Earlier this year Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13T Pro were marketed as the first Xiaomi phones with Lecia cameras in Malaysia. In the comment section, many readers complained that with a selling price of RM3499 for the Xioami 13 and starting at RM4599 for the Xioami 13 Pro, it is said to be too expensive for a device produced by a company that made a name for itself with affordable devices. At this price, it's better to buy an iPhone or a Samsung, you say.
The Xiaomi 13T Po is another device with a Leica camera but at a more affordable price. It is the global version of the Redmi K60 Ultra with changes to the main camera. This review will answer the question of whether it is still worth having or just buy the two devices mentioned above.
INFO
Read – Review : Xiaomi 13 Is An Amazing Little One [/source]
SPECIFICATIONS
Xiaomi 13T Pro
6.67″ AMOLED screen.
1220 x 2712 pixels, 144Hz, Dolby Atmos
Dimensity 9200+ processor (4nm)
1 X 3.35 GHz Cortex X3 chip
3 X 3.0 GHz Cortex A715
4 X 2.0 GHz Cortex A510
Immortalis-G715 MC11 Graphics Chip
RAM 12/16 GB LPDDR5X
Internal Storage 256/512GB/1000GB UFS 4.0
Main Camera 50MP f/1.9, OIS (Wide Angle)
12MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide Angle)
50MP f/1.9(Telephoto)
Selfie Camera 20 MP f/2.2
5000 mAh battery
120W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / eSIM / 5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Scan System Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Sale Price RM 2499 (12/256GB)
RM 2699 (12/512GB)
RM 3499 (16/1000GB)
SCREEN
For the past two years we've been quite fond of the screens on Xiaomi devices because of the Dolby Vision support. This feature is rarely offered by Android manufacturers as they choose to only offer HDR10+ support. We prefer the cinematic Dolby Vision color profile. The device's 6.67″ OLED screen also supports a high 144Hz refresh rate. As a result, scrolling feels very smooth and fast, making the experience really feel like a real flagship device.
The screen is of the flat type that we like because the content doesn't spill out. It also has an even bezel that makes the "face" of the device look balanced. Colors look vivid and there are no issues using the device under the hot sun.
There is no issue displaying Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content on the 13T Pro as there is the required DRM. Although the device has not been officially launched, Netflix content can be streamed at HD and Dolby Vision settings without any issues.
Bonus we give to the screen haptic system which is also excellent. Comparable to the haptic system on the iPhone which has become the standard to be achieved on modern smart devices.
FINGERPRINT AND BIOMETRIC SCANNER
The fingerprint scanner is built under the screen at a high enough position to make it easy to scan the left and right thumbs even if the device is used one-handed. It is of the optical type that quickly unlocks the device. We didn't experience any issues during the 10-day period of reviewing the device. For those who don't like to use the fingerprint scanner, there is also a fast facial scanning system but it doesn't operate well in dark conditions.
This scanner also has a secondary feature as a pulse scanner. Just place your finger and the heart rate will be read in about 15 seconds. The readings are fairly accurate consistent with the readings on the smart watches we wear on the wrist.
DESIGN
The design of this device is the same as the Redmi K60 Ultra without any drastic changes. Since it was originally designed for Redmi, it is not surprising that it looks a little "cheap". Starting with a vegan leather panel on the back that feels rubbery and sticky. We don't like holding this panel because it's very uncomfortable. The metal frame part is made of non-glossy material.
As a result the device does not look like a premium flagship device. Previously we reviewed the Realme 11 5G which is sold at a price of RM1199. Affordable devices look and feel more luxurious in the hand. It is clear the difference with the finish on the 13 Pro which is made of glass and looks luxurious. The positive thing we can give is that the sticky finish keeps the device from feeling slippery.
The camera bump on the back is a bit large but not distracting. It just doesn't look pretty because the faucet is too boxy with sharp edges. Fortunately Xiaomi provides a silicone frame that can cover the back panel and reduce the sharpness of the camera bump.
The audio and brush controls are located on the right side while below is the SIM tray, USB-C charging port and one of the stereo speakers. On it there is another speaker, microphone and IR transmitter for remote control. All of these components are included in an IP68 waterproof and dustproof body that only weighs 204 grams.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE – MIUI 14.0.8
The MIUI 14.0.6 operating system with Android 13 is used unlike the 14.0.11 used on the Xiaomi 13 Pro. It's strange that the new model but the older version of MIUI is used. This is after the device was updated a few days ago. What we like is that in this version there are no fat applications that steal space, the notification issue does not sound and the user is very smooth.
Although the device hasn't been launched yet, there were no issues downloading Netflix from the Play Store and streaming HD Dolby Vision content. On devices with this Dimensity chip there is an issue where Netflix cannot be downloaded because it is said to be incompatible.
Throughout the review period you use the Memory Extension feature with 6GB of virtual memory. There are options of 4GB, 8GB and turn it off directly if not needed. The reviewed device has 12GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM. Apps can also be installed quickly thanks to UFS 4.0 storage. The process of switching applications can be done in an instant.
Over the course of two weeks of testing the device, it felt fast, smooth, no issues installing apps and there were interesting feature additions. MIUI 14 with Android 13 is probably the best iteration so far. There is no shortage of this operating system when compared to Samsung One UI or Oppo ColorOS.
BENCHMARK – Dimensity 9200+
The Dimensity 9200+ chip is not widely used in devices in the Malaysian market. It is an improvement to the Dimensity 9200 used on the Vivo X90 Pro. This chip is in the same class as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Let's compare the performance of Xiaomi 13T Pro with Xiaomi 13 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), Galaxy S23 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy), OnePlus 11 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), Vivo X90 (Dimensity 9200) and iPhone 14 Pro Max ( Apple A16 Bionic)
Xiaomi still prevents access to 3D Mark for use, so only Geekbench 6 and Antutu 3D tests can be done by our lab. The results are as below.
Geekbench 6
Xiaomi 13T Pro – 1284/3520
Xiaomi 13 Pro – 1868/5272
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 1922/5017
OnePlus 11 – 1495/4805
Vivo X90 – 1668/4000
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 2524/6317
Antutu 3D
Xiaomi 13T Pro – 1,431,444
Xiaomi 13 Pro – 1,252,296
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 1,171,384
OnePlus 11 – 1,104,135
Vivo X90 – 1,147,029
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 974,941
3D Mark Wild Life Extreme
Xiaomi 13T Pro – None
Xiaomi 13 Pro – None
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – 3247
OnePlus 11 – 3712
Vivo X90 – 3176
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 3373
The score recorded in Geekbench 6 is quite far from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, in the Antutu 3D test, the opposite is true. We can say that in a day's use as well as popular applications we could not feel the difference at all. The device operates very smoothly.
On first run again the Dimensity 9200+ excelled with COD Mobile, Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends playable at the highest settings. After 6 rounds of COD Mobile online matches the device is just lukewarm. Here the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has an advantage because it does not heat up at all in the same use.
The Dimensity 9200+ only gets a little warm when using the camera app. Who would have thought that processing pictures would make the 13T Pro heat up instead of a long first session.
TELEPHONY And GPS
Connection to CelcomDigi's 5G network we use for 10 days. For those who already use eSIM, 13T Pro can use it. At the same time two physical nano SIMs are also supported. Phone calls are clear with VoLTE and VoWiFi support. WiFi 7 enables fast internet access if you have a modem and line subscription that supports it. Only the GPS we feel is a little less consistent. Sometimes fast sometimes slow. Never even gave the exact location.
CAMERA
The camera on the 13T combines a 50MP 1/1.28″ wide-angle sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle and a 50MP telephoto. This is a change compared to the Redmi K60 Ultra which uses a 50+8+2 MP sensor. The difference between the 13T and 13 Pro is the 1″ larger sensor and the 50MP ultra wide-angle sensor on the 13 Pro.
Another change is in the camera software. Only Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant modes are offered. No more Leica Black and White. The camera has standard features such as night mode, portrait and panorama.
In good lighting situations the pictures taken are bright, clear and sharp. Photos from the 50MP wide-angle lens in particular have very sharp images. In Leica Vibrant mode images with more vivid colors will be taken. But if you want images that look more authentic we recommend the Leica Authentic mode.
The strength of the Xiaomi 13T Pro camera with the Leica lens lies in the color and detail in the images specifically on the wide-angle lens. We noticed that when using the ultra-wide-angle lens the image looked softer because the 12MP sensor was smaller and there was no OIS support. This has an impact on the night mode which is not as good as the Xiaomi 13 Pro. We must say that in terms of image quality, the 13 Pro is better because of the use of the 1″ Sony sensor.
Here is a sample picture in night mode. Xiaomi doesn't try to explain all parts of the picture like Huawei and Samsung do. As a result, the night image looks a little dark compared to the two competitors' cameras.
The zoom mode is only up to 20X which is not that amazing. A telephoto lens will be used when zooming beyond 2X. We have to say the zoom quality on the 13T Pro is also not as good as the 13 Pro. You can see below the color change from 1x, 2x,5x, 10x and 20x. Images start to look soft at settings over 2x. So we feel the telephoto quality on the 13T pro is not as good as the more premium flagship devices of 2023 such as the 13Pro, 13 Ultra, and S23 Ultra.
BATTERY
The 5000 mAh battery supports 120W fast charging. Battery performance is just average. Typically the phone with the 5000 mAh battery we used before would reach 20% around 10pm after being unplugged from its charger at 7am. Xiaomi 13T Pro reaches 20% at 7pm. Therefore the battery life is not as good as the S23 Ultra. We couldn't see the SOT on the 13T Pro because it wasn't displayed on the battery screen interface.
The good thing is that the included 120W charger can recharge the battery in 19 minutes. Get home, connect the charger, go to the shower and when the clothes are put on the battery is back to 100%. A charger is also included in the box with every purchase.
AUDIO
Audio from stereo speakers is aided by Dolby Atmos support. Both speakers fire to the sides to provide a balanced audio experience. We have no negative comments to say about the 13T Pro speakers as they are satisfactory.
IN THE BOX
Here is what is received in the box with purchase.
1x Xiaomi 13T Pro.
1x Silicone frame.
1x 120W Charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
With a selling price starting at RM2499 in Malaysia, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is one of the cheapest Leica lens phones on the market after the Xiaomi 13T. The advantage lies in the software with long-term support, the main camera's capabilities do not disappoint, good audio and very fast charging.
The lack of battery life does not leave a big impact because it can be recharged in 19 minutes. In terms of the camera it is not as good as the 13 Pro because it loses some features and the image from the ultra wide angle lens is not sharp enough.
It is an alternative to the Xiaomi 13 Pro which is sold at a starting price of RM 4599. We can recommend the Xiaomi 13T Pro to those who want a device with a Leica lens but at a more affordable price.
Pro
144Hz screen with Dolby Vision.
Dimensity 9200+ is powerful.
Leica lenses.
120W fast charging.
IP68 waterproof and dustproof
Support 4 Android versions and 5 years of security patches.
Cons
Battery life is a little disappointing.
Zoom performance unmatched by other flagship devices.
The vegan leather back panel feels sticky.
The Leica system is not as good as the Xiaomi 13 Pro series.