Redmi Note 12 5G Review: The Ultimate Budget 5G Powerhouse for Indians?
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian smartphone market, Xiaomi’s “Note” series has always held a legendary status. With the arrival of the Redmi Note 12 5G, the brand aims to democratise high-speed connectivity without breaking the bank. But in a sea of competing 5G devices, does this handset truly stand out?
At Gadget Info, we have spent extensive time testing this device to see if it lives up to the “SuperNote” legacy. From the vibrant plains of Rajasthan to the bustling streets of Mumbai, here is our deep-dive review of the Redmi Note 12 5G.
Price of Redmi Note 12 5G Smartphone
| Launch Price | Price Increased % | Price as on Feb 2026 |
| ₹12999 | 15.4% | ₹14999 |
Technical Specifications of Redmi Note 12 5G Smartphone
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) |
| Display | 6.67″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 Nits |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 48MP (Main) + 8MP (UW) + 2MP (Macro) |
| Front Camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 33W Max Charging (Type-C) |
| OS | MIUI 13 based on Android 12 (Upgradable) |
| 5G Bands | SA: n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n40/n78 |
| Weight | 188g |
Design and Display: A Visual Treat
The first thing you notice about the Redmi Note 12 5G is its sleek profile. At just 7.9mm thickness, it feels remarkably comfortable in hand. The “Frosted” finish on the back prevents fingerprint smudges, a common grievance for Indian users.
The showstopper, however, is the 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display. Offering a 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits of peak brightness, this screen is a rarity in the budget segment. Whether you are watching Jubilee on Prime Video or scrolling through Instagram reels, the colours are punchy and the blacks are deep. Even under direct Indian sunlight, the legibility remains top-notch.
Performance: The Snapdragon Advantage
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset. This is a highly efficient 6nm processor designed specifically for reliable 5G performance.
During our multitasking tests at Gadget Info, the phone handled daily tasks—WhatsApp, UPI payments, and YouTube—with ease. For gamers, titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly on medium settings. The inclusion of 7 5G bands ensures that whether you are on Jio or Airtel 5G, you will experience blazing-fast speeds across most Indian circles.
Camera: Capturing the Indian Vibe
The Redmi Note 12 5G features a triple camera setup:
- 48MP Main Sensor: Delivers crisp photos in daylight with good dynamic range.
- 8MP Ultra-wide: Perfect for capturing those expansive heritage sites or group family photos.
- 2MP Macro: Good for occasional close-ups of flowers or textures.
The 13MP selfie camera performs admirably, keeping skin tones natural—something Indian consumers highly value. While low-light photography is average, the dedicated Night Mode helps in pulling out details from the shadows.
Battery Life and Charging
In a country where power cuts and long commutes are common, battery life is non-negotiable. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. When you do run low, the 33W Fast Charger (included in the box) juices up the phone significantly in about 30 minutes, ensuring you’re never tethered to a wall for too long.
Pros and Cons of Redmi Note 12 5G Smartphone
Pros
- Stunning AMOLED Screen: Best-in-class display for media consumption.
- Future-Ready 5G: Reliable connectivity with multiple band support.
- Slim Design: Lightweight and ergonomic for one-handed use.
- Battery Longevity: Reliable 5000mAh cell with fast charging.
- IP53 Rating: Protection against light dust and splashes.
Cons
- Ships with Android 12: Would have preferred Android 13 out of the box.
- MIUI Bloatware: Comes with several pre-installed apps (can be uninstalled).
- No Stereo Speakers: Single bottom-firing speaker is loud but lacks depth.
Our Verdict: Why Should You Buy Redmi Note 12 5G Smartphone?
At Gadget Info, we believe every smartphone has a specific “soulmate” in the consumer market. After putting the Redmi Note 12 5G through its paces in typical Indian environments—from air-conditioned offices to the humid outdoors—here is our final take on why this should (or shouldn’t) be your next purchase.
Why You Should Buy It
- The Best Screen for Movie Lovers: If your primary use is binge-watching Netflix or YouTube, this is a no-brainer. The 120Hz Super AMOLED panel is rare at this price point. The deep blacks and vibrant colours make every scene pop, offering a cinematic experience in your pocket.
- A Future-Proof 5G Entry: With support for 7 major 5G bands, you are covered for the long haul. Whether you use Jio or Airtel, you’ll get those lightning-fast speeds that make high-definition video calling and large file downloads a breeze.
- Ergonomics Over Bulk: If you are tired of “brick-like” heavy phones, the Note 12 5G is a breath of fresh air. It is remarkably slim (7.9mm) and light (188g), making it easy to use during long commutes or while lying in bed.
- Reliable “Full-Day” Battery: For the busy Indian professional or student, the 5000mAh battery is a silent hero. Even with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on, it comfortably sails through a day of social media, calls, and navigation.
Who Should Skip It?
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is efficient, it isn’t a gaming beast. If you’re looking to play Genshin Impact or BGMI on the highest settings, you might want to look at the Poco or Pro series.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The camera is great for daylight memories and social media, but it lacks the professional “depth” and low-light prowess found in more expensive models.
Final Thoughts
The Redmi Note 12 5G marks a shift for Xiaomi. It is no longer just about raw specs; it is about providing a premium “feel” and high-speed connectivity to the masses. For the average Indian user who wants a beautiful display, a battery that doesn’t die, and a phone that looks modern, this is a top-tier recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Redmi Note 12 5G Smartphone
- Does Redmi Note 12 5G support Jio 5G? Yes, it supports Jio True 5G (SA) and Airtel 5G Plus networks.
- Does it have a dedicated SD card slot? It features a hybrid SIM slot (SIM 2 or MicroSD up to 1TB).
- Is the charger included in the box? Yes, a 33W fast charger is included.
- Is it good for gaming? It is great for casual gaming and can handle BGMI on medium settings.
- Does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack? Yes, it retains the beloved 3.5mm audio jack.
- Is the display protected by Gorilla Glass? Yes, it comes with Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
- Does it support NFC? No, the Indian variant typically does not include NFC.
- Can it record 4K videos? No, video recording is capped at 1080p @ 30fps.
- What is the refresh rate? It features a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Is it waterproof? It has an IP53 rating, making it splash-resistant but not waterproof.
- How many 5G bands does it have? The Indian variant supports 7 key 5G bands.
- Does it have an IR Blaster? Yes, like most Xiaomi phones, it includes an IR blaster to control appliances.
- What is the weight of the phone? It weighs approximately 188 grams.
- Is there an Always-on Display (AOD) feature? Yes, due to the AMOLED panel, it supports AOD (limited to 10 seconds).
- Does it have stereo speakers? No, it has a single bottom-firing speaker.
- How much RAM is available? It comes in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB variants.
- Does it support RAM expansion? Yes, it has a Virtual RAM feature (up to 5GB extra).
- What is the peak brightness? The peak brightness is 1200 nits.
- Does the camera have OIS? No, it uses EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation).
- Is it better than the Redmi Note 11? Yes, the 5G connectivity and superior display make it a significant upgrade.
For more such authentic tech reviews, stay tuned to Gadget Info.
Kaushik Chatterjee is a dedicated tech enthusiast and the founder of GadgetInfo.net. With 5 years of experience tracking the consumer electronics market, specializes in breaking down complex technical specifications into easy-to-understand insights for everyday users.
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