Xiaomi Redmi 13 review

Introduction

The Redmi 13 is a nice little entry-level phone. Well, not in the literal sense, seeing how its 6.79-inch display is actually quite large. The Redmi 13 isn't the cheapest phone in Redmi's current roster. You can go even lower with, say, the Redmi 13C. Still, a base 6GB/128GB Redmi 13 will run you just $180/€170. That's potentially a good deal, especially if you value highly a good camera experience.

The Redmi 13 is the first in the Redmi number series with a 108MP main camera. It looks impressive on paper, and there seem to be only a few obvious competitors in the price range offering a similar main camera.

Xiaomi Redmi 13 specs at a glance:

• Body: 168.6x76.3x8.3mm, 205g; Glass front, plastic frame, glass back; IP53, dust and splash resistant.
• Display: 6.79" IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (HBM), 1080x2460px resolution, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 396ppi.
• Chipset: Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm): Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G52 MC2.
• Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; eMMC 5.1; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
• OS/Software: Android 14, HyperOS.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 108 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5030mAh; 33W wired.
• Connectivity: LTE; Hybrid Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 5.4; NFC; FM radio; IR blaster; 3.5mm jack.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); Virtual proximity sensing.

The Redmi 13 does come with some corners cut here and there. For one, it is a 4G phone, rocking one of the older Helio chipsets (well, it's old on the inside). The Helio G91 Ultra just isn't all that impressive. And it is paired with eMMC 5.1 storage chips, which are pretty sluggish by today's standards.

The Redmi 13 also comes with a single speaker instead of a stereo setup, basic ingress protection and a rather unimpressive 90Hz LCD panel.

On the plus side, the Redmi 13 does come with dual SIM support. One of the nano-SIM slots is a hybrid one, which means you get microSD expandable storage as well. There is also a 3.5mm jack on the Redmi 13 and an FM radio receiver, IR blaster and NFC in some markets. The nicely sized 5,030 mAh battery also supports 33W wired PD charging, which has the potential to be quite quick for an lower midrange phone. Unfortunately, you don't get a charger in the box in every region.

Unboxing

The Redmi 13 comes in a simple two-piece cardboard box. It is largely painted red on the top side, making it stand out quite a lot. The box is nice and sturdy. There appear to be no plastics in the packaging, and the phone cradle inside the box is crafted out of cardboard.

As we already mentioned, the Redmi 13 unfortunately doesn't come bundled with a charger in every region. You will get one only on some markets.

You do get a basic USB Type-A to Type-C cable in the box. It is nothing special, but it is wired for data, which is nice.

Our review unit also came with a nice transparent TPU case. However, you should check whether your local retailer offers it.