The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ was launched in Malaysia today as a new 5G flagship device. It was given a new lease of life to enable it to function properly. At the same time, it also received an interesting upgrade that was seen to feature a more attractive mobile imaging system along with long battery life. To see how this device performs in real use? Here we share it for reading together.
SPECIFICATIONS
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
6.67″ OLED 120Hz screen
1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395ppi)
Mediatek Dimensity 1080 processor (6nm)
2 x 2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 chips
6 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G68 MC4 Graphics Chip
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
Internal Storage 256GB UFS 2.2
Primary Camera 200MP f/1.7, OIS (Wide)
8MP f/2.2 (Ultra-wide-angle)
2MP f/2.4 (Macro)
Selfie Camera 16 Megapixel f/2.5
5000mAh battery
120W charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof IP53
Scan System Side fingerprint scan
Face scan
Sale Price RM1599 (8GB/256GB)
DESIGN AND USE
Starting with the design, big changes can be seen in this device compared to the previous generation. Although the device has a large body size, it is still easy to hold because it is wide enough. This is paired with a curved glass back panel with a glossy finish that is susceptible to dirt but not too slippery. In particular, the white shade of Polar White is like the review unit in the article, but this color often creates a touch of minimalist decoration. But if boring there are still other color options available such as Iceberg Blue and Black.
Next, the plastic frame that surrounds the device is designed flat on the sides, top and bottom. This can be considered interesting because it can improve the user experience better. The camera hump on the back is also not extreme like the previous model and is more similar to a Xiaomi 12. This is then matched with a tri-camera along with an LED Flash light that is also included in the hump.
Next, the 6.67-inch screen used is the same as its predecessor. It also has relatively thin bezels with a small hole in the middle that houses the 16MP selfie camera. The same size also greatly facilitates the process of self-adjustment using this device. At the same time, no sudden changes are made when the front panel of the device is still an OLED type that also supports a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate.
There are two setting options available either Default which allows this refresh rate to change automatically depending on the current content. This is suitable for those of you who care about long battery life. Then the Custom setting allows users to choose whether to use a 60Hz or 120Hz screen all the time. Then with the OLED screen, content with brighter colors can also be enjoyed.
It also has a peak brightness of 900nits, wide viewing angles, and vivid enough color reproduction for a pleasant viewing experience. This experience improves when the screen is also seen to be able to display clear details. Next, there is no issue with the displayed image not being smooth and the use outside the building is also satisfactory because the screen is easy to read.
There is no fingerprint scan support built into the screen even though it is an OLED type. On the other hand Redmi chooses to put on the side with two ways of use either pressed or touched. It is made of plastic but feels sturdy and built into the power button on the right side of the device. The performance is good and fast, but it is not friendly for left-handed users. In addition, it can also set up to five fingerprint options in one device. The left side does not house any buttons and holes.
Meanwhile, the bottom part houses the audio grille, USB-C port, main microphone hole and SIM slot without micro SD support. There is also a 3.5mm audio jack provided by Redmi on the device and it is placed on the top along with another audio grille, a second microphone hole and an infrared emitter. True to form, the device has side-firing stereo speakers to offer balanced audio power. There is also a Dolby Atmos and Hi-Fi audio system that can improve performance.
Not to be outdone, the device also passes the IP53 waterproof and dustproof rating as additional protection. In addition to NFC that makes it an almost complete mid-range device.
BENCHMARKS AND SOFTWARE
MediTek Dimensity 1080 chip with 8GB LPDDR4X memory and 256GB internal storage is used as the mainstay of this device. A 2 + 6 core configuration is used consisting of two Cortex-A78 cores and six Cortex-A55 based cores. This is paired with a Mali-G68 GPU and also brings 5G network support.
There is no microSD support provided but the device supports the Memory Extension feature with the option of adding 2GB, 3GB and 5GB of RAM virtually. With this, the device will have up to 13GB of RAM to allow more applications to be launched simultaneously.
Real world use does not cause chronic problems. If followed, it is indeed not the best but the device is able to provide a satisfactory experience, both used for playing first time and daily tasks. The scrolling experience feels good and there are no device issues or apps that suddenly fail to work. It is seen to be able to launch more than 10 applications without the need to refresh the process.
Some games especially MLBB can be played at quite high settings with consistent frame rates. Next, the 2D first does not cause the device to overheat. Helped further with the built-in Game Turbo feature that allows a better experience to be enjoyed. Focus is also not disturbed when any notification or incoming call can be ignored through this setting. Here we compare the device with some of its closest competitors and the overall summary of the benchmark scores is as below :
Geekbench 6
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – 786 / 1986
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – 755/2663
Antutu 3D
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G – 474,409
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G – 502,442
MIUI 14 software is used which is based on Android 12. We are already in April 2023 and Redmi is still using Android 12 which can be considered outdated. These new interface elements are not too different than before and greatly facilitate the process of adapting to using the device. The whole thing is easy to understand, smooth, finished and beautiful with cheerful icons. It also offers support for opening apps while in a floating window. But only limited to one application at a time.
As an option, shortcut support is also provided through a sidebar that provides more application options, whether games or videos. Next, the device also offers the option of Always on Display with various style settings, while also supporting the Memory Extension feature with the option of adding 2GB/3GB/5GB of RAM virtually. The device is also loaded with other additional features such as Dual Apps, Emergency SOS, Video Toolbox, Game Turbo, Second Space and Lite Mode. The issue of advertisements is also reduced but the existence of installed fat applications can still be found after opening the device.
CAMERA AND IMAGE QUALITY
Another thing worth noting on the device is the 200MP wide-angle camera with OIS. It is then paired with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP macro. The camera can take pictures at 1:1, 4:3, 16:9 and full aspect ratio. The built-in artificial intelligence system also makes it easy for the device to offer the best settings based on the current situation, as well as the ability to zoom up to a maximum of 10X using the software. In addition, the camera also allows recording up to 4K/30FPS to be made either through normal recording mode or Movie Frame.
There is also a macro video recording option provided with a resolution limited to 720P/30FPS. The selfie camera is 16MP with 1080P/30FPS video recording capabilities. As always, the camera interface does not show any major changes compared to existing Redmi devices. Various types of built-in camera modes are available such as Pro, Documents, Video, Photo, Portrait and Night.
The More section allows you to access several other additional features such as Ultra HD, Short Video, Panorama, VLOG, Slow motion, Time-lapse and long exposure. We need to touch a little on UltraHD Mode which by default offers capture at 50MP. So make sure the dedicated 200MP button at the top is activated first to ensure the image is taken in the proper resolution.
The performance of the camera can be seen through some pictures that we have attached. Image reproduction using the main camera looks satisfactory with satisfactory dynamic range for most situations. Image color reproduction is also lively and bright with acceptable detail especially in the 50MP and 200MP mode shots (although the image is cropped with extreme post-processing). This includes indoor and outdoor use with sufficient lighting.
The level of contrast is also good which feels just right to be directly uploaded to social media without additional editing. The same experience can also be seen through the results of the main camera's portraits which are able to provide more detailed details on objects such as hair and skin. It's not the best but the camera is still capable of delivering satisfactory results even without a dedicated depth lens provided.
Color changes start to be noticed when touching on the change from wide to ultra-wide sensor. Color reproduction turns yellowish compared to wide angle lenses. The situation becomes less satisfactory when the image fails to give satisfactory results both during the day and at night. Not only does it show lifeless color reproduction, but the noise problem is also clearly visible in the image.
The camera, however, is still able to function well for night shots with acceptable colors. The experience is improved with a built-in night mode that can help improve image quality to some extent. However, it is not perfect because the noise problem still exists through it.
No high zoom capabilities are given considering it is just a mid-range device. We only recommend zooming up to 2X only for good picture results. The rest gave less than satisfactory results with details in the image starting to disappear along with colors becoming lifeless.
The existence of a 2MP macro camera is not as bad as expected and the results are still acceptable after going through extreme post-processing. Built-in macro mode support improves the experience but takes a while to focus well on the subject.
BATTERY LIFE
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G comes with a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the 4500mAh battery on its predecessor. This is also matched with a 120W fast charging system that is also given in the purchase box. The device's battery was at 51% when it was initially received at around 2pm, which could then last until 6pm with the battery remaining at 5%.
Then we fully charged and had no problem the device lasted more than a day with light use like checking social media or replying to messages. With heavy use throughout the day, the device can last between 8 to 13 hours with the screen on and the battery remaining at 13%. It can be recharged using the USB-C port and the provided charging system to allow the device to be fully charged quickly.
AUDIO
There are stereo speakers complete with Dolby Atmos. The physical speaker volume is satisfactory for a mid-range device. Even more interesting is that there is still a 3.5mm audio jack on the top which can be seen as a bonus feature. In terms of audio capabilities, the Note 12 Pro+ is more than satisfactory.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
1x Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G.
1x Silicone frame.
1x 120W Charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G received a good upgrade compared to the previous generation. Not only the design and finish have been given a new lease of life, but significant improvements can also be found in the main camera which now supports a 200MP sensor. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip used is also good for daily activities and early gaming. Similarly, the larger battery capacity is able to provide long-lasting device durability.
It's just that the Android 12 system provided can be considered outdated. Next, the problem of the 8MP ultra-wide camera that fails to work properly and the lack of micro SD slot space also indirectly disfigures this phone itself. But Redmi cleverly replaces it with virtual RAM expansion feature up to 7GB RAM.
Should you buy it? A must if you need a mid-range device with a beautiful OLED screen, 200MP camera and satisfactory battery life. However, the device is not suitable for those of you who want the latest operating system.
PRO
Bright and beautiful OLED screen.
Heavy but balanced in the hand without giving a burden.
The 120Hz refresh rate works well.
Longer battery life and 120W charger
IP53 waterproof.
Has an infrared emitter.
CONS
There is no micro SD slot.
Still running Android 12.
AMOLED screen but side fingerprint scanner.