The smartphone market is flooded with affordable options, but performance can vary wildly. We pit the Doogee U7, a basic entry-level device, against the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G, which aims to deliver 5G connectivity and improved processing power at a competitive price. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a substantial performance leap over the Doogee U7’s aging Mediatek MT6580, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. While the U7 is cheaper, the performance trade-off is significant.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 209.5 x 142.5 x 20 mm (8.25 x 5.61 x 0.79 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 373 g (13.16 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~46.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 3400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Pink | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | - | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | - | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Doogee U7
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Poor performance for modern apps
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Significantly faster processor
- 5G connectivity
- Faster charging with PD
- Still an entry-level device
- LCD display lacks vibrancy
- Camera performance is adequate, not exceptional
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs for the Doogee U7 are unavailable, its market positioning suggests a basic LCD panel. The Redmi 13C 5G also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.74 inches) rather than resolution or advanced features. Both likely feature standard 60Hz refresh rates. The lack of higher refresh rates or improved panel technology means neither phone is ideal for visually intensive tasks or smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be modest on both devices. Without detailed sensor information for the Doogee U7, it’s safe to assume a basic camera setup. The Redmi 13C 5G typically features a 50MP main sensor, which, while not flagship-level, offers a significant advantage over the U7’s likely lower-resolution sensor. Image processing will be more sophisticated on the Redmi, resulting in better dynamic range and detail. The inclusion of a 50MP sensor on the Redmi 13C 5G allows for more cropping flexibility and potentially better low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Doogee U7’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor, is several generations behind. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is an octa-core processor with a more modern architecture (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding games on the Redmi 13C 5G. The U7 will struggle with anything beyond basic apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the Redmi 13C 5G has an edge due to its more efficient chipset. The Redmi 13C 5G supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), enabling faster charging speeds compared to the Doogee U7’s 10W charging. While neither phone offers exceptional battery capacity, the Dimensity 6100+’s power efficiency means the Redmi 13C 5G will likely deliver longer screen-on time, and reach a full charge quicker.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U7 if you need a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. It's a functional device for those prioritizing minimal cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you want a phone capable of handling modern apps, streaming video, and occasional gaming, and you value 5G connectivity for faster data speeds. It offers a much more versatile experience for a small price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6100+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use medium or low graphics settings for a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's a significant step up from the Doogee U7's processor, which would struggle even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi 13C 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
5G connectivity is useful if you live in an area with 5G coverage. It provides significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G, making streaming, browsing, and downloading files much quicker. However, if 5G isn't available in your area, you won't see any benefit.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi 13C 5G compared to the Doogee U7?
The Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Doogee U7’s 10W charging. Expect the Redmi 13C 5G to charge from 0-100% in approximately 2-3 hours, while the U7 could take 4+ hours.
❓ Does the Redmi 13C 5G support expandable storage via microSD card?
Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G does support expandable storage via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to increase the storage capacity beyond the internal options. This is a valuable feature for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or other files.
