PhoneLifespan

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$160
Global launch ~€279/£249 for 4/128GB (~$250 USD-equivalent). Not US-official; sold across EU/Asia.
$250 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until March 2027 · Buy-by March 2025

282
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00
hrs
00
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2023◆ Buy-by Mar 20252027

Xiaomi promises 4 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until March 2027 — buying it today still gets you about 0.8 years of safe use.

Source: Xiaomi's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

TrueCost

Street price ÷ months of safe use remaining — the number that makes cheap short-lived phones expensive, and well-supported ones cheap.

$17.22/month

155% above the under-$300 median ($6.74/mo, dying phones excluded)

Our verdict

The cheapest way into the Note 12 family, bringing 5G and a 120Hz AMOLED to a tight budget.

Pros

  • 120Hz AMOLED is rare at this entry price
  • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 with 5G and an 8MP ultra-wide camera
  • Three OS upgrades plus four years of security patches

Cons

  • Modest 48MP camera and only 33W charging
  • Entry-level performance and IP53 splash resistance only
Best for: First-time 5G buyers on a strict budgetBest for: People who want a long-supported cheap phone for basic useAvoid if: You want strong camera or gaming performanceAvoid if: You need fast charging

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.67" AMOLED, 1080 x 2400, 120Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
RAM4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage128GB / 256GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main48MP
ultra-wide8MP
front8MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery5,000 mAh
Charging33W wired
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions165.9 × 76.2 × 8.0 mm
Weight188 g
MaterialsGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back and frame
Water resistanceIP53
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 12 with MIUI 13 at launch
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
Update policy3 OS upgrades · 4 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the Redmi Note 12 5G get updates?

Xiaomi extended this model to three Android OS upgrades and four years of security patches, so support lasts to about March 2027.

Does the Redmi Note 12 5G support 5G?

Yes, it runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 platform with 5G connectivity, unlike some cheaper Redmi models.

Does the Redmi Note 12 5G have an AMOLED screen?

Yes, it has a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, unusual for a phone at this price.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.