Introducing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: A Powerful Mid-range Contender

 Introducing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: A Powerful Mid-range Contender

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, announced on October 27, 2022, and released on January 11, 2023, has quickly become a popular choice among smartphone enthusiasts. Packed with impressive features and offered at a competitive price, this device stands out as a reliable mid-range contender.

Design and Display:

Sporting sleek dimensions of 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm and a weight of 188g, the Redmi Note 12 boasts a comfortable and ergonomic design. It is also equipped with IP53 certification, making it resistant to dust and splashes. The device features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and smooth visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio (~395 ppi density), the screen offers an immersive viewing experience. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides added protection against scratches and minor drops.

Performance:

Running on Android 12 with MIUI 14 for international users and MIUI 13 for Indian users, the Redmi Note 12 operates efficiently and offers a user-friendly interface. Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset built on a 6nm process. The octa-core CPU combines 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 cores for high-performance tasks and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for power efficiency. Accompanied by the Adreno 619 GPU, the device delivers smooth graphics rendering for gaming and multimedia tasks.

Memory and Storage:

The Redmi Note 12 comes with various memory and storage configurations to suit different user needs. It offers options for 128GB of internal storage with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, as well as 256GB of internal storage with 8GB of RAM. The device utilizes UFS 2.2 technology, enhancing data transfer speeds for a seamless user experience. Additionally, it supports microSDXC cards, using the shared SIM slot, for expandable storage options.

Camera:

Capture life's moments with the versatile triple-camera setup on the back of the Redmi Note 12. The primary camera boasts 48 MP with an f/1.8 aperture and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for sharp and detailed images. Accompanying it is an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes and group shots. Completing the setup is a 2 MP macro lens for close-up photography. The camera system supports features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, ensuring vibrant and well-exposed images. On the front, a 13 MP selfie camera with an f/2.5 aperture takes care of high-quality selfies.

Connectivity and Battery:

The Redmi Note 12 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE, GPS, GLONASS, NFC (market/region dependent), and an infrared port. It also supports USB Type-C 2.0 and OTG for quick and convenient data transfer. The device is fueled by a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power to keep you going throughout the day. Thanks to its 33W wired charging capability, you can quickly recharge your device, reaching 50% battery in just 22 minutes, as advertised.

Additional Features:

The Redmi Note 12 comes with various sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall user experience. The device is available in attractive colors such as Frosted Green, Matte Black, and Mystique Blue, catering to different style preferences.

Price and Verdict:

With a price tag of $225.00 / €193.42 / £216.20 / ₹16,999, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers exceptional value for money. Its impressive performance, versatile camera capabilities, and long-lasting battery make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or simply seeking an all-around reliable device, the Redmi Note 12 is a compelling choice to consider.

Note: The performance benchmarks provided are as follows: AnTuTu: 360,745 (v9), GeekBench: 1,998 (v5.1), 2,017 (v6). The device also achieves a good loudspeaker performance with an endurance rating of 101 hours.