Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Phone Review

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is a mid-range smartphone with decent camera specs and an eye-catching price but can it produce the goods? 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Features

As photography is our focus, let's start by looking at the cameras built into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G where on the rear you get a triple line-up of a 50MP f/1.9 wide with PDAF and OIS, an 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 2MP f/2.4 macro option. On the front is a 16MP f/2.5 selfie camera and for those who capture video, you have the option of shooting in 4L, 1080p and 720p at various frame rates. Multiple camera modes are available but there's no optical zoom but digital does reach up to 10x. 

As well as a glass front where you find a 6.67-inch display, you get a glass back but the frame is plastic. 

On the test is the 128GB Memory/8GB RAM option but larger memory options are also available and our unit is Onyx black. 

Other features include an IP53 rating. headphone jack, USB Type-C port and a 5000mAh battery.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Specs:

• 50MP f/1.9 wide
• 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide
• 2MP f/2.4 macro
• Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
• 16MP f/2.5 selfie camera
• Up to 10x digital zoom
• 6.67-inch OLED display
• 5000mAh battery
• IP53 rating 
• 128GB of Storage and 8GB of RAM
• Dimensions: 163x76x8mm
• Weight: 187g

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Handling

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G might be inexpensive but it doesn't feel that way when you pick it up as the glass back does make it look more premium than it actually is. The frame is plastic, not aluminium as is the case in more expensive smartphones, but the matt finish makes it look/feel much nicer than plastic. It also aids with grip and allows you to get a good grasp of the smartphone. For further grip/protection, the phone comes supplied with a clear silicone case and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G does have a water/dust-resistant IP53 rating which is great to see at this price point. In the hand, it fits well and is comfortable to hold but without a case, the mirror-like back does get covered in fingerprints and marks very easily. 

On the very shiny back sits a rectangular camera unit which has lovely curved corners and sits flush with the back of the phone so there's hardly any rocking when placed on a surface. In fact, pop it in the case and there's no movement at all. 

The display measures an impressive 6.67-inch and is bright, sharp and offers accurate colour balance. The screen isn't curved so you don't get the edge-to-edge display feel you get with some smartphones but the bezels are thin and only a small selfie cutout camera interrupts the display. 

The volume rocker and the power button can be found on the right-hand side and fall nicely under the thumb/finger while on the bottom is the USB-C port. Up top is a headphone jack which those who use wired headphones will be pleased to see. 

Open up the camera app and it's rather self-explanatory with various modes and features built-in. Options and functions can be found where you expect them to be and overall, it's really easy to navigate. 

You get a 50MP main shooter that's supported by an 8MP ultrawide camera and 2MP f/2.4 macro camera. PDAF and OIS are built into the 50MP f/1.9 wide camera and there's up to 10x digital zoom available. 

Camera Specs:

• 50MP f/1.9 wide
• 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide
• 2MP f/2.4 macro
• Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
• 16MP f/2.5 selfie camera
• Up to 10x digital zoom
• Various camera app modes/features

Battery life -  A 5000mAh battery is built-in and will easily last a full day's use. 67W fast charging is also available and the charger is supplied in the box.