The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The HMD Pulse+ aims to deliver a reliable experience with a clean Android build, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R leverages Qualcomm's latest entry-level silicon. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, battery life, and charging speed to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process, provides a significant performance advantage and improved efficiency over the HMD Pulse+'s Unisoc T606. The 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing recharge times compared to the Pulse+'s sluggish 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 29 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.43 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Apricot Crush, Midnight Blue, Glacier Green | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 180 EUR |
HMD Pulse+
- Clean, stock Android experience
- Potentially more durable build quality (HMD's reputation)
- Simpler user interface
- Significantly slower processor
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2
- 33W fast charging
- Likely better camera image processing
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be bloated
- Potential for more pre-installed apps
- Build quality may not be as robust as HMD
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying performance. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates is expected. The real differentiator will be color calibration, which is difficult to assess without direct testing, but Xiaomi generally offers more vibrant, albeit sometimes less accurate, displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is likely more advanced than the one in the Unisoc T606, leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. Xiaomi’s software algorithms are also generally more aggressive in post-processing, potentially resulting in more visually appealing (though not necessarily more accurate) photos. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, where the Snapdragon’s ISP could provide an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a clear upgrade over the HMD Pulse+'s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The 4nm fabrication process translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management. The Snapdragon’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, offer a substantial performance boost over the T606’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi Note 13R. While both have 6x Cortex-A55 cores, the Snapdragon's overall architecture is more modern and efficient.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 5000mAh is expected). However, the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. The HMD Pulse+’s 10W charging is painfully slow by modern standards, requiring several hours for a full charge. The Redmi Note 13R can likely reach a full charge in under two hours, offering significantly more convenience. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Redmi Note 13R, despite similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Pulse+ if you prioritize a stock Android experience and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. It's a solid option for basic tasks and users who value simplicity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, light gaming, and benefit from significantly faster charging. It's the better choice for users who demand more from their budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 13R struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The HMD Pulse+ will likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much bloatware is pre-installed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R?
Xiaomi's MIUI is known for including pre-installed apps. While the amount varies by region, expect to find several Xiaomi and third-party apps. Many can be uninstalled, but some system apps remain. The HMD Pulse+ offers a much cleaner, near-stock Android experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 33W really that noticeable?
Absolutely. 10W charging takes several hours to fully charge a phone, making it inconvenient for users who need a quick top-up. 33W charging can add a significant percentage of battery life in just 30 minutes, offering a much more practical charging experience.
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the HMD Pulse+ support VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers?
Carrier compatibility with the Unisoc T606 can be variable. It's crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure full VoLTE and VoWiFi support before purchasing the HMD Pulse+, especially if you rely on these features for call quality and Wi-Fi calling.
