Xiaomi Redmi 12: the year of release, specifications and how not to confuse with other models

Xiaomi Redmi 12 is one of the most talked-about budget models of 2023, but many users still confuse it with its predecessor, Redmi 11 or earlier. If you are planning to buy or just want to understand the history of the line, it is important to know the exact year of release of this model, its key updates and how to distinguish the original from counterfeits on the market. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances, including official announcement dates, firmware features and even hidden authenticity markers that the manufacturer has added specifically to protect against counterfeit products.

The Redmi 12 is the first in the series to feature a 90-hertz display in the budget segment, which immediately set it apart from the competition. But what's not known is that it's not just one model, but several versions, with different processors and different memory, which affects the year of release of a particular version. 4G It came later than the Chinese version, and that's often misleading.We analyzed official sources, including Xiaomi press releases and certification databases, to provide accurate information.

Also, in this article, you'll find a comparison table with the Redmi 11 and Redmi Note 12 to see what improvements have been made and whether you should overpay for the new model. And if you already own the Redmi 12, we'll show you how to authenticate it with the serial number and firmware version, which will help you avoid buying gray devices or outright fakes.

The official release year of Xiaomi Redmi 12: the announcement and start of sales

Xiaomi Redmi 12 was officially announced on June 15, 2023 at the brand’s global event, but it is important to understand that the announcement date and actual start of sales in different regions may vary.

• 📅 China: Sales have already started 20 June 2023 year-round 5 It was the first wave of the model that got a MediaTek Helio processor. G88 and 4/128 GB memory in the basic configuration.
• 🌍 Global Market (including Russia): Official release took place on July 1, 2023, but in some countries deliveries only started in August due to logistical delays.
• 🇮🇳 India: a separate presentation took place on August 1, 2023, where the model received a modification with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor (instead of Helio) G88), What has become unique in this region.

Interestingly, Xiaomi used a soft launch strategy for the Redmi 12: the model first appeared in limited quantities from official partners, and mass sales began only in the fall of 2023, due to a shortage of chips and the company’s desire to avoid overproduction, as it was with the Redmi 10 in 2021.

⚠️ Note: If you are offered a "new" Redmi 12 with a production date before May 2023, it is a fake or a "gray" import. Official devices have serial numbers starting at 2306 (June 2023) or later.

To clarify the year of release of a particular copy, check:

1. Sticker under the battery (if the phone is disassembled) – it shows the date of production in the format YY/MM.
2. Serial number in settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information: First information 4 The numbers indicate the year and week of release (for example, 2335 = 35-I'm a week. 2023 year-end).
3. Firmware Version: Original Devices Get Updates to MIUI 14 (at 2026) Counterfeiting often runs on outdated or custom firmware.

How to distinguish Xiaomi Redmi 12 2023 from fakes and “gray” devices

Xiaomi's budget smartphones are often faked, and the Redmi 12 is no exception. Fraudsters copy not only the look but the packaging, so it's important to know the key authenticity markers.

• 🔍 Hologram on packaging: The original box has a holographic sticker with the Xiaomi logo that changes color when tilted.Fakes often use regular seal.
• 📦 Serial number on the box and phone: They must match. Check them through the official website mi.com/global/verify.
• 🔋 Charger: Complete with the original is a power supply 22.5W lettered MDY-12-ED. Fakes are often made with cheap ones. 10W-charge.
• 📱 Firmware: On the original device in Settings → The phone must be given a version. MIUI 13/14 for Redmi 12. Counterfeits can have Android Go or custom shells.

Pay special attention to the camera and display: the original Redmi 12 main camera has a resolution of 50 MP (Samsung sensor) ISOCELL JN1), The screen supports a frequency of 90 Hz. Counterfeiting is often equipped with 13-MP cameras and 60-hertz displays, passing them off as the original.

Another reliable way is to check the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi version:

⚠️ Note: If you connect to a PC via Mi PC Suite device is not detected or asks to install drivers manually - this is a sign of a fake.The original Xiaomi smartphones are automatically recognized by the program.

Specifications Xiaomi Redmi 12: what has changed compared to the Redmi 11

Xiaomi Redmi 12 was an evolutionary step over Redmi 11, but not all changes are obvious.

• 📱 Display: Switch from 60 Hz to 90 Hz (Redmi 11 was only 60 Hz) and brightness improved to 500 nits (versus 400 nits in its predecessor).
• 🔋 Battery: Capacity left 5,000 mAh, but added support 18W Fast charging (Redmi 11 only) 10W).
• 📸 Camera: The main module is now 50 MP (vs. 13 MP in Redmi 11), but the front camera is 8 MP.
• 🔧 Processor: MediaTek Helio is used in most regions G88 (12nm), whereas Redmi 11 ran on the Snapdragon 680 (6nm).This is a controversial decision, since Helio was a powerhouse. G88 less energy efficient.

However, not everything is so rosy: despite the updates, the Redmi 12 received a plastic case (like the Redmi 11), and not the glass as in the Redmi Note 12. 5G, This could be a problem in the next 2-3 years, but it got stereo speakers (Redmi 11 had only one speaker), which improved the sound when watching video.

Compare the key parameters in the table:

If you choose between Redmi 12 and Redmi Note 12, consider that the second model has a different model. AMOLED-The screen and the more powerful processor, but it costs 30-40% more.Redmi 12 wins in price-performance ratio, especially if you don't need it. 5G premium display.

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The main difference between the Redmi 12 and the Redmi 11 is the 90-hertz screen and the 50-MP camera. G88 Snapdragon 680 loses out on Redmi 11 in energy efficiency.

Versions and modifications of Xiaomi Redmi 12: what are and what are different

Xiaomi Redmi 12Released in several modifications, which differ not only in memory size but also in hardware. This often causes confusion among buyers, especially when choosing between global and regional versions. Let's break down the main options:

• 🌐 Global version (Redmi) 12 4G): Processor: MediaTek Helio G88; Memory: 4/128 GB, 6/128 GB 8/256 GB; NFC: Colors: Midnight Black, Sky Blue, Polar Silver.
• 🇮🇳 Indian version (Redmi) 12 5G): Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (support 5G!); Memory: 4/128 GB 6/128 GB; NFC: Colors missing; Jade Black, Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (Redmi) 12): Processor: MediaTek Helio G88 (as global); Memory: before 8/256 GB; NFC: missing; firmware: MIUI China (without Google services).

It's important: 5G-version (Redmi 12) 5G) It's only available in India and some Asian countries. 4G-If you're offered Redmi 12 5G" In a local store, it is either a fake or a “gray” import with the risk of warranty problems.

There are also regional frequency restrictions:

• The global version supports LTE Band 20 (800 MHz) - important for coverage in Europe.
• The Chinese version may not work with some local operators due to the lack of ranges.

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Before buying, check your carrier’s frequency support on the FrequencyCheck website. Enter the Redmi 12 model and select your country.

How do you know which version you have in your hands?

1. Look at the sticker under the battery: global devices are labeled EEA (Europe) or GLOBAL.
2. In settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI) The global firmware will be designated as MIUI Global.
3. Run the #4636### test and check supported networks: if you have any NR (5G), It's the Indian version.

How to buy the original Xiaomi Redmi 12 in 2026

In 2026, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is still available for purchase, but be careful: there are many “gray” devices and fakes on the market.

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store (global site); Official dealers in your country (list on Xiaomi website); Major retailers: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Wildberries (only from official sellers).
• 🌍 International sites: AliExpress (select sellers with a rating of 98%+ and marked "Official Store"; Amazon (check reviews and certificates).
• ⚠️ What to avoid: Ads on Avito/Yula with a price 30% lower than the market; Stores without checks and warranty coupons; Devices with "European firmware", but without NFC (It's the Chinese version).

The average price for the Redmi 12 in 2026:

• 4/128 GB: 12 000–15 000 ₽;
• 6/128 GB: 15 000–18 000 ₽;
• 8/256 GB: 18 000–22 000 ₽.

If the price is below 10,000 ₽ — It's either a fake or a used device with hidden defects. Pay attention to the warranty: official dealers give 12 months, and "gray" sellers are often limited to 3-6 months.

⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, check with the seller what firmware is installed. Chinese versions without Google services (MIUI China is difficult to cross over to the global MIUI Global without risk of blocking the device.

Updates and support for Xiaomi Redmi 12: whether it is relevant to buy in 2026

One of the key questions when buying a smartphone is how many years it will receive updates. Xiaomi Redmi 12 was released in 2023, and according to the company's policy, it should be supported until:

• 📅 Security Updates: Until June 2026 (3 years from release date);
• 🔄 Major updates MIUI: before MIUI 16 (expected in 2026-2026);
• 🚫 Android: Most likely to stay on Android 13 (which came out with), as budget models rarely get upgraded versions of Android.

At the time of 2026, Redmi 12 is currently in operation. MIUI 14 (based on Android 13).The last update came out in March 2026 and included:

• Security Corrections of February 2026;
• Optimization of energy consumption;
• New wallpaper and animations.

Should you buy a Redmi 12 in 2026? The answer depends on your needs.

If you want a smartphone for social media, for phone calls, for easy gaming, the Redmi 12 is a great choice. 5G, AMOLED Or a powerful processor, consider the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5.

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The Redmi 12 will receive security updates until 2026, but it's unlikely it will upgrade to Android 14.For long-term use, it's best to consider the Note series models.

Xiaomi Redmi 12 Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them

Like any budget smartphone, the Redmi 12 has a number of common issues to be aware of in advance, most of which are software optimization or hardware features:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Helio processor G88 To extend the running time: Turn off 90 Hz in the screen settings (Settings) → Display. → Update frequency; Activate Battery mode in Settings → Battery; Limit background activity of applications.
• 📱 Overheating while charging: This is normal for Helio G88, If the phone is heated to >45°C, check: Are you using the original power supply; Are you using a case while charging; Are there any background processes (e.g. updates).
• 📶 Weak signal: In some regions, users complain about problems with the Internet LTE. Solutions: Update the firmware to the latest version; Manually select the operator network in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks; check if your carrier supports Band 20 (800 MHz).

Another common complaint is that the camera is slow in the dark, and the fact is that despite the 50 MP sensor, the aperture is only f/1.8, which is not enough for good night shots. To improve quality:

• Use Night Mode (hold the shutter button for 2–3 seconds);
• Install Google Camera (GCam) with settings for Helio G88;
• Avoid digital zoom — it heavily degrades quality.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the firmware phone began to slow down strongly, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Restore and reset) Pre-save the data, as all files will be deleted!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Redmi 12