After several high-end Xiaomi models with Leica cameras, these finally debut in a ‘T’ series with the new Xiaomi 13T Series. There are two models, with the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro, which are being presented today in Berlin, but to which we have already been able to have access in advance.
The manufacturer’s idea is precisely to “make Xiaomi mobiles with Leica more accessible.” In fact, Both models are practically identical., except for the processor, memories, charging power and price. At Xataka we have already been able to play with the ‘Pro’ and we will tell you what that first contact was like.
This is how Xiaomi makes money – they attract you and trap you
Xiaomi 13T Pro technical sheet
Xiaomi 13T Pro
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Green and black versions: 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.49 mm and 206 grams
Blue model: 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.62 mm and 200 grams
SCREEN
6.69 inch AMOLED
Resolution of 2,712 x 1,220p
446 ppi
20:9 aspect ratio
Up to 1,200 nits of brightness
Dolby Vision HDR10+
144 Hz refresh rate
PROCESSOR
MediaTek Dimensity 9200+
RAM
12 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5X
STORAGE
256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0
FRONT CAMERA
20 Mpx f/2,2
REAR CAMERAS
Principal: 50 Mpx f/1,9 con OIS
Telephoto: 50 Mpx f/1,9
Wide angle: 12 Mpx f/2,2
BATTERY
5.000 mAh
120W fast charging (wired)
SOFTWARE
MIUI 14 con Android 13
CONNECTIVITY
WiFi 7
5G
Bluetooth 5.4
NFC
Dual SIM
USB-C
OTHERS
Fingerprint sensor on screen
IP68 certification
PRECIO
From 799.99 euros
Good news in design, although with some “but”
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is not a compact phone and based on this clear premise we can make some concessions. Despite being around 200 grams, we have not noticed them being particularly heavy, although they do tend to weigh more at the top, which is where the camera module is located (larger than in the Xiaomi 13, by the way). Otherwise, feels comfortable in hand.
This good feeling is helped by having sides that, although straight, have a curvature that favors grip, although here there are clear differences between the green and black models compared to the blue. This is mainly due to the finishes, being glass in the case of those first ones, while the blue offers a vegan leather that is more pleasant to the touch and with an apparent lower risk of slipping.
The sides are flat, although with curvatures towards the screen and back to facilitate grip
Stopping precisely on that vegan leather model, we can say that it offers a layer of silicone that is imperceptible to the eye, but that contributes a lot to that feeling of softness, as well as being Water and dust resistant with IP68 certification(the other models also have it). From Xiaomi they remind us of the highlights of that certification, given that it debuts in the ‘T’ range with this model.
Of course, in the absence of testing the terminal in depth, We fear that this synthetic leather material will worsen the experience in demanding tasks such as video games with maximum graphics, given that the cooling is usually worse on mobile phones with that material. Even more so if they do not have an advanced vapor chamber cooling system like they do have more advanced models from the manufacturer such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
The black model looks majestic, but it gets dirty just looking at it
In the case of the black and green models, their main drawback is that They attract fingerprints very easily and especially black. While in green they are somewhat more hidden, black leaves a tremendously bittersweet flavor. And it looks spectacular in the purest style of a piano, but it is just touching it and noticing that we leave a mark. Thus, we sense that it will have to be carried with a cover (either that or constantly handing it a chamois).
About the screen, there are few buts we can say. We are looking forward to putting it to the test under a powerful sun that makes it shine with its 1,200 peak nits. In other terms such as viewing angles or color calibration, it looks fabulous. It also feels fluid with the 144 Hz refresh rate, although we must warn that they are not configured as standard.
A chip designed not to miss Qualcomm
Xiaomi had been dividing its ‘T’ range into MediaTek and Qualcomm for its two annual models, although in these Xiaomi 13T they are betting everything on the first one. Thus, we see that this Xiaomi 13T Pro comes with a Dimensity 9200+ heart. Without any customization by MediaTek for Xiaomi and without testing it, aims to wage war on high-end Qualcomm chips.
In our first impressions we have been able to test this chip very little, given that it is in demanding tasks where it can be challenged. In any case, and here the software also intervenes, In everyday use you do not experience pulling or anything similar. And it is no small thing coming from where we come from with a MIUI that for years has caused us some headaches.
Precisely speaking of software, this Xiaomi 13T Pro comes with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. This was something to be expected, although not so much the great news that you will receive 4+1 years of updates, including four full versions of Android and a last year of security patches. For now, Android 14 is on the horizon with MIUI 15 that has not been presented until now.
The bet and big difference of the Xiaomi 13T Pro with respect to the 13T comes with immense RAM and ROM memory
Returning to the hardware, it is impressive to see the Xiaomi’s strong commitment to the memory section in the Xiaomi 13T Pro. Up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB UFS 4.0 memory are in its most advanced version. It is too early to know to what extent it is marketing or if we really experience improvements in long-term performance, but on the specifications sheet it stands out and does so for the better.
Another aspect that we have not been able to test thoroughly, but that we already know very well, is the battery. Repeat the Xiaomi 12T Pro formula with 5,000 mAh and up to 120 W wired charging which, according to the manufacturer, is capable of recharging the battery from 0 to 100% in 19 minutes. Of course, in this edition we are launching 144 Hz, so it remains to be seen to what extent it affects consumption compared to the 120 Hz of its predecessor.
Leica’s debut in the ‘T’ series aims high
No, this will not be a terminal that competes with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and perhaps not even with a Xiaomi 13 Pro. And not because we say so, but it is something evident in view of its specifications and that Xiaomi itself recognizes. As we said at the beginning, the idea is to make Xiaomi’s Leica cameras accessible, although not at the cost of sudden cuts.
Although some voices in Xiaomi warn that in very specific circumstances it can equal and even surpass the results of a Xiaomi 13 Pro, it is not usual. Although on paper it looks very good with a triple camera of 50+50+12 megapixels. Although, as always, it’s not all about megapixels and other factors that you want to boast about, such as colorimetry.
Examples of wide angle (left) and zoom (right) photographs
Although there will be time to analyze more photographs and in much more detail, examples like the previous ones They leave us good and bad feelings. Good in terms of color, as well as sharpness and good level of detail, although with serious doubts with the wide angle and its obvious distortion on the sides.
Another example of wide angle (left), but this time accompanied by the main sensor (right)
Xiaomi says they have put special care together with Leica into all the sensors, adding elements such as an ink coating on the lenses to prevent light leaks, as well as great dedication of software as the main driver of photography.
To honor Leica, we find two of its classic photographic styles. On the one hand the “authentic mode” with more sentimental colors and on the other the “vibrant mode” which, despite offering a greater intensity of colors, is closer to the natural color of the scenes. Additionally, a third way in which we can customize the filters while we see them adjusting in real time with the camera app.
Also in this generation it has become special emphasis on video recording up to 8K. Of course, with some concessions in that mode, since the optical image stabilization that the main sensor does offer for photography and 4K videos would be lost there.
Good feelings, although still with some doubts to resolve
In short, the Xiaomi 13T Pro leaves us with a good taste in our mouths, but above all It leaves us wanting more and to resolve doubts. How is the performance of the Dimensity 8200+ and how does vegan leather affect that? Does the battery hold up the same with the new 144 Hz? Where do you stand on a photographic level not only with Xiaomi itself but also with other competitors?
Of course, we will try to resolve these and many other questions in an in-depth analysis of the device. For now, and according to these first impressions, we can expect them to be behind the Xiaomi 13 Pro, but We sense from their price that they will be tough competition. for them and, who knows, maybe also for the not so distant Xiaomi 14.
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