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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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