Samsung Galaxy F16 vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F16 emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, with a marginally higher clocked Cortex-A76 core, offers a small but measurable performance edge. While the Redmi 13C 5G boasts Power Delivery (PD) charging, the F16’s 25W charging is faster overall.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy F16 | Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 11 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 13 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.31 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Bling Black, Vibing Blue, Glam Green | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | SM-E166P, SM-E166P/DS | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | ₹ 13,300 | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F16
- Slightly faster CPU performance due to Dimensity 6300
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Potentially better software optimization (Samsung's One UI)
- May be slightly more expensive than the Redmi 13C 5G
- No Power Delivery charging
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Lower price point
- Power Delivery (PD) charging compatibility
- Xiaomi's MIUI offers extensive customization options
- Slightly slower CPU performance
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Assuming both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket, the display experience will likely be similar. However, the absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) on either device means scrolling and animations won't be as fluid as on more expensive phones. Color accuracy and peak brightness will likely be average, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable. Given the price point, expect a primary camera around 50MP, likely with a fairly standard sensor size. The Redmi 13C 5G often includes a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely lean towards vibrant colors on the Samsung and a more natural look on the Xiaomi, reflecting brand tendencies. Low-light performance will be a weakness on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Samsung Galaxy F16 features the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) with a CPU configuration of 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G uses the Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 200MHz clock speed advantage of the F16’s A76 cores translates to a small but noticeable performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. Both phones likely share similar RAM configurations (4GB/6GB LPDDR4X), limiting overall multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will be crucial; the 6nm process should keep temperatures in check, but sustained heavy loads could lead to throttling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely house a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Samsung Galaxy F16 supports 25W wired charging, promising a faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD). While PD offers compatibility with a wider range of chargers, the lower wattage means a longer overall charging duration. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F16 if you prioritize slightly better CPU performance for multitasking and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you specifically need Power Delivery charging compatibility for wider charger options, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point within this segment. Both phones are excellent choices for basic smartphone tasks.