Redmi 13c Review: 90Hz Display, 50MP Camera, 5000mAh Battery

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi 13C sports a modern design that belies its budget-friendly price point. Its sleek plastic body, available in Navy Blue, Clover Green, and Glacier White, offers a premium look and feel. The textured back panel adds a touch of sophistication and provides a better grip, reducing the chances of accidental drops.

At 168mm tall and 78mm wide, the Redmi 13C is a relatively large phone, which may be a consideration for users with smaller hands. However, its 8.09mm thickness and approximate weight of 192g make it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

The device features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, offering quick and convenient unlocking. The volume rocker is positioned above the power button on the right side, while the SIM tray is on the left. At the bottom, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port, and speaker grille.

Display

One of the standout features of the Redmi 13C is its large 6.74-inch HD+ LCD. With a 1600 x 720 pixels resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the screen offers vibrant colors and decent sharpness for its price range. The 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, providing smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience than standard 60Hz displays.

The display boasts a peak brightness of 450 nits, which ensures good visibility in most lighting conditions. However, it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight. The waterdrop notch housing the front camera is relatively hidden, allowing for an immersive viewing experience when watching videos or playing games.

Performance

Powering the Redmi 13C is the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, an octa-core processor designed for budget gaming smartphones. This chip balances performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light to moderate gaming.

The device has four RAM configurations: 4GB, 6GB, and 8 GB. We recommend opting for at least the 6GB variant to ensure smooth multitasking and better overall performance. The 128GB and 256GB storage options provide ample space for apps, photos, and media, with the added benefit of expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card.

In our testing, the Redmi 13C efficiently handled everyday tasks, including web browsing, social media usage, and video streaming. Light gaming performance was satisfactory, with popular titles like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers running smoothly. However, more demanding games may require lower graphics settings for optimal performance.

Camera System

The Redmi 13C features a triple-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor. This primary camera captures detailed photos in well-lit conditions, with sound color reproduction and dynamic range. The AI scene recognition helps optimize settings for different scenarios, resulting in better image quality.

A 2MP macro camera and a VGA depth sensor accompany the primary sensor. While these additional lenses add versatility to the camera system, their real-world utility is limited. The macro camera allows for close-up shots of small subjects, but the results can be hit-or-miss due to the low resolution. The depth sensor assists with portrait mode shots, creating a bokeh effect that separates the subject from the background.

On the front, an 8MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls. It produces decent results in good lighting conditions but may struggle in low-light environments.

Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras. While not groundbreaking, this is sufficient for casual video capture and social media sharing.

Battery Life and Charging

Redmi 13C’s most vital selling point is its large 5000mAh battery. This extensive power cell quickly provides an all-day battery life for most users, even with heavy usage. With moderate use, the device can last up to two days on a single charge.

The phone supports 18W fast charging, a welcome feature in the budget segment. While not the fastest charging solution available, it still significantly improves over standard 10W charging. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Software and User Experience

The Redmi 13C runs MIUI 14, which is based on Android 13. It offers a feature-rich and customizable user experience. MIUI includes several valuable features, such as a built-in screen recorder, game turbo mode, and a comprehensive theme engine for personalization.

However, it’s worth noting that MIUI has some pre-installed apps and occasional ads, which may differ from everyone’s liking. Fortunately, most of these can be uninstalled or disabled if desired.

Xiaomi has a decent track record for software updates, so users can expect to receive security patches and one major Android version update in the future.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Despite its budget positioning, the Redmi 13C offers comprehensive connectivity options. 4G LTE support ensures reliable cellular connectivity, while Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) provides fast wireless internet access. Bluetooth 5.3 allows efficient pairing with wireless accessories, and GPS enables accurate location services.

It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio or have existing headphones. The USB-C port supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing you to connect external storage devices or peripherals.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Sizeable 6.74-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
2. Impressive 5000mAh battery with long-lasting performance
3. Capable 50MP primary camera for its price range
4. Expandable storage up to 1TB
5. 18W fast charging support
6. Modern design with multiple color options
7. Affordable price point

Cons:

1. HD+ resolution may not satisfy users seeking higher pixel density
2. Secondary cameras (macro and depth) offer limited utility
3. MIUI may include some bloatware and ads
4. No 5G connectivity
5. Plastic build may feel less premium compared to glass or metal alternatives

Conclusion

The Redmi 13C is a compelling option in the budget smartphone segment, offering a balanced mix of features and performance at an attractive price point. Its large display, long-lasting battery, and capable primary camera make it a solid choice for users seeking a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.

While it may not compete with mid-range or flagship devices regarding raw performance or camera capabilities, the Redmi 13C provides a well-rounded experience for its target audience. It’s particularly well-suited for students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone looking for a dependable secondary device.

Consider the Redmi 13C if you prioritize battery life, screen size, and overall value for money. However, if you’re a power user or mobile photography enthusiast, you may want to explore options in a higher price bracket for more advanced features and better performance.

Ultimately, the Redmi 13C proves that budget smartphones can offer a satisfying user experience without significant compromises. It’s a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to deliver value-packed devices that cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers in an increasingly competitive market.