The Redmi Note 13 checked into the country last month, coming as part of a series consisting of Note 13, Note 13+ and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. Right off the box, the device stands out in many ways, top of them for me being a whopping 108MP camera and an undeniably premium look. My test piece came in midnight black, which added a touch of sophistication and class.
Why do I look out for, and appreciate premium looking phones? Because they complement my style as a woman and add an extra touch of elegance to my overall appearance. It becomes a fashionable accessory that effortlessly blends in with my lifestyle. Whether at a business meeting or social gathering, a great device enhances confidence and presence.
But good phones do not just end at aesthetics. The Redmi Note 13 which I’ve been using for a few weeks packs a lot of power and function, some of which I’ll discuss in this article.
But first, what’s in the box?
As mentioned in a previous article, in the box you’ll find the phone, a custom-made protective back cover, a charging brick and USB cable, SIM injector tool and manufacturer guides including a warranty.
Performance
There are many features that work together to make a high performing phone and this device has ticked them impressively. Let’s look at a few.
Behind every good phone is a powerful chipset which is basically the brain of the device. The Redmi Note 13 ships out with the Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chip courtesy of which users are assured of a fast, smooth, efficient phone even when performing the most demanding tasks like heavy gaming. A good chipset is an all-round advantage for all internal workings of the phone. App responses are fast, camera performance is supported and optimized, and battery is less strained.
The phone has an internal memory of 256GB and 8GB RAM which are quite sufficient even for the most ardent multitaskers and data hoarders. With this kind of memory, say goodbye to lags and glitches, whatever use the phone is subjected to. The Redmi Note 13 is also equipped with a MicroSD slot, which means even more storage. What this offers users is absolute freedom to store loads of work and memories in form of photos and videos, and entertainment content too.
The phone comes with Android Version 13, and MIUI 14, an intuitive user interface by Xiaomi that gives phone users lots of customization options and updates. We also have a 120Hz refresh rate, a game changer in the speed at which phones respond to touch whether we are scrolling though social media or even gaming.
Design
The Redmi Note 13 features a glass back and glass front, which are what gives it that beautiful premium finish. The 6.67” AMOLED display has a resolution of 1080*2400, making it crisp, clear and a joy to use be it for apps, social media, movies, series, or games since it renders vivid and true colours.
Battery
The battery is 5000mAh which is quite adequate for a full day of regular use for me. The charging system comes with a 33W charger which will easily move the phone from zero to 50% in just half an hour.
Fast charge is a game changer that completely removes worries and anxieties from charge availability. I never really run phones completely dry but even if I did, being able to charge in a matter of minutes is a huge bonus.
Once you go fast charge you are never looking back, and Redmi has really gotten it great on this one.
Cameras
A 108MP camera signifies a new era in mobile photography in mid-level phones, empowering users to explore photography skills they didn’t know they had. It is also redefining the limits of what we thought can be achieved with a smartphone camera, given that the exceptionally high resolution in the Redmi Note 13 is supported by other features like 8MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, preinstalled filters, and a great photo editing software. Users will be able to enjoy stunningly sharp images that could even rival professional grade cameras.
The selfie camera is 16MP with video capabilities of 1080P, giving your selfies, videos, and video meetings quality and clarity.
Verdict
This is no doubt a very good purchase and value for money. For Ksh.49,999/-, Redmi has put flagship features in a mid-level phone, and customers can now enjoy the polished look plus superior features like cameras and memory. Go for it.