Spot Reviews: Get a Front-Row POV With Xiaomi Redmi Note 13's Upgraded Camera for Only P23,999
Here's your new concert buddy.
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(SPOT.ph) We all have our own specific needs when it comes to our phones. And if yours is taking photos during concerts—where it's usually dark and lit by neon lights and you're seated far far away—then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is worth the try. It's not even that expensive of a try at P23,999 (and that's already the best in the line!).
I got to attend the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 series' launch event held in Bangkok for SPOT.ph. Prior to the event, I also got my hands on the new smartphone along with the Xiaomi Buds 5 so I can try them out for myself and see if it's worth the buy.
What is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is the top-of-the-line variant of Xiaomi's Note 13 series. The Note 13 series is the latest addition to Xiaomi's line of mid-range smartphones. It has features of their flagship-level smartphones—including upgrades to their camera system, design, display, and processor—but with a more budget-friendly price tag.
There are four variants in the Note 13 series available in the Philippines: the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and the Redmi Note 13.
Thoughts on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
First off—the RedMi Note 13 Pro+ 5G's design is undeniably sleek with its glass back but it still feels sturdy. I don't think it would easily break if I accidentally drop it. And as a Tempered Glass Regular, I've been confident enough to use it even without a screen protector. It was also convenient that it came with a thin, silicone-like case in the box.
At this point, I had already gotten used to the "square-ness" of the iPhone, so the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G's design was a welcome change and somewhat of a callback to those prehistoric iTouch days. The curved screen and edges make it easy to hold even without a trendy socket attached to the back. It's the first phone in the series to have the curved display.
The in-screen fingerprint sensor makes it convenient to unlock the phone even without looking at it. That's also helpful when you don't look like your usual self (i.e. wearing a face mask or already lying in bed with your blanket covering your face).
The Note 13 Pro+ 5G is also surprisingly lightweight—even though it's a bit longer than what I'm personally used to. (That's what she said.) While it'll take some time for me to get used to the Android OS, the phone still felt intuitive to use. The screen was sensitive and it helped me with learning the Android set-up.
One main highlight of the phone for me is that you can fully charge it in just 19 minutes. "What do you mean I can watch just one episode of Modern Family and it's already fully charged?" is an actual thought that I had. I've only full charged it once and it's lasted me more than one day since it has a 5,000mAh battery.
The phone's USB-C port and charger also makes it more convenient for me—because it's the same charger I have for my laptop, too. The less cords that I bring, the lighter my bag is.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Specs and Features
The pro models of the Redmi Note 13 all have an HD 200-megapixel camera that was co-engineered with Leica. It can capture photos with as much detail as possible. All front cameras of the pro models are 16 megapixels—great for selfies.
All pro models have 6.67" CrystalRes AMOLED displays and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® that adds protection for accidental drops and scratches.
As for colors, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is available in Midnight Black, Moonlight White, and Aurora Purple. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is available in Midnight Black, Ocean Teal (a new color), and Aurora Purple.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is available in Midnight Black, Lavender Purple, and Forest Green. The Redmi Note 13 comes in Midnight Black, Mint Green, Ice Blue, and Ocean Sunset.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G and Note 13 Pro 5G both support dual SIM. The Note 13 Pro can support one SIM and one hybrid (SIM or microSD). The Pro+ 5G has dual speakers while the Note 13 Pro 5G and Note 13 Pro both have 3.5mm headphone jacks.
The series also improved the touch accuracy of the display even when it's wet. (Men, take notes.) Use cases in mind: texting on the beach, switching to the next song when you're in the shower, and typing when you have pasmado hands. Also, don't worry, the Note 13 Pro+ 5G has an IP68 waterproof rating so you don't have to fret when it gets some droplets on it.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G's Camera Is Best for Concertgoers
With all the K-Pop acts making a stop or two in the Philippines, you've probably already researched for the best phone camera so you can take crystal-clear photos of your bias even though you're closer to the last row than you are to the stage.
I tried using the upgraded camera to zoom in on the mall across my hotel room in Bangkok. As someone who can't even put on eyeliner without being an inch away from a mirror, I wouldn't have been able to see what the camera was able to zoom in on. No, not even if I had my glasses on.
I also tried comparing the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G's camera with my iPhone 12 Pro's camera for taking photos at night. The iPhone 12 Pro's shot looks a bit less noisy than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G's shot. But the latter would be helpful to add some light to a concert that relies on stage lights.
The panoramic photo feature of the phone was also fairly easy to use. It doesn't get easily distorted when you don't go in a straight line and the photo still comes out crisp.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Price
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G 12GB+512GB is available for P23,999 while 8GB+256GB is available for P20,999. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G 8GB+254GB is P16,999 while the 12GB+512GB variant is P18,999.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 8GB+256GB is P13,999 and the 12GB+512GB variant is P15,999. The Redmi Note 13 8GB+256GB is P9,999.
Where to Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G and all the other variants of the Note 13 series are available online on Xiaomi's official flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.
There's an exclusive promo on Shopee from January 16 to 25 where you can get the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (8GB+256GB) for P18,999 from P20,999 and the Redmi Note 13 (6GB+128GB) for P7,499 from P7,999.
Editor's note: The unit used in this review was gifted by the brand.
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