The Redmi 12, the latest offering from Xiaomi in 2023, builds upon its predecessor’s success by introducing a few notable upgrades while maintaining an affordable price point. Although the overall design and some specifications remain largely unchanged, the Redmi 12 manages to deliver a respectable package for budget-conscious consumers. In this review, we’ll explore the phone’s features, performance, and value proposition.
Redmi 12 Design and Display
The Redmi 12 sports a familiar form factor, featuring a glass back panel and a plastic frame. The addition of IP53 certification for dust and splash resistance is a welcome enhancement, providing a touch of durability. The device’s larger 6.79-inch IPS LCD display, with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080×2460 pixels, offers an immersive visual experience suitable for media consumption and gaming.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Redmi 12 is equipped with the Mediatek Helio G88 chipset, comprising an octa-core processor and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. While this configuration provides decent performance for everyday tasks, it may struggle with resource-intensive applications and gaming at higher settings. The device offers multiple memory options, including 4GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot. Running on Android 13 with MIUI 14, the software experience is smooth and intuitive, incorporating Xiaomi’s feature-rich customization options.
Redmi 12 Camera System
The Redmi 12’s camera setup consists of a 50 MP wide lens, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120˚ field of view, and a 2 MP macro lens. While these specifications appear impressive on paper, the real-world camera performance may fall short of expectations, particularly in low-light conditions. However, the 8 MP front-facing camera captures satisfactory selfies for social media sharing or video calls.
Battery and Connectivity
Powered by a substantial 5000mAh battery, the Redmi 12 offers reliable endurance for a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The inclusion of 18W wired charging and support for Power Delivery ensures quick and convenient recharging. In terms of connectivity, the device supports LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, FM radio, and even retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users with various needs.
Redmi 12 – Value for Money?
One of the Redmi 12’s strongest selling points is its competitive price tag. Despite only modest improvements over its predecessor, the Redmi 12 offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers. With a starting price of around €150, it undercuts many other sub-€200 phones while providing a well-rounded smartphone experience.
FAQs
Q1: Does the Redmi 12 support expandable storage?
A1: Yes, the Redmi 12 comes with a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity in addition to the built-in 128GB or 256GB options.
Q2: Can the Redmi 12 withstand water and dust?
A2: The Redmi 12 has an IP53 certification, which provides protection against dust ingress and water splashes. While it is not fully waterproof, it offers a certain level of resistance for everyday usage.
Q3: Does the Redmi 12 support fast charging?
A3: Yes, the Redmi 12 supports 18W wired charging, allowing for quick and convenient charging of its 5000mAh battery. The device is also compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers.
Q4: What version of Android does the Redmi 12 run?
A4: The Redmi 12 runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 interface. This combination provides a user-friendly and feature-rich software experience, with access to the latest Android features and optimizations.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi 12 might not introduce groundbreaking innovations, but it refines the Redmi series’ winning formula by incorporating a larger display, improved storage options, and enhanced durability. While the camera performance and gaming capabilities may not match some higher-end devices, the Redmi 12 compensates with its affordability and reliability. For budget-minded individuals seeking a reliable daily driver with a few key upgrades, the Redmi 12 is undoubtedly worth considering.
