Xiaomi greeted the New Year 2024 with the launch of the Redmi Note 13 series early last month in India. The latest lineup includes Redmi Note 13 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G.
I tried my hands on the elegant Coral Purple colored Pro model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage priced at Rs 29,999. You can get the device in two more storage, the base 8GB RAM and 128 GB storage model for Rs 25,999 and the 8GB RAM and 256 GB storage variant for Rs 27,999. Apart from Coral Purple, the smartphone comes in Artic White and Midnight Black color options.
I’ve been using the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G smartphone for nearly a month now and here is my take on the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G smartphone.
Design that’s both stylish and practical
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G strikes a fine balance between aesthetic appeal and practical durability. If you ask me my first impressions of the smartphone, I would beyond a doubt say that the Redmi Note 13 Pro distinguishes itself with a sleek, modern design characterized by flat glass panels and a matte frame, giving me a secure grip and a smudge-free appearance. The device’s camera setup, a 200MP primary, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro, housed in a distinct square with large, protruding rings, provides both an aesthetic and functional purpose.
The device boasts a robust Gorilla Glass Victus screen shield, ensuring enhanced durability against drops and scratches, although the material used for the back panel is less clearly specified, simply referred to as “glass.” This might raise some concerns about the overall durability of the backside, especially for users prone to dropping their devices.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G’s IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance adds a layer of protection against the elements. However, it is important to note that this does not extend to submersion which restricts the phone’s resilience to more extreme conditions.
In my opinion, the device’s overall design and build enhance its ergonomics and ease of use, making it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone segment. As mentioned previously, Xiaomi gives you three attractive color options to choose from- Midnight Black, Coral Purple, and Artic White.
Display, a bright spot (and a few dimmers)
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G showcases a display that marries high-end specifications (in the segment) with a user-centric design, making it a promising addition to Xiaomi’s lineup. This 6.67-inch OLED panel delivers a resolution of 1,220 x 2,712 pixels, boasting a pixel density of 446ppi. Whether you are streaming movies or browsing photos, the visuals pop. Additionally, the display’s peak brightness of up to 1,800 nits ensures great visibility even in direct sunlight-notable gain over many competitors.
The screen, safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, is not only durable but also adept at minimizing damage from drops and scratches. This resilience is complemented by a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which when combined with 1,920 PWM dimming, provides flicker-free viewing and smooth scrolling experience in a range of lighting environments.
Whether you are streaming your favorite shows or watching HDR content, the display’s high resolution and color fidelity provide a delightful entertainment experience. The handset’s in-display fingerprint sensor is thought functional but could be finicky at times, especially with wet or dirty fingers. While the intricacies of its refresh rate management and brightness control may take some getting used to, the overall package offers a compelling reason to consider this device for anyone valuing screen quality in their smartphone experience.
Camera, a capable shooter with room to grow
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G packs a photographic punch that is hard to overlook, especially for its price point. At the heart of its camera system lies a gargantuan 200MP main sensor that delivers excellent results in daylight, capturing sharp images with detail and natural colors. Even in low light, it impresses with good noise control and brightness levels. Despite the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G pulls off impressive 2x and 4x zoom shots with minimal quality loss.
However, as the saying goes, not all that glitters is gold. The accompanying 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro cameras fall short of the main sensor’s standards. The ultrawide camera, with its limited field of view and outdated sensor, produces images that are soft, lacking in detail, and often with muted colors. The macro camera, while a nice addition, delivers low-resolution shots that often lack the clarity and detail one might hope for. Night photography with the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is surprisingly good, thanks to an effective Night mode that brings out impressive detail and color accuracy in low-light conditions. However, the performance of zoom photography in low light does not quite hit the mark.
For me, the 16MP front camera was adequate, delivering natural-looking shots with good dynamic range. Video capabilities are robust, supporting up to 4K resolution with the main camera, but the ultrawide is restricted to 1080p. The phone offers decent video stabilization, particularly for everyday recording.
All-in-all, my overall camera experience with the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G was impressive for its price bracket. And for sure, it is a solid choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
Performance and battery (Power on, Worry less)
Last but not least, performance and battery! The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. The device showcases a commendable blend of efficiency and power, tailored for the everyday user. From simple day-to-day activities to more demanding gaming sessions, I have no complaints with my time with the Note 13 Pro, except for occasional stutters at higher settings.
MIUI 14, layered on top of Android 13, brings enhancements like simplified management of Xiaomi smart devices, and the liberty to uninstall most system applications, among others. The UI remains as snappy and customizable as ever. Nonetheless, the software is not without its flaws and sometimes you might encounter issues with push notifications due to aggressive background app management. On the bright side, you get three major Android updates and four years of security patches.
In terms of battery life, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G comfortably lasts through a day and a half of regular use, thanks to its 5,100mAh battery. The 67W fast charging is a boon, enabling a swift recharge from zero to almost full in just under an hour. However, the absence of wireless charging might disappoint those looking for that extra convenience.
Overall, this smartphone represents a balanced choice for those seeking reliability and efficiency without breaking the bank.
Redmi Note 13 Pro – Hitting the mid-range sweet spot (almost)?
Well, well, well…offered in multiple configurations to suit varying user needs and budgets, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G demonstrates Xiaomi’s intent to spice up the mid-premium phone segment. With its mix of highs and lows, the smartphone ultimately presents itself as a premium midrange smartphone that, for the most part, successfully delivers on the essentials while also offering a few pleasant surprises along the way. For those who can overlook its few shortcomings, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G represents one of the best values under Rs 30,000, marking it as a standout choice for consumers in search of a versatile and capable smartphone.
