Redmi Note 12 5G Review – Specs, Performance, and Is It Worth Buying?

The Redmi Note 12 5G is one of Xiaomi’s most popular budget 5G smartphones, offering a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, solid performance, and long battery life—all at an affordable price.

But is it the best budget 5G phone in 2024? How does it compare to competitors like the Realme 10 Pro 5G or Samsung Galaxy M14 5G?

In this in-depth review, we’ll analyze its specifications, camera performance, battery life, gaming capabilities, and pros & cons to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.

Redmi Note 12 5G: Full Specifications (2024)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Redmi Note 12 5G’s key specs:

In-Depth Analysis: Performance, Camera, Battery & More

1. Display: 120Hz AMOLED for Smooth Scrolling & Gaming

• 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (2400 × 1080).
• 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gaming.
• 1200 nits peak brightness—great for outdoor visibility.
• Competitor Comparison: Better than LCD rivals (like Galaxy M14 5G) but lacks LTPO for adaptive refresh rates.

2. Performance: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 – Is It Good for Gaming?

• Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm, 5G) – Efficient mid-range chipset.
• Handles daily tasks, social media, and light gaming (Genshin Impact at low settings) well.
• Not for heavy gaming—consider Poco X5 Pro for better GPU performance.
• Benchmark Scores: ~350K in AnTuTu (similar to Dimensity 700).

3. Camera Test: How Good Are the Photos?

• 48MP Main Camera: Decent daylight shots, but struggles in low light.
• 8MP Ultrawide: Useful for landscapes but lacks detail.
• 2MP Macro: Mostly a gimmick—low-quality close-ups.
• 13MP Selfie Camera: Good for video calls, but no 4K video recording.
• Verdict: Average for the price—Realme 10 Pro 5G has better cameras.

4. Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Endurance

• 5000mAh battery → Easily lasts 1.5 days with moderate use.
• 33W fast charging → 0-100% in ~70 mins (slower than Realme’s 67W).
• No wireless charging (expected at this price).

5. Software & Updates: MIUI 14 (Android 13)

• Runs MIUI 14 (based on Android 13), upgradable to Android 14.
• Bloatware issue (some pre-installed apps can be uninstalled).
• Competitor Comparison: Samsung offers longer software support (4 years).

6. 5G & Connectivity

• Supports multiple 5G bands (varies by region).
• IR blaster (controls AC, TV, etc.).
• No stereo speakers—single bottom-firing speaker.

Redmi Note 12 5G vs Competitors (2024)

Best Alternative?

• For Better Display & Charging: Realme 10 Pro 5G
• For Battery Life: Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
• For Budget 5G: Redmi Note 12 5G

Pros & Cons: Should You Buy It?

✅ Reasons to Buy:

✔ Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display (best in this price range).
✔ Reliable battery life (5000mAh + 33W charging).
✔ 5G support at an affordable price.
✔ IR blaster & microSD expansion (missing in some rivals).

❌ Reasons to Avoid:

✘ Average low-light camera performance.
✘ No stereo speakers (single bottom-firing speaker).
✘ MIUI bloatware (Samsung offers cleaner UI).

Final Verdict: Who Is This Phone For?

The Redmi Note 12 5G is best for:

• Budget buyers who want 5G + AMOLED display.
• Casual users (social media, streaming, light gaming).
• Students & professionals needing a reliable daily driver.

If you want better cameras or charging, consider the Realme 10 Pro 5G.

Where to Buy & Best Deals (2024)

• Amazon (Frequently discounted below $200)
• Xiaomi Official Store (Free accessories bundle in some regions)
• Flipkart/Reliance Digital (Exchange offers available)

FAQ: Redmi Note 12 5G

Q: Does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack?
✅ Yes, it does.

Q: Is the Redmi Note 12 5G waterproof?
❌ No IP rating, but has basic splash resistance.

Q: Will it get Android 14?
✅ Yes, Xiaomi confirmed an update.

Q: Can it run PUBG smoothly?
🟡 Medium settings at 40-50 FPS (not for competitive gaming).

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Best Budget 5G Phone Under $200?

What do you think? Would you buy the Redmi Note 12 5G, or go for a competitor? Let us know in the comments!