What’s the best Android phone? The answer changes from user to user. In the Android universe, there are phones for everyone at every price point, like the new Redmi 13C 5G. The company is ending the year on a good note — with a phone that packs in a sensible combination.
Top feature: 5G
It looks different from what we usually see from Redmi. Flat sides, flat display panel, sleek… there is almost nothing you can complain about in the design department. I say almost because I like slightly smaller devices. Nonetheless, the phone is geared towards those who like to work on a big screen, a 6.74-inch 90Hz screen. Agreed that it’s LCD but that doesn’t compromise on colours or viewing angles. For the money I am paying, it’s good enough.
In 2023, or for that matter 2024, what does a phone mean to you and what do you want from it? There is a large section of users who don’t want a very complicated phone. And there is a larger pool of users who are moving from feature phones to smartphones. This is Redmi’s budget 5G offering. Given the millions and millions of feature phone users who would like to shift to a smartphone, Redmi has played its cards right and if the user likes this device, chances are they will upgrade to another Redmi phone in the coming years. Unlike 2019, it has become a very difficult category to operate in because profit margins have been squeezed.
Victoria Memorial captured using the Redmi 13C 5G. Under good lighting, photos come out clear
Weighing around 197g, the phone comes with a single speaker that offers a good deal of clarity. In the few days of usage, I have been happy with indoor visibility of the screen but outdoors, a few more nits of brightness would have helped.
Overall performance
There are two types of performances I want to talk about — processor and camera. Powering the phone is MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, which is a power-efficient as well as versatile processor that will ensure you get everyday tasks completed with ease. The phone doesn’t heat up and even during gaming, if the settings are kept under check, you will enjoy a decent output. Our review device comes with 8GB LPDDR 4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. For content viewing, you get L1 Widevine support, which will help on most OTT platforms and there is a 3.5mm headphone jack option.
That brings me to the camera. What do you want from a phone camera? If you are the kind of user who is happy taking a picture now and then, the 50MP main camera turns in good-quality pictures. But there is no ultrawide lens on the phone. I know plenty of users who don’t care about the ultrawide lens. What about selfie? This is where Redmi could have done better than the 5MP snapper. In the video department, it’s 1080p@30fps with decent stablisation.
Should you buy it?
In the short period of usage, the 5,000mAh battery has behaved well and there is a charger in the box. The phone comes with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. The questions you need to ask yourself are whether you need ultrawide camera or be satisfied recording videos at 1080p? But we wonder why the company went big with the number of pre-installed apps; yes, these can be uninstalled but why put them in the first place?! One of the other options in the category is Samsung Galaxy M14. Having said that, at a time when all companies are targeting the 20K-and-above segment, Redmi has yet again delivered a phone that goes easy on the moolah. Redmi 13C 5G is value for money and a reminder that versatility cannot be equated with pricing.
At a glance
Device: Redmi 13C 5G
Price: Upwards of Rs 10,999
High notes
Affordable 5G device
Good design
Great battery performance
Muffled notes
No ultrawide
Too many pre-installed apps (can be deleted)