Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Review: Premium Design At The Cost Of Affordability?
Xiaomi's highly acclaimed Redmi Note series has long been known for offering the best packages on the market at affordable prices.
When buying a Redmi Note smartphone, there is always a guarantee that you will get close or even close to the best specifications in this price range. However, that reputation could soon change if the Chinese electronics giant continues to push for more premium features at the expense of affordability, at least in the better variants.
After the hands-on experience with the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G seems to have a bit of an identity crisis as it doesn't know whether it wants to be an affordable device or a premium mid-range device.
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like about this device and I always appreciate the integration of premium features into cheaper options. Simply put, with a retail price of PHP 23,999, the device is at a point where it's barely affordable to compete with budget versions and barely powerful enough to compete with lower-tier flagship phones.
However, it is hard to deny that Xiaomi's desire to give the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G a premium look improves the quality of the experience on offer. Because in my opinion, this is a smartphone that looks really premium and features a slim, curved display, glossy glass and solid performance. In terms of price-performance ratio alone, I think the Pro sibling model is the better choice.
It's also worth mentioning that the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is P2,000 more expensive than last year's Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, which started at P21,990.
Elegantly curved appearance
What I like most about the Redmi Note 13 Pro + 5G is the 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which is exclusive to this model and a first for the entire Redmi range. The 3D curve not only looks elegant, but also helps hide the thin frame for a deeper viewing experience. In addition, this makes the device more comfortable and easier to hold.
The panel itself has a 1.5K resolution, a maximum brightness of 1,800 nits and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG. In hand, this panel delivers a clear, bright image and the high brightness makes it easier to see outdoors. Meanwhile, the variable refresh rate improves the gaming experience by making animations smoother and less fluid.
There's also an in-display fingerprint sensor, which works as advertised. But when I place it on the dashboard, it doesn't seem to be as accessible to my thumb as I would like.
High performance
Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra octa-core processor and 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G delivers blazing performance. Notably, the chipset is based on TSMC's advanced 4nm technology, which a year or two ago was reserved only for high-end flagship chipsets.
In everyday use, you can expect apps and games to open instantly and function smoothly. You can also multitask and open six to eight apps at the same time without facing any issues. There is nothing to complain about in terms of performance, especially for this price.
However, software is a different story. Firstly, I wish the device came with the cleaner, richer HyperOS, Xiaomi's next-generation operating system, rather than the previous MIUI. This device will certainly get an update at some point, but since HyperOS has already started rolling out, it's a shame that it wasn't pre-installed right away. Secondly, it contains a lot of bloatware that has become common in Xiaomi smartphone releases. Although they are easy to remove, they represent an unnecessary inconvenience to me since I have already paid a high price for the device.
As for the battery, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G phone packs a 5000mAh battery that supports fast charging up to 120 watts. Although this type of charging technology is no longer new, it is always impressive to see your device completely discharged in just a few minutes. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G can do this in under 30 minutes with the included charger and cable, which is pretty quick.
As for battery life, a full charge should last about a day under heavy use, which is about the capacity of the chipset and battery. You can get more out of it by reducing the screen refresh rate or closing unused apps and background apps. Again, if you can charge your device fairly quickly, you probably don't have to worry too much about draining the battery as long as you have a power outlet nearby.
First class camera
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G features a triple rear panel consisting of a 200-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. As expected, the Samsung ISOCELL HP3 main sensor with f/1.65 aperture is the highlight of this system. 12.5 megapixel images have good dynamic range, natural colors and lots of details. However, if you want more detail, you can select a special 200MP mode that increases resolution and sharpness.
The combination of optical and electronic image stabilization helps you capture high-quality photos and videos even when your hands shake.
The focus system also works well and captures people immediately. Additionally, enabling other photography modes and tools such as Pro Mode and Panorama ensures a more reliable experience.
Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a solid addition to Xiaomi's growing Redmi lineup with a dynamic AMOLED panel, a 200MP primary camera sensor, and a 4nm chipset.
However, this is also a more expensive version of the Redmi, so you'll have to consider how much you're willing to spend on these premium additional features.
Starting at IDR 16,999, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G also features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel and a 200MP main camera, as well as a 4nm chipset and a 5,100mAh battery. However, the screen here is not curved and the fast charging power is 67 watts. Are these two additional features worth the PHP 7,000 price tag compared to its other siblings? Your answer should influence your purchasing decision. - Rappler.com
