Xiaomi Redmi 12 review

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Introduction and specs

Even though the Redmi sub-brand is now mostly focusing on mid-range offerings, it hasn't dropped its entry-level lineups, such as the numeric Redmi series. The Redmi 12 is this year's most affordable phone from the company and succeeds the Redmi 10 from 2021. That's because there was no Redmi 11 last year for some reason, which likely has to do with declining smartphone sales and piling up inventory.

Fast-forward to 2023 and we now have a brand new Redmi 12. Or do we? A quick skim through the specs sheet reveals surprisingly similar specs to the 2021 model with only a handful of changes. Let's examine!

The new Redmi 12 features a bigger 6.79-inch screen, which makes it one of the biggest in its class and bumps up the storage to 128GB on the base version. That's twice as much as the Redmi 10. Moreover, the Redmi 12 comes with IP53 certification for protection against dust and splashes, replaces the plastic back panel with a glass one and brings a cleaner new design to the table.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 specs at a glance:

• Body: 168.6x76.3x8.2mm, 199g; Glass front, plastic frame, glass back; IP53, dust and splash resistant.
• Display: 6.79" IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (peak), 1080x2460px resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396ppi.
• Chipset: Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm): Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G52 MC2.
• Memory: 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; eMMC 5.1; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
• OS/Software: Android 13, MIUI 14.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; 18W wired, PD.
• Connectivity: LTE; Hybrid Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 5.3; NFC; FM radio; Infrared port; 3.5mm jack.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted).

But before you say these are too few changes for two years of development, here's the real trick up the Redmi 12's sleeve. Despite the doubled storage the new phone starts at around €150, while the Redmi 10 was asking for €200 at launch. We guess inflation ran past the low-end Redmis.

But it's not just about beating the predecessor's value for money as there are other sub-€200 phones out there. Can the Readmi 12 beat those - we not set off to find out!

Unboxing the Xiaomi Redmi 12

The handset comes in a small retail box containing the usual user manuals and a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and data transfer. There's no charger included in the box, so you'll have to buy one separately if you don't happen to own one. The phone can take up to 18W over Power Delivery, which is good to keep in mind if you are going to be shopping for a charger.

Xiaomi didn't skip the transparent silicone case, though, so it's still a richer retail package than what an iPhone 14 Pro or a Galaxy S23 has.