The question of when exactly the Xiaomi Redmi 12 will be available for sale worries thousands of potential buyers who are looking for a balance between price and functionality. The official presentation of the device has already taken place on the global market, which allowed experts to study the specifications of the new product in detail.
Many expected the device to be a direct successor to the popular eleventh series, but the company’s engineers decided to change the approach to positioning, the release date in different regions varied significantly, creating confusion among consumers, while in some countries in Asia and Europe the smartphone could be purchased in the summer, in other markets, its appearance was delayed until the fall.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the chronology of releases, the current state of supply and the technical features that make this device interesting. You do not have to wonder whether you should wait for official delivery or better pay attention to parallel imports.
Chronology of global and Russian release
The world premiere of the Redmi 12 smartphone took place on June 15, 2023, when Xiaomi introduced the device at an international event, which marked the beginning of a gradual saturation of the markets with new devices of the budget and mid-size segment, in the first weeks after the announcement of sales began in Europe and Southeast Asia, where the distribution network of the brand is most developed.
For Russia, the situation was different because of the changed logistics conditions: official deliveries began later, around August-September 2023, when major retailers were able to build up their first warehouses. It is important to understand that the official start of sales is often different from the first single copies in small stores.
⚠️ Note: When buying a device in the period immediately after the global announcement, there is a high risk of encountering inflated prices of resellers who are not related to official dealers.
The smartphone is currently in short supply and available on most retailers, but versions with specific memory combinations may be missing from shelves due to high demand or customs clearance.
Key technical characteristics of the novelty
The device has a new design and more powerful hardware than its predecessors, and the platform is based on the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, which has proven to be a reliable solution for everyday tasks, which ensures stable interface operation and allows you to run popular mobile applications without significant delays.
The developers paid special attention to the screen, installing a matrix with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. This provides a smoother scrolling of pages and animations, which is rare in this price segment.
- 📱 Display: IPS LCD, 6.79 inches, 1080 x 2460 pixels.
- 🚀 Processor: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55).
- 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh with fast charging support of 18W.
- 📸 Camera: 50 MP core module, macro 2 MP, depth sensor.
RAM ranges from 4GB to 8GB in the top versions, with 128GB to 256GB of internal storage, the de facto standard for today’s mid-range smartphones, and storage expansion is possible thanks to the microSD card slot.
Details of the Helio G88 processor
Body design and ergonomics
The look of the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has undergone significant changes, getting a glass back even in budget versions.This is a rare phenomenon for a segment where plastic usually dominates.The use of Gorilla Glass 3 not only improves the tactile sensation, but also increases scratch resistance in everyday use.
The dimensions of the device are quite large because of the large screen, but the weight of 209 grams feels quite comfortable in the hand. Engineers managed to correctly distribute the mass, so the smartphone does not try to slip out. The camera block is made in the form of a large island that visually echoes the flagship models of the company.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comparison with Redmi 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Back panel material | Glass. | Plastic. |
| Moisture protection | IP53 | IP53 |
| Headphone jack | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| IR port | There is. | There is. |
The color scheme includes classic black, silver and brighter blue options. The surface of the glass has a matte texture, which prevents the appearance of fingerprints, which often spoil the appearance of glossy devices. Control buttons have a clear stroke and a pleasant tactile response.
Camera and quality of shooting
The 50MP core camera module was the model’s main bargaining chip against competitors. Image processing algorithms were improved to improve daylight detail. Night mode also improved night shooting, although it’s not worth waiting for miracles in extremely low light.
The 8MP front camera is designed primarily for video calls and social media, and it does its job adequately by providing acceptable face quality. It can record video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second, which is software-based stabilization.
⚠️ Note: Macro camera and depth sensor are more decorative in nature and do not count on them as the main tools for photography.
The camera interface offers a variety of modes, including blurred portrait mode and panoramic photography. For tersedia video bloggers, slow motion, albeit with resolution restrictions, the overall quality of the photo can be described as above average for its price range.
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For the best night shots, use a tripod or wrap your phone around a stationary object, as nighttime shooting algorithms require immobility for a few seconds.
Productivity and gaming opportunities
The Helio G88 chipset provides a confident experience in social networks, instant messengers and the browser. Apps open quickly, and multitasking allows you to keep several tabs open without fully restarting. However, when heavy applications work simultaneously, there can be small delays, which is the norm for this architecture.
In games, the smartphone shows itself as an entry-level device. Projects like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile are launched and running, but the graphics settings will have to be set to a minimum or average values to achieve a comfortable FPS. Heating the case during long gaming sessions is present, but does not go into the critical phase of trolling.
- 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Smooth graphics, low FPS (near 30-40).
- 🏎️ Asphalt 9: Medium settings, rare twitching possible.
- 🧩 Candy Crush Saga: Maximum settings, no problem.
- 🌐 Web surfing: Quick loading of heavy pages.
It uses a passive system with graphite pads to cool it down, which is enough for everyday use, but avid gamers may need external coolers for long tournament matches. RAM like LPDDR4X provides sufficient data exchange speed.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Autonomy and charging speed
Capacity battery 5000 mAh is the standard that allows the smartphone to hold on for two days with moderate use. 7-8 It's a full-time, full-time processor, and it's a key part of this.
Support for fast charging with 18 watts allows you to replenish energy relatively quickly, although it is not a record against competitors with 33 watts or 67 watts. Full charging takes about 2 hours, which is worth considering when planning connection times to the grid.
It is important to note the presence of a USB Type-C connector, which is convenient for its symmetry. In the package you can often find a protective case and cable, but the power supply may be absent depending on the region of sale, so this point should be checked with the seller.
⚠️ The use of non-original chargers of questionable quality can lead to battery degradation and a decrease in its real capacity after a year of use.
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Redmi 12’s autonomy is one of its strongest features, providing a comfortable experience without having to carry a power bank.
Cost and outcome
At the time of its release, the price of the smartphone was positioned as very attractive for devices with such characteristics. Over time, the price inevitably decreases, making the purchase even more profitable.
Comparing the Redmi 12 to its competitors, it offers the best screen and body materials for its price, but the lack of ultra-fast charging and the presence of a processor that is no longer new can be downsides for demanding users.
If you're looking for a reliable device for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate media use, this is a great choice, but if you want a gaming machine or want to take professional photos, it's worth considering higher-end models, such as the Redmi Note series.