Review Summary

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 delivers impressive value for money in the budget smartphone segment. With a large AMOLED display, decent camera performance, and solid battery life, it's an excellent choice for users who want modern smartphone features without the premium price tag.

✅ Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Large, vibrant AMOLED display
  • Good battery life (5000mAh)
  • Decent camera for the price
  • Fast charging support
  • Modern design and build quality

❌ Cons

  • Performance can lag with heavy apps
  • Camera struggles in low light
  • MIUI can feel overwhelming
  • No wireless charging
  • Limited software update commitment
  • No IP rating for water resistance

Design and Build Quality

Design
4.0/5

The Redmi Note 12 features a modern design that punches above its weight class. The 6.67-inch display dominates the front with minimal bezels, while the back has a clean camera module design that doesn't protrude excessively.

Dimensions: 165.88 x 76.21 x 8.05mm
Weight: 188g
Materials: Plastic frame and back
Colors: Onyx Gray, Ice Blue, Mint Green

While the plastic construction feels solid, it doesn't have the premium feel of glass or metal. However, this keeps the weight down and reduces the chance of cracking if dropped.

Display

Display
4.2/5

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is one of the Redmi Note 12's standout features. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth.

Size: 6.67 inches
Resolution: 2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Technology: AMOLED
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Brightness: 1200 nits peak

Outdoor visibility is good thanks to the high peak brightness, and the adaptive refresh rate helps preserve battery life when high refresh rates aren't needed.

Performance

Performance
3.5/5

Powered by the Snapdragon 685 processor, the Redmi Note 12 handles everyday tasks well but can struggle with more demanding applications and games.

Everyday Use

Smooth performance for social media, web browsing, and basic apps. Occasional stutters when multitasking heavily.

Gaming

Casual games run well, but demanding titles may need reduced settings. Heating can occur during extended gaming sessions.

Multitasking

4GB RAM variant can feel limited with multiple apps open. 6GB version performs better for multitasking.

Camera

Camera
3.8/5

The 50MP main camera produces good results in daylight conditions, with decent detail and color reproduction. However, low-light performance is where budget constraints become apparent.

Main Camera

50MP - Good daylight performance, decent detail

Ultra-wide

8MP - Useful for group shots and landscapes

Macro

2MP - Basic macro functionality

Front Camera

13MP - Adequate for selfies and video calls

Daylight Photos

Sharp, detailed images with good color accuracy. HDR works well to balance exposure.

Low Light

Noticeable noise and loss of detail. Night mode helps but results are still below flagship level.

Video

1080p recording is stable, but 4K is limited to 30fps with no stabilization.

Battery Life

Battery
4.5/5

The 5000mAh battery is one of the Redmi Note 12's strongest points, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.

Screen On Time

7-9 hours typical usage

Standby Time

2-3 days light usage

Charging Speed

33W fast charging (0-100% in ~60 minutes)

Wireless Charging

Not supported

Software

Software
3.2/5

MIUI 14 based on Android 13 comes with extensive customization options but can feel overwhelming for users coming from stock Android.

Positive Aspects

  • Extensive customization options
  • Useful features like dual apps
  • Regular security updates
  • Good performance optimizations

Areas for Improvement

  • Can feel cluttered and overwhelming
  • Some duplicate apps and bloatware
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited major Android update commitment

Value for Money

Value
4.8/5

At $349, the Redmi Note 12 offers exceptional value for money. You get a large AMOLED display, decent cameras, excellent battery life, and modern design at a very competitive price point.

Compared to Competition

  • vs Samsung Galaxy A54: Similar features but $100 cheaper
  • vs iPhone SE: Larger screen, better battery, more modern design
  • vs Google Pixel 7a: Better value but Pixel has superior camera and software