Recently, I got my hands on the Xiaomi 13T Pro, and I decided to test its photographic prowess during a day out. What better place to test a phone with such a highly-touted camera than the floral haven of Far East Flora HQ? Watch my short vlog below, shot with the Xiaomi 13T Pro.
Leica Professional Camera System
I’m thrilled about the Leica collaboration with Xiaomi; it promises to elevate mobile photography to unprecedented heights. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a Leica Professional Optical Lens, and it was immediately evident as I captured the vibrancy of various blooms at Far East Flora HQ.
The 7P aspherical high transmittance lens, combined with several advancements such as the IR filter, ALD coating, and COC material, provided images with impeccable sharpness and natural colours.
The added Leica AI and filters came in handy in artistic shots. Particularly, the Leica NAT filter gave a nostalgic tone to the old-world charm of some sections of the mall, and the Leica AI sky edited the gloomy post-rain sky to make my picture more beautiful. I could even edit my photo to have an evening dusk vibe, completely changing the mood of the photo.
The Leica Photographic Styles were a delight. While in the flower section, I played with the Leica Vibrant mode, which highlighted the rich hues of the flowers, emphasizing the warm ambience of the venue.
Shots against the sunlight minimized flare and distortion, giving me clear, true-to-life visuals. I loved the beauty filter too, which gave me flawless selfies.
For this portrait shot, the master lens system, particularly with the Bokeh effect, added a lovely depth and distinction to our photos, separating subjects from the background seamlessly.
I also used the food filter to enhance my food images, making it look so much more appealing!
Navigating through the camera features was a breeze thanks to the brand-new UI. It was evident that Xiaomi has prioritized user experience. Switching modes, adjusting settings, and even dabbling in professional features felt intuitive and non-intrusive. The drop-down menu made single-handed operations fluid, which was handy during quick, candid captures.
The MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor ensured that every task, like browsing between photoshoots, was smooth. There were no lags or hitches, and the phone handled multitasking like a champ.
The Pro HDR display shone (literally) when viewing the images. The 1.5K CrystalRes display was sharp, and the 2600nits peak brightness made it easy to view even under Singapore’s sunny conditions. The 144Hz refresh rate was fast.
A sudden drizzle while we were at the flower mall wasn’t an issue, thanks to the phone’s IP68 water and dust resistance. It’s reassuring to know the device can handle such surprises.
The 120W HyperCharge was a lifesaver. After extensive photography and usage, a quick charge brought the phone back to 100% in no time, ensuring the device was ready for the evening.
The Xiaomi 13T Pro is a photographer’s delight. It seamlessly merges the professional capabilities of Leica with Xiaomi’s hardware and software innovations. Whether you’re capturing memories in a floral paradise or enjoying a meal in a cosy restaurant, this device ensures every moment is captured with clarity and authenticity.
Between the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro, the initial distinction that stands out is the charging capabilities: the Pro boasts a superior 120W HyperCharge adapter, while its non-Pro counterpart comes equipped with a 67W Turbocharging.
However, when it comes to camera prowess, both phones equally benefit from the esteemed Leica technology. Yet, the Pro leaps ahead with its ability to record videos up to 8K at 24 FPS.
The Xiaomi 13T Pro retails from S$949, find out more here.
