Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: An In-Depth Review 2024

In the dynamic landscape of smartphones, Xiaomi has consistently stood out as a brand that delivers devices packed with value. The Redmi Note series has particularly resonated with consumers, bringing top-tier features to the table without breaking the bank. Today, we’re going to deep dive into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.

Price Tag

The Redmi Note 12 is available in a range of configurations, each carrying a different price tag. The entry-level model, sporting 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is available in three color variants: Onyx Gray, Mint Green, and Ice Blue. No matter the color, the price for this setup is a cool $236.81.

For those craving a bit more horsepower, there’s the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model. This variant also comes in the same trio of colors and carries a price tag of $272.51.

And for the power users among us, there’s the top-of-the-line model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This variant, too, is available in the three color options and will set you back $296.31.

Interestingly, there’s also a variant of the base model with NFC, priced identically to the base model without NFC, at $236.81. This is a fantastic option for those who frequently use contactless payments or other NFC functionalities.

Design Language

The Note 12 is a testament to Xiaomi’s dedication to delivering premium design at a wallet-friendly price. The device is available in three unique colors: Onyx Gray, Mint Green, and Ice Blue. Each color brings its own charm, allowing you to pick one that resonates with your personal style.

The design of the phone is slick and contemporary, with a slim form factor that feels good in the hand. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is thoughtfully placed for easy reach, and the AI Face Unlock feature adds an extra layer of security.

Display

Let’s dive into the display of the Redmi Note. It’s rocking a 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay with a resolution of 2400×1080. But what does this tech jargon translate to in real-world usage?

The AMOLED panel brings out vivid colors and true blacks, enhancing your visual experience whether you’re flipping through Instagram, streaming Netflix, or gaming. The details are sharp, and the colors are lively, making every interaction a visual treat.

The 120Hz refresh rate is another highlight, offering a buttery smooth experience. You’ll notice this when you’re scrolling through your Twitter feed or browsing the web – the motion is seamless, with no lag or judder.

For daily use, these features make the phone a solid choice for consuming media. The high-quality display elevates your viewing pleasure, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or flipping through your recent vacation photos.

And if you’re worried about outdoor visibility, the screen is bright enough to combat direct sunlight, ensuring a clear view of your content even on sunny days.

Connectivity

When it comes to staying connected, the Redmi has got you covered. It supports dual SIM cards and includes a dedicated microSD card slot, giving you the flexibility to expand storage or use two different networks at the same time.

The device is compatible with a broad spectrum of network bands, promising good coverage in most regions globally. So, whether you’re chilling at home, hustling at work, or globetrotting, you can count on the Note 12 to keep you connected.

Bluetooth 5.0 is also on board, ensuring a robust and speedy connection to your Bluetooth-enabled devices. Be it jamming to tunes on your wireless earbuds or transferring files, the connection remains stable even as you move around.

Performance

Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Snapdragon® 685 Octa-core CPU, providing a fluid and snappy user experience. Be it web surfing, gaming, or juggling multiple apps, the device handles it all with ease.

You have three variants to choose from: 4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/128GB. This means you can pick the one that aligns with your requirements. The higher RAM options offer a more seamless experience when you’re running several apps or playing demanding games.

Powering Through the Day

The Xiaomi packs a punch with its hefty 5000mAh battery. This powerhouse ensures that the device can sail through a day of heavy usage, be it binge-watching your favorite shows, gaming, or surfing the internet. The Note 12 is engineered to handle your digital lifestyle without constantly seeking a power outlet.

And when it’s time to juice up? The phone steps up with its 33W fast charging tech. This means you can rapidly replenish your battery, minimizing idle time and getting you back to your digital adventures swiftly.

In the real-world scenario, users can anticipate a full day of diverse usage, encompassing social media scrolling, video streaming, and a bit of gaming, without fretting over the battery giving up on them. And the fast charging support ensures that even when you do need to power up, you’re not chained to the charger for long.

Tuning into the Sound

Switching gears to sound quality, the Redmi offers a respectable audio output for its price bracket. While it might not rival premium devices with specialized audio components, it holds its ground for routine media consumption and calls.

The device sports a single speaker located at the bottom, which emits clear and robust audio. Whether you’re engrossed in a movie, immersed in a game, or jamming to some tunes, the sound output is adequate for daily use.

For the audiophiles who favor wired headphones, the Note 12 keeps the increasingly elusive 3.5mm headphone jack. This means you can plug in your preferred wired headphones without the need for an adapter, offering a more flexible audio experience.

Capturing Moments

The camera is a crucial aspect for many smartphone users, and the phone rises to the occasion. It boasts a 50MP+8MP+2MP AI Triple Rear Camera array, coupled with a 13MP Front Camera, offering a diverse photography toolkit.

• The 50MP primary camera snaps detailed and vivid photos under a variety of lighting scenarios. Whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or dimly lit environments, the Redmi’s camera can seize clear and detailed visuals. It’s also adept at recording high-definition videos, making it an excellent device for preserving memories.
• The 8MP ultra-wide lens lets you capture a broader scene in one frame, ideal for landscape or group photos. The 2MP sensor is dedicated to depth sensing, enabling portrait mode photos with a bokeh effect, a feature that’s a hit on social media.
• The 13MP front camera is more than competent for selfies and video chats. It snaps clear and detailed shots, and the AI Face Unlock feature leverages this camera for secure and easy device unlocking.

In terms of practical usage, the Redmi Note 12’s camera excels for day-to-day photography. Whether you’re capturing a stunning sunset, snapping a spontaneous photo of a cherished moment, or video chatting with a friend, the camera delivers pleasing results.

Comparison with Peers

When sizing up the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, it’s crucial to see how it fares against its contemporaries in the same price bracket. We’ll be pitting it against the Samsung Galaxy A32, the Realme 8 Pro, and its own kin, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.

1. Samsung Galaxy A32: The Galaxy A32 shares a similar 6.4″ Super AMOLED display, albeit with a lesser 90Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, which doesn’t quite match the Snapdragon 685 muscle in the Redmi Note 12. Interestingly, the Galaxy A32 does bring NFC to the table across all its models, a feature that’s selectively available in the Redmi Note 12 lineup.
2. Realme 8 Pro: The Realme 8 Pro takes the cake with a 108MP primary camera, overshadowing the 50MP shooter on the Note 12. However, it sports a smaller 6.4″ Super AMOLED display with a lower 60Hz refresh rate. It’s also driven by the Snapdragon 720G, which falls short of the Snapdragon 685’s prowess.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is essentially a beefed-up version of the Redmi Note 12, boasting a superior Snapdragon 750G processor and a 108MP main camera. However, these enhancements do come with a heftier price tag, positioning the Note 12 as a more wallet-friendly alternative.

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Final Thoughts

The Xiaomi Redmi emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a smartphone brimming with features without breaking the bank. It delivers a top-notch display, commendable performance, and a host of connectivity options.

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