Purported Xiaomi 13 hands-on image lands with huge camera array

Last month, an alleged hands-on image of the Xiaomi 13 Pro surfaced online, albeit only of the device's front. To recap, the image highlighted the device's curved screen and centred punch-hole camera, all things that could be said of the Xiaomi 12 Pro too. Additionally, the image contained information about the device's specifications, as we discussed at the time.

Subsequently, another photo of a Xiaomi 13 series handset has emerged, this time courtesy of Cool APK. Shared by the likes of /LEAKS, it appears that some Chinese blogs first used the image in September without attribution. Now thought to be of the Xiaomi 13, there are no obvious signs that someone has altered or manipulated the photo. However, there is no evidence necessarily that this is a Xiaomi retail or prototype unit.

If the image is legitimate, then it shows Xiaomi is leaning into the camera design that it established with the Mi 11 Ultra than any flagships it has released since. Also, it seems that the camera array was designed to contain four lenses, with only three used in this unit. Hence, we doubt that this is Xiaomi's next premier smartphone, such as a Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Still, the etching 'LASER' implies that it contains a LIDAR alternative, which Apple has championed over the years with flagship iPhones and iPad Pros. At this stage, we would not rule out the device being a Redmi K60 series model, either. Based on current estimates, the Redmi K60 series will arrive first, with the Xiaomi 13 series likely debuting in China before making its way to global audiences in the new year.

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