Redmi Note 13 series arrives in Singapore with up to 120Hz refresh rates and early bird deals

Xiaomi has announced the launch of its Redmi Note 13 Series in Singapore today, with four models making up the series, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 5G, and Redmi Note 13. There is a fifth model, the Redmi Note 13 Pro, that isn’t 5G capable, but it's not coming to Singapore. This means that there is only one model that isn’t 5G capable that's launching in Singapore, the basic Redmi Note 13.

For reference, the Redmi Note 12 was launched in April last year with three models in the series, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, Redmi Note 12, and Redmi 12C, while two Pro models came in May 2023. This time, Xiaomi has launched all the models and are made available locally simultaneously.

Going Pro

In terms of specs, the new Redmi Note 13 Series sports the same display size as the Redmi Note 12 series - a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate support. However, all models (except the Note 13 5G) now feature an in-display fingerprint sensor, thus improving the phone usage experience all the way down to even the budget model. Plus, all models feature Corning Glass protection for some level of screen hardiness. The Note 13 Pro models build upon them with an upgraded CrystalRes AMOLED display (2,712 x 1,220 pixels) and 1,800nits of brightness and feature the toughest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

Beyond the display getting an upgrade, the entire Redmi Note range, for the first time, officially features water and dust resistance. With a rated protection of IP54 and the top-end Redmi Note 13 Pro+ featuring IP68 protection (refer to our glossary here for more details), you can finally stop shying away from bringing the latest Xiaomi phones near your restroom or the shower area.

Both the Note 13 Pro+ 5G and the Note 13 Pro 5G come with octa-core processors and up to 12GB of RAM, although in the case of the Note 13 Pro+ 5G it’s a MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra and DDR5 RAM as opposed to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and DDR 4 RAM in the Note 13 Pro 5G.

The Pro models also have a triple rear camera system (200MP f/1.65 main + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide + 2MP f/2.4 macro) and a 16MP front camera. The main camera's sensor uses Samsung's renowned ISOCELL HP3 200MP sensor. Though slightly smaller than the ISOCELL HP2 200MP sensor used on Samsung's own Galaxy S23 series, it's still interesting to know you're getting a fairly high-end sensor on a midrange device.

Fortunately, these features won't cost you more; in fact, the new Redmi Note 13 Pro series is priced $40 to $50 lower than last year's release for the same storage and memory options.

Going down to the non-Pro Redmi Note 13 5G and Redmi Note 13, these also come powered by two different processors, with the former using a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 and the latter using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor. Both have a maximum of 8GB of RAM. At this tier, it doesn't seem like the new phones are any faster than last year's Redmi Note 12 series.

Despite that, their main imaging processors have been upgraded to feature a 108MP camera sensor, courtesy of Xiaomi. As such, the triple rear camera system is now configured in this manner (108MP f/1.7 main + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide + 2MP f/2.4 macro) with a 16MP selfie camera.

Besides varying levels of fast-charging support (with the Note 13 Pro+ 5G offering 120W HyperCharge), the entire Redmi Note 13 series features a 5,000mAh battery and shares the same critical features like NFC, an IR blaster, facial recognition-based phone unlocking, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and Bluetooth 5.

Adding wearables to the equation

The four smartphones of the Redmi Note 13 Series aren’t all that Xiaomi is launching today. The company has also unveiled the Redmi Watch 4, Redmi Buds 5 Pro, and Redmi Buds 5.

Redmi Watch 4

The screen of the Redmi Watch 4 is its largest yet with a square 1.97-inch AMOLED display that is made of an aluminium alloy. Much like the Apple Watch, the Redmi Watch 4 has a stainless-steel OTS rotating crown for navigation.

Xiaomi says that the Redmi Watch 4 is equipped with an upgraded four-channel Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor for improved accuracy in heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring. As an exercise monitor, the smartwatch comes with a choice of more than 150 sports modes, including six automatically recognised activities.

Users can also perform Bluetooth calling where they can answer calls by raising their hand and tapping.

It is available with either a Silver Grey or Obsidian Black bezel plus a matching strap, or a choice of Pastel Purple, Dark Cyan, or Mint Green coloured straps.

Redmi Buds 5 Pro and Redmi Buds 5

Xiaomi also debuted the Redmi Buds 5 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 with the difference in specs highlighting the two variants.

The Redmi Buds 5 Pro has 11mm and 10mm coaxial dual drivers, three levels of active noise cancellation up to 52dB, and three microphones that come with AI voice enhancements for clear audio quality on calls. Its battery life is up to 38 hours with the charging case.

The Redmi Buds 5 comes with a 12.4mm driver and active noise cancellation up to 46dB. It has a dual microphone system with AI voice enhancements for voice calls. Due to it being slightly less complex than the Pro model, its battery life is longer and is rated for up to 40 hours of battery life with its charging case.

Both sets of buds come with noise cancellation and transparency modes and IP54-rated dust and water resistance.

The Redmi Buds 5 Pro are available in Midnight Black, Moonlight White and Aurora Purple. The Redmi Buds 5 will come in Black, White, or Sky Blue.

Pricing and availability 

The Redmi Note 13 series and wearables are available for early bird purchase starting 16 January 2024. Customers could receive some gifts depending on the model purchased and stock availability of the complimentary items.

Redmi Note 13 series

*Each online purchase of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB variant) can receive a complimentary Redmi Buds 4 Active.

Redmi wearables 

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