Verdict
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ sets itself apart by offering flagship-level features such as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and up to 512GB storage at a price under $430 USD. With notable design and camera improvements, the phone makes a strong case for itself in the mid-premium segment. However, the user interface still needs refinement, and more competitive pricing would have been welcome. Additionally, the lack of native generative AI features is noticeable, especially as rivals begin to explore these capabilities.
Design and Display
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ comes in three attractive color options: Fusion Black and Fusion White for minimalist enthusiasts, and Fusion Purple, which features subtle tones of blue, green, and white around the camera module. The leather back panel adds a premium feel but requires extra care to maintain. To address this, Xiaomi includes a sleek black case in the package, which not only offers protection but also enhances the grip without compromising the phone’s elegant design.
The phone introduces a curved display—a first for the Redmi Note lineup—and offers an IP68 rating for improved dust and water resistance, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for extra durability. The absence of a headphone jack is a drawback for some users, but other ports and buttons remain standard.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display offers a sharp 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220 pixels), HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, and up to 1800 nits of peak brightness for an immersive viewing experience. A high PWM dimming rate of 1920Hz ensures reduced flicker, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes gaming and scrolling smooth.
When compared to competitors like the OnePlus Nord 3 and its predecessor, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the Note 13 Pro+ offers richer color representation and slightly better brightness, especially for Netflix and YouTube content. Features such as Reading Mode, Always-On Display (AOD), and adaptive refresh rates remain highlights of Xiaomi’s software.
Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ ushers in a new trend by offering a base model with 256GB of storage. The top variant provides a generous 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage and 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, priced at $430 USD. The unit reviewed features 256GB storage and 12GB RAM, priced at $405 USD.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset, the phone delivers smooth day-to-day performance with minimal stutters or crashes. Gaming is handled well, although the OnePlus Nord 3’s Dimensity 9000 processor offers a slight edge for demanding titles. However, MIUI adds more features than OxygenOS, which might make up for this minor shortcoming—though pre-installed bloatware remains a downside.
Xiaomi promises three years of Android OS updates, with the upcoming HyperOS expected to improve the experience. NFC for seamless payments and an IR blaster for remote control functionality round out the feature set. In benchmark tests, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ scores well, though not significantly better than its competitors.
Cameras
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ features a 200MP primary camera with an upgraded ISOCELL HP3 sensor, promising sharper details and better light capture. Images shot in 200MP mode reveal impressive detail and low noise, though the larger file sizes may concern some users.
In regular shooting modes, the primary camera produces vibrant colors with decent dynamic range, though occasional overexposure is evident. Portrait shots are highly natural, with solid edge detection, while video recording supports up to 4K at 30fps. Stabilization is noticeably improved compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
The 8MP ultra-wide camera delivers decent results with improved contrast, though fine details remain a weak point. Meanwhile, the 2MP macro lens struggles with subject detection and often underperforms in low-light scenarios.
The 16MP front-facing camera performs well in daylight, producing natural skin tones, though low-light performance could use refinement. Xiaomi’s built-in photo editing tools, enhanced by AI features, allow for basic image corrections, though they’re not as advanced as some competitors.
Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ houses a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. Using the included charger, the phone reaches 100% in just 30 minutes—an impressive feat compared to the charging speeds of flagship devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
Battery life is equally strong, lasting an entire day with features like AOD, 120Hz refresh rate, and 5G connectivity enabled. Heavy users may need a quick top-up in the evening, but the fast charging capability makes this a non-issue.
Final Verdict
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ delivers on its promises with a premium design, a vibrant display, fast charging, and reliable cameras, making it one of the best options in the mid-premium segment. While the OnePlus Nord 3 and iQOO Neo 7 Pro may offer slightly better performance for gaming, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ stands out with features like IP68 water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, 120W charging, and ample storage options.
The software experience remains a mixed bag, with pre-installed apps cluttering the interface and the delayed rollout of Android 14 being a drawback. Camera performance is good but could benefit from software refinements for low-light scenarios.
At $405-$430 USD, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ strikes an excellent balance between price and features, making it a strong contender for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with premium perks.
