The Redmi 12 5G has recently made its grand entrance into the Indian market, marking its global debut. Touted as Xiaomi's most affordable 5G smartphone, it is priced starting at just Rs. 10,999. This new entrant promises class-leading features and much more. As we eagerly await the full review, let's delve into our initial thoughts on the Redmi 12 5G.
Unboxing Experience
Inside the box, you're treated to all essential accessories - a SIM tray, a protective translucent case, and the essential documentation. Further sweetening the deal is the inclusion of a 22.5W fast charger and a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, ensuring you have everything to kickstart your Redmi journey.
Elegant Design and Vibrant Colours
The Redmi 12 5G boasts three enticing colours, with our unit being the eye-catching Moonlight Silver. This variant offers a shimmery finish that gleams prism-like colours under light. The other two options include the timeless Classic Black and a serene Pastel Blue.
Built to Impress
Despite housing a significant battery and flaunting a glass back, the device feels substantial without being overly weighty, weighing under 200g. With an 8.17mm thickness and a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass on the back, it's designed to resist accidental drops and scratches.
A Display that Delights
The phone showcases a tall 6.79-inch full-HD+ IPS LCD with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 450 nits, indoor content consumption becomes a treat. Stay tuned for how it performs under bright outdoor conditions.
Performance Unleashed
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, its base variant offers 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. The more robust versions pack up to 8GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage. With a 5,000mAh battery and 18W fast charging support, it's geared to keep you going all day.
Camera Capabilities
The dual-camera setup comprises a 50-megapixel primary shooter paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. A centrally aligned hole-punch neatly houses the 8-megapixel selfie camera. The camera experience is further elevated with unique filters, courtesy of Xiaomi's Leica partnership.
Software and Additional Features
The Redmi 12 5G runs on the latest MIUI 14 based on Android 13. While the software brims with customization options, there's a hint of bloatware. The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, AI-based facial recognition, an IR emitter, and the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Competitive Pricing
The Redmi 12 5G's pricing is hard to beat. With the base variant (4GB RAM + 128GB storage) priced at Rs. 10,999, the mid-tier (6GB RAM) at Rs. 12,499, and the high-end (8GB RAM + 256GB storage) variant at Rs. 14,999, it offers stellar value for every budget.
Storage Options for Every Need
Xiaomi offers a range of storage and RAM options to cater to various users. Starting from a base variant with 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage, it scales up to a top-end variant boasting 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage. These options ensure that whether you're a casual user or a power user, there's a Redmi 12 5G variant tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
The Redmi 12 5G seems poised to redefine the budget 5G smartphone segment. Offering premium features without the premium price tag, Xiaomi might have another winner on their hands. If you're on a budget but unwilling to compromise on quality or features, the Redmi 12 5G appears to be a compelling choice.
