Punctual as a Swiss watch, seven months after the launch of the Xiaomi 13 Series, the Beijing-based company has unveiled the Xiaomi 13T Series, which flanks the top of the range by sacrificing something on the hardware side in exchange for a more affordable price. Although revisable, Xiaomi continues to bet on smartphones very similar to those presented at the beginning of the year, when it could instead renew itself and focus on other models, precisely to safeguard its best smartphones and at the same time reward the loyalty of the buyers who purchase them. Perhaps there will be changes with the arrival of foldables. In this regard, to my direct question, the Xiaomi Italy country manager, Thomas Ma, anticipated that ‘next year a very innovative device will arrive in terms of design, performance and functionality‘.
We’ll think about the future in time, but in the meantime, it’s time for the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro, two smartphones that are in some ways historic, as the first non-premium ones to sport a rear camera by Leica. The partnership between Xiaomi and the German company that wrote the history of photography was renewed at the low point after the high point was reached with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the best camera phone currently on the market.
Stepping out of the comparison with the most innovative smartphone produced by the Beijing company, the two latest arrivals are nevertheless ideal phones for most consumers. Because they have everything you need: a large and bright display, a camera capable of ensuring excellent shots in all light conditions (better in bright environments than at night), a large battery and a fast charging system. The best news, however, is that the price starts at €699.90. Now, that’s a big step forward for users.
The importance and quality of Leica
Beyond the purists who are unhappy to see a prestigious brand like Leica juxtaposed with mid-range products, Xiaomi’s operation aims to bring those not accustomed to photography closer with two models with which it is difficult to get bad shots. Credit to the rear triple camera with Summicron lenses co-engineered with Leica, which features a 50MP wide-angle camera with 24mm focal length and a 7P aspherical lens designed to capture more light while supporting high dynamic range shooting. In addition, there is a 50MP telephoto camera with 50mm focal length (a nice move by Xiaomi, bucking the trend of other manufacturers that have lately left little room for a decent telephoto lens) and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with 15mm focal length, ideal for taking panoramic shots.
Characterising the images are the two original Leica photographic styles, Authentic and Vibrant, with the former being more faithful to the brand’s colour tradition and the latter pushing more on colour. Also available are six Leica filters that nod to the German company’s style, including the latest Leica Sepia and Leica Blue, adapted from the LeicaM-Typ240 Film mode. Creative options for enriching photos include four new Leica watermarks, useful for varying frames and photographic compositions.
Another exciting element is the Custom Photo Styles function in Pro Mode, borrowed from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It allows you to adjust colours, shades and textures in the pre-set phase, making it easier to capture details and colours for post-production. It’s a sign that even good photographers may find the Series T helpful, not least because you can import your favourite LUT and record 8K video with the main camera, equipped with optical and electronic stabilisation to avoid blurring due to shake.
Xiaomi 13T series: A positive test, super autonomy
When I tested the Xiaomi 13T Pro, the hardware and software features offered very good images, especially for Portraits, where you can vary thanks to the 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm options. As always, the Pro mode is best for those unsatisfied with point-and-shoot, while it seems strange how the night mode is not set by default when opening the camera in dark environments.
At the same time, however, as a lover of innovation with an eye on tradition, I was surprised to find the AI mode for shots turned off, which, of course, can be starred in by going into the camera settings and activating the option. As mentioned, the smartphone shows no hesitation when operating in bright scenarios. At the same time, it struggles a little in low light, slipping with a few too many artefacts and too much colour reproduction compared to the original. We are talking about details, however, as overall the package is very good.
Equipped both phones with a 6.67-inch CrystalRes display, with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a resolution of 1.5K (2712 x 1220 pixels), the Xiaomi 13T and its big brother Pro have a peak brightness of 2600 nits, Dolby Atmos support and dual integrated speakers. The processor is not Qualcomm Snapdragon as in the top-of-the-range series but MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ on the Pro and Dimensity 8200-Ultra on the 13T. At the same time, the battery is identical, 5000 mAh with a 120W HyperCharge fast charging system that goes from 0 to 100% in less than 20 minutes. Beyond the time taken, for those who work with the phone, knowing they can count on a smartphone with no autonomy problems is an important starting point.
Available in three colours, the Alpine-Blue version is the best of the Xiaomi 13T Pro because it is the only one with a faux leather back shell that feels pleasant to the touch and does not leave fingerprint marks every time you hold the phone. This is not the case with the Meadow Green and Black models, where the glossy panel, in addition to fingerprints, leaves a less elegant feel.
Prices
Even before prices, Xiaomi’s choice to guarantee support for OS updates for four years and security patches for five years should be highlighted. As for the cost, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is available in three versions: 12+256GB is on sale for €799.90, 12GB+512GB fetches €899.90 and 16GB+1TB costs €999.90, Xiaomi 13T in the 8GB+256GB version is on sale for €699.90. As always, the company founded by Lei Jun is offering various bundles for those who buy one of the new models by 31 October on the brand’s digital store. Is it a smartphone to buy? The product is complete and Leica-branded, has a great display, excellent battery life and shoots well. To buy it or not, it always depends on your budget for the new smartphone.
