MWC 2023 | Xiaomi 13 launched globally with Leica branded cameras and an expensive price tag

Strictly speaking, the Xiaomi 13 isn't new and has been around China for a while. Our in-depth review determined it to be a solid performer, although it understandably got overshadowed by its better-specced Pro variant. Thankfully, there are no significant hardware differences between the global and Chinese Xiaomi 13 variants this time, allowing for a more consistent experience across geographies.

A significant chunk of the Xiaomi 13 promotional material revolves around the company's partnership with Leica, which is apparent from the Leica branding on the phone. Its 50 MP 1-inch Sony IMX888 sensor is accompanied by a 10 MP telephoto lens (3.2x optical zoom) and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor (120 degrees FOV). In addition, a 32 MP under-display sensor handles selfies and video calls.

The Xiaomi 13 can record 8K video at 30 FPS and Dolby Vision content at 4K, 30 FPS. Other features include Ultra Night Video, Hyper OIS video stabilization, Portrait Night Mode, Xiaomi ProFocus, and two photography styles (Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look). Unfortunately, 10-bit RAW DNG camera functionality is limited only to the Pro model. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and 5G.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 13 packs a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC coupled with 8/12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256 GB UFS 4.0 storage. A 4,642 mm2 V heat dissipation sink keeps the internals chilly. Its 4,500 mAh battery supports 67 W fast charging over a cable, 50 W wireless charging via a proprietary charger, and 10 W reverse wireless charging. The smartphone runs MIUI 14, customized with Android 13 out of the box.

Unlike its Pro sibling, the Xiaomi 13 features a compact 6.3-inch FHD+ (2,400 x 1,080) Samsung E6 AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 240 Hz touch sampling rate, 1,900 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, HDR, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision. Its Aluminum chassis weighs 189 grams and is IP68 water/ dust resistant. The smartphone is available in three colour variants, Black, White and Flora Green.

The Xiaomi 13 series is up for pre-order now and will hit shelves on March 8. Those who pre-order the smartphone get a Xiaomi Instant Photo Printer 1S. Its entry-level variant with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage will cost €999.99.

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