The latest Redmi Note 13 series has arrived, but let’s not overlook the previous generation. Are they worth it? Let’s explore all the enhancements they bring to the table in each member of this extensive family in this Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 vs 12.
Redmi Note: The Heart of Xiaomi’s Mid-Range Lineup
When discussing Xiaomi‘s best mid-range smartphones, the Redmi Note series inevitably comes into play. Comprising five different models, this family undergoes yearly updates with new components and features. In 2024, it’s the turn of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 series, boasting intriguing innovations across the board.
The lineup kicks off with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13, a budget-friendly device catering to the needs of even the most discerning users—minus 5G connectivity. To access this feature, you’ll need to step up to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G, the main difference being just that. Next in line is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, again lacking 5G but offering a boost in power and camera capabilities. Following it is its 5G counterpart, and finally, the top-tier Redmi Note, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G.
Comparing Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 vs 12: Differences
| Features | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1800 nits | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1200 nits |
| Dimensions | 162.24 x 75.55 x 7.97 mm, 188.5g | 165.66 x 75.96 x 7.85 mm, 183.5g |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| Memory | 6/8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage | 4/6/8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage |
| Cameras | Rear: 108+8+2 MP, Front: 16 MP | Rear: 50+8+2 MP, Front: 13 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 33W wired charging | 5000 mAh, 33W wired charging |
| Connectivity | 4G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.1 | 4G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Starting with the most modest (and affordable) Redmi Note variant, the first noticeable difference lies in something often overlooked but crucial: the maximum screen brightness. The jump from 1,200 to 1,800 nits can make a significant difference, especially on sunny days.
Surprisingly, the processor remains unchanged from one generation to the next, perhaps because the demand for 4G-only devices is dwindling. However, there’s a boost in power, with no 4 GB RAM variant in sight—starting now from 6 GB. The other significant upgrade lies in the camera department, with a substantial leap in the primary lens, from 50 to 108 megapixels. Additionally, the front camera sees an upgrade from 13 to 16 megapixels.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G vs 12 5G: Differences
| Features | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1800 nits | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1200 nits |
| Dimensions | 161.11 x 74.95 x 7.6 mm, 174.5g | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm, 168g |
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| Memory | 6/8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage | 4/6/8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage |
| Cameras | Rear: 108+8+2 MP, Front: 16 MP | Rear: 48+8+2 MP, Front: 13 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 33W wired charging | 5000 mAh, 33W wired charging |
| Connectivity | 5G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3 | 4G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.1 |
For the 5G versions of the Redmi Note, the upgrade is similar to the previous tier: brighter screens, more RAM, and improved cameras. Notably, there’s a change in processor, from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to MediaTek Dimensity 6080. Thus, the major upgrades come in the camera, power, and screen brightness departments.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro vs 12 Pro: Differences
| Features | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1300 nits | AMOLED 6.67″, 1080×2400 pixels, 120Hz, 1100 nits |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.95 x 7.98 mm, 188g | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.12 mm, 201.8g |
| Processor | Mediatek Helio G99-Ultra (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| Memory | 8/12 GB RAM, 256/512 GB storage | 6/8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB storage |
| Cameras | Rear: 200+8+2 MP, Front: 16 MP | Rear: 108+8+2+2 MP, Front: 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 67W wired charging | 5000 mAh, 67W wired charging |
| Connectivity | 4G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 | 4G, WiFi ac, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Moving on to the Pro versions, albeit without 5G, the maximum brightness is surprisingly lower than the non-Pro models but still higher than the previous generation. Significant differences lie in the power department, with both a new processor and a minimum of 8 GB RAM now available. The major difference is in the primary camera, with a substantial jump from 108 to 200 megapixels.
Conclusion
After thoroughly examining the differences between the five models of each generation, it’s time to draw conclusions. While there may not have been a revolutionary overhaul, there are noteworthy advancements across the board. From improved cameras to enhanced processing power and brighter displays, the Redmi Note 13 series presents compelling reasons to upgrade.
