Earlier this week Xiaomi shored up its affordable lineup with the launch of the Redmi 13, the first phone in the Redmi number series with a 108MP camera. It also has faster 33W charging for the 5,030mAh battery compared to its predecessor.
The base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage starts at $180/€170. The top of the line model is the 8/256GB version, which costs €190 (note: the Portuguese store that first revealed this phone is running discounts, the regular prices are slightly higher).
Redmi 13 highlights
Perhaps the closest competitor is the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. It too has a 108MP camera on the back and a similarly-sized 6.72” IPS LCD (FHD+), which runs at a higher 120Hz refresh rate (the Redmi 13 LCD runs at 90Hz). Charging for the 5,000mAh battery is faster at 67W. Note that the Snapdragon 695 chipset is not only more powerful than the Helio G91 used in the Redmi, but it also has 5G connectivity. A Nord CE 3 Lite with 8/128GB configuration sells for €210 right now.
Then there’s the Realme C55, which can be found for €150 or so (6/128GB unit). This one uses the Helio G88, which is similar enough to the G91, except that it can’t support 108MP cameras. And it doesn’t have to, it’s paired with a basic 64MP module. The phone has a 6.72” IPS LCD with FHD+ resolution that runs at 90Hz and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging, making it very close to the Redmi in terms of specs.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite • Realme C55 • Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro • Samsung Galaxy A25
The Poco M6 Pro can be picked up for under €200 in an 8/256GB configuration, but note that we’re looking at the 4G model with a Helio G99. Unlike the two phones above, this is a 2024 model. And it has an IP54 rating, whereas none of the others have a dust or water resistance rating. This one also switches to an OLED display, 6.67” FHD+ 120Hz. While the 64MP main camera isn’t that impressive, the 8MP ultra wide stands out as the others have only the main camera to rely on. The 5,000mAh battery charges at 67W.
The Samsung Galaxy A25 is also under €200, though for a 6/128GB unit. The Exynos 1280 does give the phone 5G connectivity. It is paired with a smaller 6.5” FHD+ 120Hz OLED display. This model also has an 8MP ultra wide, which sits next to the 50MP main – which is the first and only camera on this list to offer 4K video. Typical for Samsung, charging for the 5,000mAh battery is done at 25W.
Note that all phones listed above have 3.5mm headphone jacks and microSD slots, most have stereo speakers too. Not the Redmi or Realme, though.
So, what do you think? If you’re in the market for an affordable Android handset, will the Redmi 13 make the shortlist?