Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review

 

 

1. Introduction, Specifications, and Unboxing

Xiaomi's Redmi Note series attracts millions of online and in-store shoppers annually, eagerly anticipating the latest smartphone release. This year, the Redmi Note 13 Pro appears poised to maintain the series' reputation as one of the best value-for-money phones available.

Following Xiaomi's characteristic approach, the Redmi Note 13 Pro lineup can be a bit confusing and crowded, featuring both 4G and 5G versions, Pro and non-Pro models, and even a 5G Pro+. In this review, we focus on the variant expected to be the most popular - the Redmi Note 13 Pro (5G).

The Redmi Note 13 Pro brings substantial upgrades over its predecessor, the Redmi Note 12 Pro, including an enhanced display with higher resolution, increased brightness, and a broader color spectrum. Additionally, improvements extend to a faster chipset, expanded storage options, and an enhanced primary camera.

 

Key Specifications of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro:

• Build: 161.2x74.2x8.0mm, 187g; Front Gorilla Glass Victus, Glass Back, Plastic Frame; IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance.
• Display: 6.67" AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak), 1220x2712px resolution, 20.01:9 aspect ratio, 446ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm): Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55); Adreno 710.
• Memory: Multiple configurations ranging from 128GB 8GB RAM to 512GB 16GB RAM; UFS 2.2.
• OS/Software: Android 13, MIUI 14.
• Cameras: 200MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro (rear); 16MP wide (front); 4K video recording, various camera features.
• Battery: 5100mAh; 67W wired charging; PD3.0, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 44 min (advertised).
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 5; BT 5.2; NFC; Infrared port; 3.5mm jack.
• Additional Features: IP54-rated, under-display fingerprint reader, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, virtual proximity sensing.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts an IP54 rating and features a 6.67-inch OLED display with 1220p resolution, 12-bit color depth, up to 1,800 nits peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content and is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus.

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, available with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The primary camera employs a 200MP Samsung sensor with OIS, promising enhanced photo and video quality. The phone also introduces an under-display fingerprint scanner, a first for the global Redmi series.

Additional features include Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, a 5,100mAh battery with 67W fast charging, and the device runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14, with plans for future HyperOS updates.

While an IP68 rating would have been preferable, the IP54 rating ensures sufficient protection against rain and accidental water exposure.

Unboxing the Redmi Note 13 Pro: The Redmi Note 13 Pro is packaged in a sturdy white paper box, containing the phone, a 67W power adapter, and a 6A-rated USB-A-to-C cable. A protective case is included in the package, and the phone comes with a thin film on its screen for scratch protection, albeit prone to smudges.