Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, launched in 2023, continues this tradition by offering a compelling mix of features at an attractive price point.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this device stand out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.
Design and Build Quality-
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G breaks away from its predecessors with a refreshed design language. Measuring 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm and weighing 187g, it strikes a balance between screen real estate and pocketability.
The phone sports a flat-edge design, reminiscent of recent iPhones, which not only looks premium but also improves grip.
Available in Glacier Blue, Midnight Black, and Polar White, the Note 12 Pro 5G caters to different tastes. The back panel features a frosted glass finish, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints and smudges.
This attention to detail elevates the device above many plastic-backed competitors in its price range.
The camera module is neatly tucked in the top-left corner, with a subtle protrusion that doesn’t cause significant wobble when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
On the right side, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor. The bottom edge houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray, while the top edge features an IR blaster and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity in modern smartphones.
Display-
The centerpiece of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it offers a crisp and immersive viewing experience.
The screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch inputs.
One of the standout features of this display is its support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This means you can enjoy high dynamic range content from popular streaming platforms, with vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
The panel can reach a peak brightness of 900 nits, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering decent protection against scratches and minor drops.
With a centered punch-hole cutout for the front camera, the screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 86%, providing an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Performance and Software-
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset.
This octa-core processor is built on a 6nm process, featuring two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency.
The Mali-G68 MC4 GPU handles graphics duties, providing smooth performance for gaming and multimedia.
The device comes in multiple variants, with 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage.
Xiaomi has also implemented a virtual RAM expansion feature, allowing users to allocate up to 5GB of storage as additional RAM for improved multitasking.
In day-to-day use, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G handles tasks with ease, from social media browsing to video streaming and casual gaming.
More demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly at medium to high settings, though you may notice some frame drops in the most graphically intensive scenes.
On the software front, the device runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI has come a long way in terms of optimization and features.
It offers a plethora of customization options, from themes to icon packs and always-on display designs. Features like Second Space for privacy, Game Turbo for optimized gaming performance, and a robust set of built-in tools make MIUI a feature-rich skin.
However, MIUI does come with some pre-installed apps, which some users might consider bloatware. The good news is that most of these can be uninstalled or disabled if not needed.
Camera Capabilities-
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G boasts a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear:
1. 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor (f/1.88)
2. 8MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2, 119° FoV)
3. 2MP macro lens (f/2.4)
The main 50MP sensor is the star of the show. It uses pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 12.5MP images by default, with the option to shoot in full 50MP resolution when needed.
In good lighting conditions, photos come out sharp, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The night mode is particularly impressive, capturing bright and detailed shots even in challenging low-light situations.
The 8MP ultra-wide lens allows you to capture more in a single frame, perfect for landscapes or group shots. While it doesn’t match the main sensor in terms of detail, it performs admirably for its class.
The 2MP macro lens, while a nice addition for close-up shots, feels more like a spec-sheet filler and may not see much use in everyday photography.
For selfies, there’s a 16MP front-facing camera housed in the punch-hole cutout. It captures decent self-portraits and is more than capable for video calls.
Video capabilities are solid, with the main camera supporting 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor helps in capturing steady footage, a feature not often found in this price range.
Battery Life and Charging-
One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is its 5000mAh battery. This sizable power pack easily lasts through a full day of heavy use and can stretch to two days with more conservative usage patterns.
The efficient processor and software optimizations contribute to the excellent battery life.
When it’s time to recharge, the Note 12 Pro 5G supports 67W fast charging. This technology can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 15 minutes, with a full charge taking approximately 45 minutes.
While not the fastest charging solution on the market, it’s significantly quicker than many competitors in its price range.
Additional Features-
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G comes with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. It’s fast, reliable, and well-placed for easy access.
The phone also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare even in mid-range devices.
For audio, the device features stereo speakers, with the earpiece doubling as a second speaker. While they won’t replace your dedicated Bluetooth speaker, they provide a decent audio experience for casual listening and gaming.
As the name suggests, the phone supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing it for the next generation of mobile networks. It also features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments.
Value Proposition-
Priced competitively in the mid-range segment, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers exceptional value for money. It brings several features typically found in more expensive devices down to a more accessible price point.
The combination of a high-quality AMOLED display, capable camera system, 5G connectivity, and fast charging makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a feature-packed device.
Conclusion-
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to deliver high-value propositions in the mid-range smartphone market. It successfully balances performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, all wrapped in a design that punches above its price tag.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of flagship devices, it nails the essentials and even exceeds expectations in some areas.
The capable main camera, smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and long-lasting battery with fast charging are standout features that make this device a compelling choice.
However, it’s not without its quirks. MIUI, while feature-rich, may not appeal to fans of stock Android. The macro camera feels like an afterthought, and some users might prefer a telephoto lens instead.
Despite these minor gripes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G remains a solid choice in the mid-range smartphone segment. It offers a well-rounded package that covers most bases for everyday use, and its standout features make it a compelling option for its price.
In a market flooded with options, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G manages to carve out its own identity. It’s not trying to be the best at everything, but rather focuses on delivering a balanced experience that most users will appreciate.
For those looking for a feature-packed mid-range device without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is definitely worth considering.