Xiaomi’s plans for the Redmi Note 13 series launch in Kenya may have hit a snag as eager retailers in the country defy the official schedule to stock and start selling the phones ahead of the February 10th unveiling, thus giving us an early hint of the price to expect. This intriguing twist raises questions about the company’s control over its products and the grey area of unofficial imports.
While the official launch awaits, savvy Kenyans can already snag the Redmi Note 13 and its Pro variant from select retailers. Phone Zone Kenya offers the base 6GB/128GB model for Kshs 27,200, with prices climbing to Kshs 31,500 for the top-end 8GB/256GB option. The Redmi Note 13 Pro, on the other hand, starts at Kshs 43,000 for the 8GB/256GB variant, reaching Kshs 52,000 for the 8GB/512GB model.
Redmi Note 13
Display -6.67 inches,AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Android 13
Chipset-Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)
Main Camera -108MP+8MP+2MP
Selfie-16MP
Under display fingerprint
5000 mAh
33W charging6GB+128GB-Kshs 27,200
8GB +128GB- Kshs 29,500
8GB+ 256GB-Kshs 31,500 pic.twitter.com/T5Myc3s2EC— Phone Zone Kenya📱 (@PhoneZoneKe) February 1, 2024
Nano-Tech Kenya is also in the party but with slightly higher prices, starting the Redmi Note 13 (6GB/128GB) at Kshs 28,500 and reaching Kshs 33,500 for the 8GB/256GB option. The Redmi Note 13 Pro starts at Kshs 45,000 for the base model and climbs to Kshs 54,000 for the 8GB/512GB variant. That’s a Kshs 2,000 price gap for the premium Note 13 Pro when compared to Phone Zone Kenya.
Redmi Note 13 Series Now Available 🔥
Redmi Note 13 6/128 @ 28,500/-
Redmi Note 13 8/128 @ 30,500/-
Redmi Note 13 8/256 @ 33,500/-Redmi Note 13 pro 8/256 @ 45,000/-
Redmi Note 13 pro 12/512 @ 54,000/- pic.twitter.com/9FwRg301WH— Nano-Tech Kenya Electronics (@NanoTechKE) February 1, 2024
In summary, these are the early price details of the Redmi Note 13 series in Kenya:
Phone Zone Kenya:
- Redmi Note 13 (6/128GB) – Kshs 27,200
- Redmi Note 13 (8/128GB) – Kshs 29,500
- Redmi Note 13 (8/256GB) – Kshs 31,500
- Redmi Note 13 Pro (8/256GB) – Kshs 43,000
- Redmi Note 13 Pro (8/512GB) – Kshs 52,000
Nano-Tech Kenya:
- Redmi Note 13 (6/128GB) – Kshs 28,500
- Redmi Note 13 (8/128GB) – Kshs 30,500
- Redmi Note 13 (8/256GB) – Kshs 33,500
- Redmi Note 13 Pro (8/256GB) – Kshs 45,000
- Redmi Note 13 Pro (8/512GB) – Kshs 54,000
This unofficial availability presents an interesting conundrum for potential buyers. While the allure of immediate gratification is strong, the official launch might bring different pricing and potential warranty benefits. Additionally, the source of these phones raises questions. Did retailers utilize unofficial import channels, bypassing Xiaomi’s intended distribution network? The answer here is a resounding yes, and it speaks volumes about Xiaomi’s chain of distribution. In comparison, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 series in Kenya in mid-January and pre-orders are still ongoing until Valentine’s Day, but you’re unlikely to find any of these devices in the streets or in 3rd-party stores before this day.
The Redmi Note 13 saga in Kenya highlights the complex dynamics of the smartphone market where retailers sometimes play a risky game to capitalize on consumer demand. While the early availability might excite some, it’s crucial for buyers to proceed with caution and consider the potential drawbacks before diving into these unofficial offerings. The official launch on February 10th should provide much-needed clarity and potentially different pricing, so it’s wise to wait and see what Xiaomi Kenya has in store before making a purchase decision.
