TechPhonesiPhonesI tried the Xiaomi 13 Ultra – and think Apple needs to step up its camera gameXiaomi’s Leica-powered superphone schools the competition with its bleeding-edge camera tech and this stellar accessoryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesiPhonesI tried the Xiaomi 13 Ultra – and think Apple needs to step up its camera gameXiaomi’s Leica-powered superphone schools the competition with its bleeding-edge camera tech and this stellar accessoryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Xiaomi’s Leica-powered superphone schools the competition with its bleeding-edge camera tech and this stellar accessory
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomimay have just dropped the mightiest camera phone ever made in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. I’ve been using one for a week and think the competition ought to be looking with great interest.
Yes, theiPhone 14 ProandSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultraare excellent, and lesser-known brands like Honor are churning out fantastic alternatives – theMagic 5 Prois one of the better ones that T3’s tested – but it’s Xiaomi that has partnered with Leica to create a system of cameras that steps ahead from these competitors in key areas.
When talking about theSmartphone Olympicspodium, it really is about splitting hairs, especially when it comes to camera quality. For example,Samsungwins out with its 10x reach zoom. For video, many rateApple’s quality over the competition. And Honor’s far-reaching macro camera is a thing of beauty, capable of capturing DSLR-style shots like this with rich, yet natural processing (see my snap embedded below).
Spring be springing📸 Honor Magic 5 Pro 3.5x zoom pic.twitter.com/ggyQIayxAQApril 8, 2023
Spring be springing📸 Honor Magic 5 Pro 3.5x zoom pic.twitter.com/ggyQIayxAQApril 8, 2023
But when it comes to camera specs and accessories, all three camera phones are looking a little worse than they did a week ago, before Xiaomi launched the new 13 Ultra.
The 13 Ultra has only been confirmed for China thus far, though, and while Xiaomi has told us that it will be launching globally, there’s been no word on a UK-specific release. So most will have to admire it from a distance for now, and make do with the powerfulXiaomi 13 Proif they want a Leica fix.
After attending the launch event in Beijing, though, I’ve been using the phone for six days, and to say I’m impressed is an understatement. Getting into specifics, there are four key areas it’s checking my boxes: its main camera; the camera system as a whole; Leica and Xiaomi’s photo processing; and its seriously cool camera grip case.
Image1of3iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of3iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of3
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
iPhone 14 Pro Max alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Honor Magic 5 Pro alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
MAIN CAMERA: 1-inch + VARIABLE APERTURE
The first thing about the Xiaomi 13 Ultra that should make photography fans stop in their tracks is the main camera. Specifically, it has a mighty sensor and its lens could be a game changer.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
What’s so special about the sensor? Its 1-inch size. Like theXiaomi 13 Pro, which T3’s Tech Editor called ‘the new camera king’, this larger-than-the-norm sensor is great for taking photos, day or night. It’s as big a sensor as you’ll find in premiumcompact camerasthese days.
The 13 Ultra isn’t the first phone to pack this camera-gradeSonyIMX 989 sensor. Xiaomi developed it with Sony for 2022’s 12s Ultra model, and it’s since dropped on the Oppo Find X6 Pro,Vivo X90 Proand the Xiaomi 13 Pro mentioned above.
One thing all those phones have in common, though, is their excellent main camera, so the 13 Ultra is off to a flying start.
Image1of3Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of3Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of3
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Xiaomi 13 Utra at f/4 – you can see the closed aperture in the top lens(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
At f/1.9, the aperture is visibly open(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
You can toggle between apertures in the UI both in Pro and automatic mode(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Much more unique, though, is the Leica lens. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the only phone that combines this giant sensor with a variable aperture. We covered this in detail when the phone was announced, so for a fuller explanation, read up on theXiaomi 13 Ultra’s Galaxy S9 party trick.
In a nutshell, though, the 13 Ultra’s main camera can switch its aperture between f/1.9 and f/4. That helps with controlling depth of field, and can also manage how much light hits the camera sensor, unlocking creative photography options.
CAMERA SYSTEM: SONY SENSORS ABOUND
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s secondary cameras are also better-specced than most of the competition.
Take theSamsung GalaxyS23 Ultra, which also packs the same number of cameras: a primary, ultra-wide, mid-reaching zoom and a far-reaching zoom. In fact, the S23 Ultra reaches further than the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, with its max optical zoom being 10x, versus Xiaomi’s 5x.
But if we geek out and go down to the sensor level, the three secondary cameras on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra are all 50MP sensors (Sony IMX 858, if you want the detail). They’re a fair bit bigger than the sensors Samsung uses, which translates to a better-quality snap – especially at night.
All the photos below I took using the 13 Ultra’s zoom lenses.
More Xiaomi 13 Ultra photos (all auto mode)#Xiaomi13Ultra pic.twitter.com/LWOZFACzIgApril 20, 2023
More Xiaomi 13 Ultra photos (all auto mode)#Xiaomi13Ultra pic.twitter.com/LWOZFACzIgApril 20, 2023
On top of the sensor sizes being great across the board, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra also has wider apertures across its cameras. This further boosts their nighttime performance, while also helping them capture more dramatic shots with a shallower depth of field.
As mentioned, all the cameras around the back of the 13 Ultra are also 50MP resolution. They all use Sony sensors, and three use the same sensor. That means all four can shoot 8K video, and they all capture photos at the same resolution for that bit of extra consistency.
So while the primary camera is still the best one on the 13 Ultra, the cameras feel more like a cohesive system than on some competition.
PHOTO PROCESSING: LEICA TUNING
Good hardware is for nought unless photo processing can back it up and eke out excellence from a camera sensor and lens. Thankfully, Xiaomi partnered with Leica to hone its look over the last year, and boy does this pay off with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
When you launch the camera app, you’re given a choice: Leica Authentic, or Leica Vivid. Similar to what Apple does on its new phones, instantly giving you the choice to boost vibrancy or pare back colours in your photos. Your shots are instantly more tuned to what you want as a result.
Xiaomi has also done some incredible things with its dynamic range and colour balance across its cameras.
Have a look at this photo I took using the Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s zoom camera:
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Usually, light flooding one part of the picture (the window), would throw the exposure balance right off. In this photo, Xiaomi’s automatic processing has balanced the shot beautifully.
Fire up Pro mode, and it’s a Pandora’s box of ways to get your David Bailey on. Of course, you can control the main camera’s aperture, ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, focus and white balance. There’s also scope to customise tone, hue and sharpening too. And all Leica’s filters are loaded up here as well for some quick pre-shot stylised edits.
Pro mode is also where you can shoot RAW and Ultra RAW, the latter offering 14-bit capture. That isn’t quite the 16-bit of Samsung’s Super RAW of the S23 Ultra, but it isn’t far behind.
CAMERA GRIP: CASE CLOSED
Finally, the thing that ties everything together with a perfectly packaged ribbon on top is the case. Not the case in the box, though this is a really nice hard plastic shell.
I’m instead talking about the camera grip case that adds a tonne of utility to Xiaomi’s super camera-phone. At its core, it’s just a simple case with a similar finish to the phone itself – vegan leather, so it looks sleek and stylised to the nines.
Image1of4(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of4(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of4
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Then there’s the slide-on camera grip. This is an ergonomic dream! It gives you a zoom toggle and a two-stage shutter release at your fingertips, and enough girth to be able to hold the phone comfortably with one hand while recording or snapping.
One-handed photo video capture, complete with zooming? Yep – what was once beyond the realms of smartphone photography is now within reach. And I love it.
The camera case highlights don’t stop there – you can detach the grip part to use it as a wireless shutter release and zoom control – it connects via Bluetooth.
And finally, there’s a lens cap to protect your lenses, which can be swapped out for a 67mm filter ring. If you are into photography, as you’ll know, this means you can easily screw on an ND filter and luxuriate over super-long shutter speeds for some ethereal, floaty streams, or ghost-like bustling city shots.
IN SUMMARY
So while the AppleiPhone14 Pro Max, the Honor Magic 5 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are all on shelves right now, enjoying the fact they’re top-dog camera phones, I think the competition should keep a keen eye on Xiaomi.
After all, T3 has already been impressed with the Xiaomi 13 Pro. And now I’ve used the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with its Leica tuning and seriously cool camera system for a whole week, I must say it’s closing the smartphone/dedicated camera divide like no other before it – and leaping ahead of the establishment.
Today’s best Xiaomi 13 Pro dealsNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Xiaomi 13 Pro dealsNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Xiaomi 13 Pro deals
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSXiaomiapple
TOPICS
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
A new Apple TV 4K box is reportedly coming, it’s just a matter of whenWhat will it offer though and will it change design?
What will it offer though and will it change design?
Apple’s affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple IntelligenceIt’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
It’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
Apple already sells a device thinner than the rumoured iPhone 17 AirThe slimming world of Apple
The slimming world of Apple
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many yearsIt’s great news for Apple fans
It’s great news for Apple fans
Apple iPhone could get a major camera boost… thanks to SamsungYou’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
You’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
If the iPhone 17 Pro looks like this, I’ll eat my hat!Surely this is highly unlikely?
Surely this is highly unlikely?
The next iPhone SE could be in for its biggest change yetBut will it simplify or confuse things?
But will it simplify or confuse things?
OLED iPad mini could be coming in 2026, say insidersApple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
Apple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
