If you want reliable 5G, a huge display, and marathon battery life on a tight budget, the Redmi 12 5G remains one of the safest picks under the entry-to-mid tier. Its efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 keeps daily performance smooth, the 6.79-inch 90 Hz panel is great for scrolling and video, and the 5,000 mAh battery with 18 W charging is built for long days. You compromise on stereo speakers and low-light camera quality, but for the price class it nails the basics and then some.
Design & Build
Redmi 12 5G looks and feels more expensive than it is thanks to a flat-sided frame and glass on the front and back—rare at this price. It’s IP53 rated for basic splash resistance, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass on the front, and includes practical touches: a side fingerprint reader, IR blaster, USB-C, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Nice touches
- Premium glass back aesthetic
- IP53 splash resistance
- IR blaster and 3.5 mm jack for legacy gear
Display
- Size & type: 6.79-inch IPS LCD, FHD+ (2460×1080), 90 Hz refresh
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass
- Extras: Reading mode / low blue light certifications in some regions
It’s one of the biggest displays in the segment, which is fantastic for streaming, social, and split-screen multitasking. Color/contrast are typical IPS; you don’t get AMOLED punch, but you do get a smooth 90 Hz scroll and decent brightness for indoors and shade.
Performance
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)
- Memory/Storage: up to 8 GB/256 GB with LPDDR4X + UFS 2.2
- Storage expansion: microSD (hybrid slot) up to 1 TB (varies by market)
Built on a modern 4 nm process, the 4 Gen 2 focuses on efficiency and everyday snappiness. App launches, messaging, browsing, and casual games feel smooth, especially paired with the 90 Hz display. It’s not a high-end gaming chip, but it’s a big leap over older 6 nm entry processors for sustained performance and battery life.
Cameras
- Rear: 50 MP main + 2 MP depth
- Front: 5–8 MP selfie (5 MP on some global variants; 8 MP in India)
- Video: up to 1080p30 (front/rear)
Daylight shots from the 50 MP sensor are crisp with natural colors; portrait mode is usable thanks to the depth sensor. There’s no ultrawide, and low-light results soften quickly with visible noise—expected at this price. Video tops out at 1080p/30. Regional selfie hardware differs (check your market).
Battery & Charging
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh
- Charging: 18 W (USB-C; adapter may be sold separately in some regions)
Two-day endurance for light users is achievable; heavier social + video users comfortably make it through a full day. 18 W isn’t blazing fast, but it’s steady and gentle on the battery.
Connectivity & Extras
- 5G (Qualcomm X61 modem), dual-SIM (hybrid), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo
- Side fingerprint + AI face unlock
- NFC availability varies by market
Great band support and reliable radios at this level; NFC is region-dependent, so verify your SKU.
Software & Updates
Launched with MIUI 14 based on Android 13, with Xiaomi’s subsequent HyperOS/Android updates rolling out by region and variant over time. Security update cadence and major-version eligibility can vary; always check your exact model number and region build before buying.
Full Technical Specifications (quick reference)
Category | Details |
---|---|
Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back, plastic frame; IP53 |
Display | 6.79″ IPS LCD, 2460×1080 (FHD+), 90 Hz |
Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm), X61 5G modem |
RAM/Storage | Up to 8 GB LPDDR4X; 128/256 GB UFS 2.2; hybrid microSD (up to ~1 TB) |
Rear Cameras | 50 MP main + 2 MP depth; 1080p30 |
Front Camera | 5–8 MP (market-dependent); 1080p30 |
Battery/Charging | 5,000 mAh; 18 W via USB-C |
Audio | 3.5 mm headphone jack; single bottom speaker |
Biometrics | Side fingerprint, AI face unlock |
Comms | Dual-SIM, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS; IR blaster; NFC (market-dependent) |
Software at Launch | MIUI 14 (Android 13) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Class-leading 6.79″ 90 Hz display at this price
- Efficient 4 nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 = cool & consistent
- Big 5,000 mAh battery; dependable endurance
- Premium glass design, IP53, Gorilla Glass, IR blaster, 3.5 mm jack
- Expandable storage (hybrid slot)
Cons
- Single speaker; no stereo sound
- No ultrawide camera; low-light photos are just OK
- 18 W charging is modest in 2025
- NFC and selfie camera specs vary by region (check SKU)
Buying Advice (2025)
- Who should buy: Students, first-time 5G users, and anyone who wants a huge screen and long battery on a budget.
- Who should skip: Mobile photographers who want an ultrawide or great night shots; gamers seeking high-fps in heavy titles.
Cross-shop: POCO M6 Pro 5G (sibling with similar core hardware), or step up to a Redmi Note-series device if you want AMOLED, faster charging, and better cameras.
Frequently Asked Question on Redmi 12 5G
Is Redmi 12 5G good for gaming?
Casual and light competitive titles run well at modest settings. Don’t expect sustained high-fps in heavy games; the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 prioritizes efficiency.
Does Redmi 12 5G have Gorilla Glass and water resistance?
Yes—Gorilla Glass on the front and an IP53 rating for basic splash/dust resistance.
What’s in the box and does it include a charger?
Regional bundles vary. The phone supports 18 W charging; in some markets, the adapter may be sold separately. Check the box contents for your region before purchase.
Does it have NFC and dual-SIM?
Dual-SIM (hybrid) is standard; NFC depends on market/variant.
Final Take
Redmi 12 5G is a crowd-pleaser that still holds up in 2025 for people who value battery life, a giant screen, and dependable day-to-day performance over fancy extras. If you can live without an ultrawide camera and stereo speakers, it’s hard to argue against the value it delivers.
Tip: Before purchasing, verify your specific region/variant for NFC, selfie camera resolution, and in-box charger. Specs can vary slightly by market.