Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Our Full Test

Novelties from Xiaomi never come out solo. To accompany the Redmi Note 12, the Chinese brand has unveiled the Note 12 Pro model. It arrives with a more powerful chip for improved performance, an optimized photo sensor block offering more precision, a similar long-lasting battery, the same good screen and wide connectivity. After testing it for a while, we present to you our impressions.

Table of Contents

Main Technical Characteristics

Have to see the different features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, here is a summary of the features of this smartphone to give you an overview:

Dimensions: 162.9 x 76 x 7.9mm
Weight: 187g
Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz
Cameras: 50+8+2 MP triple back sensors, 16 MP front camera
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
Number of cores: Octa-core (2×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Memory: 128GB/6GB RAM, 128GB/8GB RAM, 256GB/8GB RAM
Battery: 5000 mAh compatible, charging 67 watts
Cellular network: GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G
Operating system: Android 13 with MIUI 14 software overlay
Release date: October 22, 2022
Available colors: Black, blue, white and purple

Design

The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. It is easy to handle thanks to its 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm dimensions and its light weight of only 187 grams. It is available in white, blue, black and purple. Its plastic back is extremely shiny, making fingerprints visible. On its rear panel, the photo sensors rest on an island that takes up the color of the rest of the back.

The two devices are aligned vertically, while the third is slightly back between the other two. The sensors are a little protruding, which can cause the smartphone to wobble when placed on flat surfaces. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is thin since it measures only 7.3 mm thick. The profiles display the same colors as the back, with rounded corners. We find the power button on the right side, which also serves as a fingerprint sensor, and the two-volume keys above it.

The top edge has a speaker, an infrared port, a secondary noise-canceling microphone, and a 3.5mm audio jack port for connecting headphones. The bottom edge houses the SIM card tray, main microphone, USB-C connector and a second speaker. The Redmi Note 12 Pro is IP53 certified. It can withstand dust and water splashes but not immersion.

Screen

The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a peak brightness of 900 cd/m2. The slab is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 technology, which limits scratches and breakage. Its refresh rate is 120 Hz and can be dynamically adjusted between 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz and 120 Hz, according to your needs. This lets you find the best balance between power consumption and smooth scrolling.

The screen colors of the Redmi Note 12 Pro are crisp and vivid. The brightness is also adequate. Images are still readable even in bright afternoon sunlight. In the dark, you can reduce the brightness to a minimum for pleasant use without eye strain. Another quality of the Redmi Note 12 Pro is that it supports the HDR 10+ video format and Dolby Vision, allowing you to enjoy streaming platforms that offer this mode, such as Netflix.

Performance

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 octa-core processor with a 6nm manufacturing process. It consists of two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores with a frequency of up to 2.6 GHz and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores with a clock frequency of 2.0 GHz. Thanks to this chipset, the smartphone benefits from great fluidity of navigation and better energy efficiency.

Apps launch quickly, and you can play games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Apex Legends Mobile, and Genshin Impact without issue. Depending on your chosen version, this processor is associated with 6 or 8 GB of RAM in LPDDR4X format. With 6 GB of RAM, you benefit from 128 GB of storage space, type UFS 2.2. However, the version with 8 GB is available with 128 or 256 GB of internal memory. It should be noted that it is impossible to expand the capacity of the Redmi Note 12 Pro with a microSD card.

Software

The Redmi Note 12 Pro works with the Google Android 13 system with an MIUI 14 software overlay. The integrated updates are recent, which ensures optimal operation and better protection. Various apps are already pre-installed, including Agoda, Amazon Store, Prime Video, AliExpress, Booking.com, Bubble Shooter and Friends, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, Opera, Yellow Pages, Snapchat, Solitaire, Spotify, TikTok, Tile Fun or even WPS Office. Of course, the Mi music, video and browser applications are present there, as well as those of Google.

Camera

Regarding photos and videos, the Redmi Note 12 Pro relies on a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 main photo sensor. It has optical stabilization to limit shake and opens at f/1.88. An 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and a third 2-megapixel macro camera accompany it. For selfies, it has a fairly satisfying 16-megapixel sensor. For the Camera application, the interface is very classic.

Several options are available on the upper part of the screen, including the Google Lense function, Zoom, filters and image modes (Pro, Documents, Photo, Portrait, Night) The shots taken by the Redmi Note 12 Pro are generally very successful. They are well-lit with a lot of detail and natural colors. Thanks to its Night mode, it works perfectly in all circumstances, even in low light. The zoom can reach up to 10x, but the results could be more usable. In Video mode, it can shoot with full Ultra HD definition at 30 frames per second.

Autonomy

Another highlight of this smartphone from Xiaomi is its large capacity 5000 mAh battery. It can last up to a little over a day and a half. Heavy-duty and connected to a 4G LTE network, you can enjoy approximately six hours of battery life. For fast and efficient charging, it comes with a 67W power supply. It allows the phone to gain around 45% in just 15 minutes and fully recharge in just over an hour.

Connectivity And Accessories

The Redmi Note 12 Pro has advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), NFC, an audio jack and infrared. It can also accommodate two SIM cards simultaneously and is compatible with 5G networks. In its box, it includes a 67 W power supply, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a transparent protective cover and an extraction tool for the SIM card tray.

Our Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a very attractive mid-range smartphone in terms of performance but also in terms of battery life and photo quality. Thanks to the new MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset, it offers a nice and smooth experience without overheating. In most situations, you can rely on the 50 MP main camera for quality photos.

In addition, this smartphone guarantees greater battery life and fantastic charging speeds. The screen is also very good quality with advanced features, such as an adjustable refresh rate and Dolby Vision compatibility. On the price side, it is affordable with its 3 available variants. The cheapest, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, is around 400 €. The next includes 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for 430 €. The most expensive version has 8GB and 256GB of storage, priced at €470.