For the past one month or so, I have had the opportunity to try out and rely on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G as my primary phone. This has enabled me to pick out the device’s key attributes as well as any noticeable shortcomings.
Like any other product in the market, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G has its (few and negligible) shortcomings. And the main one for me is the lack of a SD card slot for expanding the storage capacity after exhausting the 256GB which comes built into the unit during shipping.
Apart from this, I believe the device ticks all the right boxes when a user’s requirements are considered.
Which now brings me to the device’s key selling points, the features and functionalities which have impressed and become useful to me since I started using the smartphone which doubles up as the flagship model in Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 lineup.
Camera:
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G competes in the midrange smartphone segment due to its Kshs 50,000 price tag. However, this did not limit (or prevent) Xiaomi from aiming higher when it comes to the features built-in in to the device for the benefit and convenience of the user. And for this particular model, the camera stands out.
On unboxing the phone, the most visible feature at the back of the device is the protruding camera. The triple camera system prominently occupying the back towards the top-left of the device featuring the flagship-level 200MP wide camera, the 8MP ultra-wide camera, and the 2MP macro camera.
For its price tag, this is an industry-first as 200MP cameras only come with (or fitted on) flagship models on the premium market segment. And even in the premium segment, the number of brands that have so far released devices fitted with 200MP cameras are still few countable. That’s why the decision by Xiaomi to ship the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G with the 200MP main camera is unmatched if not laudable.
With its camera features and embedded functionalities, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G definitely redefines photography for the user, enabling users of the camera to capture each and every minute and hidden detail when taking photos or recording videos.
Still on the device’s camera, it also comes with an incredible camera hardware as well as advanced software. These include Xiaomi’s AI Image Solution which allows users to get enhanced image quality with computational photography and Xiaomi ProCut for effortless photo composition with AI assistance, offering users more options for editing and post production.
Then it has an exclusive film camera feature which gives a vintage vibe to images, enabling the user to produce perfectly executed photos which push creative boundaries and become the benchmark for colleagues and peers when shared on social media.
Sound and Audio Quality
For someone who uses my phone, like most of us, to listen to music and enjoy other audio related content, the sound features, quality and functionalities embedded in a phone is always a key consideration.
So what does the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G offer in terms of sound and audio quality?
First, at the top of the device we have the earpiece and 3.5mm headphone jack which has been moved from its traditional location at the bottom (the position previously adopted by most vendors) to the top. This really comes in handy for those with wired earphones.
Then still at the top, we have a pair of Dolby Atmos speakers for loud and solid audio which give enhanced vocals and bass output to the user. This then comes in to provide a better experience for the use when they’re either listening to music, streaming movies, or gaming.
Large battery and faster charging
We have already mentioned and recognize that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G is a trailblazer when it comes to features and functionalities it brings to the mid-range smartphone segment for the subsequent benefit of the user.
Battery life has always been a key factor to consider when it comes to smartphone purchase decisions with consumer research firm Kantar noting in 2021 that battery performance is the highest-ranking feature for smartphone buyers in Australia, UK, Italy, Spain and the US.
For markets in Africa and like Kenya in particular, battery life and overall performance is even more crucial. And this is an issue and concern that the Xiaomi R&D team which worked on the Redmi Note 12 series really recognized and took in to consideration as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G comes fitted with a large 5,000mAh battery as well as 120W HyperCharge brick (or adapter) for use when the device runs out of charge after extensive use.
The large capacity battery fitted in the device ensures that it internal processes and functions can run efficiently without interrupting the user for an unrivalled experience.
For most people who swear that they can’t function and operate normally without their mobile phones, there’s comfort and reassurance in the fact that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G can achieve 100% capacity in less than 20 minutes thanks to its Smart 120W HyperCharge adapter.
Design and Appearance
As the flagship model in the 4-device Redmi Note 12 series, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G comes with a glass back with a slightly curved and polished finish. The plastic frame has a matte texture.
At the back of the device towards the bottom after the main 200MP camera system is the ‘Redmi 5G’ logo. When held and viewed from the left-hand side, the frame has no ports (for use with USB devices) nor user buttons.
On the bottom of the device is located the SIM tray, Type-C port (both for charging and data transfer) with the mouthpiece located towards the right just like in most current generation smartphones. And on the right side of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G towards the bottom (or in the middle depending on your viewing position) is the (side mounted) Fingerprint scanner followed by the Volume Buttons (which when pressed together with the fingerprint scanner act as the Restart/Reboot or power on and off buttons).
Like we have already mentioned, we have the earpiece and 3.5mm headphone jack at the top of the device which has been moved from its traditional location at the bottom (the position previously adopted by most vendors) to the top. The screen of the phone has a water drop notch at the top of the display which can be hidden by the user according to their screen settings preferences.
Overall, the device feels solid and compact when held on the palm. The colourless case bundled with the device in the box provides extra protection to the device in case it drops accidentally while also ensuring that the user has an improved and firmer grip and hold of the phone, leading to peace of mind. The phone’s colourless case also seals off the tip of the USB port, further ensuring that unwanted substances – like various liquids and water – do not unintentionally sip through thereby leading to the malfunctioning of the phone.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G is available for purchase in three colour variants (of Polar White, Sky Blue and Midnight Black) at a retail price of Kshs 50,000. Having used the device, we believe you won’t go wrong by choosing to get to this flagship model from the Redmi Note 12 series.
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