Xiaomi announces 13T series smartphones, now with Leica-branded cameras *Updated*

Xiaomi announces 13T series smartphones, now with Leica-branded cameras

This article was first published on 26 September 2023.

29 September 2023 update: Xiaomi Singapore has come forward with local pricing and availability details. Appended below.

Xiaomi unveiled its latest T-series smartphones at a keynote hosted in Berlin, Germany, alongside an online version broadcasted live on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

The new Xiaomi 13T series consists of two main devices, the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro. New to the T-series is the addition of Leica’s camera optimisations, bringing the full gamut of Xiaomi’s higher-end phones into the Leica fold.

Truly Leica-engineered cameras

Xiaomi 13T series handsets still stick to the brand’s T-series DNA: bringing specific cutting-edge technologies most people would use, into a package more affordable than its premium or high-end segment.

The Leica partnership goes to the T-series for the first time via the 13T handsets, putting them alongside other Leica-partnered Xiaomi phones.

Leica’s representative even went on the keynote stage to clarify that Leica’s involvement in Xiaomi’s imaging cuts across its optical design, hardware component evaluation, joint-software development, and quality assessment of its shooters. So, it’s not just Xiaomi slapping on a famous German optics brand and its filters.

On the 13T series come Leica Summicron lenses for optics, which consist of 7P aspherical high transmittance lenses, a sensor-side IR filter, a lens edge ink coating, and ALD reflectance technology for glare reduction.

Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant photographic styles return on the 13T series, but Xiaomi added a new Leica Custom Photographic Styles to let users “create” their own Leica-like filter for photos. The style is applied before the shot is taken, which offers a highly personal result that carries a twinge of Leica's likeness. This is on top of a Camera UI revamp made to emulate Leica’s design language, along with new and optional Leica watermarks to photos.

New focal lengths include 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm equivalent “lenses” (Xiaomi calls it the Master Lens System). The 13T series also gets 10-bit RAW for professional photo editors.

On Xiaomi’s end comes Xiaomi Imaging Engine, claiming it offers 63% faster capture speed than “the competition”, improved low-light capturing, and other perks like OIS (optical image stabilisation).

Specific to the Xiaomi 13T Pro, videography gets 10-bit Log recording, and Ultra Night Video capture, along with HDR10+ compatibility.

Both models get a 50MP main, 50MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter.

@hwztech Heres a sample of what the Xiaomi 13T Pro can do with its Leica-engineered cameras. #sgtech #xiaomi13tpro #sgtiktok #masterpieceinsight ♬ Swear By It - Chris Alan Lee

Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro

Xiaomi kept the 13T series’ details quite light, but zoomed in on the core aspects that power the phone.

Both Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro now get IP68 dust-and-water resistance. This is a first for the T-series, considering that these phones traditionally had a lower-rated IP53 resistance.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro comes with MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, backed up with its “biggest-ever vapour chamber” for heat management.

Xiaomi 13T gets the MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra instead. 

The smartphone’s design sees a modified camera housing, and a new Xiaomi BioComfort vegan leather rear by default.

13T series comes in Alpine Blue, Meadow Green, and classic Black colourways.

New to the 13T series is 2,600-nits peak brightness (like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), with 144Hz dynamic refresh rates, and a new Pro HDR tuning for improved contrast and brightness. Both devices will use a fancy 6.67-inch AMOLED panel called Xiaomi CrystalRes AMOLED display rated at 2,712 x 1,220 pixels resolution with HDR10+ support.

Xiaomi also said that the 13T Pro now offers a new variant: 16GB RAM with 1TB storage. However, it did not state if this variant is available globally.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro gets 120W wired charging, with 5,000mAh, and both P1 and G1 battery management chipsets for battery safety, longevity, and management. Xiaomi 13T has the same battery capacity, but offers 67W wired charging instead.

The Xiaomi 13T starts at €649 (~S$955.64) for 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, while Xiaomi 13T Pro starts at €799 (~S$1,158.66) for 12GB RAM, 256GB storage. Retail begins in Europe, with other markets coming at a later date.

Xiaomi said the 13T series is guaranteed four years of Android updates and five years of security patches.

The company has also thrown in one free screen repair within the first six months, although it’s not clear if this offer extends beyond the European markets Xiaomi sells in.

Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13T Pro Singapore pricing, availability, promotions

29 September 2023 update: In Singapore, the Xiaomi 13T series officially retails at the following prices.

• Xiaomi 13T (12GB RAM, 256GB storage) at S$699
• Xiaomi 13T Pro (12GB RAM, 512GB storage) at S$949, an online-only exclusive
• Xiaomi 13T Pro (16GB RAM, 1TB storage) at S$1,099

Pre-orders for the entire series start on 30 September and end on 6 October 2023. Xiaomi has platform-specific promotions for pre-ordering, with the following differences.

Pre-ordering at a physical Xiaomi-authorised store nets you a free 23.8-inch Mi Desktop Monitor (worth S$199) if you're getting the 1TB variant of the Xiaomi 13T Pro. You get a Mi Bedside Lamp 2 (worth S$52) if you're pre-ordering the Xiaomi 13T instead.

Pre-ordering at Xiaomi's official Shopee page nets you a free Xiaomi Watch S1 (worth S$299) if you're getting either Xiaomi 13T Pro variants. If you're getting the Xiaomi 13T instead, pre-ordering through Shopee nets you the Mi Bedside Lamp 2.

These pre-order promotions are available only on a first-come, first-served basis; terms and conditions apply.