Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: A Good Budget Phone Choice in Kenya
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution (~1080×2400) (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| Processor / Chipset | Snapdragon 685 (4G version) (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB RAM + 128GB (some variants with more) storage; hybrid microSD slot (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple setup: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro / depth sensors depending on variant (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| Front Camera | 13MP punch-hole selfie cam (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| Battery & Charging | 5000 mAh battery + 33W fast charging (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| Other Features | Dual SIM, 4G LTE, side fingerprint reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, AMOLED display with good brightness levels, IP53 splash/dust resistance in some models (Essential Shop Kenya) |
Strengths
- Display quality is excellent for this price range: the 120Hz AMOLED offers smooth scrolls, good contrast and better viewing angles than typical budget LCDs.
- Battery life is solid; 5000mAh plus modest chipset power draw means a full day or more of mixed use without panic. Fast charging helps reduce downtime.
- The camera system, especially the 50MP main lens, performs well in good lighting, which is what many users care about for social media and everyday snaps.
- Good variety of RAM/storage options means you can pick a version that matches your budget without over-paying.
- Extras like a 3.5mm jack, headphone support, splash resistance (in some models), and hybrid storage slot are useful add-ons often missing in similarly priced phones.
Weaknesses
- Performance under heavy load (gaming, multitasking) can lag, especially in lower RAM versions (4GB). The Snapdragon 685 is not a flagship chip. (Reddit)
- Charging is “fast” but 33W isn’t top-tier; takes longer than the best fast-charging phones.
- Some variants miss 5G; only 4G is confirmed in many local stock versions. If you want future network speed, that’s a limitation. (Reddit)
- Build is modest: not premium materials, mostly plastic frame, no IP68 etc. Some may find it less sturdy.
- Depending on seller, updates (software, security) may be slower or irregular.
Price in Kenyan Shillings & Where to Buy
| Retailer | Variant Details | Price (KES) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Hub Kenya | 8GB / 128GB (4G) | KSh 30,499 (Phone Hub Kenya) | Phone Hub Kenya (Phone Hub Kenya) |
| SmartTechPhones.co.ke | 4/6/8GB RAM, 128GB ROM | KSh 20,299-20,999 (Smart Tech Phones) | SmartTechPhones Kenya (Smart Tech Phones) |
| Essential Accessories Kenya | Redmi Note 12 5G version | KSh 28,500 (Essential Shop Kenya) | Essential Accessories (Essential Shop Kenya) |
| Starmac Kenya | 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage | KSh 26,499 (Starmac) | Starmac (Starmac) |
| Digital Phones | 4G version, 4/128 etc. | KSh 24,999 (Digital Phones) | Digital Phones Kenya (Digital Phones) |
| Phones City Kenya | 6GB / 128GB | KSh 26,000 (Phones City Kenya) | Phones City Kenya (Phones City Kenya) |
| Xiaomi Home Kenya | 8GB / 128GB official store | KSh 30,999 (Xiaomi Home Kenya Official Store) | Xiaomi Home Kenya (Xiaomi Home Kenya Official Store) |
| Gadget Central | 8GB / 128GB | KSh 28,500 (Gadget Central) | Gadget Central (Gadget Central) |
Is It a Good Buy in Kenya?
If your budget is roughly KSh 20,000-30,000, the Redmi Note 12 offers a strong value: a quality screen, decent camera, reliable battery, trusted brand and useful extras. You sacrifice high-end speed, 5G (in many variants), and premium build. But for everyday use—social media, calls, video, light gaming—it hits the sweet spot. If your usage demands more power or future-proof features, you may want to compare with rivals in slightly higher price ranges.
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