The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y18i and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G represent two compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity on a tight budget. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612, making it better suited for demanding apps and gaming. However, the Y18i’s more efficient processor may appeal to those prioritizing battery life above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 23 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 23 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 528 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | V2414 | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y18i
- More power-efficient chipset (Unisoc T612)
- Potentially longer battery life
- Lower price (likely)
- Significantly slower CPU performance
- Less capable GPU for gaming
- May struggle with demanding apps
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Faster and more efficient chipset (Dimensity 6100+)
- Superior gaming performance
- 18W charging with PD support
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May run slightly warmer under load
- Slightly higher price (likely)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: display driver efficiency. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Redmi 13C 5G’s more modern chipset likely benefits from improved display processing capabilities. This could translate to slightly better color accuracy and responsiveness, though both will likely target 60Hz refresh rates to conserve power.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 13-50MP paired with basic auxiliary lenses. The image processing capabilities of the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G likely offer a slight edge in dynamic range and noise reduction. The Y18i’s Unisoc chipset may struggle with complex image processing tasks, resulting in softer images in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both to include a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
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 vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612 (12nm). The Dimensity 6100+ utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Y18i’s Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more noticeable difference in real-world app loading times and multitasking. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. The Redmi 13C 5G will handle graphically intensive games with greater ease.
Battery Life
The vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612, built on a 12nm process, is inherently more power-efficient than the Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). While the Redmi 13C 5G boasts 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD), potentially offering faster and more versatile charging options, the Y18i’s 15W charging may suffice for casual users. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Y18i is likely to offer slightly longer screen-on time for similar tasks due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18i if you need a phone primarily for basic communication, social media, and light tasks, and value potential battery longevity over raw processing power. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you prefer a smoother experience with more demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming, and want a device that will remain responsive for longer. The Redmi 13C 5G is the better choice for users who anticipate using their phone for more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 13C 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 6100+ is more powerful, it's also built on a 6nm process, which offers improved thermal efficiency compared to older nodes. However, given the phone's plastic construction and budget nature, some throttling is possible during extended, graphically demanding games. Expect a slight reduction in frame rates after 30-60 minutes of continuous play.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the vivo Y18i slow compared to the Redmi 13C 5G's 18W PD charging?
15W charging is relatively slow by today's standards, but it's adequate for overnight charging. The Redmi 13C 5G's 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) will offer faster charging speeds and greater compatibility with various chargers. However, the Y18i’s more efficient chipset means it may reach full charge in a comparable timeframe despite the lower wattage.
❓ Can the Redmi 13C 5G handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 6100+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the vivo Y18i’s Unisoc T612.
