Redmi Note 12 Pro review

Name: Redmi Note 12 Pro review
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)
Author: nikitnetu

Reviews

nikitnetu

04 January 2023

Content

Hello friends! It's time for a new review. Most recently, we talked in detail about the cool junior flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, and today we will consider its simplified version – Redmi Note 12 Pro. The manufacturer promises us a balanced smartphone with chic features and at an affordable price. Is this really so – let's find out?

Specifications

Display diagonal: 6.67″
Display resolution: 1080×2400 pixels
Matrix: OLED
Advanced screen settings: Maximum refresh rate 120Hz, 1B color recognition, 395ppi pixel density, 500 nits typical brightness, 900 nits peak brightness, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Dimensions: 162.9 × 76 × 7.9 mm and weighs 187 grams
Body materials: Glass back, plastic edges
Protection: IP53 (dust and splash proof)
Body colors: White, Black, Blue, Violet
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080 6 nm
Video accelerator: Mali-G68 MC4
Kernels: Two Cortex-A78 cores @ 2.6GHz and eight Cortex-A55 cores @ 2.0GHz
Memory options: 6/128 GB, 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB
Operating system: Android 12 with MIUI 13 skin
Main camera: Main module: 50MP resolution, f/1.9 aperture, 24 mm sensor, 1.0 µm pixel size, 1/1.56” sensor size, OIS (optical stabilization), PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus)
Ultra-wide sensor: 8MP resolution, f/1.9 aperture, 119˚ FOV, 1/4” sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size
Macro lens: 2 MP, f/2.4 aperture
Record video: at maximum quality 4K@30fps
Optional: Panorama Mode, HDR Technology, Dual LED Dual Color Flash
Front camera: Resolution 16 MP, pixel size 1.0 µm, matrix size 1/3.06” HDR support, 1080p@30/60fps video recording
Communications: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, infrared, navigation services: GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS and BDS
Audio: Stereo
Battery: 5000mAh
Fast Charge: 67W (charge up to 50% in 15 minutes, up to 100% – in 46 minutes)
Price: 6/128 GB – from $245; 8/256 GB – from $287

At first glance, as it is almost always the case with Xiaomi phones, everything is wonderful. A 120Hz OLED screen, a cool mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, a top-of-the-line camera from Sony, a capacious 67-watt battery, and all this for $245? Yes, friends, this is not a joke.

Redmi Note 12 Pro

Xiaomi's company can attract the attention of users with excellent performance and low cost. But how is the Redmi Note 12 Pro in real use? Let's find out right now.

Packages

The first item we always start with is the package. There is certainly nothing new and special here. Redmi Note 12 Pro comes in the same packaging as its “big brother” – a white box with golden inscriptions. Simple, minimalistic and tasteful.

Opening the package, we see the usual elements that always come with the phone – boring documentation, a paperclip to open the SIM tray, a transparent case, a 67 W power supply and a USB cable.

As with Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, the inside of the box is made of paper. No plastic or bad smell. This makes me happy because we unpack a Chinese device, and they usually stink shamelessly.

The complete plastic case is of good quality, but over time it will definitely turn yellow. If you put on a case, the camera unit will not touch the table or other surface on which you place your smartphone.

Moreover, the case carefully protects the mobile device at the edges thanks to the wide sides. This is absolutely a plus. And, of course, the protective film is already on the screen of Redmi Note 12 Pro. This is where we finish with the equipment and move on to the design of today's hero.

Appearance and body materials

You probably remember what complaints we had about the design of Redmi Note 12 Pro+. This device, due to its enormous thickness, could not be called stylish. Pleases, that the manufacturers reworked the design in the younger model.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro measures 162.9 × 76 × 7.9 mm and weighs 187 grams, while the Plus version measures 162.9 × 76 × 9 mm and weighs 208.4g. On paper, the difference is minimal, but in reality it is noticeable. Redmi Note 12 Pro is lighter and thinner than its older brother.

It is worth noting that the edges of the Redmi Note 12 Pro are not rounded, but rectangular. Because of this, the smartphone looks angular and not very comfortable in the hand. This is the form factor found in the latest iPhone.

Redmi Note 12 Pro has a glass back, which is cool since in this price segment all other brands produce only plastic models. But the edges of the novelty are plastic, not aluminum, as it was in the Plus version.

The main camera block is near, not striking, and does not stick out much. Everything is minimalistic and grown-up. The frames are very thin, the front camera module is tiny. The working area is 86.8% of the entire front panel of the phone.

There are four colors on the market: white, black, blue, and light purple with a gradient. All colors look good, but the most winning ones are white and purple.

Separately, I would like to note the presence of an infrared port and an audio jack. The fingerprint scanner is located in the power button on the right side. It works quickly and accurately.

Memory card is unfortunately not supported.

The conclusion on the appearance of Redmi Note 12 Pro is as follows: the smartphone looks stylish and expensive, the colors are excellent, the thickness is small, the case material is premium. Costs only $250.

Let's add here a little protection against moisture and dust according to the IP53 standard. If you are looking for a budget phone with an attractive design, Redmi Note 12 Pro will definitely suit your taste.

Screen quality and PWM

The display of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is also exceptional. OLED a matrix with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels provides high-quality image transmission. A peak brightness of 900 nits is more than enough. The screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz works smoothly, no disruptions or glitches.

Redmi Note 12 Pro display There is no full mode Always on Display again. The manufacturer added only a stripped-down 10- a second version, of which there is very little use. It's a pity that Xiaomi saves on this feature so much. At the same time, there is no normal AOD even in Redmi Note 12 Pro +, and it is already considered the junior flagship. The PWM level is low and does not exceed 20%. Below, you can see the results that we got when measuring pulse-width modulation. As always, in the left column, the percentage of brightness, in the right – PWM.

Brigless% - PWM%
100% – 19%;
75% – 19%;
50% – 19%;
35% – 19%;
25% – 19%;
15% – 5%;
0% – 16%.

Recall that discomfort may appear if the PWM exceeds 20%. Since our maximum measurement is 19%, even people with super sensitive eyes will not be adversely affected by screen flicker.

In general, the Redmi Note 12 Pro display is as cool as the older model. There are no differences from the Plus version. We figured it out, then let's move on to the hardware.

CPU, gaming performance and memory

“Heart” Redmi Note 12 Pro is a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 1080 with Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. The same chip is installed in Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Most likely, you are already familiar with this processor and know that this is one of the best mid-range solutions. Especially considering that such a productive chip is in the public sector.

Dimensity 1080 pulls all demanding toys without any problems. For example, in Genshin Impact and Shadow gun Legends, you can safely count on 40FPS. At the same time, the heating of the case is moderate, and the level of throttling is normal. You can see the graphics below.

Dimensity 1080 Memory modifications are as follows: 6/128, 8/128 and 8/256 GB. As always, we recommend choosing the 256 GB option – this is the golden mean for a budget smartphone. But 128 gigabytes should be enough for you, if you don’t get too carried away with photography and video shooting. 6 GB of RAM is also enough now, but considering the future, it is better to take the version with 8 gigabytes.

Stability and firmware

Redmi Note 12 Pro is equipped with Android 12 operating system with branded MIUI 13 shell. We are certain that the first question you want to ask is – how stable the firmware works. Don't worry, everything is fine in this regard. Xiaomi has finally started to release normal assemblies that do not bug, do not crash and behave quite decently.

The interface with a refresh rate of 120 Hz flies, there are no micro freezes. In terms of stability and performance, the situation is not worse, than in more expensive devices.

MIUI 14 But do not rush to rejoice. Unfortunately, only the Chinese version of Redmi Note 12 Pro can be purchased so far. Global is expected at the beginning of next year. If you are ready to use Chinese firmware, feel free to purchase Redmi Note 12 Pro. But keep in mind that you will have to install Google services yourself. Another unpleasant moment is that only certain communication frequencies are supported.

Cameras

This is one of the most interesting parameters in the new twelfth series of Redmi. The Pro Plus version received a 200-megapixel camera, and the manufacturer made a crazy hype on this. In the last review, we thoroughly tested this sensor and told if it really is that good.

Redmi Note 12 Pro is equipped with 50- megapixel camera with sensor from Sony. On paper, this is significantly worse than the Plus version. But it is this 50 MP sensor that is installed in OnePlus 9RT, and yet this phone shoots gorgeously, and in some moments it even does Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Redmi note 12 Pro camera For comparison, we took three models: Redmi Note 12 Pro, Note 12 Pro Plus and OnePlus 9RT. All phones do an excellent job shooting in daylight. Detail is best pulled out by Pro +, but this is noticeable only when the photo is greatly enlarged.

At night, it's easy to determine a favorite – this is OnePlus 9RT. The smartphone works correctly with light sources, provides good detail and minimum noise. In second place is Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, and already in third is the regular Pro version.

If the shooting conditions are not so difficult, all three smartphones show exceptional results. This is not to imply that Redmi Note 12 Pro grazes the rear and is far behind its older brother. Believe me, in everyday use you will not notice much difference. So, is there any point in overpaying for a 200-megapixel camera, if 50- does the megapixel sensor do a fantastic job?

The 8MP ultra-wide lens on the Redmi Note 12 Pro takes pretty good shots. There is no difference with the Pro version at all. The OnePlus 9RT does a little better, but again, you need to keep an eye on it.

Video recording on Redmi Note 12 Pro is at the maximum quality of 4K@30fps. At this resolution, only optical stabilization works, so shaking in the video will be noticeable. Otherwise, the video quality is decent, no worse than in the older version.

The pictures on the front camera are not bad, but there is some blurring. OnePlus 9RT takes more detailed selfies. In general, the quality is normal. This also applies to the video on the front camera.

The conclusions are as follows: as for a budget smartphone, Redmi Note 12 Pro takes excellent pictures. Yes, this is not the level of OnePlus 9RT, but for its price category, the results are exceptional. There's also no point in getting the Note 12 Pro+ just because of the 200MP camera. The difference with the younger brother is insignificant.

Communications

In terms of communication technology, we are most interested in the sound quality, the vibration motor and the proximity sensor. The stereo speakers are cool, the sound is loud and clear. The vibration motor is also exceptional, with a nice, clear response.

But the proximity sensor behaves badly. The situation is the same as in Redmi Note 12 Pro + and some other Xiaomi smartphones. If you hold the smartphone vertically near the ear, the sensor is triggered. But one has only to slightly change the position of the phone, and the screen stops turning off. Yes, you can close your eyes to this, but there are no such problems in devices from other brands.

Battery and fast charging

With autonomy, Xiaomi smartphones are always doing well, and Redmi Note 12 Pro is no exception. A 5000 mAh battery paired with an energy-efficient screen and processor provides up to two days of battery life. If you directly actively use your smartphone, then you will have to recharge the next day.

Battery 67W fast charging fully charges the battery in 40 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes for the older brother. Is there a big difference? No. In terms of autonomy, the phones do not differ much. Therefore, again, there is no point in overpaying for the Plus version.

Price

Let's see how much can you buy the Chinese version of Redmi Note 12 Pro on AliExpress. The base 6/128 GB version retails for $245. The cost of the maximum version for 8/256 GB is from $287.

This is a delicious price for such a wonderful smartphone. Yes, Redmi Note 12 Pro is not a full-fledged junior flagship, but the model is very close to this level. As we have already said, so far, the phone is presented only for the Chinese market. The global version is due out early next year and is expected to cost substantially more.

Summary

Redmi Note 12 Pro is a chic budget phone. Everything about this smartphone is great, from design to autonomy. Nice body materials, high-quality display, powerful processor, excellent camera – what more can you want from an affordable smartphone? Xiaomi once again proved that they can make TOP for their money. Compared to the previous Redmi Note 11 Pro, there is clear progress, and this is good.

But the problem is this: currently you can only purchase a device with Chinese firmware. The international version will have to wait until at least January-February 2023, the price for it will be higher, and some characteristics may change.

If you know how to work with Chinese firmware and this is not a difficulty for you, feel free to purchase Redmi Note 12 Pro. If you have never encountered Chinese versions before and do not want to bother, it is better to wait for the global. It is also worth paying attention to the direct competitor of Redmi Note 12 Pro - Realme 10 Pro.

In general, it is not advisable to buy a new product because of the Chinese firmware. Wait until the global comes out, and if the price does not jump up a lot compared to the China Version, this will be a great purchase.