Tag: Ir blaster

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G

    The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G launched in India in January 2023 at Rs 24,999 for 6 GB plus 128 GB. It was the middle model in a three-phone Note 12 lineup, below the 200 MP Note 12 Pro+, and it marked a shift for the Note series toward higher prices as Xiaomi chased the more premium end of mid-range.

    The 6.67-inch OLED runs at 120Hz with full HD resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and slim bezels. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 provides steady everyday performance, though it was only a small step over the Dimensity 920 in the Note 11 Pro+. Xiaomi kept practical extras, including a headphone jack, an IR blaster and IP53 splash resistance.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera with OIS is the highlight, producing consistent results with good low-light performance, paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro. The 5000 mAh battery charges at 67W and lasts a full day. Its main drawback was software, as MIUI carried ads and preinstalled apps that Nothing and Motorola rivals avoided.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 24,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, OLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 1080
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight187 g
    ColoursOnyx Black, Glacier Blue, Stardust Purple

    What we like

    • Sony IMX766 camera with OIS
    • Vibrant 120Hz OLED with Dolby Vision
    • Fast 67W charging
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster

    What could be better

    • Dimensity 1080 is a small upgrade
    • MIUI ads and bloatware
    • Launched on an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable camera and fast charging in a mid-range phone with a headphone jack.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G

    Launched in January 2023 as the entry point of the Note 12 family, the Redmi Note 12 5G took over from the very popular Note 11 series with one headline change: an AMOLED display at 120 Hz in a phone starting at Rs 17,999. It kept the familiar flat-sided Redmi look, a headphone jack, an IR blaster and a microSD slot, all of which still matter to many buyers in this price band.

    The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modest chip. Daily apps, social media and video run smoothly, but heavier games need reduced settings. The 48 MP main camera produces decent daylight photos, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro add little. A 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day and a half, though 33 W charging is slow next to rivals offering 67 W.

    Its competition at launch included the iQOO Z6 Lite, the Realme 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy M-series. The Realme 10 Pro had a faster chip on paper, and the Moto G-series offered cleaner software, but few rivals matched the Note 12's screen quality at the price. MIUI's preinstalled apps and ads remain the main irritation.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 17,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera13 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging33W wired
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight188 g
    ColoursMystique Blue, Frosted Green, Matte Black

    What we like

    • 120 Hz AMOLED screen at a budget price
    • Long battery life
    • Headphone jack, IR blaster and microSD slot
    • IP53 splash resistance

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 struggles with demanding games
    • 33 W charging is slow for the segment
    • Bloatware and ads in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget buyers who want a good AMOLED screen and dependable battery life for everyday use rather than gaming.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

    Launched in January 2024, the Note 13 Pro 5G took the 200 MP camera that had been exclusive to the previous year's Pro+ and made it the centrepiece of a cheaper model. Its 6.67-inch flat AMOLED panel moved up to 1.5K resolution, and Xiaomi kept practical touches such as the headphone jack and IR blaster while adding IP54 protection.

    The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is efficient rather than fast; it handles everyday tasks fluidly and runs popular games at medium settings, though it trails the Dimensity 7200 in the Pro+. The screen is excellent for the price, crisp and bright. The 200 MP main camera with OIS captures detailed daylight images and holds up reasonably well at night. A 5,100 mAh battery and 67 W charging mean a full charge in under an hour.

    Competition was fierce: the Poco X6 Pro offered a much faster Dimensity 8300 for less, the Realme 12 Pro added a telephoto lens, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 had cleaner software. The Note 13 Pro is the balanced choice for those who value screen and camera over benchmark scores.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 25,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras200 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursArctic White, Coral Purple, Midnight Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 200 MP OIS main camera
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • 67 W charging with a 5,100 mAh cell

    What could be better

    • Chip is slower than rivals like the Poco X6 Pro
    • Ultrawide and macro cameras are basic
    • Ships with an older Android version

    Who should buy it

    Mid-range buyers who want a sharp screen and a strong main camera in a practical, well-rounded phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.