For a long time, the Redmi Note series has been a favorite among budget-conscious consumers. It has been their favorite because it provides dependable performance without denting the pocket. With the release of Redmi Note 12 5G, the brand is claiming to provide even more value for money. Equipped with next-gen connectivity, an aesthetically pleasing design, and some great specs,. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another mid-range device? Let's dive into a comprehensive review and see whether the Redmi Note 12 5G is worth your hard-earned cash.
Design and Build Quality
As for design, the Redmi Note 12 5G adopts the minimum necessary, while its look has become premium. It gets a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels and a hole-punch camera in the center. Screen quality was very good for its price range: colors are vibrant, blacks deep, and sharp resolution will serve perfectly well from the simple watching of video up to gameplay.
The back panel is also made of glossy plastic that might attract fingerprints, but it has a solid and durable feeling. The different colors of Onyx Gray and Ice Blue add beauty to your style. Holding the gadget is comfortable, though it has a slightly bigger size which might be considered for users accustomed to using smaller phones.
Display
The AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 12 5G is one of its standout features, offering a rich, vibrant experience. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that scrolling and animations are buttery smooth, providing an excellent experience whether you're gaming or browsing through apps. The 1080 x 2400 resolution ensures crisp details, and with support for HDR10 content, watching compatible videos is an enjoyable experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 12 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, which supports 5G connectivity for faster download speeds and smoother streaming. The phone does a generally good job in everyday tasks, such as social media, browsing, and multitasking, paired with up to 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant. Gaming on the device is solid, thanks to its Adreno 619 GPU, but don't expect ultra settings for the most graphically demanding games. However, for casual gaming and social media use, the Redmi Note 12 5G holds up well.
The phone’s MIUI 14 software, based on Android 13, brings a smooth user experience with useful customization options. It’s intuitive, though, like many custom skins, it has some pre-installed bloatware that some users might want to remove. Nonetheless, the user interface is fast and responsive, providing an enjoyable experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is another key area where the Redmi Note 12 5G shines. With a 5,000mAh battery, it will easily last a full day on moderate usage, even with 5G connectivity enabled. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or using social media, the Redmi Note 12 5G will comfortably get you through the day without reaching for the charger. The device also supports 33W fast charging to make sure you don't have to wait long to top up the battery.
Camera Performance
Another highlight of the Redmi Note 12 5G is the camera system. The primary camera features a 48MP wide sensor, along with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera. The 48MP camera takes decent photos in daylight, with good color accuracy and sharpness. Low-light performance is respectable, though images can sometimes be a bit noisy or lack detail in very dark environments.
The 8MP ultrawide provides a good wide angle for landscape shots and group photos, but doesn't quite have the same level of detail as the primary sensor. It's still handy to have. The 2MP macro camera, on the other hand, is a bit underwhelming and is more of a novelty than a practical tool for most users.
The front 13MP selfie camera does a decent job in well-lit environments, capturing sharp and detailed selfies. AI enhancements provide a beauty mode for smooth skin tones, though it can sometimes overdo the effects.
5G Connectivity
As the name suggests, the Redmi Note 12 5G supports 5G networks, which is an essential feature for future-proofing your device. While 5G coverage is still rolling out globally, this phone is ready for the next-gen networks, allowing it to browse, stream, and download faster where it's available. That sounds exciting, especially considering how much it costs, and pegs the Redmi Note 12 5G as a pretty solid option to embrace 5G connectivity without the need to spend flagship prices for it.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Redmi Note 12 5G is competitively priced, making it a fantastic option for anyone seeking a mid-range smartphone with premium features. Its pricing usually starts at around $200-$250, depending on the configuration and market, which makes it very good value for money compared to other devices in the same category.
If you factor in the display, 5G support, solid performance, and decent camera system, the Redmi Note 12 5G offers great value to budget-conscious consumers. The phone isn't the most powerful or feature-packed in its range, but it certainly strikes a great balance between price and performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 5G support for faster connectivity
- Good battery life with 33W fast charging
- Solid performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming
- Affordable price tag for the features
Cons:
- Macro camera feels unnecessary and underwhelming
- Bloatware on the MIUI skin
- Low-light performance could be better
- Plastic back that attracts fingerprints
Conclusion: Is the Redmi Note 12 5G Worth Your Money?
In conclusion, the Redmi Note 12 5G is a solid, budget-friendly phone that offers excellent value for its price. It brings in a premium AMOLED display, solid performance, and 5G connectivity for less than many others, thus becoming the ideal option for people who need a future-proof gadget without going too expensive. While the camera system does leave something to be desired-when it comes to low-lighting, at least-and that macro lens may not be the most practical, its overall in-performance, design, and endurance make this device an outstanding option for budget-conscious consumers.
If you're in the market for an affordable 5G device that delivers on the essentials, the Redmi Note 12 5G is definitely worth considering.
Do you own the Redmi Note 12 5G? Share your thoughts on its performance and value for money in the comments below!