Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Review

Key Features

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, launched on April 11, 2023, is a mid-range smartphone featuring a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset and offers a versatile quad-camera setup headlined by a 108MP primary sensor. The device includes a 5020mAh battery with 67W fast charging, NFC, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Available in multiple configurations including 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB variants.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant AMOLED Display: The 120Hz AMOLED panel with Dolby Vision provides excellent color reproduction, deep blacks, and smooth visuals. Peak brightness reaches 1100 nits making it usable in bright outdoor conditions.
• Capable Main Camera: The 108MP primary camera with Samsung ISOCELL sensor captures detailed and sharp images.
• Fast Charging: 67W fast charging rapidly replenishes the large 5020 mAh battery.
• NFC Support: Includes NFC for contactless payments and other compatible functionalities.
• Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers enhances the multimedia experience.
• Decent Mid-Range Performance: The Snapdragon 732G handles day-to-day tasks smoothly.

Cons:

• Older Android Version: Ships with Android 11.
• No 5G: Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting network speeds.
• No microSD Expansion: Does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• Graphics performance: The Adreno 618 is not the best performer and struggles with high-end mobile gaming.
• Limited Video Recording: While supporting 4K, it's capped at 30fps.
• Plastic Build: While functional, the plastic build feels less premium compared to some metal designs.

User Experience

The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a generally smooth user experience thanks to its high refresh rate display and capable processor. The 120Hz display makes scrolling and navigating menus fluid. The stereo speakers provide decent audio for media consumption. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. The device runs on Android 11, which may be a drawback for users who prefer the latest Android version. The inclusion of NFC is a plus for contactless payments. Camera performance is generally good in most lighting conditions, and the 108MP mode allows for detailed shots. The 67W fast charging significantly reduces the time spent plugged into a charger.

Hardware & Design

The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has a physical design measuring 164.2mm in height, 76.1mm in width, and 8.1mm in depth, weighing 201.8 grams. The front features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, incorporating a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera. The back of the device features a plastic finish. The power button, which also houses the fingerprint sensor, is located on the side of the phone. The device uses a USB Type-C 2.0 port and supports OTG. It has an 8nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor paired with an Adreno 618 GPU. It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The phone includes sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. It does not include a notifications LED. It also has a cooling system to help with heat management.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a compelling package for a mid-range smartphone with its impressive AMOLED display, capable main camera, fast charging, and inclusion of stereo speakers and NFC. Its performance is suitable for most day-to-day tasks, although the lack of 5G and microSD expansion may deter some users. The device is still running an older version of Android. Given its price range, it is a competitive option for users who prioritize a high-quality display, decent camera performance, and fast charging capabilities. The Snapdragon 732G is adequate for casual use but may struggle with graphic-intensive tasks.