The Redmi 15C 5G was launched recently as an entry-level smartphone aimed at budget-conscious buyers and those looking to upgrade from older 4G devices, prioritising essential features and durability over user experience. With a price starting at Rs 12,499, the Redmi 15C 5G promises to deliver on practicality and style, but compromises are evident right from the spec sheet. We used the device for a couple of days, and here is a breakdown of the top reasons to consider this new 5G offering, and where it falls short.
Should you buy the Redmi 15C 5G? Here are some points to consider
1. Two-day battery life
The single biggest strength of the Redmi 15C 5G is its massive 6,000mAh battery. For casual users, this cell can comfortably deliver up to two days of usage, making it a reliable choice in its segment. In endurance tests, the phone achieved an impressive usage time of over 24 hours. Furthermore, it supports decent 33W fast charging (with the charger included in the box) and even offers 10W reverse charging for topping up accessories.
2. Large display for media consumption
For users who spend a significant amount of time consuming content, browsing, or scrolling, the 6.9-inch screen provides ample real estate. While the display resolution has caveats (see ‘Reasons to Skip’), its sheer size and decent colour reproduction make it a comfortable device for binge-watching and general media consumption. The 120Hz refresh rate also ensures that UI navigation and scrolling feel smooth and fluid.
3. Dependable performance
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC and UFS 2.2 storage, the Redmi 15C 5G offers sufficient performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking, app loading, and casual gaming are handled decently, especially for users upgrading from sub-Rs 10,000 smartphones. Crucially, the inclusion of 5G connectivity and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that works quickly rounds out a package that feels dependable and modern for its price point.
4. Low-resolution display with thick bezels
While the display is large, its low-resolution remains a major drawback. The 6.9-inch panel features an HD+ resolution (720 x 1,600 pixels), which results in a low pixel density (254ppi). Consequently, the content does not appear particularly sharp, and fine details are often missing. In addition, the phone sports notably thick bezels, particularly at the chin, which detracts from the viewing experience and makes the phone look dated.
5. Bloatware-heavy software experience
The software experience on the Redmi 15C 5G, which runs Android 15-based HyperOS 2, is cluttered. The system is loaded with a significant amount of bloatware—ranging from pre-installed utility apps to games. Encountering system-level advertisements that require users to manually disable them app-by-app is annoying. While Xiaomi promises two years of OS upgrades, the initial out-of-box experience is hampered by the intrusive software environment.
Redmi 15C 5G conclusion
The Redmi 15C 5G is a good choice for users seeking maximum battery life and a large screen at an affordable price. However, those who prioritise display sharpness, camera quality, or a clean, ad-free software experience might be better off exploring other alternatives in this competitive segment.
