Highlights

• Offers affordable 5G connectivity at just Rs 10,999.
• Long-lasting battery life with a day’s power on a single charge.
• Features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth display performance.
• Unique design with gradient finish and geometric patterns.

Xiaomi delivered a pleasant surprise with the launch of the Redmi 13C 5G last December as a competitively priced 5G smartphone that doesn’t break the bank.

With a starting price of just Rs 10,999 for the 4GB + 128GB configuration, the Redmi 13C not only makes 5G accessibility a reality for many but also stands out by offering up to 256GB of inbuilt storage—a feature that’s becoming increasingly important for long-term usage.

Despite its appealing price and storage capacity, the Redmi 13C 5G is a straightforward device in other respects.

However, beyond its technical specifications, Xiaomi has put some effort into making the Redmi 13C 5G stand out with a touch of creativity.

In this review, let’s try and find out if the Redmi 13C 5G can make a mark and if you should buy it two months after its release.

Redmi 13C 5G: Unboxing Image

Redmi 13C 5G: Unboxing Video

Redmi 13C: Pros and Cons

Redmi 13C 5G: Key Specs

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC
• Display: 6.74-inch LCD, HD+, 90Hz refresh rate
• Camera: 50MP primary, 2MP depth sensor, 5MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh, up to 18W charging (10W charger included)
• Storage Options: 128GB/4GB RAM, 256GB/8GB RAM
• Software: Android 13 with MIUI 14
• Design: Gradient finish with geometric patterns, starry design.

Redmi 13C 5G: Design

The Redmi 13C truly brings a touch of the flagship experience to the budget segment, marking a significant leap from its predecessor, the Redmi 12C.

As I explored this new addition, I was immediately struck by its aesthetic charm.

The gradient finish and the intricate geometric patterns that emerged under the light added a dynamic shimmering effect, beautifully transitioning between shades of green and yellow.

This design choice not only elevates the phone’s visual appeal but also maintains a clean and sophisticated look, with just the camera module and a discreet Redmi logo adorning the rear panel.

Redmi has gone above and beyond to ensure attention to detail and design excellence, even at a more accessible price point.

However, I immediately noticed the absence of an Infrared transmitter, a feature I had come to appreciate in previous Redmi devices.

While the phone retains other standard features, such as the 3.5mm headphone jack, it introduces a side-mounted physical fingerprint scanner.

Additionally, the sleek glass design, while visually appealing, made the phone feel slippery in my hands.

The contrast between the sharp edges and the smooth mid-frame seemed to exacerbate this issue, compromising the grip.

Redmi 13C 5G: Display

Exploring the Redmi 13C 5G’s display capabilities offered a mixed bag of impressions.

The device boasts a sizable 6.74-inch LCD screen, a feature that’s quite impressive for an entry-level smartphone.

This screen is not just large; it’s also bright, with support for up to 600 nits of peak brightness, a specification not commonly found in the budget segment.

As I spent time with the device, watching videos on YouTube and shows on Netflix, the benefits became evident.

YouTube videos appeared crisp at high resolutions, or at least as crisp as one can hope for at this price.

I also noticed that Netflix playback could benefit from further optimisation.

As someone accustomed to the sharper visuals offered by Full HD displays, I found the Redmi 13C’s resolution a bit lacking.

However, for most, the HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate will be more than adequate.

The inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate, in particular, was a pleasant surprise.

Switching from the standard 60Hz to 90Hz noticeably smoothed out my scrolling and navigating experience, adding a layer of fluidity that enhanced overall usability.

Redmi 13C 5G: Cameras

As far as the optical apparatus on the Redmi 13C goes,  it’s clear that Xiaomi has focused more on delivering performance and fast internet speeds rather than an expansive camera system, which is fine in my opinion.

Budget phones were never known for their image-capturing prowess anyway.

The device features a rear camera setup that includes a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor but omits an ultra-wide lens.

The front houses a 5MP AI selfie camera, which, despite its modest resolution, can capture vibrant and detailed shots under the right conditions.

During my time with the Redmi 13C 5G, I observed that the camera software tends to favour high saturation, resulting in images with a warm, maroonish tint.

This approach makes most shots look lively and attractive, though it often comes at the cost of accuracy and detail, especially under bright sunlight where exposure tends to be unbalanced, leading to overblown highlights and loss of detail.

I also put a workaround to enhance sharpness in images by activating night mode even in well-lit conditions.

While the dynamic range and focus speed could be improved, especially in lower light conditions, the night mode performance itself was commendable, effectively retaining colours and details without significant blowouts.

However, when it comes to real low-light photography, the phone presents more challenges, with a noticeable reduction in colour vibrancy and an increase in noise.

Similarly, the selfie camera’s performance also dips in dim lighting, with difficulties in accurately capturing skin tones.

A highlight of my experience was using the portrait mode.

The Redmi 13C 5G impressively blurs the background, creating a pleasing depth effect even without a dedicated depth sensor.

While edge detection isn’t flawless, leading to occasional inaccuracies, the overall performance is remarkable for a device at this price point.

Redmi 13C 5G Camera: Day Light Samples

Redmi 13C 5G Camera: Night Light Samples

Redmi 13C 5G Video Samples

Redmi 13C 5G Day Video

Redmi 13C 5G Night Video

Redmi 13C 5G: Performance and Software

The heart of the Redmi 13C 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, a choice that delivers a balance between affordability and performance.

In my review, I found the processor to offer modest processing capabilities.

Day-to-day tasks are manageable, though not without some stutters and lags, particularly noticeable when switching between apps or using Google Assistant.

However, these minor performance hiccups don’t significantly detract from the overall usability of everyday work.

Gaming on the Redmi 13C 5G was a pleasant surprise.

Casual games like Subway Surfers ran with no noticeable lag, and even more graphics-intensive games were playable, albeit with expected limitations.

I was provided with the 256GB storage and 8GB RAM variant, which makes background apps last for a long time on the device.

Of course, 5G is a trademark selling point on the device and I faced absolutely no issues using it on Delhi’s Airtel 5G network.

Typing on the device was responsive, with no discernible delay, contributing to a smooth user experience.

The user interface, characterized by large app icons and text, presents a mostly clean and uncluttered environment, making it easy for users to navigate and adapt to the phone’s system.

One aspect of the device that stood out was its thermal management.

Despite engaging in performance-intensive activities such as gaming and running benchmarks, the Redmi 13C 5G remained remarkably cool, a feature I have seen rarely in this price segment.

However, the software experience, based on Android 13 with the MIUI 14 skin, left room for improvement.

As usual, the presence of bloatware and frequent ads, including on the lock screen, detracted me from a fluid user experience.

These included promotional content for various apps, from games to news.

While these can be removed, the initial presence might be off-putting for some users.

Redmi 13C 5G: Battery

My experience with the Redmi 13C 5G’s battery life was more than acceptable.

It houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for up to 18W fast charging, although it’s worth noting that the included charger is rated for only 10W. Despite this, the battery’s endurance was remarkable.

Whether I was putting it through a battery stress test or simply going about my day-to-day activities, the device consistently delivered a full day’s use.

This was under conditions that typically drain battery life quickly: operating with a 5G SIM, the high refresh rate activated, and the brightness set to 80 percent.

For users with basic smartphone needs, the Redmi 13C 5G’s battery life will be more than satisfactory.

It’s clear that Xiaomi has optimized the device for longevity, which is a crucial aspect for many.

Redmi 13C 5G: Final Verdict

The Redmi 13C 5G stands as a building block to Xiaomi’s commitment to bringing 5G connectivity and generous storage options to the budget smartphone segment.

Despite its modest performance and software clutter, it impresses with its design, display refresh rate, and battery life.

It’s an excellent choice for budget smartphone buyers or those prioritising battery life and design over extremely high-end specs.

Should You Buy it ?

5 Reasons to Buy

• 5G Accessibility: Makes next-gen internet speeds accessible at a budget price.
• Battery Endurance: Offers a full day’s use even under demanding conditions.
• Design Aesthetics: Flagship-inspired design and build quality in the budget segment.
• Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother navigation and browsing.
• Storage Options: Up to 256GB storage for ample space without needing external memory.

3 Reasons Not to Buy

• Performance Issues: Noticeable stutters and lags in multitasking and app navigation.
• Software Clutter: Pre-installed bloatware and ads detract from the user experience.
• Limited Camera Capabilities: Lacks an ultra-wide lens and struggles in low-light conditions.

Redmi 13C 5G: Top 5 Alternatives

• Lava Yuva 2 Pro

Priced at Rs 7,620, this phone comes with a 6.50-inch display, an octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage.

It features a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery​​.

• Motorola Moto G14

Available for Rs 9,189, it offers a 6.5-inch display, 128GB storage, 4GB RAM, a 50MP + 2MP dual primary camera setup, an 8MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery​​.

• Lava Blaze 2 Pro

With a price tag of Rs 9,998, this device boasts a 6.5-inch display, 128GB storage, 8GB RAM, a triple-lens 50MP + 2MP + 2MP primary camera, an 8MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery​​.

• Realme C51

This phone is priced at Rs 8,999 and features a 6.7-inch display, up to 128GB storage, 4GB RAM, a 50MP primary camera with a depth sensor, a 5MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery​​.

• Lava Blaze 2 5G

At Rs 9,999, it offers a 6.56-inch display, up to 128GB storage, 4GB or 6GB RAM options, a 50MP + 0.08MP dual rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery​​.

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G Specs

GENERAL

DESIGN

DISPLAY

MEMORY

CONNECTIVITY

EXTRA

CAMERA

TECHNICAL

MULTIMEDIA

BATTERY

FAQs

What makes the Redmi 13C 5G stand out in the budget smartphone market?

The Redmi 13C 5G distinguishes itself with its affordable 5G accessibility, substantial battery life, and a 90Hz refresh rate display, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking modern features.

How does the camera performance of Redmi 13C 5G fare against other budget smartphones?

While the Redmi 13C 5G prioritizes connectivity and display over camera capabilities, it still offers a commendable 50MP primary camera. However, it lacks an ultra-wide lens and struggles in low-light conditions compared to some competitors.

Can the Redmi 13C 5G handle daily multitasking and gaming?

Yes, the Redmi 13C 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC and up to 8GB RAM, can handle daily tasks and casual gaming smoothly, although it may experience slight stutters with heavy multitasking or high-end games.

Is there any downside to the software experience on the Redmi 13C 5G?

The primary critique of the Redmi 13C 5G’s software experience is the presence of bloatware and frequent ads, which can detract from the user experience, although this is not uncommon in budget smartphones.

What are the storage options available for the Redmi 13C 5G, and how do they benefit the user?

The Redmi 13C 5G offers two storage variants: 128GB/4GB RAM and 256GB/8GB RAM, providing ample space for apps, media, and files, which is particularly beneficial for users looking for a device capable of meeting long-term storage needs.

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