Xiaomi has launched two new budget-friendly phones under the Redmi 12 series—the Redmi 12 and the Redmi 12 5G. While their names sound similar, there are some key differences.

Both phones share a 6.79-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate—the largest screen in the Redmi series so far. They also have the same stylish glass-back design, a big 5,000mAh battery, and a 50MP main camera.

The biggest difference? The Redmi 12 5G runs on a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, which supports 5G speeds, while the standard Redmi 12 uses a MediaTek Helio G88 (4G only). Surprisingly, the cheaper Redmi 12 even has an ultra-wide camera, which the 5G model lacks!

So, if you want faster 5G connectivity, go for the Redmi 12 5G. But if you prefer an ultra-wide camera and don’t need 5G, the standard Redmi 12 might be the better choice.

Redmi 12 5G – Unboxing & First Impressions

Xiaomi has launched two new budget-friendly phones under the Redmi 12 series—the Redmi 12 and the Redmi 12 5G. While their names sound similar, there are some key differences.

The biggest difference? The Redmi 12 5G runs on a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, which supports 5G speeds, while the standard Redmi 12 uses a MediaTek Helio G88 (4G only). Surprisingly, the cheaper Redmi 12 even has an ultra-wide camera, which the 5G model lacks!

So, if you want faster 5G connectivity, go for the Redmi 12 5G. But if you prefer an ultra-wide camera and don’t need 5G, the standard Redmi 12 might be the better choice.

Redmi 12 5G – Design Breakdown & Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G punches above its weight with a design that feels way more premium than its price tag suggests. Up front, the massive 6.79-inch display steals the show—one of the biggest screens we’ve seen on a Redmi phone. Sure, the bezels are noticeable, but they’re slim enough to avoid looking cheap. The only quirk? A slightly raised ridge along the edges that you might notice when swiping—it’s not a dealbreaker, just something your thumb will bump into now and then.

The phone’s frame is plastic, but Xiaomi did a great job making it look like brushed metal with a smooth matte finish. On the right side, you’ll find the power button (with a fast fingerprint sensor) and volume rocker—both easy to reach. Flip it over, and the glossy glass back not only feels luxurious but also catches light beautifully, avoiding the cheap, warped look of plastic. Plus, it’s tougher against scratches. You get three color options: a classic shiny black, a flashy iridescent silver, and a soft pastel blue (our favorite).

Around the edges, Xiaomi packed in some handy extras—a USB-C port, loudspeaker, and mic at the bottom, plus a headphone jack and IR blaster up top (yes, it can control your TV!). The camera module keeps things clean and modern, with neat metallic rings around each lens—no clunky borders here.

Despite its plastic frame, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G feels solid, thanks to Gorilla Glass on both sides and an IP53 rating for splash resistance. The only downside? It’s a bit on the heavy side, which can make one-handed use a little tiring over time. Still, for the price, this might be one of the best-looking budget phones out there.

The Redmi 12 5G’s Display – Big Screen on a Budget

The Redmi 12 5G comes with a large 6.79-inch IPS LCD display featuring FHD+ resolution (2460 x 1080)—perfect for watching videos, gaming, or scrolling through social media. While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the screen still delivers decent colors, good contrast for an LCD, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.

Out of the box, colors look natural rather than oversaturated, even in the Vivid or Saturated modes. The white balance is slightly cool (bluish), especially when viewed from angles, but it’s not a dealbreaker. One downside? The brightness drops a bit when you tilt the screen, but 550 nits peak brightness is still good enough for outdoor use.

The 90Hz refresh rate makes everything feel snappy, though it automatically adjusts based on content—dropping to 48Hz when idle or 30Hz for low-frame-rate videos. You can manually lock it to 90Hz, but in real-world use, the difference isn’t huge since the phone already stays at 90Hz most of the time.

For a budget phone, the display holds up well—no major ghosting, decent motion clarity, and good enough brightness. It’s not the most vibrant or high-end screen, but considering the Redmi Note 12 Pro price in UAE, this is a solid choice for everyday use.

Redmi 12 5G Camera Review: How Good Are the Photos

Performance Review: Smooth or Sluggish

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which keeps everyday tasks like calling, messaging, web browsing, and video streaming smooth and responsive. You won’t notice any lag for basic use—it handles social media, music, and casual apps just fine.

The phone comes with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, and Xiaomi offers a virtual RAM expansion feature (though it’s not as fast as real RAM). Storage options include 128GB or 256GB (UFS 2.2), and there’s even a microSD slot if you need extra space—though using it means sacrificing the second SIM slot.

Where things slow down? Multitasking and gaming. If you’re juggling too many apps at once, the phone might struggle, especially the 4GB or 6GB models. As for gaming, light titles run fine, but demanding 3D games will push the limits, with frame drops and stutters.

Bottom line? The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is a great budget daily driver, but if you’re a power user or gamer, you’ll want something more powerful. For best longevity, go for the 8GB RAM model—future updates and apps will thank you.

Battery Review: All-Day Power?

The Xiaomi 12 5G packs a reliable 5000mAh battery—easily lasting a full day (or more) with moderate use. Xiaomi includes a 22.5W charger in the box, though the phone maxes out at 18W charging speeds.

Here’s the catch: charging isn’t fast. With the included adapter, it takes:

~1 hour to reach 50%
Over 2.5 hours for a full charge

That means overnight charging is your best bet. While slower than premium phones, this is typical for the price—and the long battery life makes up for it. If you’re not in a rush, the Redmi 12 5G keeps going… just don’t expect quick top-ups.

Redmi 12 5G Software Experience: MIUI 14 with Some Quirks

The Redmi 12 5G runs MIUI 14 on top of Android 13, but the experience varies by region. Our Indian review unit came with a slightly stripped-down version—missing some visual flourishes (like transparency effects) that the Chinese model gets. While this might help performance, it does make the interface feel a bit plain compared to stock Android or even Samsung’s One UI.

One noticeable downside? The 267 PPI screen density isn’t the sharpest, and MIUI’s iOS-inspired design hasn’t aged perfectly—especially when random Android-native pop-ups break the visual consistency.

Then there’s the bloatware. Out of the box, you’ll find duplicate apps (two dialers, two SMS apps, two galleries, and even two app stores). The good news? Most can be uninstalled, but it’s still annoying to clean up.

If you’re comparing phones in this range, the Redmi Note 12 Pro price in UAE might get you a more polished software experience. But for basic use, the Redmi 12 5G gets the job done—just don’t expect a sleek, bloat-free UI.

Redmi 12 5G Audio Experience: Basic Sound with a Handy Headphone Jack

The Xiaomi 12 5G keeps things simple with a single bottom-firing speaker—decent for casual YouTube videos or calls in portrait mode, but underwhelming for movies or music. At low volumes, audio sounds muffled, and at max volume, everything blends into a messy, distorted mix. It’s not very loud either, so headphones are your best bet for better sound.

Thankfully, Xiaomi brought back the 3.5mm headphone jack, perfect for wired earbuds (just make sure they have a sturdy plug!). There’s even an FM radio—a rare bonus in today’s streaming era. However, you’re stuck with Xiaomi’s audio processing (adjustable only through preset sound effects), which might not suit everyone’s taste.

If audio quality matters to you, it’s worth comparing the Redmi Note 12 Pro price in UAE—its stereo speakers and refined tuning offer a much better listening experience. But for basic needs, the Redmi 12 5G gets by… just don’t expect premium sound.

Final Thought

The Redmi 12 5G is perfect for buyers who want a no-fuss smartphone without breaking the bank. Its slim, premium-looking design punches above its price tag, and the large display makes browsing and watching videos comfortable—all while keeping the phone light enough for all-day use. Paired with its long-lasting battery, this phone easily handles daily tasks without constant charging.

The cameras do well in good lighting, capturing decent shots for social media or memories, though don’t expect flagship-level quality. Performance is smooth for basics like messaging, web browsing, and streaming, but heavy multitasking or gaming might push its limits. The biggest downside? MIUI’s bloatware—you’ll need to spend some time uninstalling duplicate apps.

If you’re after a budget-friendly device that covers the essentials, the Redmi 12 5G delivers. But if you want better cameras, faster performance, or cleaner software, it’s worth checking pricier options like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.

Also View: Looking for a smartwatch? Whether you need fitness tracking, notifications, or health monitoring, a versatile smartwatch (for men or women) can be a great companion to your smartphone—blending style and functionality for modern life.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G – Detailed Overview, Features and Performance Analysis