The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Honor X5b and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The X5b relies on a tried-and-true MediaTek chipset, while the Redmi Note 13R leverages Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, 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 power efficiency over the Honor X5b’s Helio G36. The 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically reducing charge times compared to the X5b’s slow 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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, October 22 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 530 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor X5b
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated Helio G36 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- Faster Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset
- 33W fast charging
- Improved power efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance still limited by price point
- No standout features beyond core performance
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 accuracy and viewing angles, which require hands-on testing, but the Redmi Note 13R’s more powerful processor *could* allow for more sophisticated image processing to improve perceived display quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Helio G36, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature basic camera setups, the Redmi Note 13R will likely produce more detailed and visually appealing photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Honor X5b’s MediaTek Helio G36 (12nm). The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 features two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, offering significantly higher single-core performance than the X5b’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 4nm fabrication process also means better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Redmi Note 13R is the clear winner for users who value performance.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature battery capacities around 5000mAh, a standard for this price range. However, the charging speeds are vastly different. The Honor X5b is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take well over two hours. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R, with its 33W wired charging, can significantly reduce this time, potentially reaching a full charge in under an hour. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5b if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, faster charging, and a chipset capable of handling more demanding applications and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 13R handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates. Don't expect a flagship gaming experience, but it will be playable. The Helio G36 in the Honor X5b will struggle with these titles, likely requiring very low settings and potentially experiencing significant lag.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 13R compared to the Honor X5b?
The difference is substantial. The Redmi Note 13R’s 33W charging can potentially fully charge the phone in under an hour, while the Honor X5b’s 10W charging will take over two hours, and potentially closer to three, to reach 100%. This is a significant convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R a 5G chipset?
No, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is a 4G LTE chipset. While Qualcomm offers 5G variants in the 4-series, the Redmi Note 13R utilizes the 4G version to keep costs down. Both phones are limited to 4G connectivity.
