For some time now, the landscape of smartphone devices has witnessed a steady disruption, with midrange contenders offering features that rival their flagship counterparts.
In many cases, these midrange options boast such compelling value propositions that one may question the need to splurge on a flagship device.
Consequently, flagship models have responded by pushing their prices higher, striving to maintain a clear distinction in the market.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G epitomizes this trend, presenting itself as a midrange device deserving of serious consideration.
Having spent time with it, I found it to deliver commendable performance, a stunning display, satisfactory battery life, and a decent camera experience.
Before you decide whether to invest in one, let’s delve into the various facets of the phone, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
By the end, you’ll be better equipped to determine if the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is the right choice for you.
This review focuses on the 12GB RAM/512GB Storage variant of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, priced at KES 73,999 according to Xiaomi’s pricing (actual prices may vary among retailers).
Keep reading to explore further!
Buy Redmi Note 13 Pro on Amazon Today!
Price: $294.99
Design and Display
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G follows the contemporary design language seen in many smartphones today, even extending to more budget-friendly options like the itel S23+.
Sporting the familiar curved glass sandwich design with a metal frame, it exudes a stylish and sleek aesthetic.
The front is adorned with a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display. Opting for the Black Version may not be the most visually striking choice for photographs, but it appeals to those who prefer subtler color options.
However, the Aurora Purple version injects a unique character into the phone, which the white and black models lack.
At the bottom of the device, you’ll find the SIM tray and USB-C port, while the usual power and volume buttons reside on the right side.
As is common with flagship-inspired devices, the phone omits the 3.5mm audio jack, although its more affordable Note 13 counterparts retain this feature.
The loudspeakers positioned at the top and bottom of the phone deliver decent audio performance.
Embedded within the vibrant display is a fingerprint sensor at the bottom and a front-facing camera cutout at the top.
While the fingerprint scanner may occasionally exhibit minor inconsistencies, it generally performs adequately and doubles as a heart rate monitor.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, although it defaults to 60Hz when not in active use to conserve battery.
With a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and over 500 nits of typical brightness, using the phone outdoors under bright sunlight poses no issues.
Moreover, the screen boasts Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, enhancing the visual experience for movies and games.
While movies may not be a primary viewing choice for most users, the display excels for watching YouTube content and HDR Instagram Reels.
One standout feature in this price segment is the IP68 Water and Dust Resistance, a rarity typically reserved for higher-priced Samsung A-series devices.
This certification alleviates concerns about water or dust damage, providing added durability.
Additionally, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus at the front safeguards the display against scratches and drops, a feature usually found only in premium flagship models.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Performance
One potential point of contention often revolves around the choice of processor, particularly when it comes to MediaTek processors in phones within certain price brackets.
There’s a prevailing skepticism regarding their performance capabilities. However, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G defies such skepticism by incorporating the Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor from MediaTek, delivering a comprehensive user experience.
While it may lag slightly behind competitors in benchmark tests, the disparity is negligible in real-world usage scenarios.
The phone adeptly manages multitasking between social apps, web browsing, emails, and video playback.
Although gaming isn’t my primary focus, feedback from several online reviewers attests to a robust gaming experience devoid of dropped frames or overheating issues – a noteworthy point for gaming enthusiasts.
Personal preference often steers my smartphone purchases towards devices offering substantial battery life.
I prioritize a phone that can endure extensive usage, ideally lasting for a couple of days under normal conditions.
While we’re not quite at that point with most devices, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ can comfortably provide over a day’s worth of usage.
While it may not match the exceptional battery life of flagship devices like the iPhone 15 Plus, it holds its own.
Moreover, its rapid charging capability, facilitated by the inclusion of a 120W charger in the box, ensures swift replenishment when needed.
Cameras
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G houses a triple-lens camera system that presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses.
You’re likely to predominantly utilize the primary 200-megapixel shooter, featuring an f/1.65 aperture, a sizable 1/1.4-inch sensor, and optical image stabilization (OIS).
By default, it employs 16-in-1 pixel binning to produce higher-quality 12.5 MP images, although full-resolution 200 MP captures are available within the camera app. Zoom functionality is limited to cropping in from the main sensor.
In daylight conditions, images captured with the main camera exhibit impressive detail and a pleasing depth of field.
However, there may be occasional exposure inconsistencies, and colors can appear overly saturated.
Natural bokeh effects can be achieved when focusing on close-up subjects, while the portrait mode offers a more pronounced blur effect for those who prefer it.
Night mode effectively reduces noise and enhances brightness in low-light scenes, provided the device remains steady during capture.
On the other hand, the secondary cameras fall short in comparison. The 8MP ultrawide lens exhibits a different color profile and struggles in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the 2MP macro lens may see little to no use, as the primary 200MP lens is better suited for close-up shots with superior quality and color reproduction.
At the front, the 16MP selfie camera delivers satisfactory results, albeit with room for improvement.
Software
This device operates on Android 13, which may seem unusual to some users.
The absence of a specific timeline for the Android 14 update raises questions about when it will become available, potentially introducing Xiaomi’s new HyperOS skin.
Upon initial setup, users may encounter an abundance of pre-installed apps, commonly known as bloatware.
In this instance, there appears to be a higher quantity than usual, necessitating the removal of numerous apps.
However, compared to other manufacturers such as Transsion, managing these apps is relatively straightforward.
It would be beneficial for Xiaomi Kenya to provide clarity regarding the rollout of HyperOS on this device.
Additionally, enhancing future compatibility by supporting newer WiFi standards like WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 could further enhance the device’s longevity, although this may not be a pressing concern at present.
Is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Worth Buying?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G presents exceptional value, boasting hardware typically found in devices priced significantly higher.
Here’s the breakdown:
Pros
- Striking premium design
- Superb AMOLED display
- Extended battery life complemented by rapid charging
- Impressive overall performanceIP68 rating for enhanced durability
- Competent primary 200MP camera
- Fingerprint scanner doubles as a heart rate monitor
Cons
- Inconsistent camera performance, with additional lenses offering limited utility
- Cumbersome and overloaded software experience
- Initially launched with an older Android version (Update: Now upgraded to Android 14)
- Lack of clear timelines for software updates
- Slightly higher pricing compared to last year’s Redmi Note 12 Pro+
So, would you consider purchasing the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G?
If not, what alternative would you opt for?
Share your thoughts!
Buy Redmi Note 13 Pro on Amazon Today!
Price: $294.99
