SMARTPHONE TIER: MID
Battery Capacity mAh: 5000
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G - A Great Mid Tier Smartphone
Smartphone Battery Performance Overall
Score: 61/100
Ranking #5
All you need to know about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G smartphone.
Overview
Xiaomi states that the new Redmi Note 12 5G has been revitalised and offers an upgraded user experience. As a budget smartphone it offers a solid all-round performance and adopts the same appearance as the more expensive models of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G performed well during our battery performance testing and remains an impressive smartphone. However, it does lack specifications, like camera and charging functionality when compared to the other models within the Redmi Note 12 series.
What's it like to Use?
The Redmi Note 12 phone series has a sleek design, one of the main selling points. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, has been built with a plastic back rather than a glass one, which makes it look and feel like a budget phone. This device is slightly heavier than the glass-backed Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G devices. Being 189g, it is still light when compared with other similar Mid Tier smartphones.
Xiaomi has done a great job of giving its device a high-end appearance despite its affordable price. The matte coating on the back prevents dirt and fingerprint marks from being too noticeable, while still giving the device an attractive shimmer when it catches the light.
The clear glass camera module is only slightly raised from the back. This design makes the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G easy to hold and feels sturdy, so you may not need a case. However, the transparent silicone case within the box is not very stylish or protective. Choosing the plastic design, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G enhances durability as it can withstand most falls from a height of 1-2 meters and also with an IP53 rating it can repel dust and splashes of water. Finally, there is a 3.5mm audio headphone jack also included within the box.
How does it Perform?
The Redmi Note 12 series all have a 6.67-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400. Therefore, this impressive specification benefits the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G. The AMOLED screen enhances the clarity and sharpness of everything displayed on it. It delivers deep blacks and excellent contrast, creating rich and vibrant colours. This makes it perfect for activities like web browsing, video watching, and social media. Overall, the display delivers the best performance on a smartphone priced in the Mid Tier.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G does lack audio capabilities, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the premium models feature. Also, when considering internal storage, you are limited to 128GB. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G supports up to 1TB expansion via a microSD card.
Xiaomi has used Qualcomm chips instead of MediaTek chips in many of their Redmi phone models. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, a Mid Tier chipset designed for 2022 that supports 5G connectivity. However, users should not anticipate exceptional performance, particularly with the limited 4GB RAM available in the UK and European models. While adequate for everyday use, it may struggle with more resource-intensive applications like video editing software and advanced games.
A triple rear camera setup has been adopted as a standard feature of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G. With the main camera being 48MP, it can take some impressive photos, although, with no telephoto lens, images can become grainy. The front-facing 13MP camera delivers brightly coloured selfies.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G operates on MIUI 14, which is based on Android 12. This gives it a unique appearance and user experience compared to the standard version of Android. To enhance the device, Xiaomi has included various features like an image gallery, file manager, calculator, alarm clock, and more. However, some of these features cannot be removed, which may cause it to appear cluttered to some users. Lastly, Xiaomi is committed to three years of Android version updates and four years of security updates.
What's in the box?
Mobile Phone
USB-A to USB-C charging cable
13-pin headphone jack (Audio connector)
A transparent, silicone case
User Manual
A Quick Summary
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G offers good features and specifications for the price, especially as it comes with a 120Hz OLED display, excellent battery life and a great selfie camera. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G can handle everyday apps and multitask. However, the rear cameras are lacking, and the plastic build is disappointing. Ultimately, it may depend on your tolerance for Xiaomi's Android 12 with MIUI 14. Therefore, you may decide to consider different options.
Product - Good Points
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G has the following features:
Excellent battery performance
Offers 120hz refresh rate
6.67-inch OLED display
Lightweight and easy to hold
Good all-round performance with IP53 rating
3 years of Android updates, 4 years for security updates
Product - Be Aware of Points
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G lacks in performance in the following ways:
Triple camera functionality is slightly lacking
Lacks quality build and design
Android 12 w/ MIUI 14 can be overwhelming
Single mono speaker
Smartphone Battery Performance Score
and Battery Performance Results
ViserMark brings you a Smartphone Performance Score based on different criteria and benchmarks for evaluating a smartphone's performance. Our tests are performed with the strictest protocol in a controlled environment to ensure repetition and consistency powered by SmartViser's test automation solution viSer.
More details can be found on how we perform our smartphone testing here.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G Battery Performance review by ViserMark is based on the smartphone battery performance results obtained during testing.
ViserMark Labels for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G are detailed here
Reading this review, you can find a full breakdown of our battery performance results.
Smartphone Battery Performance Overall Score:
The test results are collated with calculations from all the smartphone Battery Testing presented as a total overall score between 0 and 100. This is the number displayed on the Battery Performance ViserMark Label shown below.
The results of our testing showed the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G scored 61 out of 100 as a smartphone Battery Performance score for a ViserMark Mid Tier (€200-€499) smartphone.
How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G compare to other Mid Tier smartphones?
As technology evolves, the newer Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, a Mid Tier chipset designed for 2022 that supports 5G connectivity, unlike the Samsung Galaxy M51 and OPPO A76.
OPPO is known for releasing smartphones into the Mid Tier, and the OPPO A76 was the new entry in February 2022. This device runs on the Snapdragon 680 processor, launched at the end of 2021. While not the most powerful processor, it was available at an incredibly low price.
Samsung used to bundle its own Exynos chipset, sometimes resulting in lower performance or efficiency. However, they addressed this issue using the Snapdragon 730G chipset, which enhanced the Samsung Galaxy M51.
The Samsung Galaxy M51 remains a Mid Tier benchmark as one of the best-performing smartphones tested by SmartViser at the end of 2020. This device scored 62 out of 100 for its battery performance. The OPPO A76 and the much more recent Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G scored 61 out of 100, which is a rarity among mobile devices.
Look at other smartphone Battery Performance Scores that can be viewed in the Smartphone Ranking Table.
Battery Life
Smartphone battery life performance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including device hardware, software optimisation, battery capacity, usage patterns, and individual settings.
The ViserMark Battery Life Label shows "Days and Hours of Use". The metrics inform you of how long a device is expected to last if tested over the day and night with real-life user activities from a full charge.
How long will the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G battery last?
An incredible battery performance, lasting 2.5 days with an impressive 61 hours between charges for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G.
How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G compare to other Mid Tier smartphones?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G comes with a robust 5000mAh battery that matches the standards of many smartphones these days. Even with the display set to 120Hz, brightness at maximum, and GPS, you can comfortably use this phone throughout the day without recharging.
It's worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy M51 was the initial Samsung device to feature a 7000mAh battery. Despite being launched towards the end of 2020, it surpassed numerous other smartphones due to its large battery and display, resulting in an exceptional 3.5 days of battery life.
With the release of the Samsung M53 5G in April 2022, it had a 5,000mAh battery inside - the same as its predecessor, the Samsung M52, much reduced from the 7,000mAh of the Samsung Galaxy M51. We look forward to testing the battery performance of the latest Samsung smartphones in the M series and the innovative Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 soon.
The OPPO A76, with a more normal battery capacity of 5000mAh, acquired an interesting higher 90Hz refresh rate, creating an improved user experience with so many phones still only offering 60Hz during that time.
Look at other smartphone Battery Life ratings in the Smartphone Ranking Table.
Charging Times
Charging technology has evolved at a pace and has helped to reduce charging times considerably. The charging time depends on the phone's age, model, and charging speed. Today's fast-charging smartphones range anywhere between 18W to 65W worth of power. The Visermark Battery Charging Label shows "Hours and Minutes".
How long will the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G take to charge?
Xiaomi includes a 33W charging adapter in the box; no wireless charging is available. Charging compromises have been made with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, as the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is 67W and the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G is 120W. Both have faster charging capabilities.
How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G compare to other Mid Tier smartphones?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G uses Xiaomi's Mi FC + MMT technology. These are two technologies used to enhance the charging experience.
MMT stands for Middle Middle Tab technology. It is a battery design that allows electric current to enter the centre of the battery through two parallel pathways, making charging more stable and efficient.
Mi-FC stands for Mi Fast Charge. It is a fast-charging technology that allows the battery to charge quickly and efficiently. It avoids sudden drops of current and can charge the battery to 100% in 59 minutes.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G has 33W fast charging, making the charging process more stable and efficient. This fast-charging technology shows an impressive charging time.
Using this advanced technology, OPPO invented and introduced fast charging with VOOC to create incredibly efficient and fast-charging smartphones. This solution offers a significant competitive advantage when comparing charging times of similar smartphones within the Mid Tier.
The Samsung Galaxy M51 shows outstanding battery life, given its 7000mAh battery, but there are still points of improvement in charging times.
Look at other smartphone Charging Time ratings in the Smartphone Ranking Table.
Power Efficiency
Smartphone Power Efficiency is crucial for smartphone users as it directly impacts battery life and overall device usage. It refers to the ability of a smartphone to maximise its performance while minimising power consumption.
Calculated using Battery Life and Battery Capacity and expressed in "Leaves", it reflects a rating between 1 being the least and 5 being the most power efficient.
How power-efficient is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G?
How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G compare to other Mid Tier smartphones?
Flagship smartphones are equipped with chipsets capable of automatically adjusting the refresh rate based on the content consumed, resulting in more battery efficiency and saving battery life.
Compromises are made in the Mid Tier with refresh rates locked to specific rates. For example, a higher refresh rate was a missing feature in the Samsung Galaxy M51, with only a 60Hz refresh rate. The OPPO A76 gained a competitive advantage by introducing a 90Hz refresh rate. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G now supports 3 refresh rates (60hz/90Hz/120Hz) to remain energy conscious. However, you must select a fixed refresh rate of either 60Hz or 120Hz. The higher rate delivers a smoother user experience, and the lower rate saves battery
Look at other smartphone Battery Efficiency ratings in the Smartphone Ranking Table.
Annual Energy Consumption
ViserMark is pleased to offer a new label providing a smartphone's Annual Energy Consumption. The calculation is typically based on several factors, including the smartphone model, battery capacity, usage patterns, and charging habits. Although challenging, specific testing criteria are measured using real-life scenarios and live networks to reflect usage accurately.
How much energy does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G use?
How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G compare to other Mid Tier smartphones?
Daily activities greatly influence energy consumption. For instance, frequent use of power-intensive apps, heavy gaming, or prolonged video streaming can drain the battery faster, resulting in higher energy consumption. Conversely, conservative usage and enabling power-saving features can reduce energy consumption.
The ViserMark battery performance testing protocol ensures end-users can see an objective benchmark across all smartphones' expected annual electricity consumption.
Look at other smartphone Annual Energy Consumption ratings in the Smartphone Ranking Table.
Should I buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G supports a 120Hz high refresh rate for a smooth and seamless visual experience. Variable refresh rates help solve battery consumption issues caused by higher display refresh rates. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G has this feature missing, which is unsurprising for being only a Mid Tier smartphone.
The most battery-efficient smartphones will provide good battery life and reduce the number of times the battery will need to be charged, harming its longevity. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G provides excellent battery life and is better than others in the Mid Tier.
This review highlights the differences and similarities in battery performance among 3 smartphones from 2020 to 2023. Although smartphone technology is constantly pushing the boundaries, with newer advancements, our battery testing delivers accurate results year on year.
Product Features and Specification
Release Date Jan 2023
Display | 6.67 inch, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels |
Processor | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International) Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
Memory | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)) |
Protection | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
Main Camera | 48 MP (PDAF) 8 MP, (ultrawide), 2 MP, (macro), Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama. Video: 1080p@30fps |
Front Camera | 13 MP (wide) HDR, Video: 1080p@30fps |
Battery | 5000mAh, with 33W wired, 50% in 22 min (advertised) |
Communications/Audio | Headphone jack (Audio connector), Loudspeaker, USB Type-C 2.0, NFC supported, Fingerprint sensors |
Dimensions and Weight | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm and 188g |
Colours Available | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
Extra Insights
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 support 5G?
A: Yes, it does
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G have a headphone jack?
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G have wireless charging?
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G have dual-SIM capabilities?
Q: What storage and RAM variants is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G available?
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G have stereo speakers?
Q: Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G have a microSD card slot?
Q: Is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G VoLTE enabled?
VCX (Valued Camera eXperience)
The VCX Forum has been working with its members on the system and infrastructure as a non-profit organisation. We strive to improve our technology to develop and exchange accurate and objective quality and performance indicators that are our ultimate goal. We will also serve as a compass for the smartphone camera industry. We appreciate your interest in VCX-Forum.
No VCX reviews are available for this smartphone.
See More Reviews
Background
Xiaomi was founded in 2010 by serial entrepreneur Lei Jun, who believes in high quality.
Technology doesn't need to cost a fortune. It is focused on being the most user-centric mobile internet company. With more than 61 million handsets sold in 2014 and products launched in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Indonesia, and Brazil, Xiaomi is expanding its footprint worldwide to become a global brand. Xiaomi is headquartered in Beijing, China, and has offices in Asia-Pacific, India, and Brazil.
Latest Reviews
ViserMark wants to help you find and compare the right smartphone, ensuring it fits your requirements and budget. Our smartphone battery performance reviews and helpful ratings have all the necessary battery information. Smartphone Performance Scores can also provide a reference point for performance benchmarks and smartphone comparisons.
Get all the latest reviews.
Join our readers to receive the latest update to our smartphone battery performance scores and performance reviews as soon as we finish testing!
If you are a Smartphone Manufacturer looking to improve your Smartphone's battery Performance, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can help you.
Comments