Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro was one of the most anticipated devices of 2023 — and for good reason. This model replaced the popular Redmi Note 11 Pro, offering users an improved camera, a more powerful processor and a premium design. But when exactly did the Redmi Note 12 Pro come to market, and what changes did this release bring? If you are planning to buy or just interested in the history of the line, this article will help you understand all the details.
Xiaomi release dates are often the subject of speculation, with some sources citing previews, others citing actual sales in different regions, and we’ve compiled official information on releases in China, India, Europe and Russia, and analyzed how prices have changed since its debut, and you’ll also learn what key innovations have appeared in the Redmi Note 12 Pro compared to its predecessor and whether it’s worth overpaying for this model today.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Release Date in the World
The first announcement of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro took place on October 27, 2022 at the presentation in China, but it was only a global premiere - actual sales in different countries started later.
- 📅 October 27, 2022 – official announcement in China (model for the domestic market).
- 🌏 January 5, 2023 – Global Presentation (version for the international market, including India and Europe)
- 🇷🇺 February 2023 — the beginning of sales in Russia through official distributors and partners Xiaomi.
- 🛒 March 2023 – the appearance of the smartphone in most online stores (including Wildberries, Ozon, Svyaznoy).
Importantly, there are differences between the Chinese and global versions, such as in China, the smartphone was sold with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, and for the rest of the world, a version with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G was prepared (in some regions), which affected performance and price.
Fun fact: The Redmi Note 12 Pro is the first in the lineup to receive IP53 certification (dust and splash protection), which is not fully waterproof, but a step forward from previous generations, where there was no protection at all.
What’s new in the Redmi Note 12 Pro?
Compared to the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the new model has received several significant improvements.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) / Snapdragon 732G (regionally) | Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) |
| Screen. | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2400×1080, Dolby Vision | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 2400×1080 |
| Main camera. | 50 MP (Sony IMX766) + 8 MP (ultrashiro) + 2 MP (macro) | 108 MP (Samsung HM2) + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, fast charging 67 W | 5000 mAh, fast charging 67 W |
| Protection | IP53 (dust/spray) | No certification |
At first glance, the camera in the Redmi Note 12 Pro is losing to its predecessor in megapixels (50 MP vs 108 MP). However, in practice, the Sony sensor IMX766 shows better detail in low light conditions thanks to large pixels (1.0µm vs. 0.7µm from Samsung HM2).
Another key difference is the processor. MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is built on a 6nm process and shows 20-30% better performance in games and multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 695. However, in some regions (for example, in India) sold a version with the Snapdragon 732G, which caused confusion among buyers.
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Before buying, check the processor model in the store's specifications! Outwardly, smartphones with Dimensity 1080 and Snapdragon 732G are not different, but the performance will be different.
Price comparison: how much did the Redmi Note 12 Pro cost when it was released and now
Price is one of the key factors when choosing a smartphone. Let’s take a look at how the cost of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro has changed since its release:
- 💰 China (October 2022): from 1 999 yuan (~18 000 ₽ at the time) for the 6/128 GB version.
- 💰 India (January 2023): from 24 999 rupees (~22 000 ₽) for 6/128 GB.
- 💰 Russia (February 2023): from 29 990 ₽ for 8/128 GB (official dealers).
- 💰 2026: Prices fell to 18,000-22,000 ₽ depending on the store and the configuration.
For comparison, the Redmi Note 11 Pro, when released in 2022, cost about 25,000 ₽ in Russia for the same configuration. Thus, the Note 12 Pro was originally more expensive by 20%, but today the difference is almost offset by discounts.
Where to buy Redmi Note 12 Pro in 2026?
- 🛒 Wildberries/Ozon: There are often sales (up to -30%), but check with the seller (better to take from official partners of Xiaomi).
- 🌐 AliExpress: prices are lower by 10-15%, but the risk of running into “gray” imports with Chinese firmware.
- 🏬 Svyaznoy/M.Video: official warranty, but there are rarely discounts.
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If you are interested in an official warranty, buy in trusted stores (Svyaznoy, M. Video). For savings, you can consider AliExpress, but be prepared for possible firmware problems.
Differences between Redmi Note 12 Pro and other models of the line
In 2023, Xiaomi released a series of Redmi Note 12, including the Note 12, Note 12 Pro, Note 12 Pro+ and Note 12 Explorer Edition.
| Model | Processor | Camera. | Screen. | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP | 6.67" AMOLED, 120 Hz | ~15 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro | Dimensity 1080 / Snapdragon 732G | 50 MP (IMX766) + 8 MP + 2 MP | 6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision | ~18 000–22 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Dimensity 1080 | 200 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP | 6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision | ~25 000–30 000 ₽ |
The main advantages of the Note 12 Pro over the base model:
- 🔥 More powerful processor (Dimensity 1080 vs Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- 📸 Best main sensor (Sony IMX766 vs. 48 MP in the base version).
- 🎮 Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for screen.
But the Note 12 Pro+ is only a 200-megapixel camera, but is otherwise identical to the Pro version. Unless you need super-detailed photos, overpaying for the Pro+ makes no sense.
Why was Redmi Note 12 Pro sold in some countries with Snapdragon 732G?
Should I buy the Redmi Note 12 Pro in 2026?
It's been a year since it was released -- is the Redmi Note 12 Pro relevant today? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying in 2026.
Arguments FOR:
- ✅ The excellent AMOLED- 120Hz screen and Dolby Vision is one of the best in its segment.
- ✅ Sony’s IMX766 camera will do better night shooting than many of its competitors (e.g. Samsung Galaxy A53).
- ✅ Prices have dropped 30-40% since launch – now one of the most profitable mid-range flagships.
- ✅ A quick 67W charge fills the battery in 45 minutes.
Arguments against:
- ❌ There is no official support for 5G in the Russian version (due to sanctions).
- ❌ MIUI 14 is already getting outdated on Android 13, and updates to Android 15 are unlikely.
- ❌ Competitors (e.g. Poco X5 Pro or Realme 10 Pro+) offer similar specs for less money.
If you want a balanced smartphone with a good screen and camera, the Redmi Note 12 Pro remains a great choice, but if the priority is long-term support for updates or 5G, it’s worth considering alternatives.
Refining the processor version (Dimensity 1080 is preferred)
Check the availability of official guarantees in Russia
Compare prices in 3-4 stores (the difference can reach 5,000 ₽)
Pay attention to the complete set (in some stores there is no charging in the box)-->
Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro cheaper: proven ways
Prices for the Redmi Note 12 Pro vary greatly depending on the store, trim and region. Here are some proven ways to save money:
1. Official sales
- 🛍️ Wildberries and Ozon regularly offer discounts of up to -30% (e.g. during Black Friday or 11.11).
- 📅 Watch out for the shares in the Svyaznoy and M. Video - sometimes give a discount when exchanging an old smartphone.
2.Buying with AliExpress
- 🌍 Prices are 10-15% lower than in Russia, but there are risks:
- ⚠️ Chinese firmware is possible (without Google Play).
- ⚠️ There is no official guarantee in Russia.
- 💡 Tip: Look for sellers with ratings above 98% and reviews in Russian.
3.B/w market
- 🔄 On Avito or Yule, you can find a device in perfect condition for 12,000-15,000 ₽.
- ⚠️ Warning: Check IMEI on imei.info – the smartphone should not be blacklisted.
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If you buy from AliExpress, you can write in the comment to the order: "Global Version with Google Play", which will increase the chances of getting a smartphone with European firmware.
Frequent problems and how to avoid them
Despite the positive reviews, the Redmi Note 12 Pro has a few typical issues to be aware of in advance.
1. Overheating when charging
Some users complain that the smartphone heats up when charging fast, due to the high power (67 watts).
- 🔌 Use the original power supply.
- ❄️ Charge in a ventilated place (not in the sun or under a blanket).
2 Problems with MIUI
MIUI 14 firmware sometimes slows down or gives out errors.
- 🔄 Update to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- 🧹 Reset cache: Settings → Memory → Clear cache.
3.There is no 5G in Russia
In the Russian version of the Redmi Note 12 Pro, the 5G module is software disabled due to sanctions, and you can only bypass this restriction by flashing it to a global version, but this will deprive you of warranty.
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If 5G is critical to you, consider the alternatives: Poco X5 Pro 5G or Realme 10 Pro+ 5G – they officially support Russian networks.