Xiaomi 13T Pro HandsOn: Leica Telemacro Camera Impresses

After Leica integration was limited to the highest quality (most expensive) devices, Xiaomi is now bringing it to slightly cheaper smartphone models. Launched today for European and Asian markets, the Xiaomi 13T Pro and 13T are entry-level flagship phones featuring fast 144Hz displays and two-star cameras using Leica optics and lens matching. colors, including a handy telemacro, possibly a 50mm telephoto lens. and even relatively close macro shots. There's also a high-end Mediatek Dimensity chip and a soft vegan leather finish, giving the phone performance and looks that exceed its price range.

I tested the 13T Pro model, and while I didn't use it long enough to consider this a full review, I took hundreds of photos and tested it extensively over three days, So I have a pretty strong opinion about it.

Let's start with the optics: the 13T Pro has a 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.9 aperture and a 1/1.3-inch image sensor, plus another 2X telephoto lens of 50 megapixels, the aforementioned telemacro sensor. . This camera takes photos with a focal length of 50mm, but can also get closer to the subject without losing focus.

Since the photo above was taken at night, the details and colors are crisp and accurate. The camera image (above) shows excellent dynamic range with minimal flare or distortion. The macro photo shows a lot of detail in the flowers in the center, while providing a subtle and aesthetic bokeh effect in the flowers in the foreground.

Xiaomi said it worked with Leica to develop color and lens structure adjustments to reduce unwanted artifacts and keep images consistent with "Leica vision."

This means that the photos have strong contrast and, especially in the center of the image, sharp focus. Below are examples captured by the 13T Pro.

And the Xiaomi 13T Pro's main camera holds up surprisingly well to that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, although due to the very different color tuning philosophies, each eye will have a different opinion on which photo is "better" .

However, the macro lens allows you to capture some photos that few phones are capable of, including very close-up shots.

This macro shot is different from what other phones have offered over the years because it's a telephoto macro, meaning you don't need to move the phone too much to get within a few centimeters from an object, to get as close to an object. You'll also get stronger, more natural bokeh photos, even from farther away positions. Video performance is good, but not as good as the new iPhone.

Overall, the camera system here is impressive for a phone that's expected to be priced around $800, which is a few hundred dollars less than what a high-end phone would cost.

Otherwise, the phone has the aforementioned beautiful display with vibrant colors and an extremely smooth 144Hz refresh rate. Most people will also appreciate the flat screens and sides, which make the phone easier to hold. However, I prefer a more curved screen. Weighing 209g, the phone is lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand.

The Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ chip offers respectable performance, but falls slightly behind Qualcomm's best current chips, especially in terms of CPU. On the GPU side, it's extremely competitive. This allows me to easily play with the phone's best settings.

The 13T Pro also has IP68 water and dust protection and excellent stereo speakers. The only thing missing is wireless charging and maybe a longer zoom lens. Otherwise, the phone seems to meet many of the criteria that a new Android flagship can offer.

I haven't used the phone long enough to give a definitive answer on battery life, but so far I haven't noticed any issues. You can probably expect typical Android flagship performance here. And the good news: this phone comes with a 120W fast charger that can charge your phone from 0 to 100 in 21 minutes.

As I said, this is not a complete review, but I will conclude this article with more photos taken with the Xiaomi 13T Pro.

Xiaomi 13T Pro review: have you listened...