Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vs. Infinix Hot 50i: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 50i and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware promise distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the better choice. Its more modern Dimensity 6100+ chipset delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio G81 in the Hot 50i, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi 13C 5G’s efficiency gains provide a slight edge in real-world battery endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 50i Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 661, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 232023, December 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, OctoberAvailable. Released 2023, December 16
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.7 x 77.1 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.32 in)168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G81Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14, XOS 14.5Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Single48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired Reverse wired Bypass charging18W wired, PD
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium GreyStarry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver
ModelsX6531, X6531B23124RN87G, 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)

Infinix Hot 50i

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reverse wired charging for emergency power bank functionality
  • Bypass charging (charge while using)

  • Older Helio G81 chipset offers lower performance
  • Less efficient power consumption
  • Likely less refined camera software

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G

  • More powerful and efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset
  • Power Delivery (PD) charging support
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • No reverse wired charging
  • No bypass charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The Redmi 13C 5G’s potential advantage lies in Xiaomi’s typically better display calibration, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing affordability over an immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the entry-level segment. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility (e.g., a 2MP macro). Image processing will be crucial, and Xiaomi generally offers more refined software algorithms. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The Redmi 13C 5G may have a slight edge due to its more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 6100+.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Infinix Hot 50i’s Helio G81. The Dimensity 6100+ utilizes more modern Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G81’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architectural improvement, coupled with the more efficient 6nm manufacturing process, results in faster CPU performance and improved power efficiency. The Redmi 13C 5G will handle demanding apps and games with greater ease, while the Hot 50i may exhibit more noticeable lag during intensive tasks. Both phones feature 6GB of RAM, but the chipset’s inherent capabilities will be the limiting factor.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, but the Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency. This means the Redmi 13C 5G will likely achieve similar or slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the Hot 50i. The Redmi 13C 5G also supports Power Delivery (PD) charging, offering wider compatibility with chargers. While 18W isn’t fast charging by modern standards, it’s adequate for topping up the battery overnight.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Hot 50i if you prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you value smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, benefit from the efficiency of a 6nm process, and want a phone that feels more future-proof thanks to its more capable chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Helio G81?
The Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process is inherently more thermally efficient than the Helio G81’s older process. While both will heat up during prolonged gaming, the Redmi 13C 5G is likely to maintain stable performance for longer before experiencing significant thermal throttling.
❓ Does the Redmi 13C 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
While not explicitly stated, the Dimensity 6100+ chipset generally supports carrier aggregation, which can significantly improve 5G download and upload speeds in areas with good network coverage. This is a feature the Helio G81 may lack or have limited support for.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone fast enough to fully charge the device in under 2 hours?
It's unlikely. With 18W charging and a typical battery capacity for these devices (around 5000mAh), a full charge from 0% will likely take between 2.5 to 3 hours. The Redmi 13C 5G’s PD support might offer slightly faster charging with compatible chargers, but the difference won’t be dramatic.