The mid-range category that includes smartphones priced between NIS 1,000 and NIS 2,000 has expanded in recent weeks, whether it's Samsung's Galaxy A54 or OnePlus' Nord CE 3 Lite. Recently, Xiaomi launched a new model from the intermediate series - Redmi. This is the Note 12 Pro Plus smartphone that boasts a camera with a 200-megapixel sensor, a screen with high-quality AMOLED technology and very fast charging of 120 watts.
Design: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – glossy glass look
Xiaomi loves (like other companies) the glossy glass look, although it is usually a disaster in terms of fingerprints sticking to it (you can see the finger marks here too). The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus comes in three colors: blue, black or white. The black version came to me, and thanks to the glass back, metal frame and heavy weight – 210 grams, you get the feeling of a luxury smartphone. On the other hand, to save on design costs, this is low moisture protection (IP53) and the glass on the screen is Gorilla Glass 5, which provides some durability, but it is no longer new.
Xiaomi's newest. Successful screen, photo: Tzachi Hapoman
Screen: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – AMOLED technology and high image refresh rate
The successful AMOLED technology, which exists in expensive smartphones (only of higher quality), is also found nowadays in cheaper devices, thus blurring the differences between them. It's a good place to find out that Xiaomi has less compromised, the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus comes with a large 6.67-inch screen with AMOLED technology and Full HD Plus resolution.
It's a fun screen to look at with good sharpness, a high image refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth motion and strong enough lighting (900 nits) that made it difficult to view it in direct sunlight.
Super fast charging, photo: Tzachi Hoffman
Interface: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – Old Android and Ads
Although Xiaomi has incorporated its latest interface here – MIUI 14, it is worn on Android in an old version – 12 and not the latest Android 13. Also, Xiaomi does not stop bothering with pop-up messages about its home service for downloading wallpapers and themes, when it pops up this advertisement frequently.
In terms of interface, Xiaomi divided the notification screen and control panel into two screens: one screen centers the notification panel and another screen the control panel (swiping from the top of the monitor from the right or left side will result in the requested panel). In my opinion, it is less convenient than one concentrated screen. Beyond that, you will get a home page with an app drawer like on most Android devices or a home page where the apps are already located, iOS style. Even if you choose the option of an app drawer, Xiaomi will insist on putting all apps on the home pages (in addition to the drawer).
The interface also includes the ability to record calls (Google's recording system that also informs both sides aloud that the call is being recorded) and WiFi calling through cellular operators.
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – responds smoothly, but proximity sensor is problematic, photo: PR
Hardware: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – Responds smoothly, but proximity sensor is problematic
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus's processing power includes MediaTek's Dimensity 1080 processor that supports 5G mobile browsing and comes with 8GB of working memory (RAM). All this allows it to work smoothly. The storage capacity is 256GB, but the relatively old type UFS 2.2.
Xiaomi has a bad history with proximity sensors in its smartphones. This is a sensor that detects the attachment of the smartphone to the cheek/ear and then it turns off the screen, so that it does not turn on and cause unwanted actions. The sensor on this model didn't work properly regularly, often performing things I didn't want.
For those traveling abroad, you can combine two SIM cards here, there is also support for WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and an NFC sensor for using your smartphone as a credit card (Google Pay). The fingerprint sensor is integrated into a physical button on the side of the device. It works well, but due to its location, I often touched it while holding the device in my hand, which caused the smartphone to lock, so I had to unlock with a code. Besides, there are stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Camera: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – a camera with 200 megapixels is not everything
Xiaomi boasts its camera that comes with a 200-megapixel sensor with optical stabilizer, along with an 8-megapixel sensor for wide-angle (119-degree) shots and another 2-megapixel sensor for macro photography.
A 200-megapixel sensor isn't everything, and don't expect a camera close to those on more expensive smartphones. The camera does show pretty good quality shots, not even bad plus when shooting in daylight. If you shoot at 200 megapixels, you can do close-ups, but even without the close-up, the sharpness is not as high as there is and the colors are faded.
Battery: Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – Super fast charging
Xiaomi realized that one of its strengths against Samsung is fast charging. Although it is a mid-range smartphone, it comes with 120W charging, including a charger inside the kit. For comparison, Samsung's flagship device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with only 45W of charging and there isn't even a charger in the kit.
Xiaomi's super fast charging managed to deliver 54% energy in 15 minutes and 99% energy in 30 minutes. This speed allows you to charge your smartphone in the morning, before leaving the house, and not rely on charging throughout the night.
The battery itself comes in a large capacity of 5000 mAh, but the battery management is not impressive. I had the device last from seven in the morning until close to eleven thirty at night, when I had 13% energy left (screen time of 3 hours and 45 minutes).
The bottom line is that, as with any mid-range device, Xiaomi had to compromise in certain places in order to lower the price. The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus offers a good screen, a design reminiscent of more expensive devices, processing power that allows it to respond well and very fast charging, on the other hand, the proximity sensor is problematic and the defrost in the camera is noticeable.
Price: 1,850 NIS (official importer Hamilton).
Published onThe Gadget Reviews
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