Xiaomi 13T Pro: A Game-Changer in the Xiaomi Lineup

If we exclude POCO and Redmi, Xiaomi’s device lineup is quite clear: they start the year with flagship models featuring the best available components, such as the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. They also offer a Lite model, both in specifications and weight, known as the Xiaomi 13 Lite, and the Xiaomi T series. Additionally, there are devices designed for tech enthusiasts, like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. In this article, we’ll focus on the Xiaomi T series, specifically the Xiaomi 13T Pro, which I’ve been using for two weeks now, and I must say it has truly surprised me. In fact, I consider it one of the most recommendable smartphones of the year, and I’ll explain why.

Xiaomi 13T Pro Technical Specifications

• Display: 6.69-inch AMOLED panel
• Resolution: 2712 x 1220 pixels
• Pixel Density: 446 pixels per inch
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Brightness: HBM of 1,200 nits, peak brightness of 2,600 nits
• Dimensions: 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.49 mm
• Weight: 206 grams
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+
• RAM: 12 or 16 GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB UFS 4.0
• Front Camera: 20 MP f/2.2
• Rear Cameras:
• Primary: 50 MP f/1.9 with OIS
• Ultra-Wide: 12 MP f/2.2
• Telephoto 2x: 50 MP f/1.9
• Battery: 5,000 mAh
• Charging: 120W
• Operating System: Android 13 + MIUI 14
• Connectivity: 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS
• Other Features: In-display fingerprint sensor, IP68 certification, stereo speakers
• Price: Starting from 899 euros

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A Design That Stands Out

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Xiaomi 13T Pro is its fresh design. Unlike its predecessor, the Xiaomi 12T Pro, which resembled a Redmi Note with an unimpressive rear and underutilized front, the Xiaomi 13T Pro takes a significant leap forward in terms of aesthetics. Xiaomi has clearly paid attention to details, making this smartphone look and feel like a high-end device.

The rear panel of the Xiaomi 13T Pro is made of either glass or a polymer material that mimics leather. The unit I have is the glass version in a beautiful green color, but it’s prone to fingerprints. However, it offers a secure grip and doesn’t easily slip out of your hands. The standout feature, or perhaps a drawback for some, is the massive camera module. It protrudes quite noticeably, causing the phone to wobble on a flat surface. Even with the included silicone case, the module’s design doesn’t prevent this issue entirely. Nevertheless, the plastic sides have a premium feel, and Xiaomi deserves credit for that.

The smartphone also features a flat display, which is a positive aspect. The punch-hole for the front camera at the top is relatively small, and overall, the Xiaomi 13T Pro gives the impression of a premium device. Although it’s not budget-friendly, it finally boasts an IP68 certification and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front.

Impressive Display for Immersive Viewing

The Xiaomi 13T Pro delivers a fantastic display experience. With a 6.67-inch diagonal and a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels, it goes beyond Full HD+ with a pixel density of 446 pixels per inch. Xiaomi boasts impressive specifications, and in this case, they deliver. The device features a 144Hz refresh rate, a PWM rate of 2,880Hz, Dolby Vision with a 12-bit panel, 480Hz touch sampling, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

The device offers flexibility when it comes to refresh rate. It automatically adjusts depending on the content source, offering 144Hz, 120Hz, 90Hz, 60Hz, or 30Hz options. For instance, it switches to 60Hz when you open the camera app, goes up to 144Hz for compatible apps, and defaults to 120Hz in MIUI. You can choose between automatic refresh rate switching, locking it at 60Hz, or using the “up to 144Hz” mode.

The color accuracy is exceptional, and Xiaomi provides customization options with various modes like Vivid, Saturated, Original Color, and advanced settings that allow you

to tweak the color temperature and hue. If you’re into mobile gaming or consume a lot of media on your smartphone, this display won’t disappoint you.

Impressive Performance for Gaming and Multitasking

The Xiaomi 13T Pro packs the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, which is based on the 4nm manufacturing process. It’s paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 storage with options for 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB. The combination of these hardware components results in a blazing-fast experience.

Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and multitasking are smooth as butter. Apps open instantly, and there’s virtually no lag. Gaming performance is equally impressive. I tested several demanding games, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro handled them without breaking a sweat. The high refresh rate display, coupled with the powerful GPU, ensures a fantastic gaming experience.

The device also offers improved cooling, which Xiaomi calls the LiquidCool Heat Dissipation system. It effectively keeps the device cool even during prolonged gaming sessions, ensuring consistent performance.

Outstanding Camera Capabilities

The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a versatile camera setup that’s capable of capturing excellent photos and videos in various scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of its camera specifications:

• Primary Camera: 50MP f/1.9 with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
• Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP f/2.2
• Telephoto 2x: 50MP f/1.9
• Front Camera: 20MP f/2.2

The primary camera delivers sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions. The inclusion of OIS helps in low-light photography and stabilization for videos. The ultra-wide camera offers a different perspective, and the quality is good, although not as impressive as the primary camera. The telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without losing quality.

In terms of software, Xiaomi’s camera app is feature-rich and offers various shooting modes and options for photo and video customization. There’s also a Pro mode for those who want manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

Overall, the Xiaomi 13T Pro’s camera system is versatile and capable of delivering stunning results in a wide range of situations.

Battery Life and Fast Charging

The Xiaomi 13T Pro comes with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, which is more than enough to get through a full day of heavy usage. In my testing, I consistently got over 6 hours of screen-on time with intensive use, including gaming, video streaming, and productivity tasks. With moderate usage, you can easily stretch it to 1.5 days or even more.

What truly sets the Xiaomi 13T Pro apart in the battery department is its incredibly fast charging capabilities. The device supports 120W wired charging, which is one of the fastest in the market. It can charge from 0% to 100% in just around 15 minutes, which is mind-blowing. Even a short 5-minute charge can provide hours of usage. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need Xiaomi’s included charger to achieve these speeds.

Unfortunately, there’s no wireless charging, which could be a dealbreaker for some users.

Software and MIUI 14

The Xiaomi 13T Pro runs on MIUI 14, based on Android 13. While MIUI has its fair share of fans, it’s known for its heavy customization and bloatware. Fortunately, Xiaomi has made strides in optimizing MIUI to make it cleaner and smoother. MIUI 14 brings several improvements, including better RAM management, improved privacy features, and enhanced performance.

However, MIUI still comes with pre-installed apps and advertisements in certain regions, which can be a bit annoying. You can mitigate this by disabling or uninstalling unwanted apps and tweaking settings, but it’s an extra step you’ll need to take.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a complete set of connectivity options, including 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and GPS. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

The device also features stereo speakers, which deliver clear and loud audio. Coupled with the impressive display, it makes for an excellent multimedia experience.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Flagship Segment

The Xiaomi 13T Pro is a standout smartphone in Xiaomi’s lineup, offering a premium design, a stunning display, powerful performance, and an impressive camera system. Its fast charging capabilities are a game-changer, making it one of the most convenient devices for users who value quick top-ups.

However, it’s not without its downsides. The camera module’s design could be polarizing, and some users might miss wireless charging. MIUI, while improved, still comes with pre-installed apps and ads in some regions, which might not be to everyone’s liking.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a flagship-level smartphone with exceptional value for your money, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is a strong contender. It competes well with devices from other brands in its price range and offers some unique features that set it apart.

Xiaomi has made significant strides in the smartphone market over the years, and the Xiaomi 13T Pro is a testament to their commitment to delivering high-quality, feature-packed devices. If you’re a Xiaomi fan or simply in the market for a new flagship smartphone, this one is definitely worth considering.

Technical specifications of the Xiaomi 13T Pro:

Please note that these specifications are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check the official Xiaomi website or a trusted retailer for the most up-to-date information before making a purchase.

Comparison table of the Xiaomi 13T Pro with other top smartphones

Please note that these are just some of the specifications and benchmark scores for these smartphones. There may be other factors and features to consider when choosing a smartphone, such as camera quality, battery life, display, and software features.