Discover a cell phone that will surprise you with its cost-benefit. See more about the Redmi 12.
Xiaomi recently launched one of its 2023 lineups, targeting those looking for a good-quality smartphone for the price. The Redmi 12 brings some impressive specs to an entry-level phone with a beautiful design and quality build.
And for those who follow the device and want to know if the Redmi 12 is good, check out below a breakdown of the main features of the Chinese manufacturer's economic model.
Design and construction
One of Redmi’s wins with this device is its design and build. The Redmi 12 is launched in black and light blue colors and can be considered a large phone with a thin thickness of 8.17 mm. This model looks beautiful and has a glass back that is rare to find in budget smartphones, giving it a premium feel.
On the back, there is only a round camera in the left corner, somewhat reminiscent of the iPhone design, and there is a Redmi logo at the bottom of the case. The front is occupied only by a small hole for the screen and front camera, another detail rarely seen in budget smartphones. The edges of the screen are thin, except for the bottom edge, which is a little more prominent. The shape of the Redmi 12 is more square with slightly rounded edges and a plastic finish. On the right is the power button with integrated volume control and fingerprint reader. The left side is dedicated to two SIM card drawers. The top of the device has headphone jacks and an infrared input that can be used to control air conditioning and other devices.
The bottom has a USB-C port and a speaker. One of the cool things about the Redmi 12 is the accessories that come in the box. Headphones are not included, but the smartphone already comes with a charging case and a simple protective cover.
Screen and audio
People who like phones with large displays can consider the Redmi 12 with a 6.79-inch panel. The display features IPS LCD technology, Full HD+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 550 nits peak brightness. Overall, it’s a good display and will satisfy most users. The IPS technology isn’t a negative point, as most budget smartphones use this type of display.
The refresh rate is good, which makes navigation more fluid, the resolution is good for consuming content and the brightness is as expected, but it can be a little difficult to see in bright environments. When it comes to audio, the Redmi 12 doesn't impress, but it performs well for a basic smartphone focused on value for money. The only negative point here is the lack of stereo sound, which can limit the experience of some games, such as action games.
Performance
The Redmi 12's performance is good, but not amazing. The processor is MediaTek Helio G88, 4GB or 8GB of RAM and internal memory of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD. If you choose 4GB, your experience may be a bit limited when opening many applications, especially when running very demanding games. The model may freeze slightly during use. Opting for 8GB of RAM will provide better usability.
For the most common daily tasks, such as browsing the internet, social networks, messaging apps and some simple games, the Redmi 12 can deliver an average experience, within what is expected for a standard device. The Redmi 12 comes with the Android 13 operating system and Xiaomi MIU 14 interface. The smartphone has NFC for contactless payments, IP53 protection against dust and splashes, but does not support 5G networks.
Camera game
The triple camera setup consists of a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens for wider angles, and a 2MP macro sensor. The front-facing sensor is 8MP. Here are some negatives about the camera. Firstly, the 2MP macro sensor has such low resolution that it’s not even worth using. Even though the main camera is 50MP, the final processing of the photo isn’t very accurate.
Even in well-lit environments, the photos aren't the best. The same goes for the 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and the front lens. Users can capture moments, but the quality isn't very good. So, if you like exploring cameras and their features, here's a warning. As for video, the Redmi 12 records in Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second on both the rear and front.
Battery
The Redmi 12 is good in terms of battery. This model is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is standard for the latest Android smartphones, and supports 18W charging. With moderate use, this model can last more than a day without being plugged in. According to the manufacturer, the Redmi 12 offers 16 hours of video playback, 26 hours of reading, and up to 37 hours of talk time. However, it is always good to remember that these numbers are based only on a few tests and the actual experience will vary depending on each user's usage profile.
Prices and other options
The Redmi 12 can be purchased in the range of R$1,100 when purchased domestically and around R$1,900 when purchased internationally, but due to its recent launch it is still hard to find. Other options in the same price range include the Redmi Note 12, which wins in terms of processor, screen and 5G support. The Moto G52 It can also be a good choice as it has the same camera and processor, but a higher quality screen.
