We guess you could say that Xiaomi’s habit of launching multiple variants of a single smartphone is both a good and bad thing. While it does somewhat affect the frequency and quality of software updates at time, it also means we get some pretty impressive hardware, at least when it comes to the company’s premiere handsets.
Take for example the Xiaomi 13T – launched this September, the 13T builds on the fanfare around the base model Xiaomi 13, and comes with a ton of impressive features including a powerful processor, a high-resolution display, and a surprisingly-versatile camera system. But is the 13T worth all the hype and cash, or should you go instead for the higher-spec’d Xiaomi 13T Pro?
Design and Cameras
As far as looks go, the Xiaomi 13T manages to impress thanks to a sleek and modern design, with a metal frame and a glass back. The phone comes in three different colours including Black, White, and Blue. This design surrounds a massive 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, which comes with a 1220 x 2712 pixel resolution, complete with a 144Hz refresh rate. Flanking the top and bottom of the display are a pair of stereo speakers, which are always a welcome feature. This entire setup comes with IP68 dust and water resistance, which adds a bit of durability to the phone.
On the back of the Xiaomi 13T you’ll find a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. As with other recent Xiaomi flagships, the camera system on the 13T is co-developed with Leica, which means users get access to some exclusive Leica camera features on their device. Video maxes out at 4K resolution at 30fps, which isn’t all bad. Additionally, the phone comes with a 20MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Internal Hardware and Software
Beating inside the heart of the Xiaomi 13T is MediaTek’s Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset, which is arguably one of the more impressive mobile processors on the market. MediaTek’s efforts in developing its high-end Dimensity chips have yielded some rather favourable results, and there’s little doubt that the 13T will be able to keep up with a lot of demanding apps, as well as graphically-intensive games.
Users have the option of going with a base model that packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, or 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. There’s also a 5,000 mAh battery onboard, which comes with support for 67W wired fast-charging.
As for software, the Xiaomi 13T runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top. While it isn’t exactly a “clean” Android experience like what you’d get on Pixels or Nokia phones for example, it means tha you have access to a wide range of personalization options from Xiaomi, meaning that everything on your phone from fonts, themes, wallpapers to icons will be customizable.
Price and Availability
If you’re thinking about grabbing the Xiaomi 13T, it’s available for purchase now from Xiaomi’s official website and select retail partners. The 13T starts at £549 for the 8GB/256GB model and goes up to £649 for the 12GB/512GB model. Xiaomi fans will find a lot to love with the 13T, and loyalists looking for a very capable handset from the manufacturer will no doubt have a blast with this one.
Of course, factors such as the abundance of pre-installed Xiaomi and third-party apps for example is something to consider, but if capable hardware is all you’re after, then the phone might be right up your alley.
