Emir BardakçıThe Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G has long been a topic of discussion within Xiaomi’s product history, especially regarding its internal development process. According to internal records and Telegram leaks, the original project was codenamed “diamond” (model number M6), while the device that actually launched used the codename “sweet_k6a”. This situation shows a rare product replacement strategy by Xiaomi.
The Canceled “Diamond” Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Project
The original Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G was internally developed under the codename diamond (M6). Leaked production photos from our Telegram source revealed several key hardware details that never reached the market.
The prototype unit carried a 5,000 mAh battery and was powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor (MTK6789). Manufacturing data suggested a production date of October 11, 2022. The design appeared to include a triple rear camera layout, with a structure similar to the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G series, including vertically aligned cameras and an additional sensor placed to the right.
In addition, Xiaomi initially planned this device for a wide regional launch, including Global, EEA, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia, and China. However, only one model number, 23025RA15A, was recorded in the GSMA database, where the “A” region code indicated the Global market.
Why Xiaomi Released a Different Phone Instead
After canceling the diamond project, Xiaomi chose to release a different device under the same commercial name. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G that reached consumers used the codename sweet_k6a and the model number K6A.
This hardware was extremely similar to the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet / K6). The final product reused major components and adopted the Snapdragon 732G processor. It was built on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G platform and officially launched on April 11, 2023.
This approach allowed Xiaomi to optimize production efficiency by reusing existing inventory, including chipsets and design parts, while maintaining stable performance and cost control.
The Helio G99 Strategy Appeared Later
Although the original Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with Helio G99 was canceled, Xiaomi did not abandon the processor. The MediaTek Helio G99 platform officially appeared later in the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G, developed under the codename emerald. Motherboard almost have same design.
This timeline confirms that Xiaomi shifted the Helio G99 strategy to a newer generation device instead of introducing it earlier with the Note 12 series.
Summary of the Internal Change
So, in practical terms:
- Diamond (M6) was the real Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G project.
- Xiaomi canceled this version before launch.
- Instead, sweet_k6a (K6A) was released as a renamed and optimized model. (combination of Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G + Redmi Note 10 Pro 4G)
- The canceled model was planned for China and multiple global regions but never entered mass production.
This case remains one of the most interesting internal product shifts in Redmi’s mid-range lineup.
Source: XiaomiuiQRD Telegram Channel
