Xiaomi introduces the 13T and 13T Pro with Leica-branded cameras
Xiaomi has unveiled two flagships, the 13T and 13T Pro, a duo that continues the company’s tradition of pairing flagship hardware with Leica camera branding. The Verge reports on this launch, highlighting how the cameras are central to the new devices and how they are positioned in a competitive market across North America and Europe. The core shooting system on both models is led by a 50-megapixel main sensor, housed in a 1/1.28-inch format, paired with a 50-megapixel telephoto lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The front camera is a 20-megapixel shooter designed for high-quality selfies and video calls. This camera setup reflects Xiaomi’s ongoing collaboration with Leica to prioritize color science, dynamic range, and overall image fidelity. The devices are designed to appeal to photographers and everyday users alike who want versatile day-to-day performance and more advanced creative control when needed.
Under the hood, the two phones differ in processing power. The 13T Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus, delivering high-end performance and efficiency for gaming, multitasking, and camera processing. The standard 13T relies on the Dimensity 8200 Ultra, offering solid performance for most tasks with strong energy efficiency. Both phones share a substantial 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring long hours of use between charges, though charging speeds diverge: the 13T Pro supports rapid charging up to 120 watts, enabling a near-full recharge in a short period, while the 13T is capped at 67 watts. This distinction matters for power users who value speed in refueling.
Display and durability are consistent across both models. Each features a 6.67-inch screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and responsive gameplay. Peak brightness reaches up to 2,600 nits, which helps visibility in bright outdoor conditions, and the resolution stands at 2,712 by 1,220 pixels for sharp images and text. IP68 ratings guarantee water and dust resistance, providing resilience in challenging environments. For photographers and videographers who travel or shoot outside, this durability is a meaningful asset.
Memory and storage configurations help tailor the devices to different use cases. The 13T Pro ships in variants with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, 12 GB of RAM with 512 GB of storage, and a higher-end 16 GB RAM with 1 TB of storage. The standard 13T offers 8 or 12 GB of RAM paired with 256 GB of internal storage, accommodating a range of budgets and app needs. This tiering ensures that users can choose a configuration that aligns with their photography, video editing, and app-loading expectations, while maintaining a balance between performance and cost.
Pricing and availability align with the premium positioning of these devices. The Xiaomi 13T Pro starts at $790, with a prior exchange-rate reference that positioned similar models at higher local ruble equivalents in September 2023. The 13T, meanwhile, begins at $669. At launch, the devices were available in Europe and the United Kingdom, underscoring a gradual rollout with potential expansion into North American markets in the future. For readers in Canada and the United States, it is worth watching official announcements from Xiaomi for any regional releases, as availability and pricing can vary significantly by country and carrier involvement.
In the broader ecosystem, the mention of Nothing’s CMF Watch Pro as a nod to Apple-inspired design signals Xiaomi’s continued interest in blending fashion-forward wearables with high-tech performance. The CMF Watch Pro represents a trend toward cohesive hardware ecosystems where a flagship phone pairs with wearable devices and accessories to enhance the user experience. This context helps frame Xiaomi’s 13T and 13T Pro as part of a larger strategy to offer integrated solutions that appeal to enthusiasts who value both style and substance.