Redmi Note 12 Durability Test: Can it Survive Rough Handling?
The Redmi Note 12 is among the latest budget-friendly smartphones to hit the market from Xiaomi, packing in a number of impressive features like a big screen, capable cameras, and fast performance. However, one of the biggest questions when purchasing any phone revolves around its durability. In this article, we’ll put the Redmi Note 12 through its paces with a series of rigorous drop tests and scratch resistance evaluations to see just how well it holds up under rough handling. Let’s dive in!
1. Design and Build Quality: A Quick Overview
Before jumping into the tests, let's briefly go over the design and build quality of the Redmi Note 12. The phone features a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. While the plastic build helps keep the device affordable, it sometimes can compromise on durability compared to more premium materials like metal or glass.
It's also important to establish that the Redmi Note 12 does not include an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, which means extra caution should be exercised around water or dirt.
Now that we understand what we are working with, let's get to the tests!
2. Drop Test: Can the Redmi Note 12 Survive a Fall?
To simulate everyday accidents, we performed a drop test from various heights onto a hard surface. The test included drops from waist height, shoulder height, and a higher elevation to see how the Redmi Note 12 fares.
Test 1: Waist Height Drop
- Result: Well, the phone fell screen-down on a hard floor and still managed to survive with mostly superficial damage. The screen was still fully functional, even though there was minor scuffing along the edges of the plastic frame. There were some faint scratches showing up on the glass back, though.
Test 2: Shoulder Height Drop
- Result: Dropping the phone from shoulder height proved a bit more difficult. The screen cracked at one corner, but the device still worked, and there was no major damage to the back. The plastic frame took some of the force of the fall but did not emerge unscathed.
Test 3: High Elevation Drop
- Result: With a fall from a higher height, the damage was more significant, with visible cracks on the screen and a slightly dented corner. The Redmi Note 12 still worked, but it was pretty clear that if it fell from a greater height, it might suffer lasting damage, especially to the screen.
3. Scratch Resistance: How Well Does the Screen and Back Hold Up?
Next, we conduct the scratch resistance test of the Redmi Note 12, wherein we use some of our commonly used objects like keys, coins, and even a screwdriver and observe the tendency of its screen and back to scratches.
Test on Screen
- The screen boasts Gorilla Glass 3, which is pretty durable. However, after some testing with keys and coins, we did notice some light scratches near the edges but no deep gouges. While Gorilla Glass 3 is solid, it's not as scratch-resistant as newer versions, so users should be careful.
Test on the Back
- The plastic back showed signs of wear with light scratches from coins, but it didn't crack or break under pressure. However, it's easy to see how the back panel could get scratched over time, especially without a protective case.
4. Frame and Buttons: How Durable Are They?
In general, the plastic frame of the Redmi Note 12 showed unexpected performance in the drop tests. While prone to scuff marks, the unit did not break or crack. The volume buttons and power button functioned fully but with more marked impact signs along the edges of the frame close by in the aftermath of the drop test from the higher elevation.
5. Conclusion: Is the Redmi Note 12 Durable?
After conducting several durability tests on the Redmi Note 12, the phone seemed to be reasonably resilient for a budget-friendly device. The plastic build and Gorilla Glass 3 do a good job of providing some protection, but it's pretty clear that the Redmi Note 12 isn't indestructible.
- The screen can crack from significant drops but can handle smaller falls.
- The back panel is prone to scratches but is otherwise solid.
- The plastic frame provides basic protection and absorbs some shock.
If you’re prone to dropping your phone often or are hard on devices, investing in a protective case is highly recommended to extend the Redmi Note 12's lifespan.
Final Verdict: Good for Light to Moderate Use
The Redmi Note 12 is one of the best value-for-money options for those users who handle their phones with much care. However, in case you are one of those users who want a phone that can withstand the harshest handling without issues, then you may have to look at higher variants with more solid protection.
Always remember to use a screen protector and case to ensure that your device can handle the occasional slip without suffering too much damage!