Redmi 13C 5G: A Familiar Upgrade, But With 5G and a Higher Price Tag
The Redmi 12C, which launched just six months ago, has already received a successor in the form of the Redmi 13C 5G. This new model, as the name clearly implies, adds 5G connectivity to the mix while retaining its status as Xiaomi’s budget offering. While the Redmi 13C 5G aims to be a clear upgrade, its design and features borrow heavily from other Redmi devices, particularly the Redmi 12 5G. This borrowing begs the question: Is the Redmi 13C 5G a compelling upgrade over its predecessor, or does it simply fall victim to a familiar Xiaomi strategy of incremental improvements?
A Familiar Design with a Twist
The Redmi 13C 5G adopts a newer design language that has been seen in Xiaomi’s more recent models. Gone is the plastic aesthetic of the Redmi 12C, replaced by a modern look with flat sides and a flat rear panel. While retaining a polycarbonate body, Xiaomi has chosen to make the device appear more premium with a unique "Star Trail Design" finish. This finish features two distinct patterns: running lines that appear to move when the phone is tilted and a familiar sparkle or shimmer. This dual-finish approach manages to stand out and gives the phone a more premium touch, especially given its entry-level price point.
The phone’s overall dimensions are larger than its predecessor, a likely consequence of its 6.74-inch LCD display with a 1,600 x 720 pixels resolution. This display is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 – the same as used in the Redmi 12 5G. It’s worth noting that a traditional U-shaped notch tops the display, which might look a bit dated compared to the hole-punch selfie camera found in the Redmi 12 5G. The display does benefit from an upgrade, featuring a 90Hz maximum refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate, which should appeal to gamers.
Internal Enhancements and a Familiar Camera Setup
Under the hood, the Redmi 13C 5G receives a significant upgrade with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC replacing the dated MediaTek Helio G85 SoC found in the 12C. Furthermore, Xiaomi has expanded the RAM and storage options, offering the 13C 5G in 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, and even an 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. Each variant supports up to 1TB of expandable storage and includes up to 8GB of expandable virtual RAM.
While the internal hardware has received a welcome upgrade, the camera setup remains largely untouched. A 50-megapixel primary camera paired with a depth camera continues to be the primary imaging system. This means that the Redmi 13C 5G, just like its predecessor, remains a single-camera device. Selfies are handled by a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Software and Battery: Familiar Strengths and Weaknesses
One unexpected aspect of the Redmi 13C 5G is its software experience. While the device runs MIUI 14, which is a positive, it is based on Android 13. However, the software experience is hampered by the inclusion of numerous pre-installed third-party apps and games. This results in a cluttered experience, marred by incessant notifications from these pre-installed apps – a frustrating issue that is commonplace in Xiaomi’s budget smartphone offerings.
Fortunately, the battery remains largely unchanged with a 5,000mAh unit. However, Xiaomi has significantly improved charging speeds, increasing them from 10W to 18W. Despite this upgrade, Xiaomi continues to include a 10W charger in the box. Another positive change is the inclusion of a Type-C port at the bottom replacing the micro-USB port found on the Redmi 12C.
Is the Redmi 13C 5G Worth the Premium?
Overall, the Redmi 13C 5G represents a well-rounded upgrade over its predecessor. The device offers better performance, a better looking design, and better display. However, its reliance on a single-camera setup, a cluttered software experience, and the inclusion of a slow charger might leave some buyers questioning its value for money, especially considering the higher price tag it will undoubtedly carry.
The release of the Redmi 13C (4G), which promises a lower resolution selfie camera and other minor changes, complicates the picture even further. It remains to be seen whether the Redmi 13C 5G can justify its premium over the 4G model, or whether it will face competition from its own budget stablemate, the Redmi 12 5G, which is already a compelling offering in the segment. Only a full review will reveal if the Redmi 13C 5G is a truly worthwhile upgrade or a fleeting attempt to capitalize on a familiar strategy of incremental improvements.
