Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: the year of release, version and how not to make a mistake when buying

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has become one of the most popular mid-range devices due to its balance of price, performance and design. However, many users still confuse the release dates of this model, especially given the many modifications (Pro, Pro+, 5G, 4G) and regional versions. In this article, we will understand what year the original Redmi Note 12 was released, how to distinguish it from newer or older models, and what to look for when buying a used device.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi often updates its lineups with similarly named models months apart. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ didn't come out simultaneously, but with 2-3 months apart. This creates confusion, especially if you're looking for information on a particular modification. We've compiled official data, comparison tables and practical tips so you can pinpoint the year your device was released -- or the one you're planning to buy.

The official release year of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: the chronology of events

The base model Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 was announced on October 27, 2022 at the presentation in China, but the global release took place later in January 2023. This difference in dates is often misleading: some sellers indicate in the descriptions of 2022, others 2023. In fact, both may be true, but it depends on the region:

• 📅 27.10.2022 – premiere in China (models for the domestic market: Redmi Note 12 Discovery Edition, Redmi Note 12 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🌍 05.01.2023 — Global announcement (models for Europe, India, Russia: Redmi Note) 12 4G/5G, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G).
• 📦 February–March 2023 – the beginning of mass sales in most countries.

So if you see the year 2022 in product specs, it's probably the Chinese version and 2023 is the global version, which is important to consider when buying a used device, since Chinese versions may have different frequency bands for 4G/5G networks and may not support some interface languages.

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

If you already own a smartphone or are considering buying a used one, there are a few ways to know the exact year of production:

1. Serial number (S/N) check: Find the serial number on the box or in the phone settings (Settings → Phone → General information) and the first digits of the code often indicate the date of production. For example, 2209... means September 2022, and 2301... January 2023.
2. Analyze the model in settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → Model. If the name has CN (China), IN (India) or Global suffixes in it, this will help determine the region and, accordingly, the approximate year of release.
3. IMEI Check. Sites like IMEI.info or SNDeeP let you enter IMEI (see Settings → About Phone → SIM Status) and get the date of activation of the device.

⚠️ Warning: If a seller claims that a smartphone is released in 2026 or later, this is a clear sign of fraud.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 ceased to be produced in 2023, and replaced by the Redmi Note 13 line.

Redmi Note 12 Version Comparison: What Models Are There

The Redmi Note 12 lineup includes several modifications that have been released at different times, and below is a table with key differences:

Note that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Discovery Edition were released earlier than the base model, but were only available in the Chinese market. Global versions appeared later - this is important to consider when buying, as Chinese versions may not support some 5G frequencies in Europe or Russia.

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The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with a 200MP camera came out in October 2022, but the global version didn't arrive until March 2023.This explains the difference in the dates on the boxes.

What is the difference between the Chinese and global versions: what to look for

If you are buying the Redmi Note 12 from hand or on foreign platforms (such as AliExpress), it is important to understand the key differences between the versions:

• 📡 Networking Support: Chinese Models (CN) often do not support ranges 4G/5G, used in Russia or Europe, for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (CN) will not catch some frequencies n78 or n28, Which leads to a bad connection.
• 🗣️ Language and firmware: Global versions have MIUI It's Russian-enabled, whereas Chinese-only Chinese and English, and you can reflash the device, but it's not guaranteed.
• 🔋 Charging: In some regions (e.g. India), the Redmi Note 12 was sold with 33W charging instead of 67W in the global version.
• 📦 Package: The Chinese version may not have a power adapter (according to local laws) or it will be designed to be powered by a power adapter. 220V, not European 230V.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and other platforms often sell "global" versions for Chinese prices, but in fact they are re-stitched devices. → The phone. → Version. MIUI). If it's written MIUI CN, And the seller claims it's a global version -- you're cheating.

Where and how to buy the original Redmi Note 12 in 2026

Since the Redmi Note 13 was released in early 2026, the Note 12 has been a no-brainer of the lineup, but remains a hot choice thanks to lower prices.

• 🏬 Official stores: In Russia, it is mi.com, Mi Store, as well as authorized resellers like Svyaznoy or M. Video. Here guaranteed to sell global versions with Russian and local guarantee.
• 🌍 International sites: On Amazon (sellers with a rating of 95%+) or AliExpress (Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store) you can find original devices, but check the reviews and rating of the seller.
• 🔄 Used market: On Avito or Yula, look for sellers with a high rating and ask for a photo of the box, IMEI Avoid sentences that say "brought from China" or "without a box".

The average price of the Redmi Note 12 in 2026:

• 🆕 New (global version): 18,000–22,000 ₽ (memory-dependent).
• 🔄 B/u (as new state): 12,000–16,000 ₽.
• ⚠️ Counterfeit/rebrand: 8,000–12,000 ₽ (often pass off as original).

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Before buying a used phone, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings → About phone menu and send it to you, so you can check the model, serial number and version of MIUI.

Redmi Note 12: what users complain about

Despite its popularity, the Redmi Note 12 has a few common drawbacks to be aware of before buying:

1. Overheating when charging. Many users note that the phone heats up when charging fast (especially on models with 67 watts). This is not a defect, but a feature of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Dimensity 1080 processors. Solution: use the original adapter and avoid playing while charging.
2. Weak vibrator. In the base version of the Redmi Note 12 4G/5G, the vibration at notifications is barely noticeable. In the Pro versions, the engine is more powerful, but still inferior to flagships like the Xiaomi 13.
3. MIUI issues. Some users are facing lags after MIUI 14 updates.Solution: Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset) or roll back to MIUI 13 via the official website.
4. The 200MP camera in Pro+. Despite its high resolution, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ camera loses to flagships in low light conditions. For the best photos, it is recommended to use Night Mode mode or third-party applications like GCam.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ For a 200MP camera, consider that the real quality of the photo depends on the processing of the software. In standard mode, the images are saved in a resolution of 12.5 MP (pixel binning), and the full 200 MP is only available in manual mode (Pro Mode).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the Redmi Note 12