Redmi Note 13 Pro Quick Review: Should You Buy in 2024?

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is the latest mid-range offering from Xiaomi, aiming to take the crown in the value-for-money smartphone market. This successor to the Redmi Note 12 Pro boasts upgrades in almost every department, including a stunning display, a powerful processor, and a capable camera system. Let's dive deeper into this phone's features to see if it lives up to the hype.

Redmi Note 13 Pro Specifications and Features:

Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Review
Feature Redmi Note 13 Pro
Display 6.67-inch, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM 8GB or 12GB LPDDR4X
Storage 128GB or 256GB
Rear Camera 200MP main (with OIS),
8MP ultra-wide,
2MP macro
Front Camera 16MP
Battery 5100mAh,
67W fast charging
Software Android 14 with HyperOS
Water Resistance IP54

Display and Design:

Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Display
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Display
The Redmi Note 13 Pro flaunts a gorgeous 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to smooth visuals and a lag-free user experience, perfect for gamers and content creators alike. The display also boasts impressive brightness levels, reaching up to 1800 nits for HDR content, and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for enhanced viewing. Additionally, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display from scratches and minor drops.
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Design
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Design, Available in Three Color Options
The phone itself is crafted with a polycarbonate frame and a hardened AG matte glass back, offered in Coral Purple, Arctic White, and Midnight Black colors. The back panel is resistant to fingerprints, and the phone carries an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. A tiny punch-hole cutout for the 16MP front-facing camera sits discreetly at the top of the display, and an in-display fingerprint sensor ensures secure and convenient unlocking.

Camera:

Redmi Note 13 Pro Camera
Redmi Note 13 Pro Camera
The Redmi Note 13 Pro features a quad-camera system on the rear, headlined by a massive 200MP Samsung HP3 sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This sensor captures stunning daylight shots with excellent detail and dynamic range. While a telephoto lens is missing, the phone offers up to 10x digital zoom through software, and in-sensor zoom helps with 2x and 4x zoom capabilities. An 8MP ultra-wide sensor tackles wider landscapes, and a dedicated 2MP macro sensor allows for close-up shots. Low-light photography is impressive thanks to the main sensor and night mode, while the 16MP front camera delivers decent selfies.

Performance and Battery Life:

Redmi Note 13 Pro Performance
Redmi Note 13 Pro BGMI Settings
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 4nm mobile platform, a significant upgrade over the previous generation's MediaTek Dimensity SoC. This processor offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and can handle most games well, although intensive titles might lead to some heating. The phone comes with 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with expandable storage options missing.
Redmi Note 13 Pro Performance
Redmi Note 13 Pro Performance (Left: AnTuTu Score, Right: Throttle Test)
A massive 5100mAh battery keeps the phone running throughout the day, even with heavy usage. The phone supports 67W fast charging, allowing you to charge up to 50% in just 15 minutes and reach 100% in about 45 minutes with the included charger.

Software:

Redmi Note 13 Pro Software
Redmi Note 13 Pro Software
The Redmi Note 13 Pro launched with Android 13-based MIUI 14 but has since been updated to the latest Android 14 with HyperOS on top. HyperOS offers a refined user experience with improved performance, lock screen customization options, and enhanced interconnectivity features. Xiaomi promises 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security updates for the phone.

Verdict - A compelling mid-range option:

The Redmi Note 13 Pro packs a powerful punch for its price point. It boasts a beautiful display, a capable camera system, and excellent battery life with fast charging capabilities. The phone is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering a well-rounded package for users who prioritize display quality, camera performance, and long battery life.

Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

  • Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display with Dolby Vision
  • Powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor for smooth performance
  • 200MP main camera captures excellent photos
  • IP54 water resistance
  • 5100mAh battery with 67W fast charging

Cons:

  • Heats up during intensive use
  • Lacks a telephoto lens
  • No expandable storage

Alternatives:

If you're looking for a phone with a more powerful processor, the Nothing Phone 2a might be worth considering. The POCO X6 offers similar specifications at a slightly lower price but compromises on camera quality. For a curved display and a telephoto lens at a similar price point, the Realme 12 Pro could be an option.