Redmi, an established and popular smartphone brand has gained significant recognition for its impressive budget and midrange phone offerings in Nepal. Redmi’s budget phones strike a balance between performance, features, and affordability, making them attractive choices for a wide range of users.
Today we are here with a full and detailed review of Redmi 12 4G which comes in the Nepali market with a price tag of Rs. 17,999 for its base variant of 6/128 GB. The phone has gained significant attention due to its premium-looking design, glass back, and very surprisingly low price for value in the budget series. Let’s look at Redmi 12 4G in detail.
Redmi 12 4G Full Review:
Design and Build
- Dimension: 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm
- IP53 Dust and Splash Resistant
- Colors: Jade Black, Pastel Blue, Moonstone Silver
The way Redmi 12 4G looks surprises us because it seems more like an expensive phone than a cheap one. It feels like it’s made with care. The back of the phone is made of glass and goes smoothly with flat sides that have a shiny metal-like look. This combination makes it feel nice when you hold it. Instead of having a regular camera bump, the phone has three separate circles on the back for its cameras. This makes it look clean and modern.
Even though the phone might seem a bit wide when you hold it, its design helps with that feeling. The corners are rounded and the phone is pretty thin, measuring only 8.2mm. This makes it easy and comfy to hold, so you don’t have to worry about it feeling too big.
Also, the phone’s design is smart in practical ways. It has a special certification called IP53, which means it can handle a little water splashing on it and some dust without breaking. This makes the phone strong and useful in different situations. So, the mix of looking good, feeling good to hold, and being tough in the design of the Redmi 12 4G makes it stand out among other affordable phones.
The phone comes with a fingerprint scanner on its side, skillfully combined with the power button along the right side, right next to the volume buttons which are also quite easy to reach. Moving downwards, the USB Type-C port can be found at the lower edge, accompanied by the speaker grille for audio output. As you shift your gaze upwards, the top edge holds the much-loved 3.5mm headphone jack, in addition to an IR blaster that’s known to be popular among users.
Display
- 6.79 inches IPS LCD FHD+
- 1080 x 2460 pixels resolution
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- Glass Back and 550 nits of peak brightness
The front of the Redmi 12 4G shows off a large 6.79-inch screen. Right in the middle, there’s a small hole for the selfie camera. The screen takes up about 91 percent of the front part of the phone, which is pretty cool. This screen is an IPS LCD display and it’s got good quality.
The screen has a high definition plus resolution, which means it’s sharp and clear. It’s also bright, with 550 nits of brightness, and it can change what’s shown on it really fast, like 90 times in a second. The borders around the screen and the bottom part of the phone are a bit wide, but that’s something common on budget phones.
When you look at stuff on this screen, it’s nice. The colors are strong and the screen looks bright, even when you don’t change any settings. It’s also easy to see what’s on the screen when you’re outside, even when it’s sunny. And you can read words on it easily, even when the sun is shining right on the screen.
Continuing further, the angles from which you can view the screen are acceptable, even though they might not be exceptionally impressive. The 90Hz refresh rate appears to have been adjusted skillfully to work well with the phone’s user interface and the apps it supports. Additionally, the phone has received Widevine L1 certification, permitting you to stream content in high-quality Full HD resolution from platforms like Netflix and various other online streaming services.
Performance and Storage
- MediaTek Helio G88 4G (12nm)
- Mali-G52 MC2
- 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage (expandable)
Redmi 12 4G incorporates MediaTek Helio G88 4G (12nm) chipset which serves as the driving force behind the operational capabilities of the smartphone. This cutting-edge chipset marks a substantial leap forward in performance.
Notably, the Redmi 12 4G attained an impressive 431 points on the Geekbench single-core test, and 1360 on the multi-core test. Geekbench scores are used to compare the performance of different CPUs and devices across platforms.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the phone’s performance encounters some limitations under certain conditions. Particularly noticeable is its response during the CPU Throttle test, where it experiences notable throttling while subjected to a demanding workload of 20 threads over a duration of 05 minutes. This outcome suggests that while the Redmi 12 4G exhibits remarkable potential in standard benchmarking scenarios, extended heavy usage might lead to a reduction in its performance due to thermal and power management considerations.
Engaging in resource-intensive activities such as prolonged gaming sessions does lead to a slight increase in the handset’s temperature, though it’s important to note that this rise isn’t substantial enough to cause concern. Taking a holistic perspective, the Redmi 12 4G emerges as a dependable choice within the budget smartphone category, especially for individuals who place a premium on performance and gaming functionalities.
The device is outfitted with an impressive configuration that further accentuates its capabilities. With the option of up to 8GB RAM, which can be augmented by an additional 8GB virtually, and a substantial 256GB of user-expandable storage, the Redmi 12 4G provides ample room for multitasking and storing multimedia content.
OS and UI
- OS: Android 13
- UI: MIUI 14
Upon unboxing, the Redmi 12 4G unveils its software framework, based on Android 13 and adorned with MIUI 14, a software iteration that also graces numerous other Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones in the market. MIUI 14 introduces an interface that effortlessly blends functionality and aesthetics, drawing comparisons to the layout found in iOS devices. This interface incorporates distinctive panels designated for notifications and an easily accessible control center, enhancing user experience and navigation.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of an array of customization features that allow users to tailor the smartphone to their preferences. Furthermore, the phone arrives with fundamental functionalities such as call and screen recording, catering to users’ needs for communication and content capture.
However, it’s important to acknowledge a couple of aspects that might influence the user experience. The pre-installed applications on the device contribute to a somewhat crowded environment, potentially detracting from the streamlined experience users might seek. In addition, it’s possible that users might encounter sporadic spammy notifications, which could diminish the overall experience.
Addressing these areas could potentially refine the software encounter, elevating the Redmi 4G’s position as a desirable choice in the market.
Camera
- Rear camera: Triple
- 50 MP, f1.8, PDAF
- 8 MP ultra-wide, f2.2, 120°
- 2 MP macro, f2.4
- Video: 1080p@30fps
- Front camera:
- 8 MP, f2.1
- Video: 1080p@30fps
The camera setup on the back of the Redmi 12 4G consists of three main lenses: a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro sensor. By default, the primary sensor produces images with a resolution of 12MP, and it manages to capture pleasing photos during daylight conditions. The camera skillfully balances the exposure levels, rendering vibrant and lively colors, while also maintaining a satisfactory dynamic range. This means it can capture both the bright and dark parts of a scene well, revealing details across the image.
One exciting feature is that the phone lets you use a special mode to capture images in full 50MP resolution. While the overall quality remains similar to regular photos, there’s a slight improvement in sharpness. However, using this mode introduces a subtle graininess to the images and adds a warm tone to the colors.
Additionally, the phone includes a portrait mode for taking pictures with a blurred background. But, unfortunately, this mode struggles to clearly separate the subject from the background. This can lead to noticeable distortions around the edges of the subjects.
In essence, the Redmi 12 4G’s rear camera system captures decent photos with the 50MP primary sensor and offers some interesting modes to experiment with. However, there are some areas, like portrait mode, that could benefit from further refinement for a more satisfying photography experience.
When it comes to how well the cameras perform in low-light situations, they do a decent job when the night mode is turned on. This special mode helps to capture better shots in low light. However, if you use the cameras without this night mode, you might notice that the images are not as good. They can look a bit grainy, like there are a lot of tiny dots, and there might be extra light that spreads across the picture.
Moving to the front camera of the Redmi 12 4G, it has an 8MP lens that takes selfies. In good lighting conditions, like on a sunny day, it works okay. But when you take a closer look at the selfies, you might see that the colors of your skin don’t always look natural. Also, the details on your face might appear too smooth, almost like a blur.
But don’t worry, the phone gives you different filters that you can use with the camera. These filters can add fun effects to your pictures and improve your photography experience. So, while the camera performance might not be perfect, the options to play around with filters could help you make your photos look more interesting.
Battery
- 5000mAh
- 18W charging (22.5W charger in the box)
Within its chassis, the Redmi 12 4G accommodates a standard 5,000mAh battery, a capacity that promises to sustain you over the course of a day, even when tackling demanding tasks. Impressively, the device exhibits robust stamina as evidenced by its performance on PCMark’s Battery test, demonstrating its ability to endure and serve consistently, with a runtime approaching 16 hours.
However, the charging aspect introduces some nuances to consider. While the packaging includes a 22.5W charger, it’s noteworthy that the Redmi 12 4G endorses an 18W charging solution. This charging setup, while serviceable, doesn’t demonstrate rapid speeds. The process can extend beyond two hours to attain a full charge from 0 to 100 percent, indicative of a relatively gradual slow pace. It’s important for potential users to factor in this aspect of the device’s functionality, mainly if swift charging is a priority within their usage pattern.
Other Features
The Redmi 12 comes equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, providing an added layer of security for the device. This biometric feature ensures a convenient and efficient way to access your device.
Talking about the connectivity, we didn’t find any significant problems while connecting to the Internet or Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connection. The device easily pairs with other smart wearables like earbuds or watches. Location tracking was also smooth and seamless.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| The glass back and camera panel give a premium look to the phone. | Portrait mode needs refinement in edge detection. |
| The battery life is awesome. | Fast charging is relatively slow. |
| Everyday performance is extremely good. | Presence of bloatware in UI. |
| A 3.5mm audio jack is given. | Only a single speaker is present. |
| Charger in the box | |
| Value for money and affordable |
Verdict
The Redmi 12 proves itself as a capable contender, demonstrating an array of impressive features and noteworthy performance. As a device that prioritizes strong performance, it presents itself with a simple yet elegant design, decorated with a glass back that gives it a touch of premium quality. A particularly appealing trait lies in its ability to maintain commendable battery life, ensuring you can use the device for extended periods without worrying about recharging. Moreover, the primary camera’s capabilities shine when capturing images in well-lit conditions, producing pleasing results that capture the essence of sunny environments.
However, a comparison with its rivals reveals a couple of areas where the Redmi 12 falls a bit short. The portrait mode, intended for those artistic shots with blurred backgrounds, doesn’t quite match up to expectations, leaving room for improvement. Additionally, the speed at which the phone charges can be disappointing, especially when measured against the competition’s charging capabilities.
Nonetheless, when considering the broader picture, the Redmi 12 earns a positive evaluation. Its overall performance and feature set warrant a thumbs-up. In the Nepali market, this handset is available at an entry-level price starting at NRP 17,999, offering users a budget-friendly option with many strengths to appreciate.
