Redmi Note 13 5G review

Redmi Note 13 5G review: good value for money

No other brand is launching mid-range smartphones at the same pace as Xiaomi and the latest is the Redmi Note 13 5G.

The result of this iterative process is that one Redmi phone can lead to another. So what could the Redmi Note 13 5G offer that we haven’t seen before?

Quite a bit, to be completely honest. But when you’re spending under £300 on a phone, innovation and novelty are far less important than balance and rock-solid reliability. In this regard, it’s hard to criticize the Redmi Note 13 5G, although some familiar issues remain, as well as a noticeable point of regression.

Pros

Sharper, tighter design
120Hz OLED display still excellent
Generous storage

Cons

Middling battery life
Obnoxious software

Our Verdict

While the price remains the same, the Redmi Note 13 5G doesn’t appear to be a budget offering like some of its predecessors. While the design is sharper than before and the screen remains impressive, battery life has decreased, the user interface has become more frustrating and camera performance has suffered.

Design & Build

Flatter, slimmer, lighter design than before
Very plasticky but solid enough
IP54 & Gorilla Glass 5

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 boasts a modern and sleek design that matches the brand’s promise of creating stylish yet affordable smartphones. The device has a sophisticated look with a glass front, plastic back and a durable plastic frame that strikes a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.

Design Features

Thin And Light: Redmi Note 13 has a slim profile and lightweight design, making it easy to hold and carry. Its dimensions and weight are well optimized for one-handed use without compromising the screen size.
Display: The phone features a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz high refresh rate. The screen-to-body ratio is impressive with minimal bezels and a small cutout for the front camera, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Color Options: Xiaomi offers the Redmi Note 13 in a variety of attractive colors to suit the different preferences of users. Gradients and matte finishes add sophistication to the overall design, making the device visually appealing.
Camera Module: The rear camera is housed in a rectangular module with rounded edges located at the top left corner of the rear panel. This module is slightly raised, which adds character to the phone’s design and maintains a streamlined look.
Ergonomics: Physical buttons, including the power button and volume rocker, are ergonomically positioned for easy access and ease of use. The fingerprint scanner is mounted on the side and integrated into the power button for quick and secure unlocking.
Build Quality: Despite the budget price, the Redmi Note 13 offers excellent build quality. The plastic back and frame are durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. The phone also features P2i coating, which makes it splash-resistant and adds an extra layer of protection.

Build Features

Durablity: Using Gorilla Glass on the front panel makes the screen more resistant to scratches and minor impacts. Plastic frame and back absorb shock for stability without adding weight.
Ports And Connectivity: Redmi Note 13 has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion. These features make the device versatile and easy to use.
Battery: The phone has a powerful battery that ensures long-term use without frequent recharging. The efficient design helps balance battery life and the overall thickness of the device.
Cooling System: Xiaomi has implemented an advanced cooling system in Redmi Note 13 to keep the device cool during intensive tasks like gaming or extended usage. This system improves performance and durability.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 stands out with its modern design, ergonomic design and durable construction. It reflects Xiaomi’s ability to combine aesthetics with functionality, offering users a stylish smartphone without compromising on performance and durability. Be it the high-quality display, eye-catching color options or smart feature placement, the Redmi Note 13 is designed to meet the needs of modern smartphone users while maintaining an affordable price.

Screen & Speakers

Familiar 6.67in Full HD+ OLED display
120Hz refresh rate
Downward-firing mono speaker

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 offers an attractive package for those looking for a high-quality visual and audio experience without breaking the bank. This article looks at the standout features of the Redmi Note 13’s screen and speakers, highlighting the elements that make this device a significant contender in its price range.

Screen Superiority

Display Technology

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade over the LCD screens common in budget smartphones. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, this screen delivers clear, vivid images that highlight every detail. AMOLED technology is known for its superior color reproduction, where deep blacks and vivid colors enhance the overall visual experience.

High Refresh Rate

The key feature of the Redmi Note 13 display is the 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate results in a smooth, fast user response, which is especially noticeable during fast-paced activities like gaming or scrolling through social media feeds. The smoothness of animations and transitions has been greatly improved, reducing motion blur and making interactions more natural and spontaneous.

Brightness And Clarity

The display has a brightness of up to 1200 nits. The high brightness level ensures that the screen remains visible even in direct sunlight, making outdoor use comfortable and stress-free. Additionally, HDR10+ support provides increased levels of contrast and color accuracy for an enhanced viewing experience when viewing HDR content on streaming platforms.

Eye Comfort Feature

Xiaomi has included several features in the Redmi Note 13 to ensure eye comfort. The device has a blue light filter and reading mode that reduces eye strain during prolonged use. These features are especially useful for users who spend a lot of time on their phones, whether at work or leisure.

Sound Performance

Dual Speakers

The Redmi Note 13 comes with dual speakers, a feature that significantly improves sound quality. Strategically placed on the top and bottom of the device, these speakers deliver balanced, loud and clear stereo sound. This setup delivers immersive and detailed audio, ideal for multimedia viewing, gaming and video calling.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Redmi Note 13’s speakers is impressive for a device in its price range. The speakers deliver rich, rich sound with a good balance between lows, mids and highs. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos or playing games, the sound will be clear and distortion-free, even at high volumes.

Sound Improvement

Xiaomi has also included several audio enhancements to improve the listening experience. Redmi Note 13 supports Hi-Res Audio, which provides higher sound quality for compatible audio files. In addition, the device is equipped with advanced audio processing algorithms that enhance sound clarity and depth for a more enjoyable listening experience.

Connections And Additional Features

Headphone Port

Despite the growing trend of removing the headphone jack on modern smartphones, Xiaomi has retained this feature on the Redmi Note 13. This inclusion allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones without using an adapter, providing flexibility and convenience.

Bluetooth And Wireless Audio

For those who prefer wireless audio, the Redmi Note 13 supports Bluetooth 5.1, providing a stable and high-quality connection with wireless headphones and speakers. The device also supports aptX and LDAC codecs, which improve the quality of Bluetooth audio, making wireless audio virtually indistinguishable from wired audio.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 stands out in the budget smartphone market with its impressive screen and speakers. The 6.67-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals and a smooth user experience, while dual speakers deliver rich, immersive audio. These features, along with thoughtful additions like a headphone jack and advanced audio codecs, make the Redmi Note 13 a versatile device that offers exceptional value for money. Whether you are a multimedia enthusiast, a gamer or someone who appreciates high-quality audio and visuals, the Redmi Note 13 is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

108Mp main sensor
Reasonable results in good lighting, terrible night shots
Decent selfie camera

Rear Camera System

Four Camera Setup

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 has a sophisticated quad-camera setup on the back which includes:

Main Camera: 108MP primary sensor with f/1.9 aperture that captures high-resolution images with superior detail and clarity. This sensor uses advanced pixel binning technology to combine nine pixels into one to produce 12MP photos with increased brightness and reduced noise, especially in low light conditions.
Ultra-Wide Camera: 8MP ultra-wide sensor with 120-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture. This camera offers a wider field of view than a prime lens, ideal for capturing wide landscapes, group shots and architectural photographs.
Macro Camera: 5MP macro sensor with f/2.4 aperture for close-up photography. This lens allows users to get incredibly close to subjects, capturing intricate details that standard lenses often miss, such as flowers, insects and the texture of small objects.
Depth Sensor: 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture that helps create natural bokeh for portrait shots. This sensor helps to accurately separate the subject from the background, resulting in professional-looking portrait photos with a blurred background.

Camera Functions And Modes

Night Mode: Redmi Note 13’s Night Mode uses multi-frame processing to enhance low-light photos. By capturing multiple frames at different exposures and combining them, this mode reduces noise and improves the overall clarity and brightness of images captured in difficult lighting conditions.
Ai Scene Detection: This feature uses AI to automatically detect different scenes and objects. The camera adjusts parameters such as exposure, color and contrast to optimize image quality for each specific scene, be it landscape, portrait or food photography.
Pro Mode: For photography enthusiasts, Pro Mode offers advanced manual controls including ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed and Focus. This mode gives you the flexibility to fine-tune your camera and take creative shots
HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode helps capture more detail in high-contrast scenes by balancing exposure between the brightest and darkest areas of the image. The result is photos with wide dynamic range and improved color accuracy.
Panorama: Panorama mode allows users to capture wide panoramas by combining multiple images into one large photo.
Video Recording: Redmi Note 13 supports 4K video recording at 30fps, ensuring high-definition video capture. Additionally, it offers Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to reduce camera shake and provides smooth video even when recording handheld.

Front Camera

Selfie Camera

The Redmi Note 13’s front camera is a 16-megapixel sensor with f/2.5 aperture designed to take clear and vivid selfies. This camera comes with various features and modes to enhance your selfie experience:

Ai Beautify: This feature uses artificial intelligence algorithms to smooth skin tone, reduce blemishes and enhance facial features, delivering beautiful, natural-looking selfies.
Portrait Mode: Like the rear camera, the front camera supports Portrait Mode, allowing users to take selfies with a pleasing bokeh effect that blurs the background and makes the subject stand out.
HDR: The front camera’s HDR mode ensures well-exposed selfies even in difficult lighting conditions such as backlit scenes or harsh sunlight.
Night Selfie Mode: This mode improves the quality of low-light selfies by using advanced image processing techniques that brighten photos while maintaining detail and reducing noise.
Video Recording: The front camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it perfect for high-quality video calls, vlogging and creating social media content.

The camera system of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is a standout feature that elevates the device above many competitors in the budget segment. The rear quad camera offers versatility and performance in a variety of situations, from ultra-wide landscapes to detailed close-ups and stunning portraits. In particular, the 108MP main sensor delivers exceptional image quality with high detail and clarity. The front camera complements it with advanced selfie features and high-quality video recording. Overall, the Redmi Note 13 offers impressive camera capabilities that will appeal to both casual users and photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life & Charging

5000mAh battery
Stamina doesn’t seem as good as before
Solid 33W charging

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is designed keeping in mind the needs of modern smartphone users who expect excellent battery performance and effective charging capabilities. This article takes a look at the Redmi Note 13’s battery life and charging features, highlighting that it’s a great choice for those looking for reliability and convenience.

Battery life

Large Battery Capacity

Powering the Redmi Note 13’s impressive battery performance is a 5,000mAh battery. A large battery capacity is an important factor in ensuring that the device can withstand long-term use without the need for frequent recharging. Whether you’re a heavy user interested in gaming, streaming and multitasking, or a light user focused on calls, messaging and occasional browsing, the Redmi Note 13 is designed to last all day and beyond.

Efficient Energy Management

Xiaomi has implemented advanced power management technology to further optimize battery life. The device is powered by a highly efficient chipset that balances performance and power consumption. This ensures that even demanding tasks won’t drain your battery excessively. Additionally, the MIUI software, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin, incorporates various battery saving features that intelligently manage app activity and background processes to extend battery life.

Screen And Battery Balance

120Hz AMOLED displays, while delivering exceptionally smooth and bright images, can consume significant power. However, Xiaomi has introduced adaptive refresh rate technology that adjusts the refresh rate depending on the content being displayed. For static images or low-motion activity, the refresh rate is reduced, saving battery power. This dynamic combination helps maintain a balance between visual quality and energy efficiency.

Charging function

Fast Charging Technology

Redmi Note 13 supports 67W wired fast charging, a feature that significantly reduces battery recharging time. With fast charging capabilities, users can go from a low battery warning to a substantial charge in a short amount of time. For example, a 10-minute charge can provide several hours of use, making it convenient for users who are always on the go.

Charging Speed

In practice, the 67W fast charger included with the device can charge the Redmi Note 13 from 0% to 100% in about 40-45 minutes. This fast charging capability is a game changer for users who need their phones to be ready quickly after a short break The ability to significantly increase battery charge within minutes improves overall usability by reducing downtime.

Battery Safety And Longevity

With the Redmi Note 13, Xiaomi has also paid considerable attention to battery safety and durability. The fast charging system is equipped with various protection systems including temperature control, voltage control and overcurrent protection. These features ensure battery and device safety during the fast charging process Additionally, the battery is designed to maintain its capacity over time, reducing the rate of degradation and maintaining performance even after multiple charge cycles.

Wireless Charger

While focusing on fast wired charging, the Redmi Note 13 supports wireless charging, adding convenience for those who prefer cable-free charging. Wireless charging capabilities, while slower than wired charging, offer flexibility and ease of use, especially when paired with a compatible wireless charging pad.

Battery Optimization Feature

MIUI Battery Mode

MIUI offers different battery optimization modes for different usage scenarios **Battery Saver Mode** Limits background activity and reduces performance while extending battery life, ideal for when your phone needs to last longer. **Ultra Battery Saver Mode** ensures maximum battery saving, goes further by limiting most functions to just the basics.

Application Management

The software also includes application management tools that allow users to monitor and control the energy consumption of individual applications. This granular control helps identify and limit apps that consume too much power, thereby increasing overall battery life.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 excels in both battery life and charging capacity, making it a reliable companion for users with a variety of needs. The large 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance with efficient power management, while the 67W fast charging technology ensures quick and convenient charging. Security features and battery optimization tools further enhance the user experience, making the Redmi Note 13 a great choice for those looking for a balance between power and convenience. Whether you’re a power user or someone who values long battery life, the Redmi Note 13 is built to meet and exceed expectations.

Software And Apps

HyperOS 1.0 over Android 14
Excessive bloatware
Unintuitive and buggy notification menu

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 isn’t just about the hardware; He also excels in software department. Running on MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom skin for Android, Redmi Note 13 offers a rich set of features and apps designed to enhance user experience, productivity and enjoyment. This article provides a detailed overview of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13’s software and apps, highlighting the elements that make it stand out.

MIUI: Custom Android Skin From Xiaomi

User Interface

MIUI, which stands for MI User Interface, is a customized version of Android that Xiaomi uses on its devices. Redmi Note 13 uses the latest version of MIUI, which is based on the latest version of Android. MIUI is known for its vibrant and intuitive user interface, which emphasizes aesthetics and ease of use. The interface features dynamic animations, custom themes, and a well-organized layout that makes it visually appealing and user-friendly.

Performance And Optimization

MIUI on Redmi Note 13 is optimized for performance. It includes performance improvements such as memory optimization, faster application launch times and intelligent resource management. These features ensure that your device runs smoothly even when you have multiple apps open and heavy multitasking.

Security And Privacy

Xiaomi has included strong security features in MIUI to protect user data and privacy. Redmi Note 13 has a built-in security app that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses and other threats. It also has privacy controls that allow users to manage app permissions, protect sensitive information, and use features like App Lock and Hidden Apps to keep personal data safe.

Pre-installed Applications

System Application

Redmi Note 13 comes with a set of pre-installed system apps that enhance the overall functionality of the device. These include:

Phone & Messages: Basic communication app with features like call recording, spam detection, and custom message subjects.
Gallery: A well-organized photo and video management app with built-in editing tools and cloud syncing capabilities.
File Manager: A comprehensive file management application that allows users to easily organize, transfer and manage files.

Mi Apps

Xiaomi has several native apps that enhance usability:

Mi Remote: Uses the device’s IR blaster to control various home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and set-top boxes.
Mi Browser: Fast and lightweight web browser optimized for Redmi Note 13 with a clean interface and ad blocking capabilities.
Mi Music and Mi Video: Media players that support a wide range of formats and offer curated content, online streaming and personalized recommendations.

Google Apps

Being an Android device, the Redmi Note 13 comes with a full range of pre-installed Google apps including Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google Photos. These apps provide core services and full integration with the Google ecosystem.

Additional Features

Themes And Customization

MIUI offers extensive customization options through the Themes app. Users can choose from thousands of themes, wallpapers, ringtones and fonts to personalize their device. The ability to customize the lock screen, home screen and system UI allows users to create a unique look and feel.

Game Turbo

For gaming enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 13 includes Game Turbo, a feature designed to improve gaming performance. Game Turbo optimizes system resources, reduces latency, and provides tools like screen recording and performance monitoring. It also has features to block notifications and calls while gaming, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience

Second place

Second Space is a unique MIUI feature that allows users to create a separate secure space on their device. This can be used for privacy purposes, allowing users to separate personal and work profiles or share the device with family members without compromising personal data.

Quick Ball

Quick Ball is a handy tool that gives you quick access to frequently used apps and features. It can be customized using shortcuts and is always accessible, located at the edge of the screen. This feature improves productivity by reducing the need to navigate menus.

Application drawer

A notable update in the latest versions of MIUI is the introduction of the application drawer Unlike earlier versions where all apps were displayed on the home screen, the app drawer allows for a clean home screen with categorized apps for better usability and aesthetics.

Based on MIUI, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13’s software and app ecosystem offers a rich and customizable user experience. With a focus on performance, security and a plethora of pre-installed and native apps, MIUI ensures that the Redmi Note 13 is more than just a smartphone – it’s a universal tool that adapts to the user’s needs. Rich customization options, gaming enhancements and productivity tools make the Redmi Note 13K a standout device in its segment, targeting a wide range of casual to advanced users.

Price & Availability

Xiaomi is offering a simplified selection of the Redmi Note 13 5G here in the UK and Europe. There’s only one model on offer with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage – a direct step up from the Note 12 5G.

This unique model costs £279/€299 direct from Xiaomi. At the time of writing, I couldn’t find any UK carriers offering the Redmi Note 13 5G on contract.

Again, this puts the phone in a bit of an awkward position: it’s too expensive to be classified as a full-budget phone, but it’s much cheaper than most mid-range phones.

I’ve already mentioned two other phones that do something similar: the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G and the Moto G84 5G. However, these phones manage to hit the magic £249 mark, which is at the upper end of budget phone territory.

Conversely, Xiaomi itself is offering the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G for £339. It gives you a phone that looks very similar at first glance. However, with Qualcomm’s superior performance, sharper display, faster charging, in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers and a better 200MP main camera, it’s actually a significant step up for just £60.

Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G?

The Redmi Note 13 5G covers a lot of base price at £279 and has some small but nice design improvements over previous models. I still rate its 120Hz OLED display highly.

On the downside, battery life seems to have taken a bit of a hit, and Xiaomi’s new HyperOS UI is hardly the MIUI upgrade we were hoping for. Meanwhile, your processor choice may represent a decent upgrade, but you can get better performance for less money elsewhere.

Coupled with a strangely inconsistent camera setup, the Redmi Note 13 5G doesn’t feel as tough as some of its predecessors. It’s a good phone, but you can find better value elsewhere without looking too far.

Spending a bit more will get you the much more reliable Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, and spending a bit less will get you the solid Samsung Galaxy A25 5G or the excellent Motorola Moto G84 5G.

Specs

HyperOS 1.0 over Android 14
67in, FHD+, AMOLED, 120Hz, flat display
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
MediaTek Dimensity 6080
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
256GB storage
108Mp, f/1.7 main camera
8Mp, f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
2Mp, f/2.4 macro camera
Up to 1080p @ 30fps rear video
16Mp front-facing camera
Mono speaker
Hybrid dual-SIM
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.3
5000mAh battery
33W charging
11 x 74.95 x 7.6 mm
5g
Launch colours: Graphite Black, Arctic White, Ocean Teal