Review of Xiaomi 13T: One of the Most Desirable Premium Mid-Range Phones Today

At the end of September 2023, Xiaomi officially launched the Xiaomi 13T, which surprised many with its impressive features. Specifically, the Xiaomi 13T is equipped with the Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor, a 144 Hz display, and notably, the Leica camera system, a feature typically found only in Xiaomi's high-end models. Let's review the Xiaomi 13T to learn more about this product!

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Xiaomi 13T Empowers Strong Performance with Dimensity 8200-Ultra Processor

Before diving into details, let's summarize the entire Xiaomi 13T specifications for your reference!

• Display: 6.67-inch size, OLED panel, 1.5K+ resolution (2,712 x 1,220 pixels), 144 Hz refresh rate, maximum brightness of 2,600 nits.
• CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra.
• RAM: 8 GB or 12 GB.
• Internal Storage: 256 GB.
• Rear Camera: 50 MP (primary) + 50 MP (telephoto) + 12 MP (ultra-wide).
• Front Camera: 20 MP.
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, supports 67 W fast charging.
• Operating System: MIUI 14 - Android 13.

Learn more: Exploring the Dimensity 8200-Ultra chip and many other processors from MediaTek

One of the most outstanding features of the Xiaomi 13T is its integration of the Dimensity 8200-Ultra, one of MediaTek's powerful chips. This chip is built on an advanced 4nm process with 8 cores clocked up to 3.0 GHz, primarily found in high-end smartphone segments. Consequently, this device adeptly handles all my needs, from simple tasks like browsing Facebook, TikTok to playing Genshin Impact, or Arena of Valor, without any difficulty.

Additionally, the Xiaomi 13T offers two variants for you to choose from: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB internal memory, or 12 GB RAM, 256 GB internal memory. Overall, both memory options are suitable for multitasking and storage needs of most users today. Not to mention, the device is equipped with an additional 4 GB virtual RAM to enhance its efficiency.

- Performance Evaluation of Xiaomi 13T

To provide you with a visual assessment of the performance of the Dimensity 8200-Ultra on the Xiaomi 13T, I will evaluate the device's performance using specialized software such as GeekBench 6, PCMark, and 3DMark. The conditions for evaluation are as follows:

• The device battery must be between 90 - 100% (battery below 90% will affect performance and results).
• Do not charge the battery while evaluating performance.
• Evaluate 3 times consecutively and take the average result after 3 evaluations.

First, let's look at the results from GeekBench 6 and PCMark for Xiaomi 13T, specifically as follows:

- GeekBench 6:

• GPU Compute OpenCL (graphics score): 3,182 points.
• Single-core/Multi-core scores: 1,128 points / 3,669 points.

- PCMark: 12,797 points.

- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme:

• Total score: 1,762 points.
• Average FPS: 10.55.

3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test:

• Highest loop score: 1,641 points.
• Lowest loop score: 1,572 points.
• Difference between highest and lowest loop: 69 points.
• Stability level: 95.8%.

The scores achieved by Xiaomi 13T are extremely impressive and stand out among many other models in the same segment that I've previously evaluated. Particularly in the most demanding test, 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test, which has proven to challenge even higher-end smartphones. Specifically, the device exhibited a stability level of 95.8%, with a 7% battery decrease and a notable increase in device temperature by 11°C (34°C - 45°C). This indicates that even with increased device temperature, the stability of the device remains largely unaffected.

With such impressive scores, it's safe to predict that Xiaomi 13T will offer a very stable gaming experience. To clarify everything, I've downloaded the four most popular games today: Arena of Valor, PUBG Mobile, Call Of Duty Mobile, and Honkai: Star Rail. During the gaming sessions, I've recorded all FPS data using the Perfdog software, and I'll provide all related results here for reference.

In all four games, I set the graphics to the highest level on Xiaomi 13T. Despite the high graphics settings, the device handles well, smoothly, stably, and rarely experiences lag. You can review the FPS table I attached above, most of which are maintained at 55 FPS or higher (PUBG maximum 39.4 as I set the graphics). Particularly, Genshin Impact, a game that can challenge most high-end Android devices, is handled extremely well by Xiaomi 13T, delivering smooth and highly stable performance even with maximum graphics settings.

• Arena of Valor

• PUBG Mobile

• Call Of Duty Mobile

• Genshin Impact

Overall, Xiaomi 13T with Dimensity 8200-Ultra fully meets users' normal usage or entertainment needs. To pinpoint the drawbacks of this product, it mainly comes from MIUI 14.0.5, which has not completely addressed the lingering issues. Specifically, the slow notification issue still persists, and sometimes notifications are received on other devices 2 - 3 minutes earlier than Xiaomi 13T. I hope Xiaomi will quickly address this lingering issue in MIUI 15 or upcoming minor updates.

Xiaomi 13T camera tuned by Leica for impressive photos

Xiaomi and Leica seem unlikely partners, but they have achieved remarkable success recently, especially with the Xiaomi 13 Series. However, we all thought Xiaomi only used Leica cameras for flagship models. Nevertheless, I think the company wants to reach a wider audience, so they decided to bring it down to the more affordable T series, starting with Xiaomi 13T. Before delving into image quality, I will describe the camera specifications for everyone's reference.

• Main wide camera: 50 MP resolution, aperture f/1.9, focal length 24 mm, PDAF, OIS.
• Ultra-wide camera: 12 MP resolution, aperture f/2.2, focal length 15 mm.
• Telephoto camera: 50 MP resolution, aperture f/1.9, focal length 50 mm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom.
• Selfie camera: 20 MP resolution, aperture f/2.2.

As you can see above, Xiaomi 13T is equipped with an impressive camera cluster in the mid-range segment. Especially the main 50 MP camera with 7 layers of summicron glass characteristic of high-end smartphones. In addition, the company also equips 2 distinctive features: Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic. Therefore, the photos taken by Xiaomi 13T have very good quality in terms of detail, contrast, and unique color.

I appreciate the photo quality of people taken in sufficient light conditions from Xiaomi 13T's camera. However, the contrast of the image is still not as high as I expected. However, since this is a mid-range device, there will still be some limitations in image quality.

Xiaomi 13T particularly emphasizes its portrait photography capability through the sophisticated 50 MP camera lens. Details such as hair, eyebrows, and even facial imperfections will be partially smoothed out. Moreover, Xiaomi offers 4 shooting modes corresponding to 4 different focal lengths for you to choose according to your preference. Especially for those who love Bokeh effects, this phone can completely fulfill your needs.

Regarding the selfie image quality of Xiaomi 13T, it remains similar to many other products from the company. Your skin will appear smooth, or rather lightly made up. Therefore, the photo quality is always very beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

When moving to dimmer areas, the subject still looks very appealing, not inferior to well-lit conditions. However, the background tends to become quite greenish, resulting in the overall photo not being as aesthetically pleasing.

Overall, the Xiaomi 13T camera still impresses me with image quality but not as outstanding as its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13. This is understandable as it is a mid-range device, but if we look broadly, this product stands out much more than many other phones in terms of photography. Therefore, if you're looking for a good camera phone at an affordable price, the Xiaomi 13T is an option not to be overlooked.

Xiaomi 13T battery lasts nearly 10 hours with continuous use

The strength of the Xiaomi 13T lies not only in its configuration and performance but also in its battery life. To give you a better understanding of the Xiaomi 13T's battery life, I will conduct a battery test according to the standard of Mytour (Mobile World). The specific conditions are as follows:

• Experience 4 rotating tasks including: Playing Liên Quân (graphics settings as shown below), watching YouTube, browsing Facebook, and using the Chrome browser.

• Each task lasts for 1 hour.
• SIM card inserted into the device.
• Screen brightness set to 100%, refresh rate set to 144 Hz.
• External speaker turned on at 50% volume.
• WiFi and social media notifications enabled.
• Battery saver, adaptive brightness, GPS, and Bluetooth turned off.
• Battery drained from 100% to 0%.

Specific results are as follows:

Thus, Xiaomi 13T can operate continuously for 9 hours and 51 minutes with the mixed tasks mentioned above. To achieve this, I believe Xiaomi has put a lot of effort into optimizing both the hardware and software for the Xiaomi 13T, partly thanks to the power consumption reduction capability of the Dimensity 8200-Ultra. Except for Liên Quân Mobile, most of the remaining applications do not consume much power.

That's under the testing conditions of Mytour, but in real-life usage, the Xiaomi 13T lasts even longer. Specifically, I usually start my day at 8 a.m. with the Xiaomi 13T at 100% battery, and by the end of the day (at 9 p.m.), the phone still has 20% battery with various mixed tasks such as watching movies, YouTube, browsing Facebook, taking photos, and playing a few rounds of Liên Quân Mobile in spare time. Therefore, I believe the device fully meets the needs of users for a full day's use.

Even if Xiaomi 13T runs out of battery during the day, I'm not overly concerned because the product is equipped with 67W fast charging. Thanks to this, the charging time for my 5,000mAh battery is not too long. To understand better, you can refer to the table below.

The result I obtained is 50 minutes from 0% - 100%, similar to many other Xiaomi models with the same capacity. So, even if I forget to charge the battery in the evening, I can still comfortably use it the next morning after plugging it in while doing personal hygiene, having breakfast.

Xiaomi 13T boasts captivating design, smooth 144 Hz display

Xiaomi 13T's design is user-friendly thanks to its sleek square frame, combined with soft curves on the back. Moreover, the back of the device is gently curved at the corners for a comfortable grip. Additionally, with dimensions of 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm, it can be easily held in one hand.

Furthermore, the back of Xiaomi 13T is covered with a layer of glossy toughened glass, which tends to attract sweat and fingerprints. Therefore, I suggest users equip the included protective case to better safeguard the device and reduce sweat and fingerprint marks. Additionally, the product is available in 2 colors: Black, Blue. Especially the blue variant looks very elegant, cool, and equally luxurious.

Moreover, Xiaomi 13T's highlight comes from the sleek square camera module commonly seen on many Xiaomi smartphones. However, this area is gently curved on both sides, creating a strong, fresh impression at first sight.

Turning to the front, Xiaomi 13T features a punch-hole display at the center, similar to its predecessors. Along with that, the slim bezels around the screen contribute to a much more harmonious overall appearance.

Not to mention, Xiaomi 13T operates on a sharp AMOLED panel, measuring 6.67 inches with ample space for comfortable interaction, coupled with a resolution of up to 1.5K. Therefore, the product can display content with high detail, eye-catching colors, and high contrast. Moreover, thanks to a maximum brightness of up to 2,600 nits, I can use the device comfortably in various lighting conditions.

The most notable feature on the Xiaomi 13T screen is the refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, making touch gestures smoother. However, the difference between the commonly seen 120 Hz screen and 144 Hz is still not very clear. Moreover, many games are not yet optimized for high refresh rate screens, so the 144 Hz screen seems a bit wasted for me. Therefore, I hope that developers of applications, games, etc., will gradually optimize for the 144 Hz screen.

Summarization

In summary, compared to other devices in the same high-end segment, Xiaomi 13T stands out in many aspects such as the Leica Camera, Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset, 144 Hz display, 1.5K resolution, etc. However, the weakness in MIUI still exists, so I hope Xiaomi will soon address it to provide users with the best experience. Currently, Xiaomi 13T is available at Mytour with the following prices:

• 8 GB RAM version, 256 GB internal memory priced at 11.99 million VND.
• 12 GB RAM version, 256 GB internal memory priced at 12.99 million VND.

Overall, these prices seem very reasonable considering what the Xiaomi 13T is equipped with. Therefore, for those who are looking for a high-end device with powerful and premium specifications, Xiaomi 13T is a highly recommended choice at the moment.

Above are my reviews on Xiaomi 13T. What do you think about this smartphone? Feel free to leave your comments below for everyone to know! Thank you for your interest and for following my article.

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