The recently launched Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G has been creating a buzz in the smartphone market and for good reason. It offers features that are hard to come by at its price point. These include an immersive 120Hz AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, and the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack. In this review, I will put the Redmi Note 12 5G through its paces.
What’s in the Box
- Phone
- SIM Ejector tool
- 33W fast-charger
- USB-C cable
- Protective plastic case
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
Design and Build
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 series used the same mold on the production line to push out the entire series. As a result, all their devices look identical with the same triple camera setup and general look, except for a few tell-tale signs such as the camera pixel label and a unique color scheme. For example, the Redmi Note 12 5G comes in Onyx Gray, Forest Green, and Ice Blue, while others like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G and the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G come in Midnight Black, Polar White, and Sky Blue.
The device has a boxy build perfect for cramming in lots of goodies, such as a 5000mAh battery, the 3.5mm audio jack, and whatnot. I’ll be honest and say that makes it a bit unwieldy to grip initially, but you get used to it pretty fast. I would have bet my money on the curvy back, but the boxy build works surprisingly well. The device looks deceptively premium, despite the Redmi Note 12 5G having a plastic back. However, the Pro variants have a glass back, making them a more attractive proposition.
The arrangement of the power button cum fingerprint scanner on the right side, alongside the volume rocker, is a masterstroke. It just works intuitively, and it’s easy to adapt to. The SIM tray is located on the less-used left side of the phone, as it should be, but I am rather disappointed that I can’t have my cake and eat it too. Why couldn’t Redmi provide both Dual SIM and MicroSD card support? It’s a small oversight, but one that has a significant impact on the device’s usability.
Kudos to Redmi for retaining the 3.5mm audio jack and the power adapter, where flagships follow iPhone design choices like sheep in removing mainstay features. And as is the case with most, if not all, Xiaomi phones, you also get an IR blaster to top it off. I will admit that I don’t often use it, but it’s still a comfort to know that I have it.
Display
One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 12 5G is undoubtedly its stunning display. The 6.67″ AMOLED DotDisplay boasts an impressive resolution of 2400 x 1080px, providing crisp and clear visuals that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The advertised brightness of 450 nits is impressive in its own right, but what sets this device apart is its ability to peak at 1200 nits, making it easy to use even in bright outdoor environments.
While HDR support on YouTube may be lacking, the device does come with Widevine L1 support for full-HD video playback, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite content in stunning detail. The viewing angles on this device are fantastic, with no noticeable color distortion even when viewing the screen from an off-center angle.
The thin bezels on the Redmi Note 12 5G are now an industry standard which help to increase the screen real estate and create an immersive viewing experience. The punch hole selfie camera is placed dead center on the screen, with the thin bezels ensuring that it doesn’t detract from the overall viewing experience. I don’t know though, there was a moment there when retractable selfie cameras were a thing. That was camera execution in its finest hour.
Cameras
The Redmi Note 12 5G’s camera setup has some noticeable strengths and weaknesses. The 48MP main camera produces decent images in good lighting conditions, capturing a good amount of detail and decent color accuracy aided in part by the camera AI. However, the camera’s quality is rather disappointing in low light, producing images that can be noisy and lacking in detail. This can be a significant issue for users who often take photos in dimly lit environments.
From the looks of things the 2MP Macro camera is included in the camera system only to boost the camera count, but its picture quality is abysmal. The images captured by this camera are often blurry, with a lack of detail and color accuracy. As a result, it may not be a useful feature for most users who prefer high-quality images.
Overall, the images captured by the Redmi Note 12 5G tend to appear washed out and flat, especially for reds, pinks, and purples, while greens, blues, and whites can appear more vivid on occasion. Additionally, there can be overexposure of details in the background at times, which can be a distraction.
Another significant issue with the camera system is the lack of image stabilization (OIS). Without it, the Redmi Note 12 5G often produces blurry images, despite our intentions. This can be frustrating for users who want to capture sharp, clear images, especially when taking photos in low light or at night.
In summary, while the Redmi Note 12 5G’s camera system has some strengths, such as its 48MP main camera, it also has some significant weaknesses, such as the lack of image stabilization and poor low-light performance. These issues can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize high-quality images in their smartphones.
Performance and Software/Bloatware
The Redmi Note 12 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset which is rather on the low end. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is comparable to the Snapdragon 732G that featured in the Redmi Note 10 Pro of yesteryear. Only that it supports 5G. You have the option toget 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128 or 8GB+256GB. We decided to go with the base variant to see if the cheapest offering is usable on the day to day.
Moving onto the nitty gritty, I’ll have to say that the power button cum fingerprint scanner is excellent. It’s one of the fastest things about the Redmi Note 12 5G and that’s a good first impressions before getting into what else the device is capable of. The phone itself is responsive and the apps load pretty quickly overall if you can excuse the 2 second delay before they open.
I’d say the performance is at par with the price point. Nothing outstanding but yet it performs well enough for everyday usage. Heavy games though will slow it down to a crawl and heat it up pretty fast.
Out of all of these apps, the most annoying and intrusive by far are Xiaomi’s own GetApps and Themes. These apps constantly flood your phone with notifications, making it difficult to use your device without constant interruptions.
Despite these annoyances, there is a silver lining. The good news is that most of these offending apps can be easily uninstalled with just two taps. This allows you to quickly and easily get rid of any apps you don’t want or need, freeing up valuable space on your device and improving its overall performance.
Audio and 5G connectivity
One of the biggest highlights of the Redmi Note 12 5G is the 5G connectivity. While the 5G rollout in my neck of the woods is taking its sweet time, there’s a lot I stand to gain one its finalized. I am talking lightning-fast internet speeds, smoother streaming even 4K, and better online gaming. What’s more, the device also supports dual-SIM 5G standby, which means you can use two 5G SIM cards simultaneously although I wouldn’t advice it. Battery drain with 5G technology is an open secret.
Another feature of the Redmi Note 12 5G that stands out is its 3.5mm headphone jack. This feature is particularly important for people who do not want to charge their earphones frequently. With the 3.5mm headphone jack, you can enjoy audio that is just as good, if not better, than wireless headphones. This feature is especially useful for people who like to listen to music or watch videos on their smartphones for extended periods.
However, the Redmi Note 12 5G does have a downside. Unlike previous Redmi Note devices, it only has a down-firing speaker. This can make listening to and watching media content a hassle. Since the sound only comes from one side, it throws off the balance of the sound which is rather offputting. This is a downgrade from previous Redmi Note devices, which had speakers on both the top and bottom. That said, the stereo speakers aren’t half bad and can get quite loud.
If you wish to watch our video review of this smartphone, you can watch it below;
Battery and Charging
As has become the industry standard for midrange Chinese smartphones, the Redmi Note 12 5G comes with 5000 mAh battery. It’s got juice to spare and can go through an entire day without any need for a juice up. The battery will go the distance especially with a dial down of the refresh rate from the glorious 120Hz to 60Hz. Personally, a buttery smooth usage trumps battery chops, so I was quite unbothered by the battery consumption being higher than it would have been otherwise. I mean why limit myself when my handset is capable of so much more?
Another great feature of the Redmi Note 12 5G is the 33W fast charge power brick. This is a welcome addition that allows users to charge their devices quickly whenever they need to. The 3.5mm headphone jack is also another great feature that many high-end devices have been omitting recently. The inclusion of these features in the Redmi Note 12 5G shows that Redmi is focused on providing a great user experience at an affordable price point.
Redmi Note 12 5G Specifications
Redmi note 12 specs
Verdict
Considering its price, the Redmi Note 12 5G may not be the clear choice for a smartphone. While it does offer 5G connectivity, an AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 500mAh battery, the camera is a letdown. The images lack the “wow” factor and tend to be washed out or grainy. Given its price, I would prefer a device without 5G, but with a better camera setup.
Price and where to buy
The Redmi Note 12 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone, priced at around $250. In India, the Redmi Note 12 5G is available in two different variants. The 4GB+128GB version is priced at Rs 17,999 , while the 6GB+128GB variant costs Rs 19,000.
If you’re located in Uganda, the 6GB+128GB variant is available on Jumia Uganda for UGX 1,050,000 . If you live in Nigeria, it goes for ₦ 150,000 on Jumia Nigeria and about Ksh 24,500 if you live in Kenya.
This affordable price point makes it an attractive choice for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on a smartphone.
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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