Xiaomi Redmi 13vsXiaomi Redmi 9T

Xiaomi Redmi 13

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Xiaomi Redmi 13

The Xiaomi Redmi 13 is an affordable entry-level device that offers a glass build with IP53 rating and a high-res main camera, making it a decent option for those on a tight budget. However, this phone has several downsides that make it hard to recommend. Firstly, the screen doesn't get very bright, peaking at around 340 nits, which is disappointing considering the trend of more vibrant displays in recent smartphones. The single speaker produces average sound quality with muddy mids and distortion at high volumes. The battery life is also nothing special, lasting around 10 hours and 28 minutes during active use. The biggest shortcoming of the Redmi 13, however, is its performance. Despite using a relatively new Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra chipset, this phone falls behind in benchmark scores and even budget competitors from last year. The stuttering and lag are constant issues, making it hard to live with. The camera department is somewhat redeeming, with the 108MP main camera producing decent photos during the day, although pixel bending results in a lower effective resolution of 12MP. Low-light performance is average, but daytime shots are solid for a budget device. The selfie camera delivers surprisingly clean and detailed images. Given its shortcomings, particularly the poor performance, it's hard to recommend the Xiaomi Redmi 13 even as a budget option. If you're looking for an alternative, consider devices like the Samsung Galaxy A25 or Poco M6 Pro.

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

The Xiaomi Redmi 9T is an entry-level phone that shares many similarities with its counterpart, the Poco M3. However, there are some notable differences that set it apart. The design, for instance, boasts a glossy metallic finish and a splash-proof build, making it a great option for those who want peace of mind. The device also features NFC support, which is not available on the Poco M3. Under the hood, the Redmi 9T sports a Snapdragon 662 chipset, which provides decent performance but falls short in GPU-intensive tasks. This is likely due to the phone's 1080p display, which can be demanding on the processor. Despite this, the device manages to deliver excellent battery life, with our proprietary tests yielding an impressive 150 hours of usage. The cameras on the Redmi 9T are a mixed bag. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera is a welcome addition, but its photos lack detail and sharpness. The main camera takes good photos during the day, but struggles in low light conditions. Night mode does improve the quality, but it's still not up to par with other phones in this price range. In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers a great balance of features for its price. While it may not excel in every department, it makes up for it with its splash-proof build, NFC support, and excellent battery life. For those looking for an entry-level phone that ticks all the right boxes, the Redmi 9T is definitely worth considering.