Xiaomi Redmi 13C the Best Budget Phone of 2023? Specs and Price Comparison

Redmi 13C is a product of Xiaomi, Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company founded in 2010 that has quickly grown to become one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world. Xiaomi is known for making high-spec devices available at affordable prices.

The Redmi series is Xiaomi’s line of budget and mid-range smartphones, a less expensive one rather than iPhone. First introduced in 2013, Redmi phones are designed to provide great value by focusing on key features and performance at low costs. The Redmi series has been highly successful, especially in developing markets like India, due to this balance of price and quality.

The Redmi 13C is the latest addition to the Redmi series in 2023. As with other Redmi phones, it aims to deliver impressive specs and a premium user experience at an accessible price point. The Redmi 13C comes on the heels of the very popular Redmi 12C from 2022, and looks to build upon the foundation of that previous model.

Redmi 13C Key Specs

The Redmi 13C comes with some impressive specs for its price range. Here are the key details:

• Display: 6.6″ LCD display with FHD+ resolution
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G85 processor
• RAM & Storage: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, 6GB RAM with 128GB storage
• Battery: 5000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging support
• Rear Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP depth sensor
• Front Camera: 5MP selfie camera
• OS: Android 12 with MIUI 13

With its large FHD+ display, 5000mAh battery, and capable Helio G85 chipset, the Redmi 13C seems well equipped as an affordable smartphone option. The main 50MP camera and large storage options also help make this a feature-packed phone considering its expected budget pricing.

Redmi 13C Design

The Redmi 13C features a sleek and stylish design with an attractive color palette. It comes in three different colors: Ice Crystal Blue, Ink Black, and Mint Green.

The phone has a glossy finish on the back made of polycarbonate material. The frame is plastic as well. The phone feels lightweight and comfortable to hold at its dimensions of 167.5 x 76.56 x 8.05mm and weight of 185g.

Some key design elements of the Redmi 13C include:

• Teardrop notch camera on the front
• Rear triple camera module aligned vertically in the top left corner
• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for quick unlocking
• 3.5mm headphone jack at the top
• USB Type-C port at the bottom
• Dual nano-SIM slots

The phone has a modern and minimalist look with thin bezels around the display and a punch-hole front camera. The smooth rounded edges and corners make the device easy to grip. Overall, the Redmi 13C has an attractive and practical design suitable for regular usage.

Redmi 13C Performance

The Redmi 13C is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is a very capable chipset for an affordable phone like this. Here’s a look at how it performs in both benchmarks and real-world use:

Benchmarks

In AnTuTu benchmarks, the Redmi 13C scores around 180,000 points. That puts it ahead of phones like the Redmi 10C but below more expensive Redmi models with better chipsets. Still, it’s impressive performance for the price.

In Geekbench tests, the 13C gets a single core score of around 390 and a multi-core score around 1250. Again, very solid results for an entry-level gaming phone.

Real World Performance

For daily tasks like web browsing, social media, messaging, emails etc, the Redmi 13C handles it all with ease. Apps open swiftly, scrolling is smooth, and multitasking is possible thanks to the capable processor.

The phone can handle casual games like Subway Surfers and Temple Run without any hiccups. Even more graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile are playable at low to medium graphics settings. So the Helio G85 gives it decent gaming abilities considering the price bracket.

Overall, performance is snappy and responsive for a budget device. The Redmi 13C can handle most typical smartphone workloads without any frustration for the user.

Gaming

As mentioned above, the phone can tackle casual games easily. Even certain high-end games like Call of Duty: Mobile are playable, though you may need to lower the graphics settings for smooth gameplay.

PUBG and other popular titles like Genshin Impact should be playable around 30fps if you lower the video settings. Hardcore mobile gamers may want a more powerful device, but for casual gaming the Redmi 13C gets the job done.

Productivity

With its MediaTek Helio G85 chip, the Redmi 13C can handle typical productivity tasks like working on documents, spreadsheets, creating presentations, web browsing with multiple tabs open, etc.

It may start to stutter a bit if you really push it with a ton of apps running simultaneously. But for light office work, email, documents and general multitasking, the phone delivers a smooth and frustration-free experience. Overall it’s a very capable productivity device given the affordable price point.

Redmi 13C Camera

The Redmi 13C features a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The main 50MP sensor has an f/1.8 aperture and uses pixel-binning technology to produce crisp 12.5MP photos.

Despite the budget pricing, image quality from the Redmi 13C’s main camera is quite good. Photos taken in daylight have plenty of detail and accurate colors. The camera also does a decent job in low light, though some noise starts to appear. The 2MP depth sensor enables portrait mode shots with background blur.

For selfies, there is an 8MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It can capture some nice looking self-portraits that are suitable for social media. The front camera can also record 1080p video.

On the video side, the rear camera can record up to 1080p at 30fps. Footage is stabilized but not at the level of premium phones. Slow motion recording is possible at 720p resolution. Overall, the Redmi 13C’s dual camera provides a solid photography experience considering its affordable price point.

Redmi 13C Software

The Redmi 13C runs MIUI 14 based on Android 12 out of the box. MIUI 14 brings several UI enhancements such as improved animations, dynamic widgets, and enhanced privacy and security features.

Some of the notable UI features include:

• Sidebar – provides quick access to frequent apps and tasks.
• Control center – houses all the quick settings in one place
• Super icons – larger app icons for the home screen
• Floating windows – run apps in small windows for multitasking.
• Enhanced animations – smoother transitions and animations

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Redmi 13C comes with several Google apps such as Chrome, Gmail, Maps, YouTube along with a suite of Xiaomi apps like Mi Browser, Mi Pay, Mi Store, Notes, Screen Recorder, and more. The phone also comes preloaded with Amazon Shopping, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, and more.

The software experience is smooth and fluid thanks to MIUI optimizations. The UI offers deep customization options via themes and customizations. Overall, the software package on the Redmi 13C is feature-rich and delivers a smooth user experience out of the box.

Redmi 13C Battery Life

The Redmi 13C is equipped with a large 5,000 mAh battery that delivers excellent battery life. In real world usage, the 13C can easily power through a full day of use even with heavy usage.

The large battery capacity means you can get around 1.5-2 days of battery life with moderate usage like web browsing, social media, messaging etc. With lighter usage, the 13C can last over 2 days on a single charge.

When it comes to heavy usage like gaming, streaming video etc the Redmi 13C still delivers solid battery life of 6-8 hours depending on your usage. This can easily get you through a full day before needing to recharge.

The Redmi 13C supports 18W fast charging. While not the fastest charging speeds, you can charge from 0 to 50% in around 45 minutes. A full charge from 0-100% takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Overall, the large 5,000 mAh battery ensures you get excellent battery life that can easily power you through a full day and then some. The fast charging support helps to quickly top up when you need it.

Redmi 13C Price and Availability

The Redmi 13C was first announced in January 2023. Pricing for the Redmi 13C varies depending on region:

• In India, the Redmi 13C starts at ₹8,999 for the base 3GB RAM/32GB storage model. The higher 4GB RAM/64GB storage variant is priced at ₹9,999.

• In China, the Redmi 13C starts at CNY 699 (around $105) for the 3GB/32GB model. The 4GB/64GB model costs CNY 799 (around $120).

• The Redmi 13C will likely retail between $150-$180 in the United States and Europe. Official pricing and availability details are not yet known for these markets.

The Redmi 13C comes in three color options: Light Blue, Light Green, and Light Black. All variants have a unibody glossy plastic design with a distinctive camera module on the back.

Storage options differ slightly by region. The Indian models have 32GB and 64GB built-in storage. In China, there is a third 128GB storage model available. expandable storage via microSD card up to 512GB is supported on all variants.

The Redmi 13C went on sale first in China in January 2023. The India launch is expected in February 2023. Global availability in Europe, Southeast Asia, and other markets will follow later in Q1 2023.

Comparisons to Other Redmi Phones

The Redmi 13C builds upon previous budget-friendly models from Redmi, offering improvements in key areas while still maintaining an affordable price point. Here’s how it stacks up against other recent Redmi models:

• Redmi 12C: The Redmi 13C has a newer Dimensity 700 processor compared to the Helio G85 in the 12C. The 13C also has a higher resolution selfie camera at 5MP versus 2MP on the 12C. However, the 12C has a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to 4,000 mAh in the 13C.

• Redmi 11T: The 11T is more of a mid-range offering with its Dimensity 810 chip and 90Hz display refresh rate. It has faster charging at 33W versus 10W on the 13C. However, the 13C has a newer main camera sensor at 50MP versus the 48MP on the 11T. The 13C is the more affordable option.

• Redmi 10 (2022): This 2022 version of the Redmi 10 has a comparable Helio G88 processor but a slower 18W charging speed. It matches the 13C’s 50MP main camera but has an 8MP front camera versus 5MP on the 13C. The 10 (2022) does have a 5,000 mAh battery like the 12C. The 13C brings modest improvements for a similar price.

• Redmi 10A: Xiaomi’s most affordable Redmi phone has the same Helio G25 processor, 5,000 mAh battery, and 10W charging as the predecessors Redmi 9A/9C. The 13C is a noticeable step up with its newer Dimensity chip, higher resolution cameras, FHD display, and more premium design.

Overall, while not a huge leap, the Redmi 13C delivers incrementally better performance and cameras compared to Redmi’s recent budget offerings, while keeping the same excellent battery life and approachable price point. It offers an updated experience for first-time buyers or those upgrading from older entry-level Redmi models.

Redmi 13C in Other Markets

The Redmi 13C has launched in several key global markets outside of China, with pricing and availability varying by region.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Redmi 13C starts at PKR 31,999 for the 4GB/128GB model and goes up to PKR 33,999 for the 6GB/128GB configuration. It is available from online retailers like Daraz and physical stores across major cities. The Redmi 13C competes closely with phones like the realme 9i and Infinix Hot 12 in this price segment for the Pakistani market.

India

Redmi has launched the 13C in India starting at ₹8,999 for the base 4GB/64GB model. The 6GB/128GB variant is priced at ₹10,999. It is sold through Amazon India and Xiaomi’s own website and stores. Key competitors in the Indian market include the Moto E32s, realme Narzo 50i Prime, and Infinix Hot 12 Play.

United States

There is no official launch yet for the Redmi 13C in the US market. However, it is expected to arrive eventually as an affordable unlocked device through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for around $150-200. The Redmi 13C would slot in below Xiaomi’s main Redmi Note series which starts at $179 in the US.

United Kingdom

In the UK, the Redmi 13C is also not officially available yet. Based on typical pricing conversion, it could launch around £140-180. Top competitors in this price bracket are phones like the Moto E32, Nokia G11, and Samsung Galaxy A04s. The Redmi 13C would give UK buyers a very affordable option with decent specs when it does launch.