Xiaomi Redmi 13 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
The Verdict
Both phones cost $179, but they target different priorities. The Redmi 13 offers a larger 6.79-inch display with a higher 90Hz refresh rate and more powerful MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra processor, plus a bigger 108MP main camera with f/1.75 aperture and PDAF. It runs newer Android 14 with HyperOS. The Redmi Note 12 counters with a superior AMOLED display (1200 nits vs 550 nits), 120Hz refresh rate, and 5G connectivity via Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, though it's slightly thinner at 7.98mm and lighter. Its display technology is objectively better for viewing quality and outdoor visibility. Camera-wise, the Redmi 13's larger sensor and brighter aperture should capture more light, while the Note 12's 50MP versus 108MP is a less meaningful difference. The Redmi Note 12 has faster peak performance in some tasks, but the Redmi 13's newer chipset handles daily use smoothly. Battery capacity is virtually identical at around 5000mAh. For most users, the Redmi 13's larger screen, newer software, and superior camera hardware justify the choice, particularly for media consumption and photography. However, if you prioritize 5G connectivity and the best display quality, the Note 12's AMOLED screen is genuinely superior despite older software.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13 if…
- →108 MP main camera captures highly detailed photos in daylight
- →Large 5030 mAh battery provides excellent two-day endurance
- →33W fast charging at this ultra-budget price point
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 if…
- →AMOLED 120Hz display at $179 is exceptional value
- →5G connectivity at ultra-budget pricing
- →33W fast charging for the 5000 mAh battery
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Xiaomi Redmi 13
Pros
- 108 MP main camera captures highly detailed photos in daylight
- Large 5030 mAh battery provides excellent two-day endurance
- 33W fast charging at this ultra-budget price point
- IP53 splash resistance for basic water protection
- Large 6.79-inch display is great for media consumption
Cons
- No 5G connectivity — 4G LTE only
- IPS LCD lacks the contrast and vibrancy of AMOLED
- Helio G99 Ultra struggles with heavy gaming
- No ultrawide camera — just main and macro
- Video recording limited to 1080p@30fps
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Pros
- AMOLED 120Hz display at $179 is exceptional value
- 5G connectivity at ultra-budget pricing
- 33W fast charging for the 5000 mAh battery
- IP53 splash resistance for basic protection
- Lightweight and slim design at 188 g
Cons
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 offers limited performance
- Only a depth sensor as secondary camera — no ultrawide
- 4 GB base RAM is very tight for multitasking
- Video recording capped at 1080p@30fps
- MIUI has ads and bloatware
Full Specifications
| Spec | Xiaomi Redmi 13 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (MIUI 14 / HyperOS) | Android 12 (MIUI 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 198.5 g | 188 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, glass front, plastic back | Plastic frame, glass front, plastic back |
| IP rating | IP53 | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | 165.9 x 76 x 7.98 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.75, PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/2.4 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Depth | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5030 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.79 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2460 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 550 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Xiaomi products or all Xiaomi products. View full details for the Xiaomi Redmi 13 or the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12.