Xiaomi Redmi 12: year of release, official dates and history of the model

Xiaomi Redmi 12 is one of the most talked about budget devices of 2023, but many users still confuse it with its predecessor, Redmi 11. If you are planning to buy or just interested in the history of the line, it is important to know exactly in what year this model came out, what versions exist and how they differ. In this article, we will analyze not only the official release date, but also the nuances associated with regional versions, firmware updates and even typical errors in determining the year of release by serial number.

Why does it matter? Because the year of release of a smartphone directly affects the duration of support for updates, availability of parts and even market value. For example, the Redmi 12 of 2023 can cost 15-20% less than a similar model 2026 due to obsolescence, and knowing the exact date, you can avoid counterfeiting, because the market often gives the Redmi 11 for a new model, playing on the ignorance of customers.

We analyzed Xiaomi’s official announcements, certification authorities (such as FCC and TENAA), and first-time owners’ reviews to provide the most accurate information.

• 📅 Redmi 12 release date in Russia and the world
• 🌍 Regional versions and their features (Indian, global, Chinese)
• 🔄 Redmi 11: What has changed in the past year?
• ⚠️ Typical errors in determining the year of release by box or settings
• 📱 How to check the date of production of the device IMEI or serial number

Xiaomi Redmi 12 release year: exact dates

Xiaomi Redmi 12 was announced on June 15, 2023 at the company’s global event, but the launch date varied by region:

• 🇨🇳 China: Sales started on June 19, 2023 under the name Redmi 12 5G (The model with support for fifth generation networks).
• 🇮🇳 India: premiered on July 1, 2023, but only in the version with 4G (model 23049RA4BI).
• 🌍 Global market (including Russia): official deliveries started on July 15, 2023.

It is important to note that the Redmi 12 was the first smartphone in the lineup, which was released simultaneously in the 4G and 5G-In the past, Xiaomi’s budget models only supported fourth-generation networks, which explains the difference in release dates: 5G-The version requires additional certification in some countries.

If you see Redmi 12 on sale with a release date before June 2023, it’s either:

• ❌ Fake (often clones based on MediaTek Helio) G85)
• ❌ Redmi 11, re-branded as a new model
• ❌ Prototype or engineering design (very rarely available for sale)

⚠️ Note: In some online stores (e.g. AliExpress), sellers indicate the year of release as "2022/2023". This is a marketing ploy - the real date is never before June. 2023.

Redmi 12 vs Redmi 11: What has changed in the past year?

To see how much the Redmi 12 is ahead of its predecessor, we compare key features, including the screen, processor and camera.

The main innovation is the ultra-wide-angle camera module (8 MP), which was not in the Redmi 11. 5G-The version has a fast charging of 33 watts, which reduced the time of full charging from 2.5 to 1.5 hours. 4G-version (sold in Russia) charging remained at 18 W.

Another key difference is the display, which is bigger (6.79" vs. 6.5") and brighter (550 nits vs. 400 nits in Redmi 11), which is noticeable when used in the sun or in brightly lit areas.

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Redmi 12 5G is the first budget model Xiaomi with a processor on 4-nm process technology (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2), which gives +20% performance with less power consumption.

How to determine the year of release of your Redmi 12?

If you’ve already bought a smartphone or are considering a used one, it’s important to make sure the year of release is up to date. Here are 4 reliable ways to check:

1. Box: The original Xiaomi packaging always shows the month and year of production in MM/YYYY format on a barcode sticker. For example, 07/2023 means July 2023.
2. Po Po Po IMEI: Type *#06# and the 15-digit number will appear. IMEI. First 8 digits (TAC-The code will indicate the model and the year. TAC Starts with 8637 (2023).

By serial number.

Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Serial number

Format: M2304C3MXX, where M23 is a marker for 2023.

Firmware.

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

V14.0.4.0.TMUMIXM (2023-11-15)

⚠️ Note: If the serial number begins with M22 (for example, M2204C3MXX), This is the Redmi 11, not the 12th model.

Redmi 12 Regional Versions: What's the Difference?

Xiaomi releases Redmi 12 in three main modifications, which differ not only in support of networks, but also in configuration:

• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (23049RA4BC): Only 5G (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor without Google services (only) MIUI China) Support NFC UnionPay payments.
• 🇮🇳 Indian version (23049RA4BI): Only 4G (Helio G88). Optimized for local area networks (Jio, Airtel) and equipped with 18 watts (33 watts in China).
• 🌍 Global version (23049RA4BG): There and 4G, and 5G-Full support for Google Mobile Services (GMS). NFC It works with Google Pay.

Russia officially delivers a global 4G-version (23049RA4BG) helio-processor G88. 5G-model (23049RA4BC) It can only be purchased through “gray” imports, but it is not certified for Russian networks and may have problems with VoLTE.

How to distinguish the versions visually?

• On the Chinese model, the Redmi inscription on the back panel is made in gold.
• In Indian, there is no NFC logo on the box.
• On the global in the kit is a European charging plug (type C).

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If you are buying Redmi 12 in Russia, check the model by IMEI on imei.info. The global version should show as 23049RA4BG or 23049RA4BY (for the EEU market).

Update support: How many years will Xiaomi release updates?

Xiaomi has a clear policy of updating its smartphones, and the following rules apply to Redmi 12:

• 📱 Android Major Updates: 2 Years from Release Date (Till June 2026).
• 🔄 Security updates: 3 years (until June 2026).
• 📲 MIUI: 4 years (until 2027, but without a guarantee of new features).

At the time of writing (2026), Redmi 12 has received the following updates:

• Android 13 (out of the box) → Android 14 (update released in December 2023).
• MIUI 14 → MIUI 15 (expected in Q3 2026)

How to check the relevance of the firmware?

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Compare the version with the latest data on the official MIUI website.

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi 12 still runs Android 12, it's either a fake or a custom firmware device.The original model came only with Android 13.

Common mistakes when buying Redmi 12: what to look for?

When buying Redmi 12 (especially used or through marketplaces), users often face the following problems:

1. Remarked Redmi 11: The seller gives Redmi 11 for the 12th model, changing the stickers. How to check: compare the serial number (starts with the M23 of the 12th model and the M22 of the 11th).
2. Inconsistency of version: For example, selling Indian 4G-The consequences: no Russian, problems with the 4G Russia.
3. Fake firmware: The device can be stitched with custom MIUI with remote Google services. How to check: Settings → The phone must be marked MIUI Global.

Incorrect year of release

• The box says 2023, but IMEI shows that the phone is released in 2026.
• Reason: repackaging of residues or "refreshing" of old stock.

To avoid cheating, always ask the seller:

• 📸 Photo of the box with the date of production.
• 📱 Screenshot from Settings → About the phone with serial number and version MIUI.
• 🔍 Checking. IMEI at imei.info.

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When buying from hand, ask the seller to make a video call and show all the cameras, sensors and fingerprint scanners working. Counterfeits often have a broken ultra-wide module, or NFC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi release date 12