Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, available in 5G and 4G versions, is a vibrant smartphone. Which place does our Redmi Note 12 5G occupy, and whether that makes it the right choice for you? We try to find out here.

Redmi Note 12 family

Xiaomi announced the Redmi Note 12 series in early 2023. In addition to our Redmi Note 12 5G, the series consists of a Redmi Note 12 4G, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and the Redmi Note 12+ 5G. What they all have in common is that they feature a 6.67-inch display—even the resolution and screen refresh rate match: a crisp Full-HD and smooth 120Hz. This Redmi Note 12 5G screen could only be a bit brighter; with a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, it is excellent to read outdoors.

Less megapixels, same quality

A 48MP sensor from Samsung with a bright f/1.8 lens was chosen as the primary camera. The Redmi Note 12 4G offers more pixels (50MP) on paper, but it does not shoot better photos because it uses the same Samsung JN1 sensor. For that, you have to go with the Redmi Note 12 Pro with a 108MP shooter or an over-the-top with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with a 200MP camera. However, comparing reviews, our 48MP camera still shoots lovely pictures, even when it gets dark. The other cameras are 8MP with a 118° wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens for extreme close-ups. Video shoots in up to Full HD (1080p).

Main Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G specifications

• 6.67-inch large AMOLED screen with smooth 120Hz playback
• 48+8+2MP camera system with 118° ultra-wide angle + FHD video
• 13MP selfie camera with f/2.45 lens and FHD video
• Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor with 4+128, 6+128 or 8+256GB of memory
• IP53 splashproof (not fully waterproof)
• Hybrid Dual SIM (additional SIM card or memory card up to 1TB)

Clean but not spectacular

Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi Note 12 5G with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor. That's about the most straightforward chip Qualcomm offers. Still, the Redmi Note 12 5G handles it quite well because it doesn't feel slow. Then again, it's not blazing fast. There is no reason to go for the Redmi Note 12 4G with its Snapdragon 685 processor. That chip is not faster in practise. The same goes for fast charging. That sits at a maximum of 33W on both devices. It's neat but not spectacular, either. And that's the core of this device: neat but not spectacular.