises to keep your device going all day long. In my testing, I found the battery to be quite reliable, lasting well over a day even with moderate use. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12S's battery is its charging speed. The phone comes with a fast 33W charger in the box, which can quickly top up the battery from zero to full in under an hour and a half. This is a welcome feature for anyone who needs to get their device juiced up quickly. While I didn't experience any significant issues with the battery's performance, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The phone's battery life may not be as long-lasting if you're an avid gamer or streamer, but for general use, it should still provide a good day's worth of power. In terms of overall battery life, I would give the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S a solid 8 out of 10. While it may not be the longest-lasting device on the market, its impressive charging speed and decent-sized battery make up for some of its limitations. If you're in the market for a reliable phone with good battery life, the Redmi Note 12S is definitely worth considering.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S boasts an impressive AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it a standout feature in this mid-range smartphone. The screen is crisp and clear, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that enhance the overall visual experience. One of the notable aspects of the display is its fast refresh rate, which provides a smooth and seamless viewing experience, ideal for gaming or watching videos. The AMOLED panel also helps to minimize eye strain, making it suitable for prolonged use. The display's dimensions are standard, measuring 6.67 inches diagonally, which allows for comfortable handling and easy navigation through the interface. Bezels are minimal, giving the phone a sleek appearance that complements its mid-range price tag. In terms of display quality, the Redmi Note 12S performs well, with good brightness and color accuracy. While not exceptional in any one area, the overall package makes for a solid display experience that's more than adequate for everyday use. However, it's worth noting that the display is not without its drawbacks. Some users may find the screen to be slightly too reflective at times, which can cause glare under certain lighting conditions. Additionally, the maximum brightness level could be higher, particularly in extremely sunny environments. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S' display offers a great balance of performance and price. While it may not be the most impressive display in its class, it's still more than capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or streaming videos.
Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is an intriguing device that promises to deliver excellent value for its price. However, my experience with its camera system has been a letdown. As someone who values good photography capabilities in their smartphone, I was excited to see how the Redmi Note 12S would perform. Unfortunately, the camera performance in this device falls short of expectations. The primary sensor is the most disappointing aspect, producing subpar results in terms of detail and dynamic range. Photos taken with the main camera often lack depth and are plagued by noise, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of a telephoto lens or optical zoom means that users will not be able to capture high-quality zoomed shots. While the ultra-wide-angle lens does offer some flexibility for capturing expansive scenes, it is clear that this device's camera system was designed with budget constraints in mind rather than photographic excellence. Even in well-lit conditions, the camera struggles to produce images that are comparable to those from more established brands. It is worth noting that the Redmi Note 12S does offer some software features such as AI-powered scene detection and HDR capabilities. However, these attempts at compensation only highlight the inadequacies of the underlying hardware. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S's camera performance is a major disappointment for anyone seeking good photography capabilities from their smartphone. While it may still be an excellent value proposition in other aspects, this weakens its appeal significantly for users who value high-quality imaging. In contrast to more expensive flagships that offer superior cameras, the Redmi Note 12S falls short of expectations. It's essential to set realistic expectations when considering budget-friendly options like this device. If you prioritize photography above all else, you may want to look elsewhere.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a mid-range smartphone that offers decent specs at an affordable price point. The device's price tag of around $230-$250 makes it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable phone without breaking the bank. One of the strengths of the Redmi Note 12S is its value proposition. For its price, you get a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a fast charging system (33W charger included), and a decent battery life. The device's performance is also respectable, thanks to the Helio G96 processor. However, when compared to other devices in its price range, the Redmi Note 12S falls slightly short. For example, the Poco F5, a mid-range device from Xiaomi's subsidiary brand, offers significantly better specs at a similar price point. The F5 boasts a more powerful processor, better cameras, and a more premium build quality. In comparison, the Redmi Note 12S feels like a more budget-friendly option. While it still delivers on performance and display, its camera system is not as impressive, and the device's build quality is made of plastic, which may not feel as premium as some users would expect. Considering its price point, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a solid choice for those who want a reliable phone without spending too much. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, I would recommend looking at other options like the Poco F5 or other mid-range devices that offer better specs and value. 3.5/5 If you're on a tight budget and want a decent phone for basic tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is worth considering. However, if you're looking for something with more features and better performance, there are better options available in its price range.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S boasts a Mediatek Helio G96 processor, which is the brain behind its performance. In general use, the phone handles tasks with ease, switching between apps and executing tasks without any significant lag. However, when put to more demanding tests, such as gaming or multitasking, the phone's performance starts to show some limitations. In our testing, the Redmi Note 12S struggled to handle high-end games, often experiencing frame drops and stuttering. Additionally, trying to run multiple resource-intensive apps at once caused the phone to slow down significantly. This is not surprising given the processor's mid-range capabilities. While the Helio G96 is a capable processor in its own right, it's clear that it's not on par with more powerful chips found in higher-end devices. However, for everyday use and general tasks, the Redmi Note 12S performs adequately. One area where the phone shines is in charging speed. With a 33W charger included in the box, the phone can quickly top up its battery to full capacity. This is a welcome feature, especially considering how quickly devices with lower charging speeds can drain their batteries when pushed to the limit. Overall, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S's performance is respectable for its price range, it falls short of expectations in more demanding scenarios. If you're looking for a device that can handle high-end gaming and resource-intensive tasks without breaking a sweat, this may not be the phone for you. However, if you need a reliable device for everyday use, the Redmi Note 12S should suffice.
Pros
1. Good Display
2. Decent Battery Size
3. Fingerprint Sensor and Power Button
4. IR Blaster
5. Good Charger
6. Expandable Storage
7. Affordable Price
Cons
1. Poor Camera
2. Plastic Build Quality
3. Mid-range Processor