The Indian market has started getting updated budget phones in the last quarter of 2023. Before wrapping up 2023 we are getting one more entry in the same segment. The Redmi 13C series. In the 13C series, there are two smartphones: Redmi 13C and Redmi 13C 5G. Both, the Redmi 13C 5G and 13C come with a well-balanced specsheet.
While we can call it a good budget series and it brings its fair share of specs for its users, not everything is perfect. So, here are the top 5 things in the Redmi 13C series that make sense and one that could have been better.
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
Memory
8GB RAM and up to 8GB extended RAM
8GB RAM and up to 8GB extended RAM
Storage
up to 256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage
up to 256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage
Dedicated MicroSD Slot
Yes
Yes
Software
MIUI 14, based on Android 13
MIUI 14, based on Android 13
Primary Cameras
50MP + 2MP + 2MP AI Triple Camera, LED flash
50MP AI dual Camera, LED flash
Front Camera
5MP selfie camera
5MP selfie camera
Battery
5,000mAh battery
5,000mAh battery
Charging
18W fast charging, 10W in-box charger
18W fast charging, 10W in-box charger
Security
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock
Audio
3.5mm audio jack, Single Speaker
3.5mm audio jack, Single Speaker
Connectivity
Dual-SIM, 4G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Dual-SIM,5G, 4G, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Colour Options
Stardust Black and Star Shine Green
Startrail Black, Startrail Silver, and Startrail Green
5 Things That Make Sense In Redmi 13C Series
Performance
We rarely see a proper processor featured in this segment. Xiaomi decided to do something about that and features a usable performing chip in this segment. The Redmi 13C features MediaTek Helio G85 Processor and the 13C 5G features MediaTek Dinemnsity 6100+ chip onboard.
Both of these processors performed well in the Antutu benchmark and make sense to be featured in a budget series. This processor can handle mediocre gaming and day-to-day tasks well. Along with these processors, Redmi also raised the bar with improved UFS 2.2 storage, making it more reliable while multitasking.
Pricing
As we have mentioned earlier the Redmi 13C series belongs to the budget segment. The Redmi 13C is priced below Rs 10,000 and the 13C 5G is priced below Rs 12,000. Both these smartphones are priced below 12K making them suitable for entry-level consumers. Also, this makes the Xiaomi 13C 5G a great choice for entry-level 5G devices giving consumers more choices to go with.
Variant
Redmi 13C
Redmi 13C 5G
4GB RAM 128GB Storage
Rs 8,999
Rs 10,999
6GB RAM 128GB Storage
Rs 9,999
Rs 12,499
8GB RAM 256GB Storage
Rs 11,499
Rs 14,499
Design
Xiaomi has always set the mark when it comes to the design of their smartphones. The Redmi 13C series is no different. The Redmi 13C 5G features a Star Shine Design that makes it stand out.
The phone is made of polycarbonate plastic with flat edges and back giving it a more modern look and feel. In the back, it features a look that changes its design shape depending on the direction of light. The 13C series is a looker and with premium design language, it certainly marks its identity.
Storage
While most brand calls it a day after featuring 3GB RAM and 32 or 64GB of onboard storage Redmi decided to set another benchmark in the storage department as well. Both, the Redmi 13C and Redmi 13C 5G feature 4GB RAM and 128GB storage in their base variant and go up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of onboard storage.
Not just the capacity but the Redmi 13C series also has better storage type than the bunch. The storage type used on the Redmi 13C series is UFS 2.2 high-speed storage giving it faster app opening and closing times.
Camera
Both phones in the Redmi 13C series feature somewhat similar camera setups. One is a 50MP primary and the other one is a depth-sensing camera which are same in both of the devices. The Primary 50MP camera takes impressive photos during the day as well as some great nighttime photos. The secondary camera enables you to have better portraits.
In the Redmi 13C, there’s also a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots. On both smartphones, the primary camera is also enabled with the 2X lossless zoom enabled by a 50MP large sensor. It has 7 Different film filters keeping you ready for any scenario, for the selfie Redmi 13C series is equipped with a 5MP high-quality selfie shooter specially coded for Indian skin tones.
One Thing We Didn’t Like About Redmi 13C Series
Display
As we have seen the Redmi 13C series will have a well-rounded range of devices equipped with the complete package. But, in my opinion, the Redmi 13C series loses its edge in the display department.
While the rest of the competition like Lava Blaze 2 5G and its predecessor the Redmi 12 5G is equipped with a more modern punch-hole display the Redmi 13 Series still features an outdated notch design in its display which can be bummer for many.
Not only that, but the Redmi 13C series also lacks in terms of display resolution. The 13C series only has a 720P HD+ display which is insignificant in this age where the primary device for content consumption is a smartphone.
Overall Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C series can serve as a great entry-level smartphone and has the potential to be one of the best smartphones in its segment. Display aside the Redmi 13C features great overall performance and value for money proposition. One can not go wrong with it.