The Xiaomi 13T is a pretty good affordable flagship device. Every year the T model is launched it attracts more and more attention because it gives access to those who want the premium features of the Pro or Ultra models at a more affordable price. After a month of using the Xiaomi 13T, I found this device to be good enough for those who want good photography capabilities or who have never tried a Xiaomi flagship device.
SPECIFICATIONS
Xiaomi 13T
Screen 6.67″ AMOLED, FHD+, 2712 x 1220, 144Hz
Pro HDR, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor (4nm)
1x Cortex-A78 chip, 3.1GHz
3x Cortex-A78, 3.0GHz
4x Cortex-A55, 2.0GHz
Mali-G610 MC6 Graphics Chip
RAM 8GB LPDDR4X + 8GB Virtual
Internal Storage 256GB UFS 3.1
LEICA VARIO-SUMMICRON Primary Camera
50MP, f/1.9, OIS
50MP, f/1.9
12MP, f/2.2,
Leica Authentic Look & Leica Vibrant Look
Master-lens: 35mm, 50m, 90mm
Xiaomi ProFocus
HDR10+, 4K 30fps
20MP Selfie Camera, f/2.2
HDR
5000 mAh battery
67W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Scan System Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Sale Price RM1799 (8/256 GB)
RM1999 (12/256 GB)
SCREEN
The 13T is Xiaomi's fourth generation T series device and again they use the same screen size of 6.67-inches. Although the size is the same, the technology used is different. It uses a 2712 x 1220 pixel AMOLED panel, supports a 144Hz refresh rate, as well as Pro HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision displays. Most interestingly, Xiaomi also includes brightness support of up to 2600 nits which is very bright and has no problem being seen under the scorching sunlight.
144Hz on this device is also quite smooth with very rare lag issues throughout use. Scrolling on the launcher is fast and the display quality is amazing for a device that costs under RM2000. Dolby Vision support on this device provides the best viewing experience of Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube in HDR mode.
FINGERPRINT SCANNER
Although the Xiaomi 13T is a cheap flagship device, Xiaomi still uses quality components. The built-in fingerprint scanner under the screen of this device is also instantly unlocked. Even when my fingers are dirty and sweaty the help of face scan with the selfie camera also helps quickly.
DESIGN
This device uses the same design as the Redmi K60 Ultra, only the internals are different. The sides of the device are flat as is the screen. The back panel is slightly curved for easy grip and handling. The camera bump on the back is quite large with each size of each camera lens clearly visible along with the Leica logo.
The power button and volume adjustment button are nice to press, Xiaomi still includes infrared transmitter support, there are two microphone holes above and one below. Speaking of the bottom of the speaker grille, the USB-C port and SIM card slot are clearly visible. The build of the device also feels more premium and heavier than devices like the Nothing Phone (2).
My main problem with this device is the very smooth finish on the back which is difficult for my large, sweaty hands to handle. Then Xiaomi also added a feature that makes the value of this device more worthwhile, which is IP68 waterproof and dustproof support that not many competitors offer for devices in the same price category.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE – MIUI 14.0.10.0
I have been proposing this to Xiaomi for years until today it is still not implemented. Believe me, if you are active on Xiaomi's official forum and see the complaints of MIUI device users in Malaysia, MIUI 14 is still problematic because it does not include the same features and functions as MIUI in China.
The global version of MIUI is filled with ads such as wallpaper, theme and ringtone settings, having to use its own store that does not display Malaysian prices and using an interface that is not user-friendly. The best MIUI I have ever used for global models is MIUI 14 for Pad on Xiaomi Pad 6 which is very satisfying and pure.
There are no new features on MIUI 14 used on this device, everything is more or less the same. However, there are still features and functions that I really appreciate, among which are the ones I listed below;
An under-screen fingerprint scanner that is not only fast but can also scan the pulse.
Memory Extension adds virtual memory up to 8GB making the total amount of RAM reach 16GB. This helps improve performance a bit.
Detect Gaze that can detect eyes so that the screen is not locked as long as the eyes are looking at it.
BENCHMARK – DIMENSITY 8200-Ultra
The chip used on Xiaomi 13T is MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra with a focus on machine learning and performance balance. This chip uses a 4nm design built by TSMC which is 20% more efficient and promises faster performance than the Dimensity 8100.
In my review, this chip should compete with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 as the AnTuTu score reached over 800,000. However, in the tests I did, the score was lower due to the 8GB RAM memory compared to competitors that use 12GB or more. Here's a comparison of each benchmark I ran with two Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-equipped devices.
Geekbench 6
Xiaomi 13T – 1245/3993
Nothing Phone (2) – 1734/4576
Poco F5 Pro – 1868/5272
Antutu 3D
Xiaomi 13T – 886,517
Nothing Phone (2) – 1,142,277
Poco F5 Pro – 1,049,997
3D Mark Wild Life Extreme
Xiaomi 13T – Unable to test
Nothing Phone (2) – 2584
Poco F5 Pro – Unable to test
For 13T normal use performance is smooth and fast. Only when I tested the first one that is currently going viral which is Monopoly GO which is a 3D board game full of animations and character movements. The first one I consider to be light has problems running on this device because it heats up easily and there are serious lag issues. Even the basic card game Marvel SNAP sometimes lags.
TELEPHONY And GPS
In my use of 4G and 5G connection there is no problem around Kuala Lumpur. It is quite stable and fast. Phone calls are also of good quality thanks to the microphone with a good noise reduction algorithm. The WiFi connection however is not very stable if the speed reaches over 300Mbps and only becomes good if it is below 100Mbps.
This may be a software issue as it is very strange and has never happened to me before. For GPS, this device has no problem locking in a location quickly and giving turn-by-turn directions at a fairly smooth pace.
CAMERA
What makes me excited to use the Xiaomi 13T is the ability of the Leica camera offered at a more affordable price. The camera used is the same on the 13T Pro which is 50+12+50 Megapixel with its own lens, Leica technology and software similar to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
It's a shame that after a week of testing the camera, I continued to lose my enthusiasm because the colors produced were not bright enough. Even after using the Leica Vibrant profile the colors still look washed out and unpleasant.
The portrait mode however looks neat and beautiful as it offers the same portrait features and functions on the Xiaomi 13 series. I can use a variety of different modes that mimic the Leica lenses on their real cameras. The result is also satisfactory and looks neat.
The ultra-wide-angle mode is worse because of runaway focus, inconsistent colors, and most disappointingly, details that aren't preserved. The night mode looks good with less light reflection effect and colors that are close to the capabilities of the Xiaomi 13.
The single-scan zoom capability looks great as it supports up to 20x. It's a pity that at only 5x the results are already unsatisfactory with details that are not preserved and results that look too soft with unattractive colors.
The result of the selfie has a slightly soft beauty effect compared to what I like but the colors are bright and the details seem easier to accept. The background however is not in focus well and is overexposed to sunlight.
BATTERY
As I recall T series devices have long battery life. Only for this 13T it only lasts about 10 hours for a day with an estimated SOT of about 4 hours for extreme use. While light use can last almost two days with SOT around 8 hours. Xiaomi 13T supports 67W fast charging which can charge from 0% to 100% in 42 minutes.
AUDIO
Speakers on Xiaomi T series devices rarely disappoint. Again a stereo system with balanced and loud Dolby Atmos. During the month I used this device music and video 90% of the use was without audio accessories. I am very satisfied with the speaker of this device and I am sure that those who buy it will also feel the same.
IN THE BOX
Here is what is received in the box with purchase.
1x Xiaomi 13T
1x 67W Charger
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Silicone frame.
1x SIM Pin
1x Set of manual/safety book
CONCLUSION
In my opinion, who have used the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Ultra, this device is not worth owning because of the unequaled camera quality and unsatisfactory performance. However if you have never used a Leica camera due to the high price, this is a good opportunity to try out the color profile. Premium features and functions such as OIS, IP68, Dolby Vision and more at a price starting at RM1799 is a value you will not regret buying.
Pro
Beautiful and attractive screen.
Fast performance for an 8GB RAM device.
Leica camera capabilities at a more affordable price.
Supports IP68.
Cons
YouTube is unstable if 2K and HDR mode is enabled.
Battery life is not very satisfactory.
MIUI 14 is filled with ads.