Xiaomi's latest offerings, the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro, have generated significant buzz since their release in September. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the key aspects of these smartphones, including their battery performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. Are they truly the upgrades Xiaomi claims them to be, or do they fall short of expectations?
The Xiaomi 13T Series
The Xiaomi 13T series was officially unveiled at the end of September, positioned as more affordable alternatives to the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. However, early tests indicate that these new models may not necessarily outshine their predecessors, the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro, in various aspects.
Before diving into the detailed analysis, let's take a moment to understand why the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro have been the subject of much discussion. Xiaomi's marketing strategy has piqued the interest of smartphone enthusiasts, touting these devices as masterpieces in their class. However, real-world tests conducted by DxOMark suggest that there may be better options available in the US$600-US$800 price range, such as the iPhone 14, OnePlus 11, and Galaxy S23. Now, let's explore the specifics of what DxOMark's tests have uncovered.
Battery Life Analysis
One of the critical aspects of any smartphone is its battery life. Unfortunately, the Xiaomi 13T series falls short in this department. DxOMark's tests reveal that the Xiaomi 13T Pro, in particular, cannot match the battery runtimes of its predecessors, the Xiaomi 11T Pro and Xiaomi 12T Pro. In the overall rankings, the Xiaomi 13T Pro lags behind, occupying the 70th position. This revelation raises concerns about whether Xiaomi's claims of improved performance hold true.
Camera Performance Examination
A smartphone's camera capabilities are often a deciding factor for consumers. Xiaomi has equipped the Xiaomi 13T with a professional Leica camera system, setting high expectations for photography enthusiasts. However, DxOMark's camera tests tell a different story. The Xiaomi 13T achieved a score of 123 points, ranking it 60th overall and 9th in the US$600-US$800 premium segment. This may come as a surprise since its predecessor, the Xiaomi 12T Pro, secures the 4th position among premium-ranked smartphones. The camera analysis brings into question whether Xiaomi's camera improvements are substantial.
Display Quality Assessment
Display quality is another crucial factor for a smartphone's overall user experience. Both the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1220p and an impressive 144 Hz refresh rate, accompanied by a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. However, DxOMark's evaluation suggests that there are no discernable improvements compared to their predecessors, which also sported 6.67-inch 1220p AMOLED panels. Notably, the older models offered a 120 Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of up to 900 nits. This revelation prompts us to question whether Xiaomi has truly enhanced the display technology in the Xiaomi 13T series.
Given the findings of DxOMark's tests, it's evident that the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro may not be the substantial upgrades that Xiaomi had hoped for over the previous Xiaomi 12T series. If you're interested in delving deeper into the hardware details of these devices and understanding how they differ from their predecessors, we recommend exploring our Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro launch articles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro, while marketed as significant improvements, have shown weaknesses in critical areas such as battery life, camera performance, and display quality. DxOMark's tests indicate that there may be better alternatives available in the same price range. As consumers, it's essential to make informed decisions when investing in a new smartphone, considering all aspects of its performance. The Xiaomi 13T series may not necessarily be the upgrade that Xiaomi had envisioned.
