The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 stands out as a formidable contender in the mid-range smartphone market, combining impressive specifications with affordability. Launched on March 30, 2023, and available at a competitive price of 21,499 BDT in Bangladesh, this smartphone caters to users seeking performance without breaking the bank. Equipped with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate, the device promises a vibrant visual experience, ideal for gaming and media consumption. The powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, along with 6 GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Additionally, its versatile triple-camera setup enhances photography capabilities, making it suitable for capturing stunning images in various conditions. With a robust 5000 mAh battery and fast charging support, the Redmi Note 12 is designed to meet the demands of everyday users, making it a reliable choice for those looking to balance features and cost.
Overview of Xiaomi Redmi A3
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xiaomi |
| Model | Redmi A3 |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | February 23, 2024 |
| Status | Available |
| Price in Bangladesh | 10,999 BDT |
Hardware & Software
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 is powered by the Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, which is designed for budget smartphones, offering decent performance for everyday tasks. The chipset is paired with an Octa-core CPU, featuring four high-performance Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four efficiency cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. This combination allows the device to handle multitasking and gaming reasonably well, especially given its price range.
Hardware & Software Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| User Interface | MIUI |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Fabrication | 12 nm |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 |
Display
The Redmi A3 features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720×1650 pixels, providing an HD+ viewing experience. The screen has a pixel density of 269 ppi, which is adequate for basic content consumption. The display supports a 90Hz refresh rate, enhancing the overall user experience with smoother scrolling and transitions. Additionally, it features Corning Gorilla Glass v3 for improved durability against scratches and minor impacts.
Display Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) |
| Resolution | 720×1650 px (HD+) |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi |
| Screen to Body Ratio | 83.14% |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass v3 |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Notch | Waterdrop |
Camera
Rear Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 comes with a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring an 8 MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 0.08 MP secondary camera. The primary camera includes features such as autofocus, LED flash, and various shooting modes like HDR and continuous shooting. It supports digital zoom and can capture images with a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels.
Selfie Camera
On the front, the device houses a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This camera is also capable of recording video at 1080p, making it suitable for video calls and social media content.
Camera Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Camera Setup | Dual |
| Rear Camera Resolution | 8 MP (f/2.0, Wide Angle) + 0.08 MP |
| Front Camera Resolution | 5 MP (f/2.2, Wide Angle) |
| Flash (Rear) | LED Flash |
| Flash (Front) | Screen Flash |
| Video Recording (Rear) | 1920×1080, 1280×720 @ 30 fps |
| Video Recording (Front) | 1920×1080, 1280×720 @ 30 fps |
| Camera Features | Auto Flash, Face Detection, Touch to Focus, Ultra Steady Video, Vlog Mode |
Design
The design of the Xiaomi Redmi A3 features a sleek profile with dimensions of 168.3 mm in height, 76.3 mm in width, and a thickness of 8.3 mm, making it easy to handle. The device weighs 193 grams, giving it a solid yet manageable feel. It is available in three attractive colors: Olive Green, Midnight Black, and Lake Blue. The back is made of mineral glass, which provides a premium feel at an affordable price point.
Design Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 168.3 mm |
| Width | 76.3 mm |
| Thickness | 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 193 grams |
| Build | Back: Mineral Glass |
| Colors | Olive Green, Midnight Black, Lake Blue |
Battery & Charging
The Redmi A3 is equipped with a 5000 mAh lithium polymer battery, providing ample power for a full day of usage. It supports 10W wired charging, which is fairly standard for devices in this price range. The battery is non-removable and utilizes a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging.
Battery Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer |
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Quick Charging | 10W wired |
| USB Type | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Memory & Storage
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 comes with 64 GB of internal storage and 4 GB of RAM, which is adequate for general use, including social media, browsing, and light gaming. The internal storage type is eMMC 5.1, and the device supports USB OTG, allowing users to connect external storage devices easily.
Memory & Storage Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage Type | eMMC 5.1 |
| USB OTG | Yes |
Network & Connectivity
The Redmi A3 supports 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, making it versatile for various connectivity options. It features dual SIM slots that accommodate Nano SIMs. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v5.3, and GPS with A-GPS and Glonass for location tracking.
Network & Connectivity Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Network Support | 2G, 3G, 4G |
| SIM Type | Dual SIM (GSM+GSM, Nano) |
| EDGE | Available |
| GPRS | Available |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) 5GHz |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, Glonass |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Yes |
| USB | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Sensors & Security
The Xiaomi Redmi A3 incorporates essential sensors for security and user convenience. It features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick access, as well as Face Unlock for an additional layer of security. The device also includes a light sensor, proximity sensor, and accelerometer.
Sensors & Security Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, Side-mounted |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer |
Multimedia
For multimedia, the Xiaomi Redmi A3 includes an FM radio and a loudspeaker. It also features various alert types, including vibration and MP3 ringtones, making it suitable for all kinds of users. Video recording capabilities extend to 1080p at 30 fps, ensuring decent quality for video content.
Multimedia Specifications
0p at 30 fps** and includes features like gyro-EIS for smoother video stabilization. The document reader and MP3/WAV ringtone support further enhance the phone’s multimedia experience.
Multimedia Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Alert Types | Vibration, MP3, WAV ringtones |
| Audio Jack | 3.5 mm |
| Video Playback | 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS |
| Document Reader | Yes |
Additional Features and Software Experience
The MIUI user interface layered on Android 13 provides various customization options and useful features. Xiaomi’s MIUI offers a clean, smooth experience with added functionalities like dual apps, game turbo mode, and theme customization, allowing users to personalize their device according to preferences. Additionally, Xiaomi includes their suite of tools, such as Mi Remote to control home electronics using the infrared sensor, making it practical for daily use.
Performance & User Experience
With a Snapdragon 685 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and Adreno 610 GPU, the Redmi Note 12 is equipped to handle most everyday applications, social media, and light gaming. The device performs well for general tasks, switching between apps is relatively smooth, and light games run without significant lag. Although it may not handle the most graphically intensive games at high settings, it provides solid performance for the price range.
The AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits peak brightness ensures a visually pleasant experience when browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games, offering bright colors, deep blacks, and smooth visuals.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Pros
- Affordable Price: Competitive pricing for a mid-range device.
- AMOLED Display: Vivid colors with high brightness and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
- Decent Camera Setup: Versatile triple-camera setup with good quality in this price range.
- Large Battery & Fast Charging: 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
- 5G Connectivity: Ready for the future with 5G network support.
- Additional Features: Infrared sensor, FM radio, and 3.5 mm audio jack.
Cons
- Plastic Build: Though durable, a plastic back may not feel as premium as glass.
- MIUI Bloatware: Pre-installed apps can sometimes take up storage and impact user experience.
- Moderate Gaming Performance: Not optimized for heavy gaming at high settings.
- Limited Updates: While Android 13 is current, long-term OS updates may be slower on budget devices.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is a well-rounded smartphone that caters to a broad audience seeking a budget-friendly device with premium-like features. Priced at 21,499 BDT in Bangladesh, it offers a vibrant AMOLED display, a capable camera system, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery life, making it an excellent choice in the mid-range segment. For users looking for a balance of performance, features, and affordability, the Redmi Note 12 is certainly worth considering.