The Redmi 12 5G is Xiaomi’s ambitious attempt to bring premium features into the budget smartphone segment. With a sleek glass design, a massive 90Hz display, and 5G connectivity, it aims to redefine what an affordable phone can offer. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s an in-depth review based on verified specifications and real-world testing 15.
Design and Build: Premium Looks at a Budget Price
The Redmi 12 5G boasts a striking design with a glass back (Gorilla Glass) and a plastic frame, available in colors like Jade Black, Pastel Blue, and Moonstone Silver. Its IP53 rating provides splash and dust resistance, adding durability for daily use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as a power button, offering quick and secure unlocking. At 8.17mm thick and 199g, it feels solid yet comfortable to hold 1511.
Display: Big, Smooth, and Vibrant
The phone features a 6.79-inch FHD+ IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. With a peak brightness of 550 nits (HBM), it remains visible even under direct sunlight. The 396 PPI density ensures sharp visuals, while the 90Hz adaptive refresh rate balances smooth scrolling with battery efficiency. However, it lacks HDR support, which is expected at this price point 1512.
Performance: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 with 5G
Powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, the Redmi 12 5G delivers efficient performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It comes with up to 8GB RAM (with virtual expansion to 16GB) and 256GB storage (expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB). The phone supports dual 5G standby and features like VoNR and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. While it handles multitasking well, heavy gaming may require lower settings 1511.
Camera: Decent for Daily Use
The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8) and a 2MP depth sensor. In well-lit conditions, the main camera captures detailed photos with accurate colors. However, low-light performance is average, and the lack of an ultrawide lens limits versatility. The front camera is 8MP (f/2.0) for selfies and video calls. Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps, which is standard for budget phones 11112.
Price and Availability
The Redmi 12 5G starts at ₹11,998 in India for the 4GB+128GB variant, with higher configurations priced up to ₹14,499. It is available via Flipkart, Mi.com, and retail stores 15.