Redmi 13C 5G – A Closer Look at Xiaomi’s Latest Budget Marvel
Xiaomi recently completed the much-awaited Redmi 12C update and here’s what we know about the new Redmi 13C 5G. The brand not only maintained the 4G model, but also introduced a new design language and advanced equipment. After using the Redmi 13C 5G for a few hours, let’s take a look at the details.
Design Evolution: Polycarbonate Charm with Star Trail Flair
The 13C 5G adopts a modern design philosophy, saying goodbye to the standard plastic look of the Redmi 12C. It has a polycarbonate frame and screen back, but the smooth walls and back panel give it a modern feel. The Star Trail design, with its fluid lines and glossy effects, adds a unique touch to this entry-level model. Despite its water-resistant build and dust-proof features, Xiaomi decided not to give the Redmi 13C 5G an official IP rating.
Display Dynamics: Size, Sharpness, and Refresh Rates
With a 6.74-inch LCD panel of 1600 x 720 pixels, the Redmi 13C 5G offers a decent viewing window. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen and provides durability. Design choices include a U-shaped display notch and a lower bezel, which sets it apart from its cheaper sibling, the Redmi 12 5G. In particular, the updated screen supports a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz and a touch sampling rate of 180Hz, especially improving the visual experience for gamers.
Power and Performance: MediaTek Upgrade and Expanded RAM Options
Under the hood, Xiaomi offers the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 SoC, which is a huge leap forward from the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC in the Redmi 12C. The Redmi 13C 5G comes in multiple RAM options, including 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB variants, each paired with 128GB or 256GB of storage. Notably, all models support up to 1TB of expandable storage and have optional options for up to 8GB of expandable virtual RAM.
Camera Capabilities: A Familiar Setup with a Single-Camera Experience
The camera setup remains the same with a 50-megapixel main camera and an inaccessible depth camera. Selfies are taken care of by the 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The Redmi 13C 5G will stick to a single camera setup, but may focus on optimizing the performance of the existing camera system.
Software Saga: MIUI 14 and Android 13 with Bloatware Concerns
On the software front, the Redmi 13C 5G runs MIUI 13 based on Android 14. However, user experience is a concern due to pre-installed third-party apps and spam reports. Xiaomi’s software strategy may need some improvements to improve overall usability.
Charging Boost: From 10W to 18W for the 5,000mAh Battery
The Redmi 13C 5G is equipped with the same 5000mAh battery as its predecessor, significantly improving the charging speed from 10W to 18W. Despite the improved charging capabilities, Xiaomi includes a 10W charger in the box. Switching from a micro USB port to a USB-C port adds a modern feel to your charging setup.
Price and Prospects: Awaiting Xiaomi’s Revelation
While we await official pricing information from Xiaomi, the Redmi 13C 5G looks like a comprehensive upgrade. However, the final verdict will depend on the price, which is yet to be announced. Stay tuned for our review of the entry-level Redmi 13C 5G. Here we will find out if its higher price compared to the Redmi 12C is justified or if it is overshadowed by the budget Redmi 12 5G. Meanwhile, Xiaomi promises an interesting lineup in the budget smartphone segment, with some changes to the non-5G version of the Redmi 13C.
