Introduction
In 2023, Redmi, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, continued to dominate global smartphone markets with a diverse range of models—spanning from budget-friendly options to near-flagship devices.
What set this year apart was Redmi’s clear distinction in display technology—with AMOLED and OLED screens entering the mid-range territory, while LCD displays remained the foundation of its affordable lineup.
Alongside these hardware upgrades, Redmi also showcased vibrant color options designed to appeal to younger, trend-focused users.
Redmi Note 12 Series — The Global Mid-Range Star
Redmi’s Note 12 Series was the centerpiece of its 2023 lineup, offering a balance of style, power, and affordability. The series launched in multiple variants across different markets.
Redmi Note 12 4G and 5G (Global Versions)
The Redmi Note 12 4G and 5G models marked the series’ entry-level versions. Both shared a sleek design and adopted AMOLED displays, a significant upgrade over the LCD panels used in earlier generations.
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Colors: Onyx Gray, Ice Blue, Mint Green
These models stood out for delivering punchy visuals and deep contrast ratios at an accessible price.
Redmi Note 12 Pro and Pro+ 5G
The higher-end Pro and Pro+ 5G models were released globally at the start of 2023. They offered enhanced camera systems and premium design elements.
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Colors: Stellar Black, Aurora Blue, Arctic White
The Pro+ version gained attention for its 200MP main camera, paired with a stunning display supporting high brightness and HDR capabilities.
Redmi Note 12S
Released in May 2023, the Note 12S added more options to the mid-range market.
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Colors: Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
This variant offered a familiar Note 12 experience but tuned for regions preferring a different chipset and design.
Redmi 12 Series — Budget and Value Champion
Targeting budget-conscious consumers, the Redmi 12 Series launched in mid-2023 with simple but attractive designs.
Redmi 12 (4G)
A successor to the Redmi 11, the Redmi 12 focused on durability and value.
- Display Type: LCD
- Colors: Midnight Black, Moonstone Silver, Sky Blue
Redmi 12 5G
One of the most affordable 5G phones of 2023, the Redmi 12 5G balanced performance and connectivity.
- Display Type: LCD
- Colors: Moonstone Silver, Pastel Blue, Polar White
Redmi 12C
The Redmi 12C—Redmi’s ultra-budget offering—featured a large display and battery for everyday tasks.
- Display Type: LCD
- Colors: Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple
Despite using LCD panels, these models maintained respectable brightness and clarity, ideal for daily use.
Redmi K Series — Flagship Performance in China
Redmi K60 and K60 Pro
Released at the end of 2022 and sold heavily throughout 2023, the Redmi K60 and K60 Pro delivered flagship-level power at mid-range prices.
- Display Type: OLED
- Colors: Ink Feather (Black), Clear Snow (White), Phantom Glow (Blue)
These models featured high-refresh-rate OLED screens, HDR10+ support, and top-tier performance—especially the K60 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Redmi K60 Ultra (Extreme Edition)
Launched in August 2023, the K60 Ultra pushed boundaries with a MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chip and independent graphics processor.
- Display Type: OLED
- Colors: Ink Feather, Shadow Green, Clear Snow
The screen offered ultra-slim bezels and improved tactile feel, elevating the premium experience.
POCO Series — Global Variants of Redmi Excellence
POCO, Xiaomi’s globally focused brand, rebranded many Redmi models with a more aggressive and youthful appeal.
POCO F5 and F5 Pro
Based on the Redmi Note 12 Turbo and Redmi K60, respectively, these phones became performance flagships abroad.
- POCO F5: AMOLED | Carbon Black, Snow White, Electric Blue
- POCO F5 Pro: OLED | Black, White
POCO X5 Pro 5G
Derived from the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed, the POCO X5 Pro combined fast performance with vivid visuals.
- Display Type: AMOLED
- Colors: Black, Blue, Yellow
POCO C65
A budget-friendly model built on the Redmi 12C platform.
- Display Type: LCD
- Colors: Black, Blue, Purple
Comparing Display Technologies
LCD vs AMOLED vs OLED
- LCD: Budget-friendly, durable, but limited in contrast.
- AMOLED: Delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks; ideal for mid-range phones.
- OLED: Found in flagships; superior brightness and energy efficiency.
Redmi’s 2023 lineup shows a clear shift toward AMOLED and OLED in higher-tier models while keeping LCD for affordable phones.
The Role of Color in Redmi’s 2023 Lineup
Regional Differences
Redmi’s color names often differ across regions—what’s called “Ice Blue” in one country might appear as “Sky Blue” elsewhere.
Trendy Finishes
Bright gradients, metallic sheens, and youthful tones like mint green or lavender purple dominated the year. Redmi clearly targeted younger audiences with these playful, vibrant finishes.
Redmi’s 2023 Design Philosophy
Across every price tier, Redmi maintained a unified design ethos—sleek frames, flat edges, and balanced proportions. Even entry-level models borrowed design cues from flagship devices, proving that style doesn’t have to break the bank.
Summary Table of Major 2023 Redmi Models
| Model | Launch Date | Display Type | Main Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 4G/5G | Early 2023 | AMOLED | Onyx Gray, Ice Blue, Mint Green |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+ 5G | Early 2023 | AMOLED | Stellar Black, Aurora Blue, White |
| Redmi Note 12S | May 2023 | AMOLED | Black, Blue, Green |
| Redmi 12 | June 2023 | LCD | Black, Silver, Blue |
| Redmi 12 5G | August 2023 | LCD | Silver, Blue, White |
| Redmi 12C | Early 2023 | LCD | Gray, Blue, Green, Purple |
| Redmi K60/K60 Pro | Dec 2022 | OLED | Black, White, Blue |
| Redmi K60 Ultra | Aug 2023 | OLED | Black, Green, White |
| POCO F5 | May 2023 | AMOLED | Black, White, Orange |
| POCO F5 Pro | May 2023 | OLED | Black, White |
| POCO X5 Pro 5G | Feb 2023 | AMOLED | Black, Blue, Yellow |
| POCO C65 | Nov 2023 | LCD | Black, Blue, Purple |
Market Strategy and Global Reach
Redmi’s 2023 strategy emphasized local adaptation. While China received performance-focused K-series models, global audiences enjoyed Note and POCO lines with a strong mix of affordability and premium experience.
Conclusion
Redmi’s 2023 smartphone lineup showcased a clear evolution—embracing AMOLED and OLED displays across mid-to-high tiers while maintaining cost-effective LCDs for entry models.
The brand’s color palette and design consistency further strengthened its appeal worldwide, balancing innovation, accessibility, and aesthetics.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Redmi Note 12 and Note 12 Pro?
The Note 12 Pro offers better cameras, faster charging, and enhanced display brightness compared to the base Note 12.
2. Why do some Redmi phones use LCD while others use AMOLED?
AMOLED provides better contrast and efficiency but costs more. Redmi uses LCD in budget phones to keep prices competitive.
3. Are POCO phones the same as Redmi models?
Yes, many POCO models are rebranded Redmi devices with minor design or performance tweaks for international markets.
4. Which Redmi model offers the best value for money in 2023?
The Redmi Note 12 5G stood out as a strong balance between price, display quality, and overall performance.
5. Will Redmi continue using AMOLED in future models?
Definitely—Redmi’s 2023 trend indicates a full shift toward AMOLED and OLED for mid-range and flagship models in coming years.