Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G hands-on review

Introduction

The Redmi 12 5G is Xiaomi's latest offering in the company's affordable Redmi series. Not to be confused with the Redmi 12, which despite its confusing name, is slightly different. The Redmi 12 5G sits a tier higher and comes with a lot more than just 5G.

For the most part, both the Redmi 12 phones are similar. Both feature a 6.79-inch 90Hz display, which is the largest for a mainline Redmi phone. Both feature nearly the same design with an updated glass back. Both phones also feature a large 5000mAh battery and a 50MP primary camera.

The main difference between the two phones is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip on the Redmi 12 5G and the MediaTek Helio G88 on the Redmi 12 4G. The Snapdragon chip enables 5G connectivity, which of course gives the former its name. Oddly enough, however, the standard Redmi 12 has an ultrawide camera in addition to the 50MP main, something the more expensive Redmi 12 5G lacks.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G specs at a glance:

• Body: 168.6x76.3x8.2mm, 199g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass); IP53, dust and splash resistant.
• Display: 6.79" IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits, 1080x2460px resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396ppi.
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm): Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x Cortex-A55); Adreno 613.
• Memory: 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.2; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
• OS/Software: Android 13, MIUI 14.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; 18W wired, PD.
• Connectivity: 5G; Hybrid Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 5.3; Infrared port; 3.5mm jack.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); Virtual proximity sensing.

At a starting price of $120 for the Redmi 12 and $145 for the Redmi 12 5G, both phones continue the tradition of being affordably priced. Today, we will be taking a brief look at the more expensive Redmi 12 5G, so let's see how it performs.

Unboxing

The Redmi 12 5G comes with a 22.5W charger and a charging cable with a USB-A connector on one end. The packaging also includes a clear soft silicone case.