Umidigi G3 Max vs Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G

The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up. The Umidigi G3 Max and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability and next-generation connectivity. However, significant differences in chipset architecture and charging capabilities mean one phone will likely offer a superior experience for most users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance and future-proofing compared to the Umidigi G3 Max’s Unisoc T606. The faster 18W charging with PD support is also a significant advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi G3 Max 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, 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 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
Announced20232023, December 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2023Available. Released 2023, December 16
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 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
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED 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/2.2, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired, PD
Type5150 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, Iceland Blue, Premium OrangeStarry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver
Models-23124RN87G, 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)

Umidigi G3 Max

  • Lowest possible price point
  • Acceptable for basic tasks
  • Likely large battery capacity

  • Outdated Unisoc T606 chipset
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Limited performance for gaming or multitasking

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G

  • Significantly faster Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset
  • Faster 18W charging with PD
  • Better thermal efficiency

  • Slightly higher price
  • Display specs are unknown
  • Camera performance relies on software optimization

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. The Redmi 13C 5G’s potential for a slightly higher peak brightness, given Mediatek’s display optimization, is a possibility, but without concrete data, it remains speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without detailed sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 13C 5G’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 6100+, likely offers more sophisticated image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically produce low-quality images. Focus should be on the main sensor performance, which remains unspecified for both.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G3 Max’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The Dimensity 6100+ features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the G3 Max’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to a roughly 30-40% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks and a more noticeable improvement in GPU performance. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Redmi 13C 5G will handle multitasking and gaming far more capably.

Battery Life

While both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (estimated around 5000mAh based on market trends), the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) is a clear advantage. The Umidigi G3 Max is limited to 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. The faster charging of the Redmi 13C 5G allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The more efficient Dimensity 6100+ chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life under heavy use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi G3 Max if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. It’s suitable for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy occasional gaming or multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6100+ is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm process used in the Umidigi G3 Max’s Unisoc T606. This means it generates less heat under load. While some warming is expected during prolonged gaming, the Redmi 13C 5G is less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the G3 Max.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Both phones support 5G, but specific band compatibility varies by region. It's crucial to check the detailed specifications for each model against your carrier's supported 5G bands to ensure full compatibility. The Redmi 13C 5G is more likely to have wider band support due to Xiaomi's broader global presence.
❓ How much storage is expandable on the Redmi 13C 5G?
While the base storage isn't specified, Xiaomi typically includes a dedicated microSD card slot on their budget devices. Expect support for up to 1TB of expandable storage, allowing users to significantly increase the phone's capacity for photos, videos, and apps.