The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a significant step up in the Redmi series, offering a blend of high-end features in a mid-range smartphone. It stands out for its unique design elements such as a curved display and, in some cases, a vegan leather back panel, distinguishing it notably from its predecessors and contemporaries.Â
Xiaomi’s Redmi line is often priced lower and more affordable for consumers, offering strong choices at the middle of the pack. It consists of a number of models for 2024, including versions that offer 4G connectivity. Here, we’ll take a look at how things shape up for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
Design
The design of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ marks a significant departure from its predecessors, establishing itself as the most distinctive model in the Redmi Note series. Its standout feature is the curved display, a first in the series, which not only gives it a modern and elegant appearance but also enhances the ergonomic handling of the phone.
This curved screen, paired with thin bezels, aligns the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with the aesthetic standards of contemporary mid-range smartphones from brands like Oppo, OnePlus, and Vivo.
Another notable aspect of its design is the vegan leather back panel for select color options. This choice of material is a departure from the usual glass or plastic backs found in most smartphones. The vegan leather adds a touch of sophistication and premium feel to the device, making it stand out in the crowded mid-range segment.Â
To be clear, the review unit we received (Midnight Black) has a polycarbonate material that’s both shiny and attractive. But it’s also quite the oil magnet, picking up fingerprints and smudges quite easily.
The phone also boasts an IP68 rating, signifying a high level of protection against water and dust. This feature, traditionally reserved for high-end smartphones, adds a layer of durability and reliability to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, making it more versatile and suitable for a wider range of environments and usage scenarios.
Overall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+’s design is a thoughtful blend of aesthetic appeal and practical features. It successfully bridges the gap between mid-range and high-end smartphones, offering a premium look and feel without compromising on functionality.Â
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts a display that is a key highlight of its design and functionality. The device features a 6.7-inch OLED screen, which is notable for its curved edges. This curvature not only contributes to the sleek and modern aesthetics of the phone but also enhances the user experience by making side swipes more natural and comfortable.
I do find it interesting that they’re introducing this sort of display experience while others are starting to walk away from it. I don’t mind it too much but it can be rather aggravating for some.
One of the primary characteristics of this display is its vividness. By default, the screen is set to a vivid mode that enhances color saturation, making images and videos pop with more vibrant colors.
This can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more dynamic and lively display. However, for those who prefer more natural and true-to-life colors, the phone also offers the option to switch to a standard mode, which provides a more muted and realistic color representation.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and its 120Hz refresh rate offer smooth and fluid motion, which is especially noticeable when scrolling through content or playing games. This high refresh rate is a feature commonly found in higher-end smartphones and is a welcome addition to a mid-range device. Another welcome, and functional aspect of the display is the inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Battery
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is equipped with a large 5,000mAh battery which is quite substantial and aligning with what is expected in modern smartphones.
In real-world usage, this battery capacity translates to a full day of use, or even more, depending on the intensity of the tasks performed. Users can expect around six hours of screen-on-time, or plenty reliable for activities like browsing, social media, video streaming, and gaming.
The efficient battery management, coupled with the power-saving features of the MIUI software, ensures that the phone can sustain prolonged periods without the need for frequent recharging, which is a significant advantage for users who are often on the go or have limited access to charging facilities during the day.
One of the most impressive features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is its support for 120W fast charging. The charging speed is exceptionally rapid, with the phone capable of being fully charged in under 25 minutes.Â
It’s worth noting that while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ excels in fast wired charging, it does not support wireless charging. This might be a consideration for users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging solutions.
Performance
The heart of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset. This processor is a solid choice for mid-range smartphones, providing a good balance of power and efficiency. It is capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and video streaming with ease.
The device comes with up to 12GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for multitasking and keeping multiple apps running smoothly in the background. This amount of RAM ensures that the phone can manage intensive tasks and switch between apps without noticeable lag. Few phones offer more RAM these days and it’s easily more than most people need.
For gaming, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ delivers a competent performance. It can handle popular games like Real Racing 3, Candy Crush Saga, and Clash of Clans without any issues. The phone also supports higher-end games and can run them at high graphics settings, thanks to the capable GPU integrated with the Dimensity chipset, and all of that RAM.
However, it’s worth noting that while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a solid performer in gaming, it may not be the top choice in its price range for hardcore gaming enthusiasts. Other devices in a similar price bracket, like the iQOO Neo 7 Pro and the Poco X6 Pro, might offer better gaming performance. If anything, it’s a little more bang for the buck, performance-wise.
Software
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ runs on MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI is known for its feature-rich interface, but it also comes with plenty of bloatware and, in this case, ads within the Game Turbo mode, which might detract from the user experience.
From what I have gathered, some other users have reported some issues with the software, including UI lags and unnecessary notifications. Xiaomi has indicated that these issues might be addressed in future updates, including the potential for HyperOS integration.
Xiaomi has committed to providing three years of major OS updates and four years of security patches for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. This commitment is a positive sign for users who want to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest software and security features. It means the phone will eventually receive updates up to Android 16.
The camera experience on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is a mix of high-end features and practical functionality, making it a significant aspect of the phone’s overall appeal.
Camera
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ sports a triple-camera setup on the back. The primary camera is a 200 MP sensor, which is quite impressive, especially for a mid-range smartphone. This high-resolution sensor is capable of capturing a significant amount of detail.
Accompanying the primary camera are an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The ultra-wide lens expands the field of view, useful for landscape or group shots, though its performance is average.
The macro lens, with its limited 2-megapixel resolution, tends to produce less detailed images and might not be very practical for everyday use.
As one would expect, the 200-megapixel main camera is the star of the show, producing images with good detail and clarity. It performs well in various lighting conditions, capturing clean and noise-free images both during the day and in low-light scenarios.
Despite its high resolution, the camera tends to produce images with a contrasty look, which might make some photos appear slightly dull. This is more of a software processing choice, and some users might prefer this aesthetic.
The ultra-wide camera, while not as impressive as the main sensor, does a decent job for what it is. It’s sufficient for casual photography but doesn’t match the detail and quality of the primary camera.
Xiaomi’s camera software includes various modes and features that enhance the photography experience. These include standard modes like portrait, night, and pro mode, offering users flexibility and control over their shots.
The camera app is generally user-friendly, allowing easy access to different settings and features, which is beneficial for users who like to experiment with their shots.
Performance
In terms of everyday usage, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is more than capable of delivering a smooth and responsive experience. Whether it’s for general use, media consumption, or light to moderate gaming, the phone performs reliably.
The in-display fingerprint sensor adds a layer of convenience and security, functioning quickly and accurately for unlocking the device.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+, and its combination of a capable processor, ample RAM, and a user-friendly interface makes it a suitable choice for most users. While it may not be the absolute best in class for gaming or software finesse, it offers a balanced performance that will meet the needs of most users looking for a reliable and versatile smartphone.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ presents itself as a formidable contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a blend of premium features often reserved for higher-end models.
Its unique design, characterized by a curved display and a vegan leather back, imparts a luxurious feel uncommon in its price range. The IP68 rating adds a layer of durability, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an excellent choice for those seeking a mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight. It expertly balances premium features with practical functionality, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
While it faces stiff competition in its segment, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ holds its own with its unique design, impressive camera, and outstanding battery and charging capabilities. It’s a phone that delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a new smartphone in 2024.
I’m glad to see that the global unlocked devices are more US-friendly in 2024 than a few years ago and eagerly await each new generation. For around $400 you have a pretty impressive and well-rounded phone in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
It may not be the first choice for most US consumers, and that’s understandable, but if you’re keen on trying alternatives to the old guard, I’ve been warm to Xiaomi and its Redmi line for some time now. This model is already being recommended in my circles.
