Redmi 12 Review

3 minute read

Introduction and Features

While the Redmi sub-brand currently focuses mainly on mid-range offerings, Redmi has not abandoned its entry-level range as a number line. The Redmi 12 is the company's cheapest phone this year after the Redmi 10 from 2021. This is due to the lack of Redmi 11 last year for some reason, most likely due to low sales and retention of smartphones.

Fast forward to 2023 and now we have the new Redmi 12. Or us? A quick look at the specs reveals surprisingly similar features to the 2021 model with a few minor changes. Let's take a look!

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The new Redmi 12 is equipped with a large screen of 6.79 inches, which is one of the largest in its class, and the internal memory has increased to 128 GB in the basic version. This is twice as much as the Redmi 10. Additionally, the Redmi 12 is IP53 certified for dust and splash resistance, replaces the plastic back with a glass back, and features a new, cleaner design.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 specs at a glance:

Body: 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2mm, 199g; glass front, plastic frame, glass back; IP53, dust and splash proof.
Display: 6.79-inch IPS LCD, 90 Hz, 550 nits (maximum dot), 1080 x 2460 resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396 ppi.
Chipset: Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm): 8 cores (2x Cortex-A75 at 2.0 GHz and 6x Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz); Mountain G52 MC2.
Memory: 128 GB 4 GB RAM, 128 GB 8 GB RAM, 256 GB 8 GB RAM; eMMC 5.1; microSDXC (uses a shared SIM card slot).
OS/Software: Android 13, MIUI 14.
Rear camera: wide angle (main camera) : 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF; Ultra wide angle : 8 MP, f/2.2, 120°; Macro : 2 MP, f/2.4.
Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide).
Video Recording: Rear Camera : 1080p@30fps; Front camera : 1080p, 30 frames per second.
Battery: 5000 mAh; 18W wired, power adapter.
Communication: LTE; dual sim hybrid; Wi-Fi 5; BT5.3; NFC FM radio; Infrared port 3.5mm male.
Other: fingerprint reader (side).

But before you say it's too small a change after two years of development, here's the real trick inside the Redmi 12's case: despite having double the memory, the new phone costs around 150 euros, while the Redmi 10 was asking for 200 euros at launch. We believe inflation has overtaken Redmi's budget models.

But it's not just about beating its predecessor's value for money, as there are other phones under £200. Whether Readmi 12 will surpass them - we will not find out!

Xiaomi Redmi 12 unboxed.

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The phone comes in a small retail box containing the usual user manuals and a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and data transfer. Since no charger is included, you'll need to purchase one separately if you don't have one. The phone can consume up to 18W of power when turned on. You should consider this when buying a charger.