Redmi is already looking to challenge the premium mid-range devices of Oppo, vivo and realme with new devices priced up to RM1,999. This is because the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is their most premium, powerful, powerful device in this class and can be the best value device. In this review I will share my experience using this device for several weeks.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED screen, 1.5K,
120Hz, 1800 nits, Dollby Vision,
Gorilla Glass Victus
Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor (4nm)
2x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 chips
6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510
Mali-G610 MC4 Graphics Chip
RAM 8/12 GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage 256/512 GB UFS 3.1
Main Camera 200 MP, OIS, f/1.65 (Wide Angle)
8 MP, f/2.2 (Ultra Wide Angle)
2 MP, f/2.4 (Macro)
Front Camera 16 MP, f/2.5
5000 mAh battery
120W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM Nano /5G
NFC Yes
Infrared Yes
Waterproof IP68
Fingerprint Scan System under the screen
Sale Price RM1599 (8/256 GB)
RM1999 (12/512 GB)
At first glance, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G looks more or less the same as the old models. But the back panel of this device gives it an added premium value. If you look closely it uses a dual tone color with the top part having a grid pattern which makes it neater. Then the curved front screen is like a flagship device.
The top is still flat with an infrared sensor, microphone hole, speaker grille and the bottom is also flat including a SIM card slot, another speaker grille, microphone hole and also a USB-C port. On the right side there is nothing, but on the left side there is a power button and a volume button. Note 13 Pro+ is also built thin enough and easy to operate with one hand.
SCREEN
For years, Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco have been using 6.67-inch OLED screen panels. Differentiating the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a curved screen panel, with a 1.5K resolution and supporting a 120Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate that changes between 60Hz, 90Hz or 120Hz depending on the content. The screen also supports Dolby Vision display that provides beautiful, bright colors and is pleasing to the eye.
Since the Note 13 Pro+ is a mid-range device, no LTPO I can forgive. But what I can't forgive is that AdaptiveSync doesn't work consistently because I regularly receive 60Hz refresh rates. An added bonus here is that the screen is also protected with Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability. If that's not enough, this Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G also has IP68 protection.
BIOMETRIC SYSTEM
Device manufacturers seem to be comfortable with optical rather than ultrasonic sensors for under-screen fingerprint scanners. The sensor on the new Redmi is fast enough even with wet or dirty fingers. The easiest is AI Face Unlock which uses the selfie camera quickly to recognize the face of the owner of the device.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE – MIUI 14, Android 13
In recent times, Xiaomi has completely changed MIUI to become the best operating system. MIUI 14 is the last generation because they have now moved to HyperOS, it is sad to be informed that the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is still running MIUI 14 instead of Xiaomi HyperOS like the newly launched Poco X6 Pro.
This is not a problem if MIUI 14 is the best iteration. Being the first problem is that it is still based on Android 13 instead of Android 14. Then the second problem is that it is filled with extreme ads. The ad that I can't forgive is on Game Turbo that even though I have turned off the content suggestion feature, video ads will be displayed first on Game Turbo before this first mode can be used.
Other MIUI 14 features that have been present for a long time on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices since 2022 are still maintained. Examples are pulse scanners that use fingerprints, Memory Extension for virtual memory, or even security applications to manage the device more deeply.
One thing I wish Xiaomi could change is customization. Give users control over stock Android customization instead of relying on a standalone theme store. I'm not a fan of having to go into ad-heavy third-party apps to change my ringtone or wallpaper.
PERFORMANCE AND BENCHMARKS – Dimensity 7200-Ultra
MIUI 14 does not allow 3DMark benchmark tests to be performed. So for the test on this Note 13 Pro+ I only used AnTuTu 3D and Geekbench 6. I compared it with the Oppo Reno11 5G, among devices in the same class this year as well as with the more expensive realme GT3 240W for you to compare the best value.
The score that Redmi Note 13 Pro+ recorded is quite encouraging. It may no longer be able to compete with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but it is already high enough for its class. The device does not heat up when the test is performed and throughout the use of the device is also uninterrupted and can operate smoothly.
Geekbench 6
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G – 1127/2658
Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G – 934/3389
realme GT3 240W – 2071/5032
Antutu 3D
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G – 757,180
Oppo Reno11 Pro 5G – 937,938
realme GT3 240W – 1,249,785
The 8GB of virtual memory that makes the total RAM on the device 20GB undoubtedly helps a bit. Again for users like me who lock some apps in the background to keep them running. Permua also has no problem playing on the highest graphics settings like COD Mobile. Light games like Marvel Snap and Monopoly Go also let me play for hours on end.
TELEPHONY AND GPS
If you have been saying that Redmi or Poco devices have a problem with pulling the line, I have not experienced this problem on this device other than the problem of poor 4G+ connection. The WiFi connection is no problem, phone calls are also clear and the GPS is also able to lock the location quickly without any issues.
CAMERA
The most premium Redmi devices rarely disappoint again when it comes to cameras. For this new generation Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is equipped with a 200MP + 8MP + 2MP camera with a 16MP selfie camera. The camera application is designed to be similar to Xiaomi's Leica camera application. This allows users to experience using a premium camera on a more affordable device.
The 200MP result that Redmi brings is very good. It is quite sharp, already cropped with Xiaomi ProCut also the image can still be used as a background image or sold as a stock image. The transition to an ultra-wide angle sensor also still tries to preserve the best colors and macros the original camera has. Portrait mode looks good, but inconsistent and night mode is acceptable. If Redmi can bring the Vivo V29's camera, this device definitely deserves to be a premium mid-range device killer.
200MP mode that preserves details well and beautiful colors.
Xiaomi ProCut feature that automatically crops photos while preserving details.
Portrait mode is not quite neat but adequate for a device in this class.
The well-tried ultra-wide-angle mode brings the same color profile as the main sensor.
Selfies with sunlight outside are not too soft.
An auto night mode that preserves detail but sacrifices color.
Auto mode with HDR is the best Redmi can produce so far.
The 10x digital zoom for a device in this class is surprising.
Outdoor human subject auto mode with good color and focus.
AUDIO
The Dolby Atmos audio that Redmi brings to their premium devices is quite balanced. The stereo speakers on this device are good and satisfactory. It is better than the RedMagic 9 Pro which is sold at 3x more expensive. The speaker of this device is suitable for entertainment and games that will definitely not disappoint.
BATTERY
I usually say that if the battery does not last but there is fast charging it can be forgiven. This Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G case is hard for me to forgive even though it already supports 120W fast charging. The 5000mAh battery on the device only lasts around 5 hours SOT for light usage and around 4 hours SOT for heavy usage.
Usually devices in this class are able to last around 6-7 hours SOT. This is probably because of the 1.5K Dolby Vision and 120Hz screen I always use. I also lock a lot of apps in the background which is a factor in the battery not lasting long. I just hope that Redmi can provide better battery life so that it really becomes a device worth owning.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Here's what you get with every purchase of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G;
1x Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G.
1x 120W HyperCharge Charger,
1x A to C Cable.
1x Thick black silicone protective frame.
1x Set of manual and safety book.
CONCLUSION
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is my favorite Redmi device so far. With a price of RM1,999 for the unit I tested which is 12/512 GB which brings 12+8 GB RAM memory, 512GB storage, 200MP camera, 120W charging, a beautiful yet fast curved OLED screen and a good Dimensity 7200-Ultra chip – this is a device worth owning. Oh, and don't forget that this device has IP68 protection. If Redmi reduces the display of ads, the Note 13 Pro+ could be the perfect premium mid-range smartphone.
PRO
Beautiful screen, premium and fast.
The design is thin and looks elegant.
Good performance and packed with useful features/functions.
The 200MP camera is of good quality.
Speakers that are pleasant to listen to.
There is IP68.
CONS
Software full of annoying ads.
The screen is curved, instead of flat.
The battery does not last as expected.
Customization depends on the whimsical theme store.