Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G: 50MP Sony Camera, 8GB/256GB Storage, 120Hz AMOLED, Starting at ₹19,999
Is it possible to get a premium smartphone experience without spending a fortune? Xiaomi seems to think so, and they’ve put their money where their mouth is with the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G. Priced aggressively starting at just ₹19,999, this phone isn’t just another budget option—it’s a statement. It packs features we used to see only in phones twice its price. From a high-end camera to a silky-smooth display, let’s see what makes this device the talk of the town.
Overview Table: Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch 120Hz Flow AMOLED |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 5G |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX766 with OIS |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery & Charging | 5000mAh with 67W Turbo Charging |
| Operating System | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 |
| Starting Price | ₹19,999 |
| Special Features | Stereo Speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, IP53 Rating |
First Impressions & Design: A Sleek Surprise
Right out of the box, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G doesn’t feel like a budget phone. The design is sleek and modern, with a flat-edge frame that gives it a sophisticated look. The back panel has a nice matte finish that resists fingerprints—a huge plus. It’s surprisingly slim and light for a phone with such a large battery. Xiaomi has clearly focused on making it look and feel premium, and they’ve succeeded.
The Showstopper: 120Hz AMOLED Display
Turn it on, and the screen is the first thing that wows you. The 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED panel is vibrant, crisp, and incredibly smooth. The 120Hz refresh rate means every scroll, swipe, and animation feels fluid and responsive. Whether you’re browsing social media, reading, or gaming, the experience is top-notch. Watching videos on this display is a genuine pleasure, with deep blacks and punchy colours that make content pop.
Camera Power: The 50MP Sony Advantage
This is where the phone truly punches above its weight. The main 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor is a star. It’s the same sensor used in many much more expensive flagships from last year. Paired with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), it captures sharp, clear, and detailed photos even in tricky lighting.
-
Daylight Photos: Bright, with accurate colours and lots of detail.
-
Low-Light Photos: The OIS works wonders, reducing blur and allowing more light in for usable night shots without too much grain.
-
Portrait Mode: Edge detection is impressive for the price, creating a nice background blur.
For a phone in this range, the camera performance is exceptional and is arguably its biggest selling point.
Performance: Smooth Sailing for Daily Tasks
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 5G chipset. Don’t let the budget price fool you—this processor is capable. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks like a champ. Social media, messaging apps, streaming video, and even some moderate gaming (like COD Mobile or BGMI on medium settings) run smoothly. The 256GB storage is a blessing, meaning you’ll likely never run out of space for photos, apps, and files. While it’s not a hardcore gaming phone, it delivers more than enough power for 99% of users.
Battery Life: All-Day Power and Super-Fast Charging
The 5000mAh battery is a workhorse. For most people, this easily translates to a full day, and often more, of heavy use. You can stream, browse, and click photos without constantly worrying about the battery percentage. And when you do need to recharge, the included 67W Turbo Charger is a game-changer. It can take the phone from empty to over 50% in under 20 minutes. No more leaving your phone plugged in overnight.
Software: The MIUI Factor
The phone runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI is feature-rich and highly customisable, letting you tweak the look and feel of your phone extensively. However, it does come with some pre-installed apps (bloatware) and ads in system apps, which can be a minor annoyance. The good news is that most of these can be uninstalled or disabled with a little bit of effort in the settings.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is a winner for anyone looking for exceptional value. It takes the key features people want—a brilliant display, a fantastic camera, long battery life, and fast charging—and delivers them at an unbelievable price.
Buy it if:
-
Your top priority is getting the best possible camera under ₹25,000.
-
You want a smooth, high-refresh-rate display for media and gaming.
-
You hate charging your phone and want all-day battery with ultra-fast top-ups.
-
You need lots of storage without paying extra.
Think twice if:
-
You are a hardcore mobile gamer who wants max settings on every new game.
-
You prefer a clean, stock Android experience without any custom software skins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G good for gaming?
Yes, for casual and moderate gaming. It can handle popular titles like BGMI and COD Mobile smoothly on medium to high settings. It’s not designed for extreme, high-frame-rate gaming, but it performs very well for its segment.
2. How is the low-light camera performance?
Thanks to the large Sony sensor and OIS, it performs remarkably well in low light. Photos are brighter and clearer than most competitors in this price range. The dedicated Night Mode further improves results.
3. Does the phone have stereo speakers?
Yes, it features stereo speakers, which provide a much better, more immersive audio experience for watching videos and playing games compared to single speakers.
4. Is there a charger included in the box?
Yes, Xiaomi includes the powerful 67W Turbo Charger in the box itself, so you don’t have to buy it separately.
5. What is the biggest advantage over its competitors?
Its biggest advantage is the 50MP Sony IMX766 camera with OIS. This camera hardware is typically found in much more expensive phones, giving the Note 12 Pro 5G a significant edge in photography for the price. The combination of this camera, the 120Hz AMOLED display, and 67W charging at ₹19,999 is unbeatable.