Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G 512GB

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ sets the correct trend for smartphone memory configurations as we enter 2024. The base variant now offers 256GB storage. The top model (Rs 35,999) offers 512GB UFS 3.1 storage with 12GB of LPPDR5 RAM. The one I am reviewing has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (Rs 33,999).During my review, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ exhibited reliable performance with no abrupt app crashes or signs of overheating. Occasionally, some apps may take an unusually long time to load, or you might notice stutters while switching between apps, but these issues are negligible. What might bother you is the number of pre-installed apps that make the software experience somewhat cluttered. Xiaomi has also been late in rolling out the Android 14 update on its mid-budget smartphones, an issue that needs addressing soon.At least the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is promised to receive three years of Android updates, the next one being the new HyperOS Android skin. There's also NFC support to enable seamless digital payments. Plus, there's the fan-favourite IR blaster to manage home devices like AC or TV via the smartphone. With an Airtel 5G Plus SIM card, I was getting speeds over 200Mbps at my home in Delhi. But internet speeds vary based on coverage.In terms of pure benchmarks, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC attains decent scores on Geekbench 6 and AnTuTu (screenshots below) and performs better than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. However, the Dimensity 9000 SoC-powered OnePlus Nord 3 is ahead, at least based on numbers.If you compare the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and OnePlus Nord 3 side by side in real life, both stand neck and neck. For instance, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boots faster and runs some apps quicker. However, gaming performance is a notch better on the Nord 3. In general, I feel MIUI has more to offer than OxygenOS, minus the pre-installed apps. In the end, it could be a matter of choice, as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is offering way more storage at the same price as the Nord 3.

While there's no Leica partnership in Xiaomi's mid-range (yet), the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ includes an upgraded 200MP primary camera. For instance, it now utilises an ISOCELL HP3 sensor (the previous being the ISOCELL HPX sensor), which captures sharper details and more light. As a result, when you zoom in, photos captured in 200MP mode exhibit clearer details, less noise, and more readable text at a distance. Naturally, the file size also increases when you click photos in this mode.In normal mode, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ tends to perform better than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and some of its direct rivals. I can easily notice improved colour balance, noise reduction, and dynamic range in different lighting conditions. When in bright lighting conditions, the phone does a satisfactory job of balancing colours, but there can be times when you may notice overexposed patches, which the software is unable to tone down. The saturation can be a bit high at times but mostly in a good way. Portrait shots look super natural with excellent edge detection. Videos captured with the primary camera can shoot up to 4K30fps. Additionally, the stabilisation has noticeably improved compared to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.The 8MP ultra-wide camera also exhibits some improvements, though details are still not the best. In my tests, many photos have high contrast that make shadows look more dramatic. This hides details in the background as well. The 2MP camera remains mostly underwhelming as it fails to detect the subject, whether it's in light or dark conditions. Generally in dark conditions, you will also notice some inconsistency in colours with the other two camera sensors.The front camera's performance is satisfactory, but it can be hit-and-miss in low-light conditions. I am happy with the improved skin tone detection.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ packs a 5,000mAh with support for 120W charging. With the bundled charger, the phone takes roughly 30 minutes to fully charge, which is quite impressive, considering flagship offerings from Google, Apple, and Samsung are still limited to 30W or 45W charging. Battery backup is equally impressive.I could easily use the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ for the entire day on a single charge. Mind you, this was with balanced mode enabled, 120Hz refresh rate, AOD (always-on display), and 5G (occasionally switching to Wi-Fi). If you enable performance mode, you may need another round of charging, which shouldn't be a problem with the bundled 120W charger.