Xiaomi Redmi 12

Xiaomi Redmi 12 Review: More Than Meets the Eye at a Budget-Friendly Price

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Xiaomi Redmi 12 through its paces, and I have to admit, I came away with a more positive impression than I initially anticipated. At its price point, it's clearly aiming for the value-conscious consumer, and after some thorough testing involving everything from daily tasks to weekend adventures, I've got a good grasp on where this phone shines and where it makes compromises.

Market Context: Finding Its Niche

In a market saturated with smartphones vying for attention, the Redmi 12 carves out a space for itself by focusing on delivering a solid all-around experience without breaking the bank. Xiaomi's strategy here seems clear: offer a reliable device with a good-sized screen, dependable battery life, and a capable camera system to those who prioritize practicality and value. My take on the pricing is that it's positioned competitively, directly targeting users who might be considering second-hand devices or are looking for their first smartphone without a huge financial commitment.

Design & Hardware: Surprisingly Polished

My first impression holding the Redmi 12 was surprisingly positive. The "Sky Blue" variant I've been using is genuinely attractive; the color is vibrant and catches the light nicely. At 198.5 grams, it has a reassuring weight – it feels substantial without being overly heavy. The flat edges and glass back (which Xiaomi calls a "premium crystal glass back") give it a more premium feel than you might expect at this price. While I haven't intentionally put it through any durability tests, it feels reasonably well-built for everyday use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button and has been consistently quick and reliable in my experience.

Display: A Big Canvas for Content

The 6.79-inch IPS LCD display is one of the Redmi 12's standout features. The sheer size makes it great for media consumption. Watching videos and browsing the web felt immersive, and the 90Hz refresh rate definitely contributes to a smoother scrolling experience. While it's not an AMOLED panel, the colors are still quite punchy, and the 550 nits of peak brightness proved sufficient for outdoor visibility, even on sunny days. I had no trouble using it to navigate while walking around or catching up on social media in brightly lit environments. For gaming, the large display is a definite plus, providing ample screen real estate for controls and visuals.

Performance: Solid for Everyday Tasks

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G88 processor isn't going to win any speed awards, but in my testing, it handled daily tasks with surprising competence. Navigating through the operating system, browsing the internet, and using social media apps felt fluid, especially on the 8GB RAM version I've been testing. I even managed to squeeze in some gaming sessions, and while it's not a powerhouse for demanding titles, it handled less intensive games without significant lag. Multitasking between a few apps was generally smooth, and I didn't encounter any frustrating freezes. Temperature management seemed reasonable; the phone did get slightly warm during extended gaming, but it wasn't uncomfortably hot. One thing I noticed is that while it's capable, pushing it with too many heavy tasks simultaneously can lead to some noticeable slowdown.

Camera System: Exceeding Expectations

The camera system was where the Redmi 12 genuinely surprised me. I went in with fairly modest expectations for a phone in this price range, but the 50MP main camera delivered some surprisingly good results. I took it out for a walk during sunset, and I have to point out, the photos captured the vibrant colors and details of the scene quite well. Even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the main sensor managed to produce usable images. Experimenting with the 2MP macro lens was also fun, allowing me to get some decent close-up shots. The 8MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition for capturing wider landscapes, although I found myself relying on the main sensor for most of my shots. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is adequate for casual use and video calls, and the front-facing camera performed well for these purposes in my experience. Compared to other phones in this segment, the Redmi 12 holds its own and in some cases, even surpasses expectations in good lighting conditions.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Stamina

Battery life is a major strong point of the Redmi 12. The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, often with some charge to spare. During a weekend trip where I was heavily reliant on GPS, taking photos, and checking emails, I didn't have to constantly worry about finding a power outlet. The 18W fast charging isn't the absolute fastest on the market, but it's respectable and gets you back in action reasonably quickly. The inclusion of reverse charging is a handy bonus. I actually used it to top up my Bluetooth earbuds, which was a surprisingly convenient feature to have.

Software: Functional and Familiar

The Redmi 12 runs on Android with Xiaomi's MIUI skin on top. My daily usage experience has been generally positive. The interface is customizable, and there are a number of pre-installed apps and features that some users might find useful. While MIUI can be a bit heavy on customization, it's generally functional and has improved over time. While the phone launched with Android 13, the update policy for budget devices can sometimes be less consistent, so that's something to keep in mind.

Value Analysis: A Strong Contender for the Price

Analyzing the value proposition of the Redmi 12, I have to say it's quite compelling. For the price, you're getting a phone with a large, smooth display, solid battery life, a surprisingly capable camera, and dependable performance for everyday tasks. This phone is ideal for students, budget-conscious individuals, or anyone who needs a reliable daily driver without the need for top-tier performance or the absolute best camera on the market. Those who prioritize high-end gaming or professional-grade photography might want to look elsewhere, but for the majority of users, the Redmi 12 offers a lot for the money. It competes directly with other budget-friendly options, and in my opinion, it holds its own quite well, particularly in terms of design and battery life.

Conclusion: A Reliable and Budget-Friendly Choice

Overall, my experience with the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has been positive. It's a well-rounded smartphone that delivers on its core promises. It's not the flashiest or the most powerful phone out there, but it gets the job done reliably and efficiently. If you're looking for a capable smartphone that won't break the bank, the Redmi 12 is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for anyone who prioritizes practicality, a good screen for media consumption, and long-lasting battery life.