Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi 13, its latest budget smartphone that punches above its weight class with some impressive specs. The standout feature is a 108MP main camera - a first for the Redmi number series - powered by Samsung's ISOCELL HM6 sensor. This large 1/1.67 sensor utilizes 9-in-1 pixel binning and offers 3x in-sensor zoom capabilities, potentially delivering solid low-light performance and HDR images at this price point.
The Redmi 13 sports a sizable 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate, protected by Gorilla Glass. While the peak brightness of 550 nits is modest, it's reasonable for the sub-$200 price range. The phone is powered by MediaTek's Helio G91-Ultra chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage.
Perhaps most impressive is the 33W fast charging support for its 5,030mAh battery. Xiaomi claims this can fully charge the device in just 62 minutes - notably faster than some flagship phones like the Galaxy S24. The Redmi 13 also retains the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack and offers IP53 dust and water resistance.
Key specifications:
- 108MP main camera + 2MP macro
- 13MP front-facing camera
- 6.79 FHD+ 90Hz LCD display
- MediaTek Helio G91-Ultra processor
- 5,030mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Up to 8GB RAM / 256GB storage (expandable)
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- IP53 rating
The Redmi 13 starts at an attractive price point of $179 for the base model, with regional pricing variations. It will be available in four colors: Midnight Black, Sandy Gold, Pearl Pink, and Ocean Blue.
While the Redmi 13 offers impressive value, potential buyers should consider some trade-offs. The LCD panel, while large, doesn't match OLED alternatives in contrast. The Helio G91 processor, while capable, may not compete with some rivals offering 5G chipsets at similar price points. Additionally, the lack of an ultra-wide camera might disappoint some users.
Overall, the Redmi 13 appears to be a compelling option in the budget smartphone segment, particularly for those prioritizing camera capabilities and fast charging at an affordable price point.
Update: Monday June 24
In a surprising move, Xiaomi appears to be following the industry trend of removing chargers from the box, at least for European markets. While not officially confirmed, the Redmi 13's European release doesn't include a charger, and the company recommends purchasing their 33W Type-A charging combo separately. This decision could be driven by environmental concerns, cost-cutting measures, or as a means to generate additional revenue through separate accessory sales. However, this move may face criticism from consumers who expect a complete package, especially in the budget segment.
