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Review: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (4G)

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Xiaomi launched its new Redmi Note 12 series recently, which includes Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, Redmi Note 12S, and Redmi Note 12. We got our hands on the series’ mid-range offering – the Redmi Note 12.

The device comes packed in a neat white box that includes the Redmi Note 12, a 33W charging adapter, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, a clear case, and some paperwork.

The overall design of Note 12 is quite good. On the right edge, you get the volume rockers and the power button, which also doubles up as the fingerprint reader. On the right edge, you get the dual-SIM slot with two dedicated SIM trays and one microSD tray.

On the top edge, you get the 3.5mm audio jack, the IR blaster, and a noise-cancelling microphone. On the bottom edge, you get the speaker grille, the USB-C port, and a second noise-cancelling microphone. The phone weighs just 183.5 grams and is available in three colours – Onyx Gray, Mint Green, and Ice Blue. The variant reviewed here is the Ice Blue model.

On the front, you get a 6.67-inch AMOLED Dot Display that offers a resolution of 2400-by-1080 pixels. The display also offers a refresh rate of 120Hz, a peak brightness of 1200 nits, and a contrast ratio of 4,500,000:1. The phone also supports the DCI-P3 wide colour gamut and is Netflix HD certified.

On the rear, you get a triple camera setup. Now, this includes the 50MP main camera with an aperture of f/1.8, an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an aperture of f/2.2, and a 120° field of view. There’s also a 2MP macro camera with an aperture of f/2. The rear cameras can record videos at up to 1080p at a frame rate of 30fps. On the front, just above the display is where you will find the 13MP selfie camera that offers an aperture of f/2.45.

The Redmi Note 12 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or onboard storage, which can be expanded to up to 1TB using a microSD card. The phone also comes with a 5000mAh battery and is enabled by both Mi-FC and MMT technology to charge up quickly with 33W fast charging. The handset also runs on the latest Android 13 with MIUI 14 out of the box.

Some of the features that MIUI 14 promises were present in our review unit. The folders on the home screen can be enlarged, and the Gallery app can recognise text natively besides using Google Lens. The option to make the folders bigger on the home screen is also there.

The display on the Redmi Note 12 did very well during our review period. Brightness was more than sufficient and it was easy to use even on a bright sunny day. Colour accuracy and sharpness were also on point.

The Redmi Note 12 4G has a new Snapdragon 685 chipset based on the 6nm process. The SD685 is a new mid-range SoC, which is similar to the Snapdragon 680. It has the same 4 + 4 CPU core setup but with faster speeds. The 685 has 4x Cortex-A73 cores at 2.8 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.9 GHz. The graphics are handled by the Adreno 610. The 685 also doesn’t have 5G connectivity like the Snapdragon 680, but it has better connectivity. It has a FastConnect 6200 chip with Bluetooth 5.2 support.

The Snapdragon 685 does well in the benchmarks for multi-core CPU performance but not so well in GPU-heavy and combined tasks because of its weak Adreno 610 GPU. It still works fine for this budget range, though. And most of the other phones we compared it with were a bit more costly.

In terms of photography and videography, the phone performs well. The main 50MP camera takes good photos in natural light. The pictures are colorful, bright, and ready to be uploaded on social media. They have a lot of details and no distortion even at the edges. When you zoom in, the details and the quality are still good.

For a price of AED 849, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (4G) is a good mid-range choice compared to other cheap 5G options. Xiaomi gave up the 5G connectivity for better hardware and user experience and they seem to have done a pretty good job. The main feature is the bright 120Hz OLED screen which is much better than its price.

The phone has a great display, long-lasting battery, good performance, and fast charging, and is hence a great phone for the price range.

Price: AED 849

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (4G) AED 849
  • Final Rating
3.5

Summary

The Redmi Note 12 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or onboard storage, which can be expanded to up to 1TB using a microSD card.

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Gadgets

Toshiba Canvio Flex: A Multi-Device Hard Drive for Storing and Sharing Special Memories

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On 14 February we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH proposes to surprise your partner with a practical and stylish gift: the Canvio Flex, a multi-device hard drive for storing and sharing special memories. Coinciding with the release of 2025, this portable external storage drive in 2.5-inch form factor has a new design and comes in a simple and elegant silver finish, making it a functional and beautiful gift.

Flexibility and compatibility are the distinguishing features of the Canvio Flex. Even if you and your partner use different devices (Android or iOS smartphones, Mac, PC or different tablets) – with the Canvio Flex you can use just one hard drive to save and share your special moments. The drive can connect directly to these different devices via the included USB Type-C or Type-A cable without reformatting.

This also makes the Canvio Flex a long-term companion because even if you change your devices, the Canvio Flex will continue to connect to any of them. Especially the direct connectivity to your smartphone and the ability to make backups make the Canvio Flex quite handy, as many photos and videos are nowadays taken with your mobile phone, as shown in this video.

Instead of expanding the capacity of your cloud storage service, you can take the Canvio Flex with you for quick and easy backups directly from your smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet, wherever you are, without an internet connection, so you’ll always have all your special memories – whether they’re text files, music, photos or videos – safe and secure for quick and easy sharing. With its plug-and-play philosophy and USB3.2 Gen 1 interface, the Canvio Flex offers fast data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.

More information on the Canvio Flex can be accessed by visiting: https://www.toshiba-storage.com/products/canvio-flex/

 – Partner Content

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HONOR Intros PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR

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HONOR announced the launch of their latest ultra-premium flagship smartphone in the UAE. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR marks the third collaboration between the global technology brand HONOR and the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design. The new device merges premium sports car inspired design with state-of-the-art technology, again showcasing a powerful collaboration meticulously crafting a groundbreaking product. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR represents a leap forward in AI-enabled smartphone technology, seamlessly integrating AI into the user experience by enhancing imaging, display, performance, and system interactions, creating a personalized smart platform that adapts and improves with use. The official unveiling took place at LEAP 2025 (Riyadh, KSA), where HONOR made a remarkable impact under the theme “LEAP into HONOR AI World” by unveiling – the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR, setting a new standard in the premium smartphone market in the GCC.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR seamlessly blends Porsche Design’s iconic sporty aesthetics with exceptional quality, functionality, and usability. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the creator of the legendary sports car 911 and founder of Porsche Design once described his design approach in the following way: “As little design as possible, as much design as necessary.” Drawing from F. A. Porsche’s philosophy of simplicity and sophistication, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR incorporates the HONOR Magic7’s symmetrical camera module while integrating the latest sports car design, a celebration of superior dynamics and elegance. This fusion of innovation and heritage creates a unique appeal, with a powerful design highlighted by a distinctive central ridge reminiscent of sleek hood lines featured on many Porsche sports cars. This feature enhances both visual appeal and ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components. The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (3 cameras and 1 graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR replicates the smooth, refined surface of a sports car, offering a sensory feast of visual and tactile delight.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features the new cutting-edge MagicOS 9.0. This industry-first, personalized all-scenario AI operating system is equipped with intelligent features that are thoughtfully engineered to meet the varied needs of users, spanning from everyday smartphone operation, entertainment, communication, photo editing, and professional tasks. Introducing Magic Portal, users can conveniently access essential information and services through the upgraded circle and access capability, streamlining smartphone interactions with a simple circle and tap gesture. The MagicOS 9.0 also integrates AI-powered Real-time Transcript, AI Summary, AI Minutes and AI Format features into HONOR Notes, enhancing meeting efficiency for business users. Furthermore, it provides AI Eraser and AI Cutout for an enhanced photo-editing experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR now comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed. This AI assistant from Google can help users enhance ideas, learn in new ways, write emails, plan events and more.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR boasts the pioneering AI HONOR Image Engine, the industry’s first on-device plus cloud large model empowered mobile imaging system. It delivers a transformative photography experience from image capture to editing. Leveraging the power of large models, the device elevates image precision across all photography needs including portraits, snapshots, or telephoto images. This device showcases a range of AI-driven photography tools, including All-scenario Harcourt Portrait, AI Enhanced Portrait, AI Super Zoom for Scenery Capture, Stage Mode, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst. Users can take stunning photos through AI processing, capturing every moment with remarkable clarity and detail.

With a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP Super Dynamic Falcon Main Camera, a 200MP Ultra-sensitive Telephoto Camera, and a 50MP Wide Camera, the device is a perfect tool for photography enthusiasts seeking a professional-like shooting experience. Equipped with an advanced 1/1.4″ telephoto sensor and the industry’s largest f/1.88 telephoto aperture, the telephoto camera rivals the performance of professional telephoto lenses. The LiDAR Matrix Autofocus System, featuring 1200 Points LiDAR Matrix, enhances focusing accuracy, speed, and tracking range, ensuring sharp and clear shots of moving subjects. With a dual electromagnetic focus actuator, the focus capability is enhanced significantly.

The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is equipped with the Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which simulates natural light characteristics and is certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization, and TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free, setting a new standard in user eye health protection. Providing ultimate protection to the device, the smartphone incorporates the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and is certified with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance withstanding everyday scratches and shocks. The device also supports rapid charging options with 100W Wired and 80W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, by incorporating a 5850mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery that delivers reliable power even in low temperatures.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile system-on-a-chip, the device ensures smooth gaming and multitasking with stunning graphics and efficient battery usage. The HONOR Surround Subwoofer, a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, offers deep bass and an immersive audio experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features a unique user interface infused with elements inspired by sports cars. Enhancing the user experience, the smartphone includes a special premium phone case that provides enhanced durability. With its impressive features, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is an ideal companion for everyday life, blending style, performance, and durability seamlessly.

The luxury flagship device is available in two distinct Original Porsche exterior colors: the classic Agate Grey, a sporty yet elegant hue, and the brand-new color Provence, a modern purple hue that adds a touch of flamboyance to the over-all clean and functional design. The UAE consumers can now subscribe online to be among the first to experience the all-new PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.

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Accessories

Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

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Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.

The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.

Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.

Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.

The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.

In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.

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