After having tested the Pro model, now it is the turn of the red note 12 5G pass our scrutiny. It is time to change the configuration of the brain from the Pro version to the base variant to find out if this model is so “basic” compared to its more advanced brother.
At first glance, in terms of touch and dimensions, they are identical twins, registering only a millimeter difference. And in the rest? Does the Redmi Note 12 5G have an argument to somehow outshine the brilliance of the Pro variant?
In what points do they differ? And, more importantly, how close and confusing are these base models and the Pro? Last week I made the Redmi Note 12 5G my daily companion to find the answers to these questions and assess its potential as a base model for this Redmi series.
First impressions
Xiaomi is one of the brands that continues to provide a adapter load as well as wire, along with a new smartphone. The Redmi Note 12 5G complies with tradition and continues to offer the user a protective layer transparent that is always useful to avoid “scars” from daily use.
And here we find the first difference between the base and Pro models of this series. The Note 12 has an adapter for 33 watts while the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers one with 67 watts. It’s a difference that will make all the difference to load times, but here we go.
The base model I tested shows a emerald green panel that you are attractive and that it attracts your attention. But without being ostentatious or too showy, it conquers with an attractive charm that makes us shine for the second (and third and fourth…) time.
Although the panel is made of plastic, being an entry-level model, it does not give that feeling. rather transmits security Is sturdiness.
Face to face with the “brother” Pro, the Redmi Note 12 wins on two important points. Its panel is not as slippery and, thanks to its green paint, it is not as permeable to fingerprints. The fingers are marked, that’s for sure, but the fact that it has a brighter color manages to hide it well.
And now something peculiar. The Redmi Note 12 weighs 188 grams while the Pro variant has a weight of 187 grams. However, when we have the models in hand, the base version seems to be lighter. I suspect this is because the plastic panel can give off that feeling. But it was something that surprised me; Although the difference of one gram is practically imperceptible, the truth is that the experience between the two models is different, with the “chubby” ones winning the battle as “featherweights”.
Screen works fine unlike audio
The Redmi Note 12 5G shows an AMOLED screen of 6.67 inches with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixelsa discount rate of 120hz and a maximum brightness of 1200 nits. The Pro model has the same screen size, resolution and refresh rate, but differs in brightness and Dolby Vision integration and HDR10 + support, as well as being an OLED panel.
Both screens offer good image quality whatever content is displayed. They are quick to update content, provide true colors, and are well suited to more graphically demanding content.
However, like the Pro model, the Redmi Note 12 too you fight a little with him scenarios further dark. Once again, I resorted to the old trick of increase brightness on the screen. And it works quite well on this base model. But this solution will affect the battery life, so it is recommended to use it for a short period of time.
Even so, it is a competent screen that will satisfy the demands of users who like to view entertainment content on the panel of their smartphone.
Regarding the quality of soundwell inherits the Achilles heel of the Pro model. The output sound is little powerful and it doesn’t deliver enough vividness to accompany the content with more on-screen action. With music, the same situation. It plays our favorite playlist just fine, but without making us want to jump out of our chairs and dance.
Redmi Note 12 does not disappoint in performance
The Redmi Note 12 5G is equipped with the processor Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The model tested here has 8GB of RAM memory and 256GB capacity in internal storage. And its performance does not disappoint. It is at the best level of a smartphone positioned in the mid-range.
As it should be, it falls slightly below the Pro variant of the same series. But even so, for daily use that is not based on “pure and hard” productivity, this model is capable of responding quickly and fluently to everything that is requested of it.
The interface is started MIUI 14 and this is the good news. On the less positive side, this version of Xiaomi’s latest interface is based on the operating system. android 12. When it comes to a new smartphone, it is always preferable to have the most up-to-date software, especially when it comes to the operating system.
Another positive point is that the Redmi Note 12 does not reach a high temperature, neither when dealing with a demanding task nor when charging for a longer period of time. EITHER refrigeration system integrated is enough effective and this model will not warm anyone’s hands.
5G communications at such an affordable price
So let’s get to the great and excellent selling point of this Redmi Note model. This smartphone provides 5G communications at a very cheap price. Yours cost the end of the sale to the public varies between 270euros Is 330euros – depending on the store you buy it from and your RAM and internal storage configuration.
We are talking about an investment of less than 350 euros have in hand, the mobile communications standard that is now in the mass phase and that will continue to be predominant for a few more years.
And this is, without a doubt, a point that can win over many users who are not buyers of premium models, but who want a mid-range model with quality that accompanies them for a few years, until they need to change their smartphone.
Good autonomy that supports longer actions
Xiaomi smartphones provide a good autonomy. The Redmi Note 12 5G does not escape tradition. Its battery lasts a whole day, even when we carry out longer actions in time, such as browsing all the social networks we are on.
Not only does it last a whole day with this type of use, but it even arrives at night with enough energy for any task that we need to do on the smartphone. All thanks to the robust battery of 5000mAh with which it is equipped.
It doesn’t take long to load either. Although the 33-watt charging adapter is far from being the fastest of the Chinese brand, the model is efficient in “powering” and in little more than an hour manages to assimilate the energy until it reaches 100%.
The camera hardly differs from the Pro model
The Redmi Note 12 5G is equipped with a configuration of triple camera with a primary sensor 48 megapixelsan ultra wide angle eight megapixels and a macro of two megapixels.
In terms of technical specifications, it differs little from the Pro variant, since the only two minor differences are in the main sensor of the Redmi Note 12 Pro, which has a 50-megapixel resolution and an aperture of f/1.9 (versus f / 1.8 opening of the base of the model).
Both models also differ little in the results delivered. The Redmi Note 12 offers a good quality in your photos, largely thanks to the integrated primary sensor. As with the Pro version, the three-sensor array works well, but separately, both the ultra-wide and macro sensors have room for improvement.
The captured photos manage to reproduce colors that are very close to reality, as can be seen in the image shown here that has the marigold. In the same photograph, you can also see that the model manages to capture some details well, such as the outline of the grass field.
The Redmi Note 12 5G is not the right smartphone for photography lovers, but that is not its market position either. It offers results as good as the Pro model and this is an advantage that helps, since its cost is more accessible.
final notes
The Redmi Note 12 5G has strong arguments for a model positioned in the mid-range segment. It offers a very reasonable performance, a camera that lives up to expectations and a very attractive and striking design.
The points to highlight are the good autonomy it provides, the fact that it charges relatively quickly, a quite competent screen to deal with different content, but above all the 5G communications standard without having to spend a fortune. This is, in fact, its strongest point.
On the less positive side, the sound quality has room for improvement, since it would be desirable for the MIUI interface to be based on the operating system 13.
However, it should be noted that this model is not far behind the Pro variant of its series. And this is another point that plays in favor of the Redmi Note 12 5G. Although the Pro model is slightly superior, this base model offers a very close user experience, as well as similar specifications. The big difference is in the processor. For the same reason, both models scored the same in our tests.
For users who usually buy mid-range smartphones, this is an option to consider, especially since it offers support for 5G communications at a very affordable cost.
advantages
good screen
efficient performance
battery duration
attractive design
Good build quality
very affordable price
5G communications
cons
Low power sound quality
Interface based on the Android 12 operating system
Technical specifications
Screen: 6.67-inch AMOLED
Resolution: FullHD+
Update frequency: 120Hz
Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
5G communications: Yeah
RAM: 8 GB (tested version)
Storage: 256 GB (tested version)
Camera: 48MP + 8MP + 2MP
Forehead: 13MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
fast charge: 33 watts