This is a write-up/readout of the above video. You can read it or just watch the video.
The Redmi Note 12 from Xiaomi has several things going for it that have been the highlight of the few days we have spent exploring it.
First on our list are the cameras. The cameras on this device do stand out. Sure, the Note 12 has superior siblings (there’s even a direct 5G variant) with even better lenses but, here, it manages to shine and hold on its own.
The 50-megapixel camera at the back is a delight to use. Especially in sufficient light conditions. That is to say, mostly during the day. Images are sharp, the contrast is fine and the detail up there with what we expect of a device of its class. If you want more boost, there’s the AI toggle to spice things up. There are the ultrawide and macro lenses but we didn’t spend a tonne of time on those. Overall, they should be just fine. We didn’t have a lot of time with the camera at night or in low-light conditions and when we did, we found that using the dedicated night mode yielded a lot more reliable results than the normal mode we are accustomed to using.
The results we got from our little experimentation with the front-facing 13-megapixel camera are much in tune with the aforementioned experience with the tri-lens setup at the back.
The simplified camera experience on the viewfinder is a good window into the overall software experience on the Redmi Note 12 which is, as far as the tinkering goes, very minimal. You just get a bunch of pre-installed apps. I like that, these days, Xiaomi lets you choose between having your apps all over the home screens or hiding them in an app drawer. MIUI 14 is all levels of tasty and we like it. A lot.
The cameras and the software are the two features of the Redmi Note 12 where, in our view, we had mixed results. The rest of the things that impress us about the device are outright bests.
For instance, there’s this infrared blaster at the top of the device. It’s not something we use every day or even miss but it is comforting knowing that it is there. That, should our remotes ever disappear, the music on our home sound system or the visuals on our TVs, don’t stop.
The impeccable design of the Redmi Note 12 is the one thing that takes you in immediately after you unbox the device. It is well done. That back is almost perfect. And Xiaomi is throwing in a clear case to protect it while still leaving its beauty out there for everyone to see.
Then there’s that 6.67-inch display panel. It’s Full HD, clear, crisp and vivid, is certified for Netflix and, it’s amazing! This is one of the best displays for a device in this class.
Pricing for the device is as follows:
- 4GB RAM + 128GB internal storage – Kshs 21,999
- 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage – Kshs 24,499
- 8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage – Kshs 26,999
