Opening
Once again, Xiaomi has released another T line of phones, adding to their already extensive list of devices. However, there is often confusion about where these devices fit in the lineup of the Chinese company. People often expect the Ts to be better than the numbered flagships, or to replace them altogether. But in reality, the T line is Xiaomi’s version of a ‘flagship killer’ family.
This may seem complicated, especially when you consider the Poco F-series, which also falls under the ‘flagship killer’ category but as a sub-brand. The Xiaomi T series is a more premium version of flagship killers compared to the Poco F line devices. So, if you are looking for a phone that gives you top specifications without breaking the bank, you have two options within Xiaomi’s range: the Poco F5 or F5 Pro for a budget-friendly option, or the Xiaomi 13T or Xiaomi 13T Pro for better cameras and screens.
With this context in mind, let’s focus on our long-term review of the most high-end device in this lineup – the Xiaomi 13T Pro. Its launch price indicates its serious intentions, and a quick look at the spec sheet confirms this. We are particularly interested in the Leica branding for the cameras, which is a first for the T line and any Xiaomi ‘flagship killer’. It will be intriguing to see if this device has significantly improved its camera capabilities or not.
It seems that Xiaomi was looking to differentiate the T series, and the Leica branding certainly accomplishes this, possibly in an effort to compete with the OnePlus flagships and their Hasselblad partnership. While Google and Samsung have managed without any co-branding with legacy camera brands, this does not necessarily mean the co-branding is insignificant. We will find out more as we delve deeper into this review.
As always, we have used the Xiaomi 13T Pro as our primary smartphone for an extended period in order to provide a subjective perspective on its real-world usability, in addition to the usual lab tests and benchmarks. While those are important, this review offers insight into how the phone functions in daily life. Let’s dive in.
