Infinix just released the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, a contender for the best budget phone. But how does it stack up against the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G? Let’s see which one offers the better value.
What we liked about the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G
- Vegan leather design
- Easier to grip
- Decent low-light photos
- Extremely fast wired charging
- Wireless charging
- Large curved AMOLED display
What we liked about the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
- Vibrant outdoor photos
- EIS is good
- 1800 nits peak brightness
- 5100mAh battery capacity
Specifications
| Specifications | Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G | Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G |
| Display | 6.78 inches, 1080 x 2436, 120Hz, 393 ppi | 6.67 inches, 1220 x 2712, 120Hz, 446 ppi |
| Processor | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 |
| Memory | 12GB + 256GB; no microSD card slot | 8+256GB/12+512GB; no microSD card slot |
| Camera | 108 + 2 + 2 MP rear OIS camera; 32 MP selfie camera | 200 + 8 + 2 MP rear OIS camera; 16 MP selfie camera |
| Battery | 4600mAh + 100W wired charging, 20W wireless charging | 5100mAh + 67W charging |
Design/Build quality
Standing out from the crowd: Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G takes a unique approach with a vegan leather finish on the back. This stands out against the typical glass backs on most phones. It comes in Vintage Green (matte finish) for a sophisticated look and Obsidian Black for a more luxurious feel. Both finishes are smudge-proof, a big plus! However, if you prefer a glass aesthetic, the Obsidian Black might be your choice.
Another interesting feature is the ‘Active Halo Light‘ around the camera module, adding a touch of personality. The phone boasts a curved display with minimal bezels and a punch-hole selfie camera. For comfortable handling, it has a matte finish back that offers good grip, even with a MagCase attached (providing a somewhat Apple-like experience). The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G prioritizes a clean design with a focus on a unique and comfortable feel.
Classic and Sleek: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G takes a more traditional route with a flat glass back and a flat plastic frame. While it might not be as eye-catching as the Infinix, it offers a sleek and modern look. The back is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, a tough material resistant to scratches.
The phone’s right frame houses volume and power buttons, while the top offers an IR blaster, headphone jack, and speaker. The bottom includes a USB-C port, microphone, speaker, and dual SIM tray.
While the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G lacks the unique leather feel of the Infinix, it offers a classic design with potentially better scratch resistance.
Display
The display is often a key factor when choosing a new phone, especially for those who love watching movies or playing games.
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G boasts a larger display at 6.78 inches with a captivating curved AMOLED design. This curved design creates a more immersive feel, drawing you deeper into your content. If you prioritize a truly expansive viewing experience, the Infinix might be the clear winner.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G counters with a potentially brighter display. With a claimed peak brightness of 1800 nits, it might be better suited for outdoor use on sunny days, while the Infinix’s 1300 nits might leave you wanting more under harsh sunlight. Additionally, the Redmi boasts a wider 12-bit color depth compared to the Infinix’s 10-bit. This potentially translates to richer, more vibrant visuals on the Redmi.
While the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G takes the lead in terms of display size and immersion with its curved design, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G offers a potentially brighter display with wider color range and potentially better durability thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus.
Performance
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G relies on a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 chipset built on a 6nm process. While it might not be the absolute fastest in its category, it tackles most everyday tasks with ease. This is further bolstered by the phone’s 12GB of RAM(which is a huge difference compared to an 8GB RAM), leading to smooth app loading, switching, and general use.
On the other hand, the Redmi Note 13 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, built on a more advanced 4nm process technology. This suggests it might have a slight edge in processing power compared to the Infinix. But both phones should handle everyday tasks well.
Gaming
| Games | Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G | Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G |
| Genshin Impact | Low graphics, 60 FPS | Low grapics, 60 FPS |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | Super graphics, Ultra FPS | Ultra graphics, Super FPS |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | High graphics, Maxed FPS | High graphics, Maxed FPS |
Both phones hold their own in casual gaming and can even tackle Genshin Impact, though with graphics adjustments. The performance difference between them seems negligible based on the gameplay test. The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G shines in its ability to handle most games smoothly with some graphical tweaks.
Battery and charging
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G prioritizes user productivity through its 100W All-Round FastCharge technology. This significantly reduces charging times, enabling a rapid return to full functionality. Specifically, the device achieves a 50% charge state in only eight minutes and a full charge in approximately 22 minutes (utilizing the 100W hyper mode).
Furthermore, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G incorporates 20W Wireless MagCharge compatibility. This feature eliminates the need for conventional wired charging cables, fostering a more streamlined user experience. Wireless MagCharge allows for effortless device charging by simply placing the phone on a compatible platform. The inclusion of 20W Wireless MagCharge is a distinctive feature within this competitive price segment, catering to users who value convenience and mobility.
While the Redmi Note 13 Pro lacks wireless charging altogether, it still offers respectable charging speeds with its 67W fast wired charging. The included 67W Xiaomi power adapter and 6A-rated cable can refill nearly half the battery in just 15 minutes and reach 83% in 30 minutes. A full charge takes a respectable 42 minutes.
Camera
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G caters to mobile photography enthusiasts with its triple-camera rear system(108+2+2MP).
The phone packs a punch with a high-resolution 108MP primary sensor, promising sharp and detailed photos. The 32MP selfie camera should also capture clear close-ups. Low-light photos have good amount of detail in them, and the noise is not prevalent.
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G also includes a dedicated 2MP macro camera for close-up photography. While the level of detail captured by this sensor may not fully match that of the primary sensor, it should still prove adequate for exploring finer details of subjects.
Both the front and rear cameras offer 2K resolution video recording at 30 frames per second. This translates to sharp, detailed footage, well-suited for capturing everyday moments and memories. While image stabilization (OIS) is present, users shouldn’t expect it to rival high-end phones for shake correction.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G boasts a headline-grabbing 200MP main camera. This promises exceptional detail in good lighting conditions, however, there’s a caveat: indoor shots tend to be softer and slightly underexposed. On the other hand, the 16MP front camera produces selfies with a characteristic softness and paler colors.
The accompanying cameras present a mixed bag, the 2MP macro camera seems more like a placeholder than a truly functional feature. While it can manage decent close-up shots under ideal lighting, the lack of autofocus and the low resolution restrict its capabilities significantly.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G can capture decent 4K footage at 30fps. However, the ultrawide camera is limited to 1080p due to its low resolution. Slow-motion options reach 1080p at 120fps. Electronic stabilization is available for all video recording, with an additional “Steady Video” mode offering even stronger stabilization but at the cost of reduced resolution and field of view.
Extras
Here are the extras that you should consider too:
| Extra Features | Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G | Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14 | MIUI 14 |
| Storage | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Audio Engine | Tuned by JBL; Hi-Res | Hi-Res + Hi-Res wireless |
| SIM Support | Dual Nano-SIM 5G+5G standby | Dual Nano-SIM or Nano-SIM + eSIM |
And as per the audio, well:
When it comes to audio, both phones offer decent quality, but cater to different preferences. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G packs a punch with its bass-heavy sound, ideal for those who love thumping low-end tones in their music. Conversely, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G audio, which is tuned by JBL, prioritizes a more balanced soundscape, letting all frequencies shine through. This neutrality might appeal to users who prefer a natural sound profile or enjoy tweaking the equalizer for a personalized listening experience. While the Infinix offers more customization, bass lovers might find its audio lacking in punch compared to the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G.
Verdict
Targeting style-conscious users who value affordability, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G strikes a compelling balance between aesthetics, performance, and price. Its premium design and captivating display are complemented by exceptionally fast 100W wired and 20W wireless charging, minimizing downtime for busy professionals. A capable camera system further elevates its appeal, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market, surpassing competitors like the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G which may boast impressive specifications but lack the holistic user experience offered by the Infinix.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value just raw hardware OR a premium feel and all around a great user experience at a competitive price point.
Price and availability of the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro series:
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G 12+256GB SRP: ₱13,999 SRP, (₱11,499 Promo price)
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro 8+256GB SRP: ₱10,999 SRP, (₱8,799 Promo price)
- Shopee (Exclusive from April 25 to May 6)
- TikTok shop (May 7 onwards)
- Lazada (May 7 onwards)
Price and availability of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G:
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G 8+256GB SRP: ₱16,999
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G 12+512GB SRP: ₱18,999
