Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Unboxing, First Impressions, Camera Samples - The best mid-range Xiaomi yet?
On schedule, Xiaomi finally released the Redmi Note 13 Series globally here in Bangkok, Thailand. The top-of-the-line model is the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G.
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| This is the new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G |
Coming from its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ brings several upgrades in durability, display, and processing performance.
Compared to most mid-range devices, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G also has the highest number of premium to flagship-worthy features. It includes its IP68 water and dust-resistant body, 6.67-inch Gorilla Glass Victus-protected 12-bit AMOLED 120Hz panel with 1.5K resolution, 120W HyperCharge tech, and 200MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).
In addition, it has a faster 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra octa-core processor with ample 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB UFS 3.1 internal storage, stereo speakers, and an IR Blaster remote control.
In the Philippines, it retails for just PHP 20,990 SRP with a Shopee Exclusive Early Bird Promo price of just PHP 18,999
For the price, it is one of the most attractive on paper yet.
Let's unbox it.
Unboxing/Accessories
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| Everything inside the box |
The experience is straightforward and similar to most of the smartphone packages today.
Upon opening, you will see the secondary carton box containing the flexible case followed by the SIM ejector tool and the paper docs. Underneath, you will find the phone itself, the 120W power brick, and the 120W capable USB-A to USB-C data/charging cable.
By default, the handset has a screen protector on top.
There are no other freebies in the package like earphones with a mic. Just buy the pretty good-sounding Redmi Buds 5 with ANC (PHP 1,899 SRP).
Overall, this is a nice smartphone package. I appreciate that Xiaomi included a 120W power brick as an inclusion. Other brands will charge you a lot of money just for a 20W to 45W wall charge. (Ahem Apple and Samsung).
Build Quality/Design
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| The two-tone back cover |
For a mid-ranger, it is undeniably good.
The curved material at the back is real glass. The frame is metallic and solid-looking. The curved front panel is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus technology. This means that its glass won't easily get hairline scratches and its display has a higher chance of survival when dropped accidentally compared with most mid-rangers not named HONOR X9b 5G.
Gorilla Glass Victus + IP68 water and dust resistance on a mid-range smartphone!
The best part? It has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This is a feature that makes the phone water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Normally, this level of water resistance is only found on expensive high-end smartphones. So, kudos to Xiaomi for bringing IP68 on mid-range phones.
For aesthetics, the unit I got has a two-tone black design on its curved glass back. It is also available in Moonlight White and Aurora Purple colorways.
While it is not a big deal at all, the camera sensors at the back are protruding so expect it to wobble on a flat surface if you won't slap the free case on it.
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| Curved 12-bit AMOLED screen (better colors than average mid-range AMOLED panels) |
In front, it has a curved glass design with a top-center punch-hole for a cleaner and more balanced look.
What impressed me here is it has super-slim bezels for a more immersive viewing experience akin to a high-end smartphone. According to Xiaomi, it has a 93.35 percent screen-to-body ratio.
My only real issue here is it is prone to fingerprint smudges without a case.
The rest of the ports and buttons are found in standard locations.
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| Top, bottom |
It has an IR Blaster, microphones, and a top-firing speaker on top. Underneath, you will see the SIM tray slot, another microphone, and a bottom-firing speaker to complete its stereo experience.
There is nothing on the right and you will find the power key along with the volume up and down keys at the left.
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| Fingerprint heart rate monitor on a phone? |
By the way, it has an In-Display fingerprint reader that works very well in our tests. From experience, it works even if my thumb is a bit wet. This even has a heart rate monitor function that could be useful if it is accurate.
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| The camera UI |
For cameras, it has a powerful 1/1.4-inch 200MP f/1.65 main shooter with Super QPD Autofocus and OIS. This camera sensor allows the device to capture high-quality images in different lighting conditions in scenarios with fast focus speeds.
It is paired with an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. For selfies, it still has a 16MP f/2.45 snapper.
Camera Samples
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| Daylight 1x |
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| Daylight ultra-wide |
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| 1x, 2x, 4x |
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| Portrait mode |
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| Low light vs Night mode |
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| Night mode |
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| Low light no Night mode |
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| Low light |
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| Ultra-wide Night mode |
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| Indoor Portrait mode selfie |
The camera performance, especially the output from its 200MP main sensor is better than the one I experienced with other Redmi phones.
Xiaomi just needs to update this to make its white balance more consistent and maybe remove some skin smoothening even if you won't turn on the beauty mode for indoor snaps. Maybe they could make the colors a bit more vibrant as well to look more natural.
The company could also add at least 2x zoom for Portraits so its users won't need to get awkwardly close to the subject.
I'm not also a fan of its 8MP ultra-wide camera and the 2MP f/2.4 filler macro camera.
Note that the Night mode is also a hit or miss. My suggestion is to only use it when needed. Don't use it if your shot is already crisp enough by default.
Otherwise, we like that it's a pretty good camera phone for photography with an OIS and it is usable even for vlogs. Even the selfie camera is decent.
So Xiaomi, update this one, please.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Specs
Display: 6.67-inch Gorilla Glass Victus CrystalRes 12-bit AMOLED display w/ 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1.5K 2712 x 1220 resolution at 446 ppi
CPU: 2.8GHz 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra octa-core processor
GPU: Mali-G610
RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
ROM: 256GB UFS 3.1
Back Camera: 200MP f/1.65 w/ Super QPD Autofocus, OIS + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + LED flash
Selfie Camera: 16MP f/2.45
Battery: 5,000mAh w/ 120W HyperCharge
OS: Android 13 w/ MIUI 14
Connectivity: WiFi 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz), 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, OTG, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM (nano)
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope,
Others: In-Display fingerprint sensor, IP68 water and dust resistance, IR Blaster, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, USB-C, Colors: Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Aurora Purple
Dimensions: 161.4 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 187 g
Price: PHP 20,999
As of the moment
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| Over 700K AnTuTu score of Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G |
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is undeniably one of the most complete phones in its class with plenty of premium features that are rare at this price point.
This is only my 3rd day of using the phone and I'm generally pleased with what I experienced so far.
We loved that it has Gorilla Glass Victus protection and an IP68 water and dust resistance rating to ensure that it will last for quite a while.
The 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display is also very good and bright enough for outdoor use and the performance is fairly fast for most users and even casual mobile gamers. The battery life can also last a whole workday with an insanely fast charging speed (25 minutes from 1 percent to 100 percent).
As mentioned above, it also has a respectable camera system with OIS that is usable for casual photography and even vlogs.
So far, this is the most refined Redmi in my experience yet. It could be great for those in need of a premium-looking smartphone with a great display and fairly loud speakers, content creators who want to take fairly stabilized videos, or anyone needing a solid all-around smartphone at this price point.
Depending on your preference, it could be worth all your hard-earned cash.
What do you guys think?
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