The Redmi 12 5G: A Budget-Friendly 5G Phone With Premium Touches?
Xiaomi has just released its most affordable 5G smartphone yet, the Redmi 12 5G, starting at a tempting price of Rs. 10,999. This phone packs some surprising features for its price, including a glass back panel and the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. But with so many options available in the crowded budget market, is the Redmi 12 5G a real winner? We take a look at our first impressions of this phone.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Redmi 12 5G comes in simple yet well-equipped packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find all the essentials: a SIM tray, a translucent protective case, and some documentation. Xiaomi has also included a 22.5W fast charger and a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, which is always a welcome sight in a budget phone.
In terms of design, the Redmi 12 5G comes in three color options: Classic Black, Pastel Blue, and our Moonlight Silver variant. The Moonlight Silver boasts a mesmerizing glass back that shimmers beautifully under light, creating a subtle rainbow effect. Despite the large battery and glass back, Xiaomi has kept the weight below 200g while maintaining a compact 8.17mm thickness. The back also features a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass for added protection against accidental drops.
Display and Performance
The Redmi 12 5G features a spacious 6.79-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with a refreshing 90Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi claims a peak brightness of 450 nits, which should make the display easily visible indoors. We haven’t had a chance to test it in outdoor sunlight due to the Mumbai rains, but our full review will cover that aspect.
Speaking of performance, the Redmi 12 5G is powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. This chipset promises a significant boost in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessors. The phone comes in three RAM and storage configurations: 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB, and 8GB+256GB, with prices starting from Rs. 10,999.
Cameras and Software
The Redmi 12 5G features a dual-camera setup on the back, with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. For selfies, there is an 8-megapixel camera housed in a centrally aligned punch-hole cutout on the display. Xiaomi has incorporated some fun filters inspired by its collaboration with Leica, hoping to enhance the photographic experience.
On the software front, the Redmi 12 5G runs the latest MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI 14 offers a vast array of customization options and personalization features, making it a user-friendly experience. However, there are a few pre-installed bloatware applications that some users might find annoying.
Key Features and Connectivity
The Redmi 12 5G boasts a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. It also packs in a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick and secure unlocking, along with AI-based facial recognition for added convenience. Other noteworthy features include an IR emitter for controlling home appliances, and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3.
Conclusion: Initial Impressions and What to Expect
So far, the Redmi 12 5G feels like a promising phone for its price. The combination of a large display with a high refresh rate, a new Snapdragon chipset, and a glass design makes it appealing. We appreciate the inclusion of a fast charger in the box, which is not always the case at this price point.
However, we need to thoroughly test the camera performance, battery life, and overall user experience before we can give a definitive verdict. Our in-depth review will explore the phone’s strengths and weaknesses in greater detail.
Here are a few things we’ll look at in our full review:
- Camera performance: We’ll evaluate the quality of photos and videos taken in various lighting conditions and see how the Leica-inspired filters perform.
- Battery life: We’ll measure how long the Redmi 12 5G lasts on a single charge and assess how well 18W fast charging works.
- Gaming performance: We’ll see how the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset handles graphics-intensive games and check for any performance drops or heating issues.
- Software experience: We’ll explore the MIUI 14 interface, its customization options, and how it performs in everyday use.
Stay tuned for our complete Redmi 12 5G review, where we’ll share our insights and help you decide if this phone is the right fit for your needs.
