Redmi 12 review

Introduction and specifications

While the Redmi sub-brand now focuses primarily on mid-range offerings, it hasn’t abandoned its entry-level lineups, such as the Redmi number series. The Redmi 12 is this year’s cheapest phone from the company and succeeds the Redmi 10 from 2021. This is because last year there was no Redmi 11 for some reason, which probably has to do with the drop of smartphone sales and inventory accumulation.

Fast forward to 2023 and now we have a brand new Redmi 12. Or not? A quick glance at the spec sheet reveals strikingly similar specs to the 2021 model with just a handful of changes. Let’s examine!

The new Redmi 12 features a larger 6.79-inch screen, making it one of the largest in its class, and boosts storage to 128GB in the basic version. That’s double that of the Redmi 10. In addition, the Redmi 12 comes with IP53 certification for dust and splash protection, replaces the plastic back panel with a glass one, and brings a new, cleaner design to the table.

The specifications of Xiaomi Redmi 12 at a glance:

• Body: 168.6×76.3×8.2mm, 199g; Glass front, plastic frame, glass back; IP53, dustproof and splashproof.
• Screen: 6.79″ IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (peak), 1080×2460 px resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396 ppi.
• chipsets: Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm): Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G52 MC2.
• Memory: 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; eMMC 5.1; microSDXC (uses a shared SIM slot).
• Operating system/software: Android 13, MIUI 14.
• Rear camera: Broad (main): 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 8MP, f/2.2, 120˚; Macros: 2MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Drums: 5000mAh; 18W wired, PD.
• Connectivity: LTE; Hybrid Dual SIM; WiFi 5; BT 5.3; NFC; FM Radio; Infrared port; 3.5mm jack.
• Various: Fingerprint reader (side mounted).

But before you say that these are too few changes for two years of development, here is the real trump card of the Redmi 12. Despite the doubled storage space, the new phone starts at around €150, while the Redmi 10 asked for €200 at launch. Let’s assume that inflation has overtaken the low-end Redmis.

But it’s not just about beating the value for money of the predecessor, as there are other sub-$200 phones out there. Can the Readme 12 beat them? We don’t set off to find out!

Unboxing of the Xiaomi Redmi 12

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. There isn’t a charger included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t have one. The phone can draw up to 18W in Power Delivery which is good to keep in mind if you plan to buy a charger.

However, Xiaomi hasn’t skipped the clear silicone case, so it’s still a richer retail package than what an iPhone 14 Pro or Galaxy S23 has.