Many users choosing a budget segment of smartphones, often wonder about the exact date of the appearance of the model of interest to them on the market. Xiaomi Redmi 12 has become one of the most anticipated devices of the middle class, since its predecessor has established itself as a reliable “people’s” device. Understanding the exit chronology helps not only to assess the relevance of the gadget, but also to predict the timing of future updates to the operating system.
The official launch of the device took place in early summer 2023, bringing the series to a new level of design and performance, and unlike previous generations, the company has relied on a glass rear panel and a more powerful processor, which was a significant step forward for the lineup.
Importantly, the global version and the Chinese version may have slight differences in frequency support and delivery kit, which is why the Redmi 12 could be released in different countries with a slight delay relative to the Chinese announcement. Below we will discuss in detail the timeline and technical nuances that you should know before buying.
Chronology of the exit and regional features
The initial announcement of the Xiaomi Redmi 12 took place in China on June 15, 2023, which is considered the official birthday of the model, but the entry into the international market, including Europe and the CIS, took a little longer.
In Russia and the CIS, sales began in late summer 2023, a delay of weeks or even months typical of large electronics chains, with consumers able to purchase the product both in official retail chains and through marketplaces, where the device quickly gained popularity due to aggressive pricing policies.
It's worth considering that colored body variations often go on sale in waves, for example, Redmi 12's black and silver were available immediately, while brighter options like blue or green might have arrived in stores later, a classic marketing strategy that keeps the product interesting for a long time.
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When buying, pay attention to the box labeling: models for the global market (Global Version) have support for all the necessary LTE frequencies and pre-installed Google service, unlike the Chinese versions.
Key technical characteristics of the device
The octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 chipset is a 12-nanometer processor that keeps the interface and most popular applications running smoothly, and while it's not a flagship solution, it's powerful enough for everyday tasks, especially when combined with an optimized MIUI shell.
The screen of the device deserves special attention. The diagonal is 6.79 inches, and the resolution of FullHD+ provides a high pixel density. The refresh rate of 90 Hz makes the scrolling of the feed on social networks and menus more smooth compared to the standard 60 Hz, which significantly improves the user experience when interacting with content.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Helio G88 | 8 cores, up to 2.0 GHz |
| Screen. | 6.79" IPS LCD | 90 Hz, 2400×1080 |
| Memory (RAM/ROM) | 4/8/12 GB + 128/256 GB | Support for microSD card support |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | Charging 18 watts. |
| Camera (main) | 50 MP | Triple module |
The 50MP main camera module is particularly noteworthy, with high-speed optics and the ability to take detailed images in daylight, and the Redmi 12’s image processing algorithms have been improved over previous models in the series, especially in nighttime shooting.
Body design and ergonomics
The look of the Xiaomi Redmi 12 has undergone a major change, with engineers moving away from the all-plastic body in favor of a matte-plated glass back panel, not only (improving visual perception), but also making the phone less susceptible to fingerprints, although slipping in the hand is still possible without a case.
The camera block is a circular island, which is the new design language for the brand, and the arrangement of the controls is still classic: the volume and switch buttons are on the right side. SIM-MicroSD and maps are located at the bottom, next to the port. USB Type-C and the main dynamics.
Hidden features of design
The dimensions of the smartphone are quite impressive because of the large screen. The width of the case allows you to comfortably use the device with one hand, but controlling the top of the display can be difficult. The weight of 198.5 grams is felt, but it is distributed evenly, without creating discomfort during prolonged conversation or watching videos.
Productivity and gaming opportunities
As mentioned, the heart of the device is the Helio G88 chip, which performs on a budget-specific basis in synthetic tests; for social media, messengers, navigation and web surfing, there is plenty of performance; the system is responsive; and applications open quickly, especially when there is enough RAM.
As for games, the situation is ambiguous: Lightweight projects like Candy Crush or Among Us work without complaining about the maximum settings, but more demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile will require reducing graphical settings to a minimum to achieve playable frames per second.
- 🎮 Comfortable strategy and card games at high settings.
- 📉 In heavy 3D-shooters are likely to fall FPS hull heating.
- ⚡ Interface speed is stable even with multitasking.
The cooling system is a passive radiator. When you're under prolonged load, like an hour of play or 1080p video, the body can get warmer in the top third, which is a normal reaction for this class of device, but it can lead to a decrease in screen brightness or slowdown of the processor.
Autonomy and charging speed
One of the main advantages of the model is a battery capacity of 5000 mAh. In mixed use (calls, Internet, photos), the device can easily withstand a day and a half to two of operation. The energy-efficient screen and optimized processor contribute to this result, making the phone an excellent choice for those who rarely have the opportunity to recharge during the day.
Support for fast charging with 18W is more of a de facto standard for this segment than an advantage: Full capacity recovery takes about two hours. There may be a power supply in the package, depending on the region, but increasingly the company only completes devices with USB Type-C cable.
⚠️ Note: Using chargers above 18W will not speed up charging, as the power controller will limit current.Moreover, using poor-quality power supplies can lead to battery degradation.
To extend the battery life, it is recommended to avoid full discharge to zero and try to keep the charge in the range from 20% to 80%, if possible in your rhythm of life. GPS Bluetooth when you don’t need it.
Software and updates
At the time of release, the smartphone was running Android 13 with a proprietary shell MIUI 14. the Interface offers ample customization options, but contains built-in advertising in system applications, which, however, can be turned off in the settings. the stability of the firmware is estimated by users as high, with rare critical errors.
Xiaomi has traditionally provided security updates and major versions of Android for its Redmi series of devices. Redmi 12 is expected to receive one or two major operating system updates, which makes the device relevant from a software point of view for several years after release.
☑️ Check before buying a used Redmi 12
User experience is largely dependent on the version of MIUI. In global firmware, the interface is cleaner and more adapted to the Western user, while the Chinese versions may contain unnecessary pre-installed applications. When you first turn on, it is recommended to check for updates in the Settings → About Phone menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a Xiaomi Redmi 12 headphone jack 3.5 mm?
Does the smartphone support NFC?
Can I expand my memory in Redmi 12?
Is the screen protected from scratches?
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Redmi 12 is a balanced smartphone 2023 release, which offers a modern design and good autonomy, while remaining in the affordable price segment.