Here is a detailed review of Redmi 13C 5G, one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in India.
Excellent battery backup
5G on a budget
Solid build
Slow charging
Average cameras
Pre-installed apps
In a year when most tech stuff got expensive, Xiaomi has surprised customers with yet another affordable 5G smartphone. Its latest Redmi 13C 5G costs only Rs 10,999 (starting price, 4GB + 128GB), and it has even managed to beat my Rs 79,900-worth Apple iPhone 14 Plus (review) in a 5G speed test in select locations. It is also among the rarest Android phones in the segment to offer up to 256GB of inbuilt storage, which believe me, can be a blessing in the long run.
But apart from 5G support and higher storage capacity, the Redmi 13C 5G is mostly a no-frills device. It has a 50MP primary camera, which is only good in numbers. Its tall 6.74-inch display only offers HD+ (1,600 x 720 pixels) resolution and includes an antiquated waterdrop-style notch. Plus, there’s support for 18W charging, though the box only includes a 10W charger.
In that case, is the Redmi 13C 5G even worth considering if you don’t care so much about super-fast internet speed? Here’s my review after using the Redmi 13C 5G for a few days.
Table of Contents
Verdict
Design and display
Cameras
Performance and software
Battery and charging speeds
Final verdictVerdict
Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C 5G deserves credit for helping take 5G to the masses. It is also a decent option for those who prioritise battery and performance. That being said, you may want to manage your expectations, particularly regarding cameras and the OS experience. Notably, the Redmi 13C 5G’s biggest competitor is its own sibling, the Redmi 12 5G (review), which includes a more capable processor for a marginal price difference.Design and display
The Redmi 13C 5G resembles the Redmi 12 5G with a flat-edge design and large cutouts on the back for the rear cameras. The front looks different due to a waterdrop-style notch and thick bezels, which should be a thing of the past as we enter 2024. Thankfully, its plastic frame feels solid, and the back offers a nice glass-like finish.
For this review, I received the Startail Green variant. The Redmi 13C 5G also comes in Startail Black and Silver colour options.
I am not the biggest fan of the shimmery accents on the back and prefer a minimalist look. However, after cross-checking the design with some colleagues and family members, their reactions were mostly mixed. Therefore, I am guessing some of you may prefer a flamboyant design. But everyone agrees with the sheer size of the Redmi 13C 5G. With its massive 6.74-inch display, it towers over the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Maintenance can be a challenge, as the box excludes a protective case.
There’s no Infrared transmitter either, which used to be one of the most cherished features in Redmi smartphones. Other standard ports and buttons, including a 3.
