Xiaomi Redmi 13C Hands-On Review: Should You Buy It?

The budget smartphone market is a fiercely competitive space, and Xiaomi continues to impress with its affordable offerings. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C, launched in November 2023, aims to cater to those seeking a solid 4G device without breaking the bank. But does the Redmi 13C live up to expectations? Let's explore its features and see if it's worth your money.

Design & Build

The Xiaomi Redmi 13C sports a simple yet functional design with a plastic frame and Gorilla Glass protection on the front. Weighing 192g and with dimensions of 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm, it offers a solid feel in hand without being too bulky. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds to the phone's convenience, while the dual SIM setup is great for users who need multiple network options.

While it's not a standout in terms of premium materials, the Redmi 13C does come with a balanced and durable construction, perfect for budget-conscious users.

Display

The phone features a 6.74-inch IPS LCD with a refresh rate of 90Hz and brightness levels up to 600 nits in high brightness mode (HBM). Though the resolution is limited to 720 x 1600 pixels, the large display makes media consumption enjoyable, even if the sharpness is not on par with higher-end phones.

Whether you’re watching videos or browsing the web, the 90Hz refresh rate ensures a smoother experience than you’d expect from a budget device.

Performance & Software

Powering the Redmi 13C is the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset—a decent performer for day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Its Octa-core CPU (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) paired with the Mali-G52 GPU handles casual gaming adequately, although demanding titles will require reduced graphics settings.

Running on Android 13 with MIUI 14, the phone offers a relatively smooth experience with Xiaomi’s custom features layered on top. MIUI 14 brings optimization improvements and a clean user interface that budget users will appreciate.

Camera System

For a budget phone, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C provides a versatile camera system. It comes equipped with a 50 MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF for fast focusing, ensuring good daylight shots. The 2 MP macro camera and 0.08 MP auxiliary lens are additional features, though they don’t add much value for serious photographers.

For selfies, the 8 MP front camera works well under adequate lighting, delivering decent photos for social media.

Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps, which is typical for a phone in this price range. Overall, the camera performance is decent for basic photography needs, but don’t expect flagship-level quality.

Battery Life

A highlight of the Redmi 13C is its robust 5000 mAh battery. This sizable battery ensures that the phone will last through a full day of moderate use without needing a recharge. The 18W fast charging is supported via a USB Type-C port, but charging speed is average at best, taking a couple of hours to fully charge.

Connectivity & Other Features

• 5G support is missing, but the LTE network performance is solid for those who don’t feel the need to jump on the 5G bandwagon just yet.
• Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac ensure smooth wireless connectivity.
• The presence of NFC is region-dependent, so users should check availability in their location.
• FM Radio is a neat addition for those who still enjoy traditional broadcasts.

Price & Value

At a price of ₹7,698, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C positions itself as an attractive option for budget buyers who want a well-rounded 4G phone. Its feature set, including a 50 MP camera, 90Hz display, and solid battery life, makes it a strong contender in its price category.

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Should You Buy Xiaomi Redmi 13C?

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require 5G, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C offers excellent value. Its large display, long battery life, and reliable performance make it a solid choice for basic everyday use. However, if future-proofing with 5G is important to you, you may want to explore other options.

For those seeking an affordable, no-nonsense 4G smartphone, the Redmi 13C is definitely worth considering.

PROS & CONS

Pros:

• Affordable price
• 50 MP camera with good daylight performance
• Large 6.74-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• 720p resolution may feel underwhelming for some
• No 5G support
• Slow charging speed at 18W

FAQs

1. Is the Xiaomi Redmi 13C worth buying?

Yes, the Redmi 13C is a great budget option for users looking for decent performance, good camera quality, and long battery life without 5G.

2. How is the battery life on the Redmi 13C?

The Redmi 13C offers excellent battery life with its 5000mAh battery, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.

3. Does the Xiaomi Redmi 13C support 5G?

No, the Redmi 13C supports only 4G LTE networks. It does not have 5G capabilities.

4. What are the camera features of the Redmi 13C?

The Redmi 13C comes with a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. The front camera is 8MP.

5. How fast is the charging on the Redmi 13C?

The Redmi 13C supports 18W fast charging, which is decent but not the fastest in its category. It takes a couple of hours for a full charge.