Xiaomi’s Redmi series consistently delivers value, but navigating the options can be tricky. The Redmi A3x focuses on affordability, while the Redmi 13C 5G adds 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the A3x’s Unisoc T603, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. The faster 18W charging is also a significant advantage.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, May 24 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 24 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.63 x 3.00 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, MIUI | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
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 | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Moonlight White (Starry White), Aurora Green (Ocean Green), Olive Green | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | 24048RN6CG, 24048RN6CI | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | $ 99.99 / € 85.45 / ₹ 6,428 | $ 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi A3x
- Most affordable option
- Simple and easy to use
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Slow processor
- Slow charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Significantly faster processor
- 5G connectivity
- Faster 18W charging with PD
- Slightly higher price
- May not be ideal for extremely light users
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The A3x’s value proposition suggests a more basic display, while the 13C 5G, being slightly higher-tier, *may* have slightly better color reproduction. The absence of high refresh rates is expected in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor. However, the 13C 5G’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The A3x will likely rely on simpler algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing feature and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a significant leap over the Redmi A3x’s Unisoc T603 (22nm). The Dimensity 6100+ features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz alongside Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the A3x’s all-Cortex-A55 setup at 1.8 GHz. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a noticeable improvement in app loading times and multitasking. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly larger battery in real-world usage. The 13C 5G is the clear winner for users who value responsiveness and future-proofing.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) support is a substantial advantage over the A3x’s 10W charging. PD allows for more efficient charging and compatibility with a wider range of chargers. The faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to an outlet, making the 13C 5G more convenient for users on the go. The more efficient Dimensity 6100+ may also contribute to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A3x if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games without significant slowdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6100+ is a relatively efficient chip built on a 6nm process. While it will get warm during intensive gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling, especially given the phone's budget-oriented design. Xiaomi likely employs conservative thermal profiles to prioritize stability over peak performance.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi 13C 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. Even if 5G isn't readily available, the 13C 5G will fall back to 4G, ensuring compatibility.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Unisoc T603 and the Dimensity 6100+?
You'll notice a substantial difference in everyday tasks. The Redmi 13C 5G will feel much snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and browsing the web. Gaming will also be significantly smoother, with fewer stutters and faster loading times. The difference is particularly noticeable with more demanding apps and games.
