Redmi 12 5G Review: The smartphone that will redefine your expectations
Introducing the Redmi 12 5G, which has just had its global launch in India! It proudly claims to be the world’s inaugural smartphone to showcase Qualcomm’s newest mid-range Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. This advanced chipset is manufactured using the latest 4nm process, ensuring improved clock speed and the ability to handle faster RAM and storage configurations when compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The entry-level model offers 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for a cost of Rs. 10,999. Moving up, there is a version with 6GB of RAM, priced at Rs. 12,499. Finally, the high-end option boasts 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, available for Rs. 14,999. So, is the Redmi 12 5G truly worth the investment, or does it offer more than what initially meets the eye? Find out by reading through this comprehensive review!
Redmi 12 5G Review: Design
When you first lay eyes on the Redmi 12 5G, its design is guaranteed to captivate you. It emanates a high-quality vibe, boasting a sleek rear panel adorned solely with the brand logo, a minimalistic aspect that I personally admire. It would be quite difficult to discover a more visually appealing phone within this particular price bracket. Additionally, the front of the phone maintains its luxurious appearance with a punch-hole camera, a characteristic that is becoming increasingly rare to find at this cost level. The Redmi 12 5G not only impresses with its aesthetic appeal but also with its impressive features. Powered by the latest 5G technology, this phone ensures lightning-fast internet speeds and seamless connectivity. Whether you’re streaming videos, downloading large files, or playing online games, you can expect a lag-free experience.
Redmi has put a lot of effort into the design of the Redmi 12 5G, giving it a stunning glass back panel that is not commonly seen in this price range. The version I received for review is the Moonstone Silver color, but there are also two other color options available: Jade Black and Pastel Blue. The glass back panel of the Redmi 12 5G adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall design. It not only looks premium but also feels great in hand, offering a smooth and comfortable grip.
The Moonstone Silver color variant that I received exudes a subtle charm with its shimmering effect under different lighting conditions. It gives the phone a futuristic appeal, making it stand out from the crowd.
When it comes to the Moonstone Silver color, it has a beautiful back panel that gives off a mesmerizing rainbow effect when viewed up close. The crystal finish is likely to captivate many users, and I appreciate how it strikes a balance between being noticeable and not overly flashy. In other words, the phone has just the right amount of gloss that is both elegant and attractive. Not only does the crystal finish enhance the phone’s aesthetics, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to its overall design. The delicate shimmer catches the light in a mesmerizing way, creating an alluring visual appeal that is hard to resist.
What sets this crystal finish apart from other glossy surfaces is its subtlety. It manages to exude elegance without being too ostentatious or overpowering. Instead of overwhelming your senses, it gracefully complements the phone’s sleek lines and curves.
The phone has a glass back, which, combined with the flat edges that have a metallic paint finish, gives it a pleasant and tactile feel when held in the hand. Unlike other phones, it doesn’t have a separate camera module on the back; instead, it has three separate rings, giving it a sleek and minimalist appearance. Although the phone might seem a bit wide, its curved corners and slim design of only 8.17mm make it easy and comfortable to hold. Moreover, it has IP53 certification, meaning it can withstand water splashes and some dust. This makes it a reliable companion for outdoor activities or accidental spills. The phone’s sleek metallic frame adds an element of sophistication, giving it a premium look and feel.
Redmi 12 5G Review: Display
The Redmi 12 5G phone is a truly impressive device that not only delivers a premium look but also offers a premium feel. Its sturdy build gives it a robust and durable construction, indicating that it can withstand years of rough usage without losing its charm. While the display may not be equipped with the popular AMOLED technology, the high-quality LCD screen measures 6.79 inches, providing an excellent visual experience. Additionally, the phone boasts a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and an FHD+ resolution, ensuring that users will have no complaints about the display’s performance. The vivid colors and sharp details make videos, games, and images come to life on the screen. Whether you’re watching your favorite Netflix series or playing graphic-intensive mobile games, the display’s smoothness and clarity enhance every visual moment.
When it comes to the way things look on the screen, it’s actually quite good considering the price. The colors are vibrant and vivid right out of the box, and you can easily see the screen even when you’re outside in the sunlight.
As for how the screen looks from different angles, it’s definitely decent, if not really amazing. And the 90Hz refresh rate has been optimized well for the user interface and compatible applications. Additionally, this phone is certified with Widevine L1, so you can enjoy streaming content in high definition from platforms like Netflix and others.
Redmi 12 5G Review: Camera
The camera on the Redmi 12 5G is quite important to many people and could potentially make or break their decision to purchase the phone. Overall, the camera is decent and can capture some impressive shots, but it works best in optimal lighting conditions. The main camera has a high resolution of 50 megapixels, while the secondary camera has a resolution of 2 megapixels. Additionally, there is an 8-megapixel front camera. These impressive camera specifications make the device an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts and selfie lovers alike. The 50-megapixel main camera ensures exceptional clarity and detail in every shot, capturing even the tiniest of details with precision. Whether it’s a breathtaking landscape or a close-up portrait, users can expect stunningly vibrant images that truly come to life.
The secondary 2-megapixel camera adds depth to photos, enabling users to experiment with artistic effects such as bokeh or portrait mode.
I personally tested the camera by taking various pictures in different lighting situations, both indoors and outdoors. I particularly enjoyed taking selfies in sunlight, and I took many of them. The portrait shots turned out decent considering the phone’s price range, although I do wish the edge detection was a bit better. Some of the portrait shots ended up distorting the edges, which was a bit disappointing. This also happened with the front camera when taking portrait selfies.
At first glance, it was difficult to notice any difference between the 50-megapixel photo mode and the normal photo mode. However, upon closer inspection, there were some subtle variations in terms of color tone.
One common observation I made in all the pictures was that when I zoomed in on the images, some noise became apparent. Additionally, if you zoom in while taking a picture, you will start to notice some noise as well. This noise can be described as small, random variations in brightness or color that distort the overall clarity of the image. It often appears as tiny specks or grain-like patterns scattered throughout the picture.
The presence of noise is more noticeable when zooming in on an image because it amplifies these imperfections, making them more visible to the naked eye. As you zoom in closer, you start to see the individual pixels that make up the picture, and any noise present becomes increasingly apparent.
Redmi 12 5G Review: Performance
The Redmi 12 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, which is a big deal because it’s the first phone in India to have this chip. Qualcomm really got creative with the name of this chip, calling it 4 Gen 2 because it only has half the power of the top-of-the-line 8 Gen 2 chip. But don’t let that deceive you, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip still packs quite a punch. It may not match the raw power of its higher-end counterpart, but it offers an impressive performance at a more affordable price point.
The Redmi 12 5G takes full advantage of this chip’s capabilities with seamless multitasking and swift app launches. Whether you’re browsing through your favorite social media feeds or indulging in graphic-intensive games, this phone delivers smooth and lag-free experiences. And let me tell you, that flagship chip is no joke when it comes to performance. So, it’s pretty impressive that they were able to bring half that power to a phone that costs a lot less than a flagship device.
When you’re playing games on the Redmi 12 5G for a long time, you may notice that the phone does get slightly warmer. However, it doesn’t get too hot to handle. All in all, if you’re someone who values performance and gaming capabilities but doesn’t want to spend a fortune, the Redmi 12 5G is a great choice. With its maximum of 8GB RAM and expandable storage of up to 256GB, you’ll have plenty of space for all your apps and files. Plus, it’s worth mentioning that the Redmi 12 5G also supports 5G connectivity, making it even more convenient for users. The 5G connectivity on the Redmi 12 5G ensures that you can enjoy fast and seamless internet browsing, downloading, and streaming. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing online games, the high-speed connectivity will enhance your overall experience.
The Redmi 12 5G comes with the latest MIUI 14 software by Xiaomi, which is also found in many other Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones in the market. MIUI 14 has an easy-to-use interface with panels for notifications and a control center, similar to iOS. This interface enhancement allows users to quickly access key settings and features with just a swipe or tap. With MIUI 14, Xiaomi has also introduced several new customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences.
The Redmi 12 5G offers a seamless and fluid user experience, thanks to its powerful MediaTek Dimensity processor. This chipset not only ensures smooth performance but also provides excellent power efficiency, prolonging the battery life of the device. The phone also offers various customization options and important features like call and screen recording. However, it’s important to mention that the device comes with a few pre-installed apps, which can make it feel a bit too crowded. Additionally, users might receive a few spam notifications, which is an aspect that could be improved.
Redmi 12 5G Review: Battery
The Redmi 12 5G comes equipped with a reliable battery that offers a capacity of 5,000mAh, ensuring longevity for uninterrupted usage throughout the day. To power up this impressive battery, the device includes an 18W charging solution. Although a 22.5W charger is included in the box, this higher wattage is not fully utilized by the phone. Nonetheless, the provided 18W charging solution is more than capable of charging the device from 0 to 100 percent. However, it is worth noting that this process may take a little over two hours to complete. So, with a combination of a substantial battery and a relatively fast charging solution, the Redmi 12 5G ensures that you have a reliable power source to keep you connected on the go.
Final Verdict: Should you buy it?
The Redmi 12 5G is an impressive device that offers a range of impressive features and an excellent performance. Its minimalist design, with a sleek glass back, exudes a premium feel. One of the standout features of this device is its commendable battery life, which ensures that you can use it throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the primary camera on this device is resourceful, capturing stunning photos in bright sunny environments. However, the portrait mode and charging speeds on the Redmi 12 5G may leave some users feeling underwhelmed, especially when compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, overall, this device receives a thumbs up from me for its excellent performance and range of impressive features. It is available in India at a starting price of Rs 11,999.
