Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G review

Competition

The new 4G version of the Redmi Note 12 is a solid low-budget alternative to affordable 5G options out there. Xiaomi traded the 5G connectivity with better overall hardware and user experience. And they seem to have struck a pretty good balance. Perhaps the centerpiece feature is the bright 120Hz OLED panel that punches way above its price class.

The Galaxy A14 5G, for example, is a good example of the opposite. It has a considerably higher price ranging from €220-230 but delivers superior overall performance, supports 5G connectivity and has a somewhat longer battery life too. However, it's no match in terms of display quality and charging speed, which can arguably be more important to many users. Alternatively, last year's Galaxy A23 is also an option that slots in right between the Galaxy A14 5G and the Redmi Note 12 4G in terms of pricing, but it's hardly a big improvement over the two.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G • Samsung Galaxy A23 5G • Xiaomi Poco M5s • Motorola Moto G72

The Poco M5s takes on the role of a home-grown competition with its impressive OLED panel, a smaller one at that. Sure, it lacks the 120Hz fluidity, but that might not be a big concern for the price-conscious buyer, especially since the device goes for a few bucks less than the Redmi Note 12 4G. The M5s also matches the Redmi regarding charging speed; it has a comparable battery life and a speedier chipset. The Redmi Note 12 4G has a faster display on its side, but that's about it.

For about €20-30 more e than the Redmi Note 12 4G price, you can get the Moto G72 from last year, which seems like a pretty good deal right now. Although more expensive, the Moto is faster, takes better photos, has comparable display quality, doesn't miss on the microSD card slot and has 128GB of storage by default. The stereo loudspeakers are also a nice bonus to consider.

Verdict

Xiaomi has struck a pretty nice balance with this year's Redmi Note 12 4G. The handset has an excellent display, long battery life, sufficiently fast charging, adequate performance, the latest MIUI + Android combo (unlike its siblings) and, although largely unimpressive camera performance, it's still rather decent for the price bracket. We wish more work went toward optimizing the dedicated Night mode. We also wonder why Xiaomi removed the stereo speakers and the NFC. That last bit may be a deal-breaker for some of you who use the phone for contactless payments.

For the most part, the Redmi Note 12 4G's competitors have either better performance and are considerably more expensive, or they fail to match the Redmi Note 12 4G's feature set for the same asking price. We believe that this phone will sit comfortably in the sub-€200 price bracket. If you are not satisfied with what the Redmi has to offer, we suggest increasing your budget's upper limit. That's the only way to get a better phone than this Redmi.

Pros

• Nice, eye-catching design, IP53-rated.
• Exceptional and bright 120Hz OLED display.
• Dependable battery life.
• Decent charging speed.
• 3.5mm jack, FM Radio, IR blaster, microSD slot.
• Solid if unimpressive main camera performance.
• Launches on the latest MIUI 14 + Android 13.

Cons

• Disappointing ultrawide camera.
• Underwhelming Night mode, and it's only available on the main cam.
• No stereo speakers, and our international review unit comes without NFC.