Redmi 13 5G Review: Impressive for its price point

Xiaomi is known for its user-centric approach of offering feature-rich devices under Redmi’s branding at competitive price points. The latest launch of Redmi 13 5G continues this tradition by aiming to bring advanced features to the budget segment buyers. As a successor of Redmi 12 5G, this new model is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE processor and comes with a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 main sensor.

Let’s take a look at the specifications and whether they translate to real-world performance, considering both the strengths and potential limitations of this budget-friendly 5G device.

Design

The phone makes a strong first impression with its Crystal Glass Design. Available in three colour variants – Hawaiian Blue, Black Diamond, and Orchid Pink – the device offers a premium look that belies its budget-friendly nature. The glass finish, combined with advanced CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) technology, creates an eye-catching effect as it refracts light, giving the phone a more upscale appearance than one might expect in this price range.

The phone feels good in hand, and the lightweight allows easy usage. When it comes to ports and buttons, the Redmi 13 5G maintains a familiar layout. The device features a USB Type-C port at the bottom, along with a speaker grille. On the top lies a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster. On the right side of the device, you’ll find the volume rocker and the power button, which doubles as a fast side fingerprint sensor. This placement allows for easy access and quick unlocking of the device. The left side of the phone houses the SIM tray.

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Display

The new Redmi 13 5G comes with a 6.79-inch LCD display. Boasting a resolution of 2,400×1,080 (FHD+) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the screen promises a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The adaptive sync technology, which can adjust between 30Hz and 120Hz depending on the content, is a welcome addition that should help balance performance and battery life.

The display’s peak brightness of 550 nits (HBM) should be sufficient for most indoor and outdoor use cases, though it may struggle in direct sunlight compared to higher-end OLED panels. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection adds a layer of durability, while the TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light emission and flicker-free technology demonstrate Xiaomi’s attention to user comfort during extended use.

An interesting feature is the “Wet Finger Touch” capability, allowing the display to function even with wet fingertips – a practical addition that shows Xiaomi’s focus on real-world usability.

OS

The Redmi 13 5G comes with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, based on Android 14, out of the box. This is a positive point, as it ensures users have access to the latest Android features and security updates from the start.

Processor and Performance

Redmi 13 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE (Accelerated Edition) processor whereas its predecessor featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. Built on a 4nm process, this chip features an octa-core CPU configuration with two Arm Cortex-A78 cores (up to 2.3GHz) and six Arm Cortex-A55 cores (up to 1.95GHz), paired with an Adreno 613 GPU.

For a budget 5G device, the phone offers adequate performance for everyday tasks and light to moderate gaming. The 4nm process technology suggests improved power efficiency compared to older chipsets in this segment. Xiaomi claims a “36-month lag-free experience,” which, if true, would be impressive for a budget device. During extensive usage, we saw the phone getting a bit heated, which one should keep in mind while playing big games.

The device is available in 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB configurations. While this should be sufficient for most users, the lack of a 256GB storage option might be a limitation for those who store large amounts of media or apps on their devices.

The Redmi 13 5G’s performance capabilities are further demonstrated by its Geekbench test results, with a single-core score of 900 and a multi-core score of 1899. These scores are respectable for a budget device, indicating good performance for day-to-day tasks and moderate multitasking.

Camera

The camera system on the Redmi 13 5G is one of its most intriguing features, especially considering its price point. The primary rear camera boasts a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 sensor, an upgrade over the 50MP lens seen in its predecessor, which is quite impressive for a budget device. This large 1/1.67” sensor, combined with 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, promises good low-light performance and detailed shots in various lighting conditions.

The inclusion of 3x in-sensor zoom is a notable feature, allowing for closer shots without relying solely on digital zoom. This provides more flexibility in framing and capturing distant subjects. The f/1.75 aperture is reasonably wide, which should help with gathering more light for better low-light performance.

For macro photography, there’s a dedicated 2MP macro camera. While this is a common addition in budget phones, the low resolution might limit its practical use beyond casual close-up shots.

In terms of features, the Redmi 13 5G offers several software enhancements like Night mode, AI Auto night mode, HDR, and various filters. These should help users capture photos better in challenging conditions and add creative flair to their shots.

For selfies, there’s a 13MP front-facing camera with an f/2.45 aperture. While not groundbreaking, the images are good for social media posts and video calls.

Battery

The Redmi 13 5G is equipped with a 5,030mAh battery, which lasts a day quite comfortably. The phone is supported by a 33W fast charger. During our review, the phone finished charged completely within 1:10 – 1:20 hours.

Xiaomi has also implemented smart charging features to help maintain battery health over time. This attention to long-term usability is commendable, especially in a budget device where users may expect to keep their phones for several years.

Verdict

Redmi 13 5G is offering a blend of features that are impressive for its price point. Strengths of the device include its appealing design, the latest Android OS, 108MP main camera sensor, and a capable processor. The emphasis on user-centric features like the wet finger touch display and battery health management demonstrates Xiaomi’s attention to practical, everyday usability.

However, potential buyers should be aware of some limitations. The LCD panel, while large and smooth, may not match the contrast and vibrancy of OLED displays found in some competitors.

Overall, the Redmi 13 5G offers good value for money, continuing Xiaomi’s tradition of delivering feature-packed phones at a reasonable price. It starts at ₹13,999 for the 6GB/128GB.