Redmi 13c Review: Unveiling the budget king's features in 5 minutes
The Redmi 13c is a worthy upgrade from the 12c predecessor, the speakers however might catch up after Xiaomi’s HyperOS update.
Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi 13C, its latest budget-friendly smartphone that seamlessly blends affordability with premium features. Available in both 4G and 5G variants, this device stands out with its compact-sleek design and offers a compelling user experience.
Designed to cater to the entertainment and photographic needs of Gen Z customers, the Redmi 13C is available in Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Clover Green, and Glacier White colour options.
With prices starting at ₦145,000 - ₦170,000 for the 128GB RAM and 256GB storage variants, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C aims to offer valuable upgrades for less. This review will highlight the noteworthy and less impressive features to determine if it's the right buy for you.
What does the phone look like?
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C features a modern design with a flat-edge frame and rounded corners for comfortable handling. Its large 6.74-inch IPS LCD offers a 720 x 1600-pixel resolution for a decent viewing experience.
The 90Hz refresh rate helps everything look and feel smooth, while the display's brightness makes content easily viewable outdoors. A small notch at the top discreetly houses the front-facing camera.
The back of the phone has a glass-like finish with a plastic frame. The dual-camera system, comprised of the primary and macro lenses, sits in a circular module with an LED flash alongside.
What’s inside the phone?
At the heart of the Redmi 13C lies a powerful combination for daily use. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor tackles everyday tasks with ease, and even light gaming runs smoothly. This is backed by up to 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking, ensuring apps run without lag. Storage options range from 128GB to 256GB, with the ability to expand further using a microSD card.
Keeping everything powered is a generous 5000mAh battery. This allows for a full day's use on a single charge, with moderate usage. When it's time to refuel, 18W fast charging gets you back up and running quickly.
The Redmi 13C runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top. This combination offers the latest Android features with Xiaomi's customisations, providing a user-friendly and customisable experience.
What we like about the Redmi 13c phone
- NFC: This convenient feature enables contactless payments and data transfers.
- Headphone jack: Still a valuable inclusion for those who prefer wired audio.
- Excellent battery standby: The longer time between charges is always appreciated.
- Attractive ergonomic design: The Redmi 13C boasts a sleek look with flat edges that offer a comfortable and secure grip.
What we don’t like about the Redmi 13c
- Bloatware: The excessive pre-installed apps, some of which can't be removed.
- Ads in Xiaomi apps: Intrusive ads within essential apps like File Manager are a negative.
- Outdated control centre: Preference for the newer MIUI control centre.
- Tinny speaker: Disappointing audio quality for media consumption.
Yellowish display: Potential colour accuracy issues compared to other units.
Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13c phone?
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C is a solid contender if you're looking for an ultra-budget phone and prioritize features like NFC and a headphone jack. It's a good choice for basic smartphone needs and light usage.
Keep in mind that it comes with compromises, such as bloatware, ads in system apps, and a slightly underwhelming speaker.
If your budget allows a little extra, consider these alternatives:
- Poco F5 offers a significant performance boost for a more powerful experience.
- Redmi Note 13 Pro is a well-rounded option with better specs across the board.
- Redmi 12 is slightly better than the 13C in most areas, making it worth considering if the price difference isn't too significant.
Pricing and Availability in Nigeria
The Redmi 13C offers a competitive option within Nigeria's budget smartphone market, especially when considering rivals like the itel P55+, which boasts similar features at comparable prices.
You can find the Redmi 13C priced between ₦145,000 and ₦170,000. Prices will vary slightly depending on the chosen RAM and storage configuration. Here's the breakdown:
- 4GB + 128 GB variant
- 6GB + 128 GB variant
- 8GB + 256 GB variant
The Redmi 13C is now widely available throughout Nigeria. You can purchase it at official Xiaomi stores and other partner retailers across the country including Jumia and Konga.
