Introduction

The Redmi Note 12S, with its sleek Onyx Black finish and impressive specs, arrived on my desk promising a powerful and affordable smartphone experience. This review delves into my experience with the Redmi Note 12S (Note 12S), focusing on its daily performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition. After weeks of rigorous testing, I’m ready to share my comprehensive assessment.

Features and Design

The Redmi Note 12S boasts a vibrant 6.43-inch IPS LCD display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The 1080×2400 resolution delivers crisp visuals, making everything from browsing to gaming a pleasure. The in-hand feel is surprisingly premium for its price point; the build quality feels solid, and the Onyx Black colour is sophisticated. The triple rear camera system, featuring a 108MP main sensor, promises impressive photographic capabilities. The fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button, is responsive and accurate.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 octa-core processor, the Redmi Note 12S handles everyday tasks with ease. Switching between apps, multitasking, and even some light gaming are all smooth experiences. While it won’t compete with flagship processors in terms of raw power, it delivers more than adequate performance for the majority of users. The 8GB RAM is generous and helped to keep things running smoothly. The 5000mAh battery is a true standout; I consistently got well over a day’s usage on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy use. The 33W fast charging is also a welcome addition, getting me back to full power relatively quickly. In demanding gaming sessions, the phone did show some signs of throttling, but nothing excessively noticeable. Overall, the performance is surprisingly strong given its affordable price.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent battery life, vibrant display, smooth performance for the price, fast charging, attractive design, ample storage.
• Cons: Performance can throttle under heavy load, camera could be improved in low light.

Final Verdict

The Redmi Note 12S (Note 12S) offers excellent value for money. The combination of a long-lasting battery, a smooth display, and generally good performance make it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. While there are areas for improvement (camera performance in low light, occasional performance throttling under heavy load), the overall user experience is positive and satisfying. If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting smartphone without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 12S is a strong contender.