The Xiaomi 13 Ultra looks like a camera with a built-in smartphone (Image: Xiaomi)
Xiaomi has officially introduced the 13 Ultra – their new camera flagship, replacing the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. We have all the important information for you that you need to know about the new high-end smartphone from China.
price and availability
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be available in China on April 21st and, unlike its predecessor, later globally. However, no exact date was given. Xiaomi and Leica say we’ll have to be patient for a few more months.
The high-end smartphone will be available in three configurations:
- 12 GB of RAM / 256 GB of storage: 6,000 yuan / ~800 euros
- 16 GB of RAM / 512 GB of storage: 6,500 yuan / ~860 euros
- 16 GB of RAM / 1 TB of storage: 7,300 yuan / ~970 euros
Official prices for the European market do not yet exist, but it is to be expected that they will be slightly higher.
Technical overview of Leica cameras
The trailer of the new Xiaomi 13 Ultra makes it absolutely clear what the Chinese company’s new flagship phone is all about – the Leica-branded cameras. In this one you can see an M camera from the German manufacturer, which turns into the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
The camera module is round compared to the other 13-series phones and houses four cameras. All cameras feature phase detection autofocus, allowing for quick snapshots. Except for the ultra-wide-angle camera, they are all optically stabilized.
All four cameras have a resolution of 50 megapixels. The main camera also has a large 1-inch sensor. (Image: Xiaomi)
The main camera is the 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensorwhich was already installed in the 12S Ultra. This has 50 megapixels and, due to the sensor size, should enable excellent images in poor lighting conditions and give the photographer more leeway in the depth of field. The main camera offers two different apertures: F1.9 and F4.0.
The 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858 sensor is used for the three remaining cameras. All three cameras therefore have the same resolution of 50 megapixels.
The ultra wide-angle camera now has a focal length of 12mm (Full frame equivalent). This corresponds to a field of view of 122 degrees. Leica emphasizes that lens distortion, the fisheye-like distortion found on such wide-angle lenses, has been kept to a minimum. The aperture is F1.8.
For telephoto shots there is a 5x zoom periscope camerawhich can be digitally increased to 10x. While this isn’t as impressive as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom, the aperture is significantly larger: F3.0 vs F4.9 (For f-numbers, lower numbers are larger and allow more light through the lens onto the sensor ).
The fourth camera has a lens with a full-frame equivalent focal length of 75mmwhich is particularly popular with Leica photographers. The aperture is F1.8.
The selfie camera has 32 megapixelsa 22mm focal length in full frame and F2.0 aperture.
Fastshot mode, 14-bit Ultra RAW, 8K videos and other software features
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra could be particularly interesting for street photographers thanks to a new Fastshot mode. The camera is focused to the so-called hyperfocal distance and the lens is stopped down to F4.0, which maximizes the depth of field in the image and saves focusing before each photo – a technique that is also used by many Leica photographers to take quick snapshots close. Xiaomi states that the shutter lag in the new mode is only 0.8 seconds.
All four cameras are color coordinated, giving a similar look with all of them. In addition, Xiaomi and Leica boast that the images far less digitally resharpenedwhich makes them look more natural.
If desired, the photos can be 14-bit Ultra RAW saved, a format developed in collaboration with Adobe. Raw format images with such a high color depth are otherwise only found in dedicated high-end system cameras, and with the inclusion Xiaomi makes it unmistakably clear that the cell phone is aimed at photo enthusiasts.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra with cover. (Image: Xiaomi)
The Chinese company also offers a protective cover with an integrated handle and trigger. The case also has a 67mm filter thread, which makes it possible to use ND and polarizing filters for all four cameras. This could be especially useful for photographers who want to do long exposures or for videographers who want to create a natural look. There is also a rotary wheel around the shutter button that can be used to control the zoom.
Videos can be recorded with all cameras in 8K resolution. In 4K it is also possible to switch on a log profile. Videos are recorded with minimal digital processing, which allows more scope for post-processing.
Housing, display and design
Xiaomi uses a design for the 13 Ultra that is reminiscent of Leica cameras. The back is covered with an imitation leather typical of cameras and the frame is made of metal. The phone will be available in three different color versions: green, black and white. The housing is IP68 certified and therefore dust and water resistant.
The IP68 certification guarantees protection against dust and moisture. (Image: Xiaomi)
The AMOLED display measures 6.73 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 1440×3200which has a pixel density of 522 ppi is equivalent to. With a maximum brightness of 2,600 nits it gets very bright and should be easy to read even in daylight. The refresh rate is 120Hz It is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
What technology is inside?
The mobile phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processorwhich also ensures high performance in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example. This is supported by 12 GB of RAM in the smallest variant. The 512 GB and 1 TB versions even get 16 GB of RAM.
The 5,000mAh battery can be charged with 90 watts wired or 50 watts wirelessly. Using a cable should charge to 100 percent only 35 minutes last. Android 13 with MIUI 14 is used as the operating system. A fingerprint sensor integrated into the display ensures security.
So we have come to the end. If you want to read more about the latest smartphones, please have a look at this article:
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How interested are you in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra? Can the features convince you and what do you think of the price? And to the camera enthusiasts among you: what do you think of the fact that cell phones are getting more and more functions that bring them closer to dedicated system cameras? Or are you of the opinion that there is still a lot missing before they can replace one? Tell us what you think about it in the comments!
