Samsung Galaxy M06 vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Samsung Galaxy M06 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G vying for dominance. Both devices leverage Mediatek's Dimensity series to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but key differences in chipset implementation and charging capabilities separate them. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M06 emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, with its higher clocked Cortex-A76 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge in demanding tasks. While the Redmi 13C 5G offers Power Delivery (PD) charging, the M06’s faster 25W charging ultimately provides a quicker top-up.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M06 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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, February 272023, December 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 07Available. Released 2023, December 16
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions167.4 x 77.4 x 8 mm (6.59 x 3.05 x 0.31 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
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI Core 7.0Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR
Single-50 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 YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging25W wired18W wired, PD
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlazing Black, Sage GreenStarry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver
ModelsSM-M066B, SM-M066B/DS23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C
Price₹ 8,499$ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895
SAR1.05 W/kg (head)1.09 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.30 W/kg (head)     1.30 W/kg (body)0.98 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy M06

  • Faster CPU performance due to the Dimensity 6300
  • Faster 25W wired charging
  • Potentially better sustained performance in demanding apps

  • Charging lacks Power Delivery (PD) compatibility
  • Camera specs are currently unknown

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G

  • Power Delivery (PD) charging for wider charger compatibility
  • Potentially more efficient GPU
  • Competitive pricing

  • Slightly slower CPU performance
  • Slower 18W charging speed

Display Comparison

Neither Samsung nor Xiaomi provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The real differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness, which are currently unknown. The absence of high refresh rate panels is expected at this price point. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth and macro sensors (the usefulness of the latter is questionable). The aperture of the main sensor will be a key factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will improve low-light performance. Image processing algorithms will also play a significant role, with Samsung typically favoring vibrant colors and Xiaomi leaning towards more natural tones. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected in this price range.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M06 features the Mediatek Dimensity 6300, boasting a 2.4 GHz clock speed on its Cortex-A76 cores, compared to the Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ with 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. While both utilize the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the higher clock speed on the M06 translates to a roughly 8-10% performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. Both phones utilize a 6nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency. The Redmi 13C 5G’s chipset benefits from incremental improvements in the GPU, but the CPU difference is more impactful for general responsiveness. RAM configurations are likely similar, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Samsung Galaxy M06’s 25W wired charging offers a faster charging experience than the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD). While PD offers wider compatibility with chargers, the M06 will likely achieve a full charge in a shorter timeframe. The actual 0-100% charge time will depend on the battery capacity, but the M06 has a clear advantage in charging speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M06 if you prioritize sustained performance for gaming or multitasking and value faster charging speeds. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you prefer the convenience of Power Delivery charging compatibility and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication. It’s a solid option for those seeking a reliable and affordable 5G experience without demanding performance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6300 in the Galaxy M06 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact is a demanding title. Expect to play at lower graphics settings and potentially experience some frame drops during intense combat. The Redmi 13C 5G would likely perform similarly, but the M06’s slightly faster CPU might offer a marginally smoother experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 13C 5G’s Power Delivery charging mean I can use my laptop charger to charge it?
Yes, Power Delivery (PD) allows the Redmi 13C 5G to be charged with a wider range of USB-C chargers, including many laptop chargers. However, ensure the charger supports the PD protocol and provides sufficient wattage (at least 18W) for optimal charging speeds.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. They often lack detail and sharpness. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-level macro photography from either device.
❓ How will the 6nm process node affect the battery life of both phones?
The 6nm process node used in both chipsets contributes to improved power efficiency compared to older manufacturing processes. This means both phones should offer respectable battery life, allowing for a full day of moderate use. However, actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and display settings.