For premium features at a mid-range price, the ultimate pick is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

The midrange smartphone segment has a number of devices competing to get a piece of the market.

Manufacturers with models in this range, are out seeking to get the attention of buyers keen to get their next smartphone with better specs and features or clients upgrading from a lower-priced model and moving up in hopes of getting a model. 

Like other commodities in the marketplace, some models in this range are worth a try and could definitely suit you when you are looking for an upgrade. However, some of the models launched to compete in this segment are best kept away for your peace of mind and welfare of your wallet in order to avoid future disappointment.

The model I can vouch for, and I’m convinced offers good value for money, is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G from Xiaomi.

This variant is one of four devices in the Redmi Note 12 series, which includes Redmi Note 12S, Redmi Note 12, and Redmi Note 12 Pro. The Pro+ 5G stands superior not just in this series but in the mid-range segment in Kenya.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G features many firsts (and even fasts) when it comes to specs and capabilities. To illustrate why the device is a trailblazer in this segment, consider the following three factors - it has a 200MP main camera; it comes fitted with a battery with 120W fast-charging capability; and finally, the 5000mAh battery can achieve full charging in under 20 minutes.

These are just the highlights let’s delve deeper to understand the rest of the advanced features and market-winning capabilities built into the device that makes it stand out.

The device comes wrapped in a white box. Also bundled in the box together with the phone is the 120W HyperCharge brick (or adapter), a charging cable (which also doubles up as a data transfer cable), a colourless case, SIM eject pin, Warranty Card, User Guide, and Device Safety Pamphlet.  

In terms of size, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G weighs 210.5g with 162.9mm in height, a width of 76mm, and 8.98mm in thickness. It comes fitted with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It is IP53 compliant, meaning that it is protected and can withstand spray water, but can’t endure being dipped in water. 

The phone’s now-famous (main) triple camera system sits prominently at the back towards the top-left of the device. It comprises of the flagship-level 200MP wide camera, the 8MP ultra-wide camera, and the 2MP macro camera. 

Still on the back of the device, and now towards the bottom, is the ‘Redmi 5G’ logo. When held and viewed from the left-hand side, no ports (for use with USB devices) or user buttons, have been fitted.

At the bottom of the device sits 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).

At the top of the device is the earpiece and 3.5mm headphone jack which has been moved from its traditional location at the bottom (the position previously adopted on most devices) 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.

Because of its shape and size, the device feels solid and compact when held on the palm. By using the colourless case, the smartphone is accorded extra protection when dropped accidentally while the user has a 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.

Camera and Photography

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G without a doubt brings unrivalled capabilities to smartphone photography enthusiasts. The phone’s camera is one of the main reasons why it beats other mid-range devices hands down. 

It is evident that Xiaomi was out to redefine photography in the upper mid-range smartphone segment of the market with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G. With its camera, users are assured that they’ll be able capture every minute and every hidden detail while snapping images or recording videos. 

The phone does not only come with an incredible camera hardware, but also comes with innovative software including Xiaomi AI Image Solution that allows users to get enhanced image quality with computational photography and Xiaomi ProCut, which allows for effortless photo composition with AI assistance, offering users more options for editing and post production.

And that’s not all. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G also ships with an exclusive film camera feature that adds a vintage vibe to images, enabling the user to come up with perfectly executed photos which push creative boundaries and become the benchmark when shared on social media.

After taking pictures, recording videos and editing the same, the next obvious stop is always where to display. And here is where we move to the smartphone’s screen display, a 6.67-inch FHD+ Flow AMOLED display screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for an unrivalled experience when scrolling the screen, your favourite apps, or when gaming. 

Though smaller than a tablet’s display, Xiaomi fans who purchase the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G will be delighted to discover that with the smartphone’s large FHD+ Flow AMOLED display, they still get the best in terms of visual experience while watching their videos of choice or gaming. 

The device's Flow AMOLED design, the first-ever flexible AMOLED in the Redmi Note series, leads to slimmer bezels while offering a more immersive viewing experience. The design of the display improves color performance, enhances brightness and delivers more colours and shades. 

With its Dolby Vision support and capability, it gives the user a comparatively more immersive viewing experience while watching videos or while gaming. 

Storage and Overall Performance 

With all the advanced features and capabilities that it comes packed with to deliver beyond user expectations, it’s only fair that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G doesn’t fall short when it comes to the battery and other relevant performance elements that ensure the device runs at optimum. 

The device is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1080 octa-core processor designed to deliver impressive performances during video and image creation, gaming, as well as when switching to 5G connectivity. The processor also has a powerful cooling system for long-lasting performance. Then there is the 8GB of RAM (expanded virtually by another 3GB), and 256GB of internal storage.

For battery, 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.

Interestingly, Xiaomi has opted to offer the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G unbridled level of freedom and peace of mind as the Smart 120W HyperCharge adapter can charge the smartphone to its 100% capacity in just 19 minutes.

In conclusion, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, the Xiaomi headliner in the Redmi Note 12 series, ticks almost all the boxes when it comes to smartphone users’ requirements and considerations. It is available in three colour variants - Polar White, Sky Blue and Midnight Black. 

With a sleek design, premium features, and a retail price tag of Ksh.50,000, we have no qualms about declaring it as our smartphone of choice in the mid-range category. We are sure you’ll do too after you buy and experience what it delivers.