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

Avg. price:~£290RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.67 inchesMain camera megapixels:200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (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.

6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 55% of smartphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–²Better than 58%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.0

Camera

15%

7.2

Display

15%

6.2

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.1

Connectivity

4%

7.0

Audio

3%

5.8

Design

â–²Better than 57%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.6

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.0

Camera

15%

7.2

Display

15%

6.2

Battery

10%

7.1

Software

10%

7.1

Connectivity

4%

7.0

Audio

3%

5.8

Design

6.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.5
Brand name
Xiaomi
Processor model
MediaTek Dimensity 1080
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor which is faster than processors in 57% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.5% 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
2.6 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.6 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 56.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 12
Android version
Android 12
This smartphone runs Android version Android 12 which is older than that found in 67.1% of smartphones and equal to that in 13.2% 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.
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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
200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP which is higher than that of 97.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
62.7 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 62.7 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 86% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.56 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.56 µm which is smaller than in 97.6% of smartphones and equal to the size in 2.1% of smartphones.
1.12 binned
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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
yes
This smartphone supports 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.
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Screen size
6.67 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches which is larger than the screens of 38.3% of smartphones and equal to those of 13.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
395 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi which is higher than that of 41.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.9% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,300 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,300 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1% of smartphones.
Charging speed
210 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 210 W which is faster than in 99.9% 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
yes
This smartphone includes 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
yes
This smartphone includes an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
yes
This smartphone supports aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
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Height
162.9 mm
This smartphone has a height of 162.9 mm which is shorter than 59.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Width
76 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76 mm which is narrower than 47.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
9 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 9 mm which is thicker than 80% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Weight
207.5 g
This smartphone weighs 207.5 g which is heavier than 69.7% of smartphones.
Device volume
110,808 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 110,808 cm³ which is larger than 82.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Show more

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

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 6.36x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (210 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    210 W vs 33 W
  • 95.9% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (62.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    62.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Supports Dolby Vision support
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision, the average smartphone does not. 17.3% of smartphones are Dolby Vision compatible.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.2% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 2x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2.6 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2.6 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 8.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 95.9% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (62.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    62.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    200 MP & 8 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Supports Dolby Vision support
    This smartphone supports Dolby Vision, the average smartphone does not. 17.3% of smartphones are Dolby Vision compatible.
  • Supports HDR10+ support
    This smartphone supports HDR10+, the average smartphone does not. 22.2% of smartphones include HDR10+ support.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (5000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    5,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • 6.36x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (210 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    210 W vs 33 W
  • Supports aptX Lossless
    This smartphone supports aptX Lossless, the average smartphone does not. 12.9% of smartphones include aptX Lossless support.
  • 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 FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4300 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • 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
  • 0.24 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.
    1.12 binned
    0.56 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • 5.44x less popular
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (8GB + 256GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 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
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Dimensity 1080 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Dimensity 1,080 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 9.6% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (852 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    852 vs 942
  • 8.5% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (2,317 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    2,317 vs 2,533
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 12 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 12 vs Android 14
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • 0.24 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.
    1.12 binned
    0.56 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • 24.2% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (500 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    500 nits vs 660 nits
  • 14% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4300 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,300 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 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
  • 2 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    October 2022
    2022 vs 2024
  • 0.7 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 5.8% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (207.5 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    207.5 g vs 196.2 g
  • 13.3% larger volume
    This smartphone has a larger volume than the average smartphone (110808 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    110,808 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

G
gizchina.com
31/10/2022
Summary of the review
N
navitassemi.com
30/11/2022
Summary of the review
C
cashify.in
25/11/2022
Summary of the review
0
01net.com
28/10/2022
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What we like about Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (8GB + 256GB)

  • Mind-blowing 210W fast charging (full charge in under 15 minutes).
  • Excellent 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, good brightness, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
  • High-resolution 200MP main camera produces detailed, sharp photos with good color accuracy and dynamic range in daylight.
  • Good performance for daily tasks and casual gaming thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset.
  • Solid build quality for a mid-range phone, with a glass back and aluminum frame, and IP53 splash resistance.
  • Inclusion of useful features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, IR blaster, stereo speakers, and NFC.
  • Decent battery life that can last a whole day with casual use.
  • Good value for money with impressive specs for its price segment.

What we don't like about Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (8GB + 256GB)

  • Runs on the older Android 12 out of the box, with an uncertain software update policy compared to some rivals.
  • Pre-installed bloatware and occasional software quirks in MIUI.
  • Average ultra-wide and macro cameras that lack detail and sharpness.
  • Phone can feel a bit bulky and heavy.
  • Glossy black variant is a fingerprint magnet.
  • Lack of a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  • Performance is good but not on par with high-end gaming chipsets.
  • No wireless charging support.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Explorer (also known as the Discovery Edition) features a premium 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a potent 200MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A major highlight is its record-breaking 210W fast charging for its 4300mAh battery, capable of a full charge in around 9–14 minutes, making it the fastest charging phone on the market. However, it launched with the older Android 12, can feel a bit bulky, lacks wireless charging and expandable storage, and features an underwhelming 2MP macro camera.

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