Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 review: Smartphone with 120 Hz AMOLED and 1,200 nits for under US$200
The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with manufacturers offering innovative features at affordable prices. Xiaomi, a renowned Chinese brand, has been at the forefront of this trend, consistently delivering high-quality devices at competitive prices. One of their latest offerings, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, has garnered significant attention due to its impressive specifications and affordable price tag.
Design and Build Quality:
Starting with the design, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 follows a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring a glass front and back with a plastic frame. Despite the plastic frame, the device feels sturdy and well-built. The placement of buttons and ports is ergonomic, allowing for easy access and comfortable handling. The device is available in various attractive colors, catering to different style preferences. Overall, Xiaomi has done a commendable job in terms of design and build quality, considering the price point of the Redmi Note 12.
Display:
One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 is its display. The device boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The inclusion of an AMOLED panel is impressive, considering the price range of the device. The display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels, resulting in an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the Redmi Note 12 comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making interactions and scrolling feel smooth and fluid. The device also supports HDR10, enhancing the quality of multimedia content. Furthermore, the display can reach a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Xiaomi has undoubtedly delivered a remarkable display on the Redmi Note 12, surpassing expectations for a device in this price range.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM. The Dimensity 900 offers excellent performance capabilities, allowing for smooth multitasking and handling of demanding applications. The device handles everyday tasks with ease and provides a lag-free user experience. Additionally, the Redmi Note 12 comes with ample storage options, with a base variant offering 64GB of internal storage and expandable storage support via a microSD card slot. Gamers will also appreciate the device’s gaming capabilities, as the Dimensity 900 chipset delivers smooth gameplay with reduced frame drops and stutters. For a smartphone in this price segment, the Redmi Note 12 offers impressive performance.
Camera:
In terms of the camera setup, the Redmi Note 12 features a triple-camera system on the rear, comprising a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. The camera setup performs admirably, capturing detailed and vibrant photos in well-lit conditions. The dynamic range is decent, although there is room for improvement in challenging lighting situations. Xiaomi has also included various AI enhancements and software features to enhance the camera capabilities, such as night mode, portrait mode, and AI scene recognition. The front-facing camera, housed in a centrally placed punch-hole cutout, is an impressive 20 megapixels and captures high-quality selfies. Overall, the camera system on the Redmi Note 12 delivers satisfactory results, considering the device’s price range.
Battery Life:
The Redmi Note 12 is equipped with a generous 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life for the average user. The efficient chipset, coupled with Xiaomi’s optimization, helps in achieving good battery longevity. With moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and occasional gaming, the device easily lasts a full day on a single charge. Additionally, the Redmi Note 12 supports 18W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. Xiaomi has delivered commendable battery performance on the Redmi Note 12, further enhancing its value proposition.
Software and User Experience:
The Redmi Note 12 runs on MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi’s custom Android-based operating system. MIUI 12.5 offers a feature-rich and intuitive user interface, with a wide range of customization options and additional functionalities. Xiaomi has also been proactive in providing software updates and security patches, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience. However, some users may find the presence of pre-installed bloatware a downside, as it can affect the overall user experience. Nevertheless, the Redmi Note 12 provides a fluid and enjoyable user experience, complemented by its impressive display and performance capabilities.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 stands out as an exceptional smartphone in the under $200 price segment. It offers a stunning 120 Hz AMOLED display, solid performance, a capable camera system, excellent battery life, and a pleasant user experience. Xiaomi has managed to deliver impressive features typically associated with higher-priced devices, making the Redmi Note 12 an excellent value for money proposition. If you are in the market for an affordable smartphone with compelling specifications, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 should undoubtedly be on your radar.
