Xiaomi Redmi 12 screen: a full technical analysis of the display 2023

Why is the Redmi 12 screen so much of a question?

Xiaomi Redmi 12, released in 2023, has become one of the most talked-about budget devices due to the combination of modern hardware and affordable price. However, it is the device’s screen that causes the most controversy: the manufacturer positions it as “premium for its segment”, but in practice users note both pros and obvious trade-offs. In this article, we will analyze the unique features of the Redmi 12 display, which are not advertised in the official specifications – from the real refresh rate to hidden color reproduction settings.

If you choose between Redmi 12 and its predecessor, Redmi. 11, Or you may be wondering if you should pay more for the Redmi Note. 12 For the sake of the screen, you'll find an objective comparison here. We'll look at more than just the dry characteristics. 1080×2460, diagonal 6.79"), But also the actual display behavior in games, when viewed HDR-And we'll also open it up in the sun. 5 Little-known facts that Xiaomi does not mention in advertising.

1. Type of matrix: IPS or AMOLED? Myth-exposing

The most common question about Redmi 12 is what type of screen is used in the model. Xiaomi officially claims IPS LCD with DotDisplay technology, but the persistent misconception is that in some regions sold version with AMOLED. It is a lie: all versions of Redmi 12 (including the global version 23066RN4BY) are equipped exclusively with IPS-matrix from the supplier BOE.

Why does the screen look brighter than the Redmi 11? It's about the improved lighting: it uses a 12-bit brightness modulation system (versus the 8-bit one of its predecessor), which allows you to adjust the gray levels more accurately. However, in contrast, the IPS loses AMOLED at 1000:1 vs. 1,000,000:1. But IPS has advantages:

• 🔹 No pixel burnout effect (relevant for static interface elements)
• 🔹 More natural color reproduction “out of the box” (without a greenish hue, as in cheap ones) AMOLED)
• 🔹 Below is power consumption at average brightness (important for autonomy)

For objectivity, in the dark, black on IPS looks gray, not deep like AMOLED. If you watch movies often at night, this can be critical. Otherwise, the difference is not as noticeable, especially in daylight.

⚠️ Note: In the network there are “reviews”, where the authors claim that the Redmi 12 received a new version of the game. AMOLED This is a mistake: confused with the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+, where it is actually used OLED. Redmi 12 is always in the game. IPS, region-by-country.

2.Pixel resolution and density: will Full HD+ be enough in 2023?

Xiaomi Redmi 12 got a display with a resolution of 1080×2460 pixels (an aspect ratio of 20.6:9) and a density of 396 PPI. On paper, this is the standard for the budget segment, but let’s see if this is enough in practice:

• 📱 Text and icons look clear even when viewed closely (distance to the eyes). ~The pixelation is only noticeable when enlarged through a magnifying glass.
• 🎮 Games: Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile with Full resolution HD+ There is no “soap” effect, but the detail is inferior to the flagships with the 2K/4K.
• 📺 Video: YouTube and Netflix on 1080p They are not reproducing artifacts, but HDR-Content is limited due to lack of Dolby Vision certification.

For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro density 446 PPI (permit 1080×2400 diagonally 6.67"), But the difference is only visible when you compare it directly. 12 yield.

The conclusion: 396 PPI is the optimal balance for a budget smartphone. Pixelization is not striking, and the performance of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is enough to push Full HD+ without lags. The only downside is the lack of support for WQHD+ (like the Redmi K60), but in this segment it is uncritical.

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The resolution of 1080×2460 and the density of 396 PPI are enough for comfortable viewing of content, games and work with text without noticeable pixelation.

3. Update frequency: 90 Hz or 120 Hz? Solving the cheat

Officially, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 is equipped with a 90Hz refresh rate screen, but in the display settings there is an option called Adaptive Frequency, which automatically switches between 60Hz and 90Hz depending on the content, and here lies the marketing trick:

• 🔄 In most applications (messengers, browser) the screen runs at 60 Hz to save charge.
• 🎮 In games, the frequency is fixed at 90 Hz, but only if the game maintains this frequency (for example, the frequency is fixed at the same time, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
• 📱 When scrolling through social media feeds or menus MIUI frequency rises to 90 Hz, but with a delay ~1 second.

Importantly, there is no 120Hz mode, despite the rumors, a maximum of 90Hz, and not constant. For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers 120Hz with adaptive tweaking, but it costs 30-40% more.

How to turn on a forced 90 Hz?

1. Go to Settings → Display.
2. Select “Screen Update Frequency”.
3. Turn off Adaptive Frequency and set 90 Hz.

⚠️ Attention: Forced 90 Hz mode increases battery consumption by ~15-20% If autonomy is critical, leave adaptive mode.

Install the Display Tester app from Google Play|

Open the Refresh Rate test |

Scroll up and down - the frequency should change from 60 to 90 Hz |

Compare it to other smartphones (for example, the Redmi Note 12 will show 120 Hz)

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4.Brightness and visibility in the sun: tests and secret settings

The Redmi 12’s maximum screen brightness is 550 nits in manual mode and up to 650 nits in automatic (in bright light), which is an average for a budgetary, but there are nuances:

• ☀️ In the direct sun, the screen reads, but the colors dim. For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro produces 900 nits.
• 🌑 In a dark room, the minimum brightness (2 nits) is comfortable for the eyes, but AMOLED-screens can be lowered to 1 nit.
• 🔦 Turning on Read Mode (in display settings) increases text contrast by 15%.

Secret feature: if the screen seems dim, check the Color Profile setting. The default is "saturated," but for sunny weather, you'd better choose "Standard" - it increases visible brightness by reducing saturation.

To improve visibility on the street:

1. Activate Adaptive Brightness in the settings.
2. Turn on “Mode on the street” (in the notification curtain).
3. Use dark wallpaper - it reduces glare.

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If the screen is still dim, check if the power saving mode is on, which limits brightness to 50% even when manually adjusted.

5. Color rendering and calibration: how to adjust the screen to yourself

By default, Redmi 12 uses a color profile called "Saturated," which overstates contrast and heat. Not everyone likes this, but there are 3 alternatives in the settings:

• 🎨 «Standard: The most natural, close to sRGB.
• 🌈 «Saturated" - bright colors, but unrealistic (skin looks reddish).
• 📱 «Automatic – adapts to content (for example, for photos uses sRGB, for games – extended range).

For precise calibration:

1. Download the Display Calibration app.
2. Choose the color balance test.
3. Adjust the Temperature and Saturation sliders in the MIUI settings.

Fun fact: Redmi 12 has a hidden DC Dimming mode, but it's turned off by default.

1. Enter the combination in the Phone app: ##3624###.
2. Choose «DC Dimming» → «Turn on».
3. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Inclusion DC Dimming can cause a slight yellowing of the screen at low brightness. If it's annoying, return the settings back.

Comparison with competitors: Redmi 11, Note 12 and POCO X5

To see how good the Redmi 12 screen is, let’s compare it to Xiaomi’s closest competitors:

Conclusions:

• 💰 Redmi 12 beats Redmi 11 in brightness and smoothness, but loses Note 12 and POCO X5 contrast and support HDR.
• 🎯 If it matters AMOLED High frequency – take the Redmi Note 12 (but be prepared to pay too much).
• 🔋 Maximum autonomy of the Redmi 12S IPS It is better, it consumes less battery.

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Redmi 12 offers the best IPS-The screen is in its segment, but if the budget allows, the Redmi Note 12 with AMOLED 120Hz will be much more comfortable for gaming and multimedia.

7. Frequent screen problems and how to fix them

Despite the advantages, the Redmi 12 display has typical “diseases” that Xiaomi is silent about:

• 🔴 Yellow at low brightness: the fault of the algorithm DC Dimming. Solution - disable it (see Section 5).
• 🖥️ Scroll artifacts (strips, twitches): caused by adaptive frequency. Switch to fixed 60 Hz or 90 Hz.
• ☀️ Low visibility in the sun: use the “On the street” mode and dark themes.
• 🎨 Uneven backlight (lights on the edges): defective matrix!

If the screen starts to flicker or spontaneously change brightness:

1. Check if you have installed third-party software to control the display (e.g. Lux Auto Brightness).
2. Reset settings through Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset display settings.
3. Update the firmware: Early versions of MIUI 14 had a bug with adaptive brightness.

⚠️ Warning: If colored stripes or black spots appear on the screen after a fall, this is a physical damage to the matrix. Self-repair will not help: you need to replace the display module (cost) ~5 000 ₽).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions