Redmi 12 Review: Need a budget device with ample RAM and Storage? This might be it.
When searching for a budget smartphone, you have to be ready to make compromises. Since your mobile is personal to you, it’s crucial to identify the areas you are willing to give up on, as well as the non-negotiables.
It will take a lifetime and a half to go through all the budget devices available, but we do have one under our scopes.
The Redmi 12 was launched not too long ago in early July. Contesting among the sea of budget smartphones, its selling points were that it boasted larger RAM/storage capacity, triple cameras, and a glass back finish.
It starts at RM599 for the 4GB+128GB variant; and maxes out at only RM699 for the 8GB+256GB variant, which is what we got hold of.
So, taking the budget standpoint, we set out to see how the Redmi 12 fares in its segment.
What’s in the box?
Perhaps the most important detail of the unboxing is that the Redmi 12 comes with both the USB-C cable and a charging adapter. Xiaomi was also generous enough to include a transparent silicone case.
Other than that, it’s the usual SIM ejector tool, warranty card, and user guide.
Aesthetics and Build
We’ll start off by saying this: from design alone, the Redmi 12 is something you wouldn’t be ashamed of showing off.
Opting away from the camera module to seamlessly blend the cameras into the back panel seems to have paid off. Xiaomi calls this the ‘infinite cameras’, which we gather is just for easier marketing.
Also, how about that glass back finishing? That’s one way to don a premium look. Although keep in mind, glass also means easy smudges, so you may need to do a wipe-down every now and then to retain that polish look. Otherwise, just throw a phone cover over it.
Of course, design preferences differ from each individual. But in this age of minimalist aesthetics, the Redmi 12 might have well earned themselves some design points.
Big RAM and storage. How does it compare?
Just how rare is an affordable 256GB budget smartphone? Apparently, rare enough for the Redmi 12 to boast about, but not exactly the rarest gem in the market.
The real takeaway point is this: there are budget devices that offer lesser RAM and storage configurations above/on the RM699 line.
As a reference, lets take a look at the Redmi 12’s closest competitors.
| Model | RAM | Storage | Price |
| Redmi 12 | 8GB | 256GB | RM699 |
| Infinix Note 30 | 8GB | 256GB | RM699 |
| realme C55 | 8GB | 256GB | RM799 |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 | 6GB | 128GB | RM799 |
| vivo Y27 4G | 6GB | 128GB | RM699 |
| OPPO A57 | 4GB | 128GB | RM699 |
Most budget smartphones that reach the RM699 mark tend to give only around 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Securing an 8GB+256GB model may require you to top up an additional RM100, which is the case with the realme C55.
The exception being the Infinix Note 30, which retails the same price as the Redmi 12 with the same configuration. Although, the Redmi 12 may gain an edge with its tri-camera setup versus the dual cameras on the Infinix offering.
Here’s where we remind you that RAM/storage aren’t the sole determiner of which phones are better. Many of these phones offer other specs and features that may cater to your preference.
Again, it’s all about deciding what works for you, and what doesn’t.
Since those who are searching for budget devices are usually on a stricter allocation, an 8GB/256GB option at a RM699 price may win some customers over.
General Usage and Gaming
General Usage
The Redmi 12 uses a MediaTek Helio G88, which is more than adequate in handling your daily usage. Loading times and scrolling experience are decent, and the option to add-on an extra 8GB of virtual RAM is appreciated. Essential apps – such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, etc – runs perfectly fine.
Its screen is also solid with a 6.79″ Full HD+ (2460 x 1080p) display with 90Hz refresh rates. All in all, it won’t hinder your visual experience if most of your screen time revolves around Netflix or YouTube.
In terms of general usage, there is nothing really to complain about given its affordable price point.
We do wish charging was a little faster as it only packs 18W fast charging, but it is compensated with a large 5,000mAh battery.
Gaming Performance
We tested the Redmi 12 on a few games, namely Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
Overall, we found that gaming experience was pretty satisfactory. Gameplay on all three games – all of which were at its highest permitted graphical setting – was smooth, thanks largely to the 90Hz refresh rates.
There was a certain degree of lag when toggling between in-game pages (eg. from game home page, to inventory page, quest page, etc). Our best guess is that since you’re opening up a whole new page with entirely different menus and special effects, it takes a little more time for the CPU to boot.
But gameplay itself – where the map has already been loaded – had no noticeable delay or stuttering.
Photography
Most devices at this price range come with a dual camera setup, so we very much welcome the triple cameras on the Redmi 12.
Now of course, the number of cameras isn’t reflective of camera performance. It simply means you have added versatility to switch between macro and ultra-wide. But how well does it perform in terms of photo quality?
50MP Main Camera
On the 50MP main camera, we say that it performs decently.
Details are pretty good, and since it is 50 megapixels, cropping or blowing it up on a bigger screen still retains much of the photo’s detail.
We do find that the colours tend to be undersaturated for our liking. Moreover, it doesn’t hold too well if the subject is against bright light, often turning the background into a sort of blinding white which leads to loss of detail.
This is a difficult lighting condition to begin with, so it’s completely forgivable on a budget smartphone. Any additional tech that might help in this department – such as a better image sensor or processor – may see a further bump in price.
8MP Ultra-Wide
While undersaturation and overbrightness was our main issue with the main camera, we didn’t encounter such problems with the 8MP ultra-wide.
In fact, the blue hue in the sky taken from the ultra-wide lens was more accurate than what was taken from the main camera. There’s even more detail in the metallic structure, with the camera being able to capture both light and dark shades of the tower.
Even the distortions – which has always been a downside to ultra-wide lens – is kept to a minimum.
It’s a rare statement, but if you do get the Redmi 12, you may find more joy with the ultra-wide than the main camera.
2MP Macro Camera
The macro camera isn’t exactly the strongest asset, but it’s definitely nice to have. If you’ve got steady hands, you can definitely make this work.
Based on our experience, the focus and details were acceptable. The only real issue which bothered us was the bokeh effect, which, even though had depth, felt a little too artificial.
Our verdict on the tri-cameras? It’s definitely handy enough to whip out and capture the occasional moments. An ultra-wide option is a great thing to have, especially for landscape photography or group shots.
We wouldn’t really call this a photographer’s best friend though, mainly due to our experience with the main camera and over-processed bokeh.
Ultimately it boils down to preference and what you deem is acceptable, and of course, skill level. So, if the photos above works for you, then the triple cameras will certainly be an enticing feature on a budget device.
Verdict: All the necessities and no frills
You can tell by now that the Redmi 12 isn’t an over-the-top device by any means.
The Redmi 12 is a modest device with all the necessities and no frills. The ample RAM-Storage configuration, as well as its very sleek and minimalist exterior is a big plus.
Along with that, you can expect satisfactory performance in both gaming and day-to-day usage.
Its triple cameras are versatile, and the addition of an ultra-wide lens on a affordable device is deserving of some credit.
All things considered, the Redmi 12 draws plenty of positives, and certainly meets the mark as a worthwhile entry-level device at its RM699 price point.
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