Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that boasts an impressive 200-megapixel camera, along with other notable upgrades this year. The device features a typical Xiaomi design, with a square camera housing and plastic frame, but now has IP54-rated water resistance. One of the standout features of the phone is its display, which has been upgraded to a 6.67-inch OLED screen with a 1220p resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher resolution results in a pixel density of 446 PPI, and the support for 12-bit color depth and HDR10+ video is also noteworthy. The phone's performance is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which provides solid everyday performance and 5G connectivity. Battery life is decent, with an overall active use score of 10 hours and 16 minutes, although charging times are somewhat average. The phone supports 67W fast charging, but the actual charging speed was only marginally faster than usual. The cameras on the Redmi Note 13 Pro are a mixed bag, with the main camera producing excellent photos during the day and night, thanks to its 200-megapixel resolution. However, the other cameras – including an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro sensor – are somewhat lacking. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers good value for money. While it has some notable upgrades over last year's model, its performance and camera capabilities make it worth considering for anyone looking for an affordable device with impressive features.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts a typical design language for the brand, featuring a square camera housing with subtle dividers and large chrome rings around the cameras. The phone's back is made of flat glass, while the frame is constructed from plastic. This combination results in a decent grip, thanks to its sharp edge and matte finish. In terms of build quality, the Redmi Note 13 Pro feels solid, despite being largely made of plastic. However, it's worth noting that the phone has IP54-rated water resistance, which is an improvement over last year's model with IP53 protection. While this doesn't necessarily make the device "waterproof," it does offer some peace of mind in situations where accidental exposure to liquid might occur. One potential drawback is the use of plastic for the frame, which may not be as premium-feeling as other materials used by competing brands. Nevertheless, the overall construction of the phone feels sturdy and well-suited to withstanding daily wear and tear. In terms of design, the Redmi Note 13 Pro's camera arrangement is certainly eye-catching, with a prominent square module that houses the 200-megapixel primary sensor. The phone's display, meanwhile, boasts a 6.67-inch OLED panel with a 1220p resolution and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Overall, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro's build quality and design may not be particularly innovative or groundbreaking, they are certainly serviceable and well-suited to providing a solid foundation for this device's impressive feature set.
Battery Life
In today's era of high-performance devices, battery life is an essential aspect to consider. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts a 5100mAh battery, which sounds impressive on paper. However, our testing revealed that the phone falls short in delivering exceptional battery life. We observed average numbers in our battery tests, with an overall active use score of 10 hours and 16 minutes. This is slightly below par considering the device's large capacity. To be specific, we experienced a noticeable drop-off in battery performance when pushing the phone to its limits. To make matters worse, the Redmi Note 13 Pro does not seem to utilize its battery capacity efficiently. We were unable to squeeze out more than 10 hours of screen time, even with moderate usage. This is disappointing, especially considering the device's charging capabilities. On a positive note, the phone does support fast charging, and we were able to charge from 0 to 83% in just half an hour using the bundled adapter. A full charge took around 42 minutes, which is relatively quick. However, this doesn't make up for the subpar battery life. Overall, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro's battery life is not abysmal, it falls short of expectations considering its large capacity and fast charging capabilities. If you're in the market for a phone that can keep up with your demands, you may want to look elsewhere.
Display
The Redmi Note 13 Pro boasts an impressive display, which is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The phone features a 6.67-inch OLED screen with a 1220p resolution and 446 PPI pixel density. This results in a sharper image compared to last year's 1080p panel. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's display is its support for 12-bit color depth, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. These technologies work together to provide an immersive visual experience with accurate colors, contrast, and brightness levels. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth performance when scrolling or playing games. The Redmi Note 13 Pro's display is capable of producing high peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1330 nits in auto mode and 530 nits in manual mode. This makes it well-suited for outdoor use, where the screen remains readable even in direct sunlight. In terms of color accuracy, the Redmi Note 13 Pro's display shows a good performance, with accurate colors and minimal color casting. The display also features Gorilla Glass Victus protection, which provides robust scratch resistance. Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro's display is an excellent upgrade over last year's model, offering improved brightness levels, higher resolution, and support for advanced video technologies. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a good mid-range smartphone with a great display.
Camera
The camera is one of the most impressive features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro. The main camera boasts an incredible 200-megapixel resolution, which would have been considered flagship territory just a few years ago. In addition to its high resolution, the camera also produces excellent photos during the day, with great sharpness, plenty of fine detail, and true-to-life colors and contrast. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's main camera is its ability to produce crisp and detailed images even when zoomed in digitally. At two times digital zoom, the results are solid, with minimal loss in quality and no introduction of excessive noise into the frame. At night, the main camera does an impressive job, producing good contrast and color reproduction, along with plenty of fine detail. The automatic night mode kicks in for really dark scenes, adding a bit more detail, sharpness, and better rendition of highlights and light sources. The 4K videos produced by the main camera are equally impressive, boasting great detail and sharpness, accurate colors, and wide dynamic range. All videos also have electronic stabilization, making them smooth and stable. Unfortunately, the other cameras on the Redmi Note 13 Pro do not quite live up to the standard set by the main camera. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera produces soft and lacking-in-detail images, with muted colors and poor contrast. Nighttime shots from this camera are also subpar, with extreme softness that doesn't sit well. The 2-megapixel macro camera is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's camera system. The low resolution and lack of autofocus make it difficult to take sharp macro photos, and the results are often lacking in detail. On the other hand, selfies from the 16-megapixel front-facing camera have good dynamic range and natural color tone, but they can be a bit soft overall. In conclusion, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro's camera system may not be perfect, the main camera is undoubtedly one of its standout features. With its impressive resolution and excellent image quality, it sets a high standard for other mid-range smartphones to follow. However, the other cameras on this device need improvement if they're going to live up to the expectations set by the main cam.
Price and Value
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is a mid-range smartphone from Xiaomi that boasts an impressive 200 megapixel camera, among other notable upgrades. Priced at an affordable rate, this device is sure to attract attention in the market. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro is its sleek design, with a square camera housing and large chrome rings surrounding the cameras. The phone's back is made of flat glass, while the frame is constructed from plastic, resulting in a decent grip due to the sharp edges and matte finish. However, it's worth noting that the IP54 rating for water resistance is slightly lower than last year's model. The display is another highlight, boasting a 6.67-inch OLED screen with a 1220p resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The increased pixel density of 446 PPI results in sharper visuals compared to the previous model's 1080p panel. Additionally, the phone supports 12-bit color depth and HDR10+ video playback. Considering its mid-range pricing, the Redmi Note 13 Pro offers excellent value for money. The phone's performance is solid, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which provides smooth everyday usage and 5G connectivity. The camera setup is also impressive, with the main 200 megapixel camera taking excellent photos during the day and night. In terms of pricing, the Redmi Note 13 Pro offers great value for its features. While it may not be the most affordable option in its class, it's certainly a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone. Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro is an excellent option for those seeking a well-rounded device with impressive upgrades at an affordable price point.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is touted as a mid-ranger with an impressive 200-megapixel camera and several upgrades over its predecessor, the Redmi Note 12 Pro. One of these upgrades is the performance aspect, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. In terms of everyday performance, the Redmi Note 13 Pro delivers solid results. The phone handles multitasking with ease, and basic tasks like browsing, social media, and office work are executed smoothly. The device also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring seamless internet access and download/upload speeds. Benchmarks reveal that the CPU and GPU perform well within the mid-range class. While it's not a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi Note 13 Pro handles casual games relatively well, although demanding titles may require some compromises on graphics settings. Battery life is another aspect where the Redmi Note 13 Pro falls slightly short. With an overall active use score of 10 hours and 16 minutes in our tests, it's below average for a phone with such a large 5100mAh battery. However, this can be mitigated by using power-saving features or adjusting your usage habits. 67W fast charging is available on the Redmi Note 13 Pro, which helps to quickly top up the battery. A full charge took around 42 minutes in our tests, making it relatively quick to get back to normal use. In conclusion, while not exceptional, the performance of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is satisfactory for a mid-range device. It handles everyday tasks with ease and offers decent battery life, although the latter could be improved upon. Overall, the phone's performance does justice to its price point, making it a viable option for those looking for a capable mid-ranger.
Pros
1. Impressive 200 megapixel camera with excellent photo quality
2. Sharp 6.67 inch OLED display with high refresh rate and good screen brightness
3. Large storage option of up to 512GB with microSD expansion
4. Good audio quality with stereo speakers
5. Dedicated video recording feature with electronic stabilization
6. Fast charging at 67W for quick top-ups
7. Competitive price point offering great value for money
Cons
1. Lackluster performance from other cameras besides the main one
2. Notable noise in shadows of low light videos
3. Macro camera struggles to take sharp photos due to low resolution and lack of autofocus
4. Soft selfies from front-facing camera
5. Average battery life with limited active use score
6. Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset may not be as powerful as other mid-range options