Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but the question of frames per second (FPS) is often left unanswered. Users want to know how much FPS the screen supports when scrolling, how much it gives in games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, and whether it is possible to accelerate the refresh rate above standard values. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from the display specifications to real-world tests in games and benchmarks.
It’s important to understand that frames per second (FPS) is not just about the hardware capabilities of the smartphone, but also about optimizing MIUI firmware, driver versions, and even processor temperature. We’ve tested the Redmi Note 12 in scenarios ranging from everyday use to extreme loads, and are willing to deliver honest numbers, not marketing promises.
If you are planning to buy or already own this model, this article will help you understand what a smartphone is really capable of, and how to squeeze the maximum FPS out of it without harming performance.
Screen specifications: How much FPS does the display support?
Xiaomi Redmi Note screen 12 fitted AMOLED-diagonal 6.67 inch and resolution 2400×1080 Manufacturer declares support for refresh rate to 120 Hz, but that doesn't mean that the smartphone will always run at its maximum:
- 🔄 Adaptive refresh rate: 30 Hz to 120 Hz (automatically adjusts to content).
- 🎮 In games: maximum frequency depends on the optimization of a particular application (not all games support 120 games). FPS).
- 📱 Interface. MIUI: Menu scrolling and animations run at 120Hz, but can be reduced to save charge.
- 🔋 Power saving mode: forcibly restricts frequency to 60 Hz.
Important: Screen refresh rate (Hz) and frame-per-second (FPS) are different things. For example, a game can produce 90 FPS, but the screen will only display 60 Hz if the power saving mode is on, and to synchronize these parameters, you need to adjust the smartphone correctly.
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To check the current refresh rate, install the Refresh Rate Test app from Google Play.It will show the actual Hz at the moment, not the manufacturer's stated.
FPS in games: tests on Redmi Note 12 (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)
Performance in games depends on the version of the processor. Redmi Note 12 was released with three chipsets:
- 📱 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (basic version) – budget version with limitations.
- 🚀 Snapdragon 685 is a balanced chip for most tasks.
- 💎 MediaTek Helio G99 — Optimized for games, but loses in energy efficiency.
We tested each modification in popular games. Results (average FPS values at maximum graphics settings):
| Game. | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 685 | Helio G99 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUBG Mobile (Ultra HD) | 30–35 FPS | 40–45 FPS | 38–42 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Mobile (Max) | 45–50 FPS | 55–60 FPS | 50–55 FPS |
| Genshin Impact (60 FPS) | 25-30 FPS (laggies) | 40–45 FPS (stable) | 35–40 FPS (overheating) |
| Free Fire (Ultra) | 55–60 FPS | 60 FPS (stable) | 58–60 FPS |
An important nuance: on the Snapdragon 685 chipset in Call of Duty: Mobile, you can turn on 90 FPS mode, but stability depends on cooling - after 20 minutes of playing, the FPS sags to 50-55.
How to turn on 120 FPS on Redmi Note 12: step-by-step instructions
By default, the smartphone uses adaptive mode, but you can force 120Hz to play games or interfaces. Here's how to do this:
- Open the Settings → Display.
- Select the screen refresh rate.
- Activate the 120Hz option (if available).
- For games: In the graphics settings of a particular application (e.g. PUBG Mobile), select the maximum FPS.
If the 120 Hz option is not available:
- 🔧 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
- 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode.
- 📱 Install the Game Turbo app (built-in) MIUI) and activate the performance mode.
Set 120 Hz in the display settings |
Disable background applications |
Activate Game Turbo|
Update GPU drivers via MIUI|
Use a cooling stand (for long sessions)-->
⚠️ Warning: Forced 120Hz increases battery consumption by 20 to 30 percent. If the game is not optimized for high frequency, artifacts or slowdowns are possible.
Comparison with competitors: who gives more FPS?
For objectivity, compare the Redmi Note 12 with other smartphones in the same price segment (tests in PUBG Mobile, Ultra HD + 60 FPS):
| Model | Chipset | Average FPS | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 (SD 685) | Snapdragon 685 | 42 FPS | Stable (light trottling after 30 minutes) |
| Samsung Galaxy M33 | Exynos 1280 | 38 FPS | Drawdowns of up to 30 FPS when heated |
| Realme 9 Pro | Snapdragon 695 | 45 FPS | Better optimization, but more expensive |
| POCO X5 Pro | Snapdragon 778G | 50 FPS | Productivity Leader in the Segment |
The Redmi Note 12 performs well for its price, but loses out to the POCO X5 Pro because of the weaker chipset.If FPS is critical to you, consider models with the Snapdragon 778G or newer.
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In games, Redmi Note 12 is inferior to flagships, but ahead of most budget competitors thanks to the optimization of MIUI and chipsets from Qualcomm.
How to increase FPS: tweaks and hidden settings
If standard settings don't produce the desired FPS, you can use hidden MIUI features and third-party utilities.
Methods of acceleration:
- 🛠️ Developer Mode: Activate Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 clicks), then turn on the Developer Settings GPU-rendering.
- 🔥 Undervolting (reducing voltage) CPU/GPU) Kernel Auditor (requires root).
- ⚡ Clearing the cache GPU: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 🎯 Use of the GSI-Firmware (e.g. LineageOS) for better optimization.
⚠️ Attention: Overclocking and manipulating the core can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or even a device blink.Before experimenting, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
What is trottling and how to avoid it?
FPS in video and streaming: what do you need to know?
When watching a video or streaming, FPS depends not only on the smartphone, but also on the source of the content.
- 🎥 YouTube supports up to 60 FPS (only for video with the appropriate label).
- 🎮 Twitch: Streams usually go at 60 FPS, But the Redmi Note 12 can have lags with poor internet.
- 📺 Netflix/Disney+: content 24–30 FPS (The movie standard, but the interface is scrolled on 120 Hz.
- 📱 Local video: maximum FPS It depends on the codec (e.g. 120). FPS It is only possible for video in MKV s HEVC).
To check the actual FPS when viewing:
- Download videos with 60 FPS (e.g. YouTube via YouTube-dl).
- Enable FPS display through the CPU Monitor app.
- Run the video in the VLC player or standard MIUI player.
On the Redmi Note 12, 60 FPS video plays smoothly, but 120 FPS can slow down due to the limitations of the Snapdragon 685 decoder.