Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 review: Good performance, 5G connectivity

Review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Solid performance and 5G connectivity

The 12th version of the wildly popular Redmi Note series has recently been released. It's time to modernise. We learn the reality.

In India, the Redmi Note series is so well-liked that there's a good chance you or someone you know owns one.

With features unheard of at its price point, the series completely rocked the industry when it initially debuted in the nation. Since then, there have been eleven incarnations, and interest continues to grow. Once more, the yearly refresh is now necessary. In comparison to previous Redmi Note models, the Redmi Note 12 is more expensive Redmi Note in comparison to what we've previously observed. Still, things have changed. One of the first smartphones using the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip to hit the market. When compared to earlier Notes, it appears noticeably different from the back and is now 5G-ready. Here is my review after using the device as my primary tool for a week.

Review of the Redmi Note 12: Display and Design

The Redmi Note 12 appears to have deviated from the customary design aesthetic that we've come to expect from the Notes series (or at least their camera modules). This model is much more understated with a camera module that is less complicated than the Redmi Note 11, which had a camera module that was all-black and filled with optics.
I was strongly reminded of Realme's smartphones by the glossy camera island that is perched atop the matte rear panel.

I have the "Mystique Blue" colour, which is striking, for review. The smudges are lessened but not entirely by the less shiny finish. The phone feels reasonably small and isn't too hefty. Additionally, there are no squared-off edges, which improves grip. However, users are encouraged to use the phone with the cover because the plastic casing is easily scratched and lacks Gorilla Glass.

The Redmi Note 12's 6.67-inch AMOLED display is a noticeable improvement over the 6.43-inch display from the previous model. Excellent colour accuracy and respectable sunlight legibility make the product practically indistinguishable from Xiaomi's mid-range products in terms of quality. 

Most people like the default colour scheme, however if for some reason you find it too muted, feel free to change the display settings to the "Saturated" preset. Widevine L1 is supported, allowing you to see full HD material just as it was intended. The refresh rate can be increased to 120 Hz for a buttery smooth scrolling experience; it is normally set to 60 Hz.

Review of the Redmi Note 12's software and performance:

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor is used in the Redmi Note 12. It breezes through routine activities. Previously, MIUI was not well optimised for low-cost devices, but that issue seems to be resolved now. On a 20-minute stress test, there was no throttle, 

and based on my experience, the SD 4 Gen 1 can likely maintain its clock speeds for much longer. During lengthy gaming sessions, there is also no heating, though it would be difficult to evaluate that accurately given Delhi's winter weather. Just remember that the 4 Gen 1 is a cheap processor, so don't anticipate the best graphics in games. When I switched to 60 FPS on PUBG New State, the graphics keep being pushed to "Lite."

The sonic signature of the speakers is flat, which is typical for the price range. They aren't really unique, but they do the job and are loud enough.The maximum volume was substantially lower than usual when I connected the Note 12 to my Nothing Ear 1, so that needs to be fixed.

The Redmi Note 12's MIUI experience is inconsistent. Although speed is smooth, this is likely due more to the fact that the phone has a stripped-down software skin with fewer elaborate animations and blur effects. The Control Center has a really unsightly grey background that I was unable to change. Disappointingly, Android 13 is not present here.

But at least the bloatware situation is commendable. Even though there is some clutter, it can all be removed. And you can even remove some system applications if you want to swap them out for Google's. To make MIUI 13 even more fun to use, I only wish Xiaomi had added blur effects and app launch animations.

Review of the Redmi Note 12: Battery and Connectivity

Both the Jio and the Airtel SIMs I used in the Redmi Note 12 supported 5G. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 can support 5G, yes. Websites load in a flash, and download times are astronomically speedy.
In the majority of the city, I could easily reach speeds of around 200 mbps, and the speed test metre once briefly reached 500 mbps. Given that there was little variation in battery use while switching between 4G and 5G, the integrated 5G modem on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is power-efficient.

But given that the energy drain is already so significant even without 5G, it is difficult to gauge its effects. Despite the fact that I use my phone a lot, most of them still last me a whole day. Despite having a 5000 mAh battery, the Redmi Note 12 died a little sooner. I only encountered a problem after inserting my SIM,

however, it is obvious that two 5G networks are too much for phones to handle. Nevertheless, Xiaomi frequently releases optimization-related updates, so if this is a common problem, it will be resolved quickly.

Review of the Redmi Note 12: Cameras:

The 48MP primary rear camera on the Redmi Note 12 is supported by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. Given the price of the phone, it's difficult to have great expectations, and the cameras perform what they're supposed to do—nothing more, nothing less. Photos taken in daylight contain a respectable degree of information and can even be slightly zoomed in without losing much of it.

The Redmi Note 12 boasts a sharp display, solid performance, and 5G connection. The device can be charged quickly (at 33W), taking slightly over an hour. The unimpressive camera was the only thing that let me down. even more so considering the sharp display and higher beginning price. The device can be charged quickly (at 33W), taking slightly over an hour. The unimpressive camera was the only thing that let me down. much more so considering that the starting price has increased. Comparatively speaking, the Redmi Note 11 cost Rs 13,499 in 2021. 

I'm leaving out the exchange bonuses and rebate deals that the business is providing, which will lower the cost for many people. Redmi asserts that the final price will be Rs 15,499 if all deals are combined. It is undeniable that this is a more pricey Redmi Note, which could present a problem.