Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G Review: A Comprehensive Analysis at a Cost

Redmi Note 12 5G Price in India

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, available in India, starts at Rs. 17,999.

Redmi Note 12 5G Design

The Redmi Note 12 5G features a fresh design, boasting an IP53 rating for added protection. The phone measures a slim 7.9mm but weighs a moderate 188g. Its polycarbonate frame and rear panel provide an upmarket appearance, though it is prone to smudges. The phone's camera module has been revamped, now resembling a polished glass block, adding a modern touch.

Redmi Note 12 5G Specifications and Software

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC, LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 2.2 storage, the Redmi Note 12 5G boasts robust hardware. It supports eleven 5G bands and features Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C port, IR sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone port. Running on MIUI 13 based on Android 12, the phone offers a smooth software experience but comes with pre-installed bloatware.

Redmi Note 12 5G Performance and Battery Life

The 6GB RAM variant of the Redmi Note 12 5G provides smooth day-to-day usage, although occasional bugs may be encountered. Its 6.67-inch, full-HD+ Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colours but lacks adaptive display settings. The phone's 5,000mAh battery delivers excellent battery life, and its 33W charger allows quick charging.

Redmi Note 12 5G Cameras

The Redmi Note 12 5G sports a triple rear camera setup, including a 48-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. While daylight image quality is acceptable, dynamic range and HDR performance could be improved. The macro camera is difficult to use, and the ultra-wide-angle camera struggles with barrel distortion and colour accuracy. Low-light performance is underwhelming, especially without a dedicated Night mode.

Verdict

At Rs. 17,999, Xiaomi's Redmi Note 12 5G may not be the best option unless excellent battery life is a top priority. The camera performance is disappointing, lacking compared to other smartphones in the same price range. For an additional Rs. 1,000, the Realme 10 Pro 5G offers a better SoC, a 108-megapixel primary camera, stereo speakers, and an appealing design. Alternatively, Motorola's Moto G82 5G provides an OIS-enabled primary camera, an IP52 rating, stereo speakers, and near-stock Android, which is set to receive the Android 13 update this year, making it a more compelling choice at Rs. 18,999.