Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.79 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP

Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.4

Technical score

10%

9.0

User score

▼Worse than 86% of smartphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

▼Worse than 78%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

4.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.4

Camera

15%

4.8

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.8

Software

10%

6.8

Connectivity

4%

3.2

Audio

3%

5.8

Design

▼Worse than 91%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 92%
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

4.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.4

Camera

15%

4.8

Display

15%

5.6

Battery

10%

7.8

Software

10%

6.8

Connectivity

4%

3.2

Audio

3%

5.8

Design

5.4
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 94.1% of smartphones.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.0
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
MediaTek Helio G88
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Helio G88 processor model which is slower than processors in 89.2% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.6% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 84.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 13
Android version
Android 13
This smartphone runs Android version Android 13 which is older than that found in 50.6% of smartphones and equal to that in 16.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP which is higher than that of 52.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 53.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 10.7% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
20.5 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 20.5 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 76.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.64 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.64 µm which is smaller than in 75.1% of smartphones and equal to the size in 18.6% of smartphones.
1.28 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.79 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.79 inches which is larger than the screens of 83% of smartphones and equal to those of 1.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2460 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2460 px which is higher than that of 65.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
396 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 396 ppi which is higher than that of 50.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.1% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
168.6 mm
This smartphone has a height of 168.6 mm which is taller than 84.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Width
76.3 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.3 mm which is wider than 58.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.2 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.2 mm which is thinner than 51.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.1% of smartphones.
Weight
198.5 g
This smartphone weighs 198.5 g which is heavier than 54.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
102,144 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 102,144 cm³ which is larger than 72.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.8% of smartphones.
Show more

Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 0.12 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.79 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (117 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    117 vs 99.5
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • 12.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Xiaomi Redmi 12
    the average smartphone
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (9.02 vs 8).
    9.02 vs 8
  • 83.9% more popular
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (10 vs 5.4).
    10 vs 5.44
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 12.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Xiaomi Redmi 12
    the average smartphone
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (9.02 vs 8).
    9.02 vs 8
  • 83.9% more popular
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (10 vs 5.4).
    10 vs 5.44
  • 2x cheaper
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.1 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.1 vs f/2.2
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 0.12 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.79 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1080x2460 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 0.3% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (396 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    396 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (117 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    117 vs 99.5
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G88 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G88 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 35.1% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (7,000 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    7,000 vs 10,783
  • 35.9% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 5% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.99 vs 7.3).
    6.99 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G88 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G88 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 35.1% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (7,000 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    7,000 vs 10,783
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 53.9% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (434 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    434 vs 942
  • 76.1% lower 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in the 3DMark Wild Life benchmark than the average smartphone (743 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115 in this benchmark.
    743 vs 3,115
  • 16.7% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 34.5% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (1,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    1,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 51.7% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (1,224 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    1,224 vs 2,533
  • 86.7% lower 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in 3DMark Steel Nomad than the average smartphone (81 vs 608). The average smartphone scores 608.
    81 vs 608
  • 16.7% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (5 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    5 W vs 6 W
  • 10.5% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (850 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    850 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 68.8% less L2 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L2 cache than the average smartphone (320 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average smartphone has an L2 cache of 1,024 KB.
    320 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 47.6% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (13.4 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    13.41 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 81.3% fewer shader units
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (48 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    48 vs 256
  • Supports older OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 3.2). The average smartphone supports OpenGL version 3.2.
    3.1 vs 3.2
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 13 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 13 vs Android 14
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 35.9% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    20.5 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (8 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    8 MP vs 16 MP
  • 0.16 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    1.28 binned
    0.64 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartphone does not have a gyroscope, the average smartphone does. 84.4% of smartphones feature a gyroscope.
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 450 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (550 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    550 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 18% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (541 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    541 nits vs 660 nits
  • 37.8% lower PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in PCMark Work 3.0 battery benchmark than the average smartphone (489 min vs 786 min). The average smartphone scores 786 min.
    489 min vs 786 min
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP53 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP53 vs IP67
  • 5 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (168.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    168.6 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 1 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2023 vs 2024). 1.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    June 2023
    2023 vs 2024

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
Sulit Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Full review · several days of use and battery tests
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 has a good camera and display for an entry phone, but battery life disappoints.
7.0
Technoarzoo
≈ estimated
30/08/2023
Long-term test · 30 days of daily use
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is fine if bought cheaply with an offer; otherwise the 5G version is the better choice.
8.0
NoisTech
≈ estimated
12/08/2023
Long-term test · a week of daily use and camera checks
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is definitely a good phone on a tight budget, with slow charging and weak high-zoom detail as drawbacks.
8.0
Izzi Boye
≈ estimated
01/08/2023
Hands-on review · one month of use
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a worthwhile budget phone, closely matched to the Spark 10 Pro but adding an ultra-wide camera.
9.0
Praiz Tech
≈ estimated
01/08/2023
Hands-on review · one month of use, gaming and battery
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is an easily recommended budget phone for everyday use, with long battery life; charging is slow.
8.0
Tech Crib
≈ estimated
29/07/2023
Hands-on review · gaming, camera and display tests
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers a strong feature set at a competitive price, with a large display and good daytime camera results.
8.0
FRED'S TECH HUB
≈ estimated
23/07/2023
Hands-on review · gaming, battery and rival comparison
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a strong budget rival with great battery life, but a close call against its direct competitor.
8.0
Eugoson Quorch
≈ estimated
01/07/2023
Hands-on review · camera, battery and app-speed tests
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is possibly the best budget phone of the year, if you accept MIUI and its pre-installed apps.
9.0
Kevin Breeze
≈ estimated
02/01/2024
First impressions · unboxing and first use
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a solid entry-level phone, well worth considering if you want a budget device.
8.0
Tech You Know
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Short gaming test · Mobile Legends and daily use
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is recommended for everyday use and good value, but weaker for gaming than alternatives.
8.0
Tech City Explorer
≈ estimated
28/07/2023
Full review · gaming, cameras, battery and software
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a solid budget all-rounder with good value, though its low-light and video results lag.
8.0
TechBar
≈ estimated
18/07/2023
First impressions · unboxing, benchmarks and 30-minute game test
Verdict
Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a good overall balance for a budget phone, worth buying if 4G is enough.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

G
gsmarena.com
03/07/2023
Summary of the review
G
gsmarena.com
03/07/2023
Summary of the review
notebookcheck.net
08/08/2023
Lab test · Budget 4G phone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a budget 4G phone with precise location, clear calls and sharp photos, but it lacks 5G and its macro and wide-angle shots are weak.
digitales-fuer-einsteiger.de
14/12/2023
Smartphone test · Budget phone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a good budget phone with a large 6.79-inch screen and long battery life, but its sluggish performance is the main drawback.
smartzone.de
19/08/2023
Detailed test · Budget smartphone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 has a dim IPS screen and a three-year-old chip, and at its list price it is clearly too expensive for what it offers.
testventure.de
21/08/2023
Hands-on test · Budget smartphone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a solid budget phone with decent battery life and a responsive display, but its CPU and camera barely changed from the Redmi 10.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
09/08/2023
Summary of the review
D
darty.com
31/12/2024
Summary of the review
sotactile.fr
08/09/2023
Hands-on test · Budget Android phone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a budget phone with a good 90Hz screen and battery, but weak night photos and a dim screen outdoors limit it.
20minutos.es
14/12/2023
Hands-on test · Budget 4G phone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a cheap phone with a large 90Hz screen and battery life that suits light use, but slow 18W charging and the missing charger hold it back.
notebookcheck.nl
08/08/2023
Lab test · Budget smartphone
Verdict
The Redmi 12 is a budget phone with accurate GPS and a capable main camera, but its macro lens is poor and the screen is a little dim.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Attractive, premium-feeling design with a glass back panel and good build quality.
  • Large 6.79-inch Full HD+ 90Hz display is great for media consumption and gaming.
  • Good battery life that can last over a full day with moderate use.
  • Excellent value for money and a good option for a budget phone.
  • Adequate performance for daily tasks and light usage.
  • Comes with useful features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster.
  • Daylight photos are considered good with decent detail and natural color reproduction from the 50MP main camera.
  • Generous base storage options (128GB/256GB) and expandable memory via a dedicated or hybrid microSD card slot.

What customers don't like about Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Performance can be sluggish and laggy, especially with multitasking or demanding games.
  • Slow charging speeds (18W support) mean long charging times (over 2 hours for a full charge).
  • Camera performance in low-light conditions is poor, and some users miss the 'Pro' mode and slo-mo features.
  • Display can be dim outdoors, with inadequate brightness in direct sunlight.
  • Phone is considered large and potentially heavy for some users, making it uncomfortable to hold for long durations.
  • Some users report issues with sensors, such as the proximity sensor malfunctioning during calls.
  • Device may come with bloatware out of the box, which can be annoying for some users.
  • Durability concerns and reports of the phone breaking down in a short period from some users.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi 12 (8GB + 256GB) is a budget-friendly 4G smartphone featuring a premium-feeling glass back design and an IP53 splash and dust resistance rating. It is equipped with a large 6.79-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate and a substantial 5000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate use. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 octa-core processor and running Android 13/MIUI 14, it handles everyday tasks and casual gaming smoothly, complemented by a versatile 50MP AI triple-camera system for decent daylight photos. Key advantages include its generous 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an IR blaster. However, notable drawbacks include the use of slower eMMC 5.1 storage technology, a single mono speaker (lacking stereo sound), and limited performance in low-light photography and graphically demanding games. The 18W charging support is also relatively slow compared to some competitors, and the display's peak brightness can be a challenge in direct sunlight.

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