I have been using the 4G variant of the Redmi Note 13 from Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi for a while now.
The 4G variant is the most affordable of the devices in the Redmi Note 13 series (at just under Kshs 30,000) and while that is so, it still manages to excite and reserve some sparks. You still have to part with a lot more cash for more features on its siblings but if you opt for it, you’re well covered.
1. Display
The 6.67-inch display is not only clear and crisp (though a tad dull) but also quite responsive. You’ll definitely enjoy having it set at the maximum 120Hz refresh rate even though that comes with an increased drain.
2. Cameras
With the Redmi Note 13 series, the cameras are now placed individually at the back and no longer grouped under a single module as has been the case before. This makes for a visually appealing backside but the positives don’t end there. The cameras are actually good!
There’s the bit where the results of the 108-megapixel shooter could use a lot more contrast and detail especially in situations where the lighting conditions aren’t as bright as the equatorial midday sun usually guarantees but there’s also the side of this camera where it blossoms and flourishes when the lighting conditions are just right. At night and with sufficient light, it will still rise to the occassion but the shadows are hard to pass up.
The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, when called upon delivers a so-so performance, as is the 2-megapixel macro lens. The 108-megapixel sensor remains the hero of the show and does a lot to save the device’s grace alongside the standout 16-megapixel selfie sensor which is very very good when compared to the other lenses. Selfies come out having greater detail even in darker areas.
3. Battery life
Even with the 33W fast charging that you’re guaranteed when using the charging brick and cable that are included in the Redmi Note 13’s retail packaging, you still need to be sure you won’t need their indulgence until you’re back home 12 hours later and without having to compromise on your device usage, right? Well, with the Redmi Note 13 (4G), that’s pretty much part of the promise package.
4. MIUI experience (HyperOS is coming?)
MIUI has always been a great experience and while it has had its fair share of ups and downs and still gets some jibes for its familiarity to Apple’s iOS, its ease of use is one of its best attributes. That, alone, makes the Redmi Note 13 an easy-to-recommend device in the sea of Android devices trying to do everything.
Then things get sweeter: the Redmi Note 13 is also part of the devices getting HyperOS, the evolution of Xiaomi’s MIUI custom Android overlay. The review unit in my possession just got updated the other day.
5. Other features – IR blaster and the likes
Is it really a Xiaomi or Xiaomi-affiliated device if it has no infrared (IR) blaster? There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack to boot as well. It’s a rarity these days and its nice to see it included in a device like this one.
There’s a nice case included in the Note 13 4G’s retail packaging which does make some difference at least as far as handling goes.
Normally, on such a list, I’d have the device’s design make the cut. It doesn’t in this case because I find the Redmi Note 13 to be looking like pretty much most phones out there, especially at the back. It blends in with today’s design trends. I like the fresh design of the much cheaper Redmi A3, instead.
