Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. They help us stay connected, navigate through the city, capture beautiful moments, and much more. However, with the constant advancements in technology, smartphones have also become quite expensive. Fortunately, if you are looking to save some cash, there are various budget-friendly alternatives available in the market.
The Design: Larger Display and Revamped Look
The redmi 12 brings some changes to the table compared to its predecessor, the redmi 10. One notable difference is the larger display and a revamped design. The camera setup on the redmi 12 looks more elegant and less cluttered, giving the phone a more sophisticated appearance. Additionally, instead of a plastic back, the redmi 12 is now made from glass. Both the back and the plastic frame are flat, offering a solid and sturdy feel in the hand. It’s worth mentioning that the redmi 12 is slightly heavier than its predecessor, but this only adds to its overall build quality.
Ingress Protection and Display
One new development with the redmi 12 is the inclusion of ingress protection, rated at ip53. This means that the phone is protected against dust and water splashes to some extent. Moving on to the display, the redmi 12 features a considerable upgrade in size compared to the redmi 10. With a 6.79-inch LCD display, the redmi 12 offers a more immersive viewing experience. The display has a 1080p resolution and a 90 Hertz refresh rate, which enhances the smoothness and responsiveness of the device.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
In terms of brightness, the redmi 12’s display performs reasonably well within its price range. It reaches a maximum brightness of around 540 nits, which is decent for everyday use. However, the phone lacks a boost in auto mode, and the auto brightness feature itself isn’t very reliable. It appears that the redmi 12 lacks a light sensor and instead relies on the selfie camera to manage brightness. Unfortunately, the absence of a hardware proximity sensor also means that accidental touches during voice calls can be a common issue.
Despite these drawbacks, the display of the redmi 12 offers good sharpness and decent contrast, considering it is an LCD display and not OLED. The color accuracy is surprisingly not too bad either, and users have the option to tweak the color settings to their liking.
Camera Performance
One aspect that remains largely unchanged from its predecessor is the camera performance. The redmi 12 features a capable camera setup that delivers satisfactory results. The image quality is decent in most lighting conditions, and the colors are generally accurate. However, as an entry-level phone, the redmi 12 may not offer the same level of detail and dynamic range as higher-end devices.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the redmi 12 is equipped with a modest processor and an adequate amount of RAM. While it may not be the most powerful smartphone in the market, it is still capable of handling day-to-day tasks with ease. Gaming and multitasking may pose a challenge for the redmi 12, but for casual users, it should suffice.
In terms of battery life, the redmi 12 offers a decent performance. With its 5000mAh battery, the phone can last through a full day of moderate usage. However, heavy gaming or extended video streaming sessions may drain the battery faster.
The Benefits of 90 Hertz Refresh Rate
The new redmi 12 smartphone offers a 90 Hertz refresh rate, which enhances the smoothness of your swiping and scrolling. This adaptive feature also helps to conserve energy when you are not actively interacting with the screen. However, there is one notable downgrade compared to the previous model the redmi 12 only comes with a single speaker. While the loudness is average and the sound quality is nothing exceptional, you can check it out for yourself by clicking on the provided link. Additionally, the redmi 12 includes a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack for those who prefer to use headphones.
Convenient and Secure Unlocking
The redmi 12 is equipped with a reliable side-mounted fingerprint reader embedded within the power button. This allows you to easily wake up the phone and unlock it with ease. In terms of storage, the redmi 12 comes with either 128 or 256 gigabytes onboard, with the option to expand further using a microSD card.
Software Experience and Updates
The redmi 12 utilizes xiaomi’s MIUI 14 interface, which is based on Android 13. This user interface is consistent across all xiaomi phones, providing a familiar experience for users. Xiaomi promises two years of operating system updates and four years of security patches, which is a nice perk for those who prioritize software support. If you’re interested in learning more about the software experience, you can watch our dedicated video about MIUI 14.
Underwhelming Chipset
One disappointment with the redmi 12 is that it features the same chipset as its predecessor – the MediaTek Helio G88. While this chipset may have been decent when it was first released, it now falls behind its competitors in terms of performance and capabilities. Despite this setback, the redmi 12 is offered at a similar price point to its counterparts in the market.
The redmi 12 offers a smooth and energy-efficient screen with its 90 Hertz refresh rate, although the audio experience is average at best with its single speaker. The convenience of the side-mounted fingerprint reader and expandable storage options are definite advantages. However, the use of an underwhelming chipset may deter potential buyers who are seeking a more powerful device. Nonetheless, xiaomi’s promise of software support adds value to the overall package.
Redmi 12: A Powerful Yet Average Smartphone
Battery Life and Charging
The Redmi 12 boasts a good battery life, although it falls short compared to other phones with a 5,000 milliamp hour battery. It has an overall endurance rating of 117 hours and supports 18-watt charging. However, it disappointingly does not include a charger in the box. Charging times are average, with the phone reaching 29% battery in half an hour. While this may not be fast compared to higher-end smartphones, it is on par with its entry-level competitors.
Camera Capabilities
The Redmi 12 comes equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. Unlike its predecessor, the Redmi 10, it lacks a depth sensor. However, Xiaomi has made significant improvements in terms of camera processing, particularly in well-lit environments. The 12.5 megapixel photos captured by the main camera showcase impressive detail, sharpness, and vibrant colors. The wide dynamic range and good contrast add to the overall quality of the photos. Portrait shots also deliver decent subject separation. However, the main drawback becomes evident in low-light conditions. The default photos lack fine detail, with limited dynamic range and clipped highlights. To mitigate this, users can activate the night mode, although it should be noted that it takes some time to capture a single photo in this mode.
Missing 5G Connectivity
One notable drawback of the Redmi 12 is the absence of 5G connectivity. While the phone offers impressive power efficiency and decent performance, it falls behind in terms of next-generation network capabilities. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape where 5G is becoming increasingly prevalent, the Redmi 12 may not be the ideal choice for users seeking faster download speeds and seamless connectivity.
Noise and Lack of Detail in Videos
The Redmi 12 may not be the best choice for video shooting enthusiasts. The noise levels are quite prominent, and the details in the footage tend to get smeared. Moreover, the dynamic range is not as wide as one would expect. The phone only supports shooting videos in 1080P resolution, which could be a drawback for those who prefer higher resolutions.
Main Camera Average in Quality
When it comes to the main camera’s footage, it performs averagely in terms of quality. The images appear slightly soft, and the exposure tends to be on the bright side, resulting in clipped highlights. While the contrast and punchy colors are decent, the overall quality could be improved. This is to be expected from a budget smartphone.
Ultra Wide Camera’s Performance
During the day, the ultra wide camera captures photos with good contrast and punchy colors. However, the images lack detail and the dynamic range could be better. These limitations are common for budget smartphones offering ultra wide cameras. Unfortunately, in low light conditions, the ultra wide camera struggles to produce usable images. It lacks a night mode that could have potentially improved its performance. On the positive side, video capture with the ultra wide camera is good for its class, with vibrant colors.
The Macro Camera’s Limitations
The Redmi 12 includes a macro camera for close-up shots. However, the two-megapixel photos taken with this camera lack detail. Additionally, the contrast and colors are not up to par with expectations. This could be a disappointment for users who enjoy macro photography.
Decent Selfie Camera
The 8-megapixel front-facing camera of the Redmi 12 is capable of capturing sharp enough selfies. Considering the price range, the performance of the front camera is decent. Users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with an acceptable selfie camera may find the Redmi 12 to be a suitable option.
Is the Redmi 12 Worth It?
The Redmi 12 is essentially a replica of its predecessor, the Redmi 10, which was launched two years ago. Moreover, it even lacks stereo speakers. However, there are still reasons to consider the Redmi 12. It offers a larger screen, a fresh design, and updated software and camera processing. Additionally, the Redmi 12 comes with more base storage at a cheaper price compared to what the Redmi 10 was priced at two years ago. While there may be competitors on the market that offer more powerful hardware, the Redmi 12 could be a good choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with decent features.
Save Money with Budget-Friendly Smartphone Alternatives
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
If you are a fan of Samsung’s user-friendly interface and features but don’t want to splurge on their flagship models, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is worth considering. This budget-friendly option offers 5G connectivity, a large and vibrant display, decent performance, and a long-lasting battery life. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its high-end counterparts, it still delivers a solid smartphone experience at a more affordable price point.
Realme C55
Another alternative to consider is the realme C55. Realme is a relatively new player in the smartphone market but has gained a reputation for offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. The realme C55 comes with a sleek design, a good camera setup, and decent performance. The phone also boasts a large battery that can easily last you through the day, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious individuals who don’t want to compromise on functionality and style.
Overall, the redmi 12 is a solid entry-level smartphone with a few notable improvements over its predecessor. While it may not blow you away with its features or performance, it offers
The Redmi 12 is a smartphone that offers both power and efficiency, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, certain shortcomings, such as the lack of 5G support and average battery life, prevent it from standing out among its competitors. The camera capabilities, while impressive in good lighting conditions, fall short in low-light situations. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences and priorities. If you value affordability and a reliable performance, the Redmi 12 may be worth considering. However, if cutting-edge connectivity and top-tier camera capabilities are essential to you, it may be worth exploring other options in the market.
While owning the latest and greatest smartphone may seem tempting, it can also be a significant financial burden. However, with the availability of budget-friendly alternatives, you don’t have to compromise on essential features and performance. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and realme C55 are just a few examples of smartphones that offer great value for money. So, if you are looking to save some cash without sacrificing quality, consider exploring these options and find the perfect budget-friendly smartphone that meets your needs.
