Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has consistently pushed the envelope of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G stands as a testament to this philosophy, offering a blend of high-end features at a price point that’s hard to ignore.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this device tick and whether it lives up to the hype.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Design and Build: Premium Feel on a Budget
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G doesn’t shy away from making a statement. With its sleek design and premium build quality, it’s easy to mistake this device for a much more expensive flagship.
Dimensions: 162.9 x 76 x 8.98 mm
Weight: 210.5g
Colors: Arctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black, Trend edition
The phone features a glass back with a matte finish, which not only looks elegant but also does a great job at repelling fingerprints.
The camera module is neatly tucked in the top left corner, giving the device a clean and modern look.
One of the standout design features is the flat edges, reminiscent of recent iPhone models.
This not only adds to the premium feel but also improves grip, making the phone comfortable to hold despite its large size.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Display: A Visual Treat
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G boasts a stunning display that punches well above its weight class:
6.67-inch AMOLED panel
1080 x 2400 pixels resolution (395 ppi density)
120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ support
900 nits (HBM) / 990 nits peak brightness
The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, while the AMOLED technology delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors.
The HDR10+ support means you can enjoy high-quality content from streaming services in all its glory.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Performance: Power When You Need It
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G packs some serious firepower:
MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset (6nm)
Octa-core CPU (2×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Mali-G68 MC4 GPU
8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM
256GB UFS 2.2 storage
This hardware configuration ensures smooth performance in day-to-day tasks and can handle demanding applications and games with ease.
The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1080 chip also contributes to better power efficiency.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Camera System: 200MP Marvel
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G is its camera system, headlined by a massive 200MP main sensor:
Main: 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.4″, 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS
Ultra-wide: 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1/4″, 1.12µm
Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4
Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06″, 1.0µm
The 200MP sensor uses 16-in-1 pixel binning technology to produce 12.5MP images with enhanced detail and light sensitivity.
This allows for impressive low-light performance and the ability to crop into images without significant loss of quality.
While the main sensor steals the show, the ultra-wide and macro lenses provide additional versatility for different shooting scenarios.
However, it’s worth noting that the quality gap between the main sensor and the secondary cameras is quite noticeable.
The camera app comes loaded with features including various AI enhancements, long exposure modes, and a Pro mode for those who like to have more control over their shots.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Battery Life and Charging: Speed Demon
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G doesn’t disappoint when it comes to battery life:
5000mAh battery
120W fast charging (100% in 19 minutes, advertised)
The large battery capacity ensures that the phone can easily last a full day of heavy use. But the real star here is the 120W fast charging capability.
Xiaomi claims that you can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in just 19 minutes, which is incredibly impressive for a mid-range device.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Software: MIUI 14 Based on Android 12
The device runs on MIUI 14, based on Android 12. MIUI has come a long way in terms of optimization and features, offering a rich user experience with plenty of customization options.
However, it’s worth noting that MIUI can be a bit heavy-handed with its skinning and comes with some pre-installed apps that some users might consider bloatware.
Some notable software features include:
Memory extension: Allows you to use storage as virtual RAM
Game Turbo: Optimizes performance for gaming
Second Space: Creates a separate user profile for privacy
Dark mode
Always-on display customization
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Connectivity and Other Features
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G comes well-equipped in terms of connectivity:
5G support
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC (market dependent)
IR blaster
USB Type-C 2.0
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Face unlock
Stereo speakers
3.5mm headphone jack
The inclusion of a headphone jack and IR blaster are particularly noteworthy, as these features are becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Price and Value Proposition
At a price point of around $250-$280 (depending on the market), the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G offers exceptional value for money.
It brings several flagship-level features to the mid-range segment, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on features.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Pros and Cons
Pros:
Impressive 200MP main camera
Beautiful 120Hz AMOLED display
Blazing fast 120W charging
Solid performance for the price
Premium design and build quality
5G support
Headphone jack and IR blaster
Cons:
Secondary cameras are underwhelming compared to the main sensor
MIUI can be polarizing for some users
No official IP68 water resistance rating
Limited availability in some markets
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G Conclusion: A Mid-Range Powerhouse
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G is a device that punches well above its weight class.
It brings several high-end features to the mid-range segment, most notably the 200MP camera, 120W fast charging, and a 120Hz AMOLED display.
While it’s not without its compromises – as evidenced by the lackluster secondary cameras and the divisive MIUI software – the overall package is incredibly compelling for its price point.
For photography enthusiasts on a budget, the main camera offers capabilities that were unheard of in this price range just a few years ago.
The ability to capture highly detailed images and crop in without significant loss of quality is a game-changer for mobile photography.
Performance-wise, the Dimensity 1080 chipset ensures that the phone can handle most tasks with ease, including moderate gaming.
The 120Hz display further enhances the user experience, making everything feel smooth and responsive.
The 120W fast charging is perhaps one of the most standout features. In a world where time is increasingly precious, the ability to fully charge your phone in under 20 minutes is a significant quality of life improvement.
However, it’s important to note that the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G isn’t without competition.
Devices from Realme, Poco (another Xiaomi sub-brand), and even some offerings from Samsung and Motorola in this price range all have their own strengths.
Potential buyers should consider their priorities and compare options before making a decision.
In conclusion, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G represents excellent value for money and showcases how feature-packed mid-range smartphones have become.
It’s a device that will satisfy most users’ needs and even exceed expectations in areas like camera capabilities and charging speeds.
While it may not be perfect, it’s a strong contender for one of the best mid-range smartphones of its generation.