Xiaomi 13 Ultra Review: What is so Ultra?

Xiaomi 13 Ultra Review: What Is So Ultra?

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has created substantial buzz as one of the best camera smartphones available. Despite being packed with impressive features like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 5000mAh battery, and an LTPO AMOLED display, Xiaomi is promoting this device as the ultimate camera phone. The Ultra series aims to provide more than just a camera phone for photography enthusiasts. This review discovers what sets it apart from the competition and whether it truly lives up to its reputation as the best camera phone in the market.

Key Features

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra focuses on camera excellence, flagship performance, and a premium build. It features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, four 50MP Leica lenses, a 5000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, MIUI 14 on Android 13, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. These features position it as a true flagship contender.

• 6.73-inch LTPO OLED QHD+ display with 120Hz
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• Quad 50MP Leica camera system with 1-inch sensor
• 5000mAh battery with 90W fast charging
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• Eco-leather back with aluminum frame

Pros and Cons

Before jumping in, here is a quick look at the good and the bad.

Pros

• Amazing 50MP 1-inch main sensor
• Stunning performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Great battery life and turbo charging
• IP68 protection and durable build

Cons

• Bit bulky design at 227g
• Only 1080p recording for front camera
• Premium price point

Design and Build

The design and build of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra exude timeless elegance combined with modern camera elements. At first glance, the classic design with iconic camera elements is immediately apparent. The Leica branding, a co-branding feature with Xiaomi since the 12S, adds prestige. A striking golden ring around the camera module enhances aesthetics and gives a refined look. However, the camera bump may challenge users who prefer slimmer phones. The device weighs around 227 grams and is 9.1mm thick, making it quite heavy and bulky for extended browsing. Build quality features Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, an eco-leather back for a comfortable and secure grip, and an aluminum frame for durability. A premium cover is included in the box. IP68 water and dust resistance offers peace of mind against splashes and dust. Stereo speakers sit at top and bottom, a 3.2 Gen Type-C port and SIM tray that doubles as expandable storage are included, and an IR blaster and microphone sit at the top.

Display

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra boasts a captivating 6.73-inch LTPO OLED panel with QHD+ resolution of 3200 by 1440 pixels, offering stunning clarity and sharpness. OLED technology delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors for immersive content. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support ensures breathtaking viewing for compatible content, whether streaming videos or watching movies. The slightly curved design creates a rich viewing experience extending to the edges. Brightness reaches 500 nits manually and an impressive 2600 nits in auto mode, making it easily viewable in direct sunlight. LTPO technology allows the refresh rate to vary from 120Hz down to 1Hz based on the app, optimizing power consumption without compromising experience.

Camera

The camera department is where the Xiaomi 13 Ultra truly excels. At its core is a quad-camera setup. The main camera features a 50MP 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor with optical image stabilization and a variable aperture, improving low-light performance and depth-of-field control. The other three rear cameras consist of a 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultra-wide. This versatile setup caters to photography enthusiasts, delivering excellent results across focal lengths. The Leica partnership enhances color science and image processing. Video recording supports up to 8K at 24fps, while the 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls, though limited to 1080p recording.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra delivers stunning performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps. The flagship chipset handles demanding tasks with ease, and MIUI 14 on Android 13 provides a feature-rich interface. Combined with ample RAM and fast storage, the phone feels responsive and capable. Thermal management keeps performance stable during extended gaming sessions, making it suitable for power users.

Battery Life

The 5000mAh battery offers great battery life, comfortably lasting a full day even with heavy camera and media use. When you need to recharge, 90W turbo charging gets you back to full quickly. The LTPO display's adaptive refresh rate and efficient chipset help stretch endurance further. Overall, battery performance is strong for a device with such a high-resolution display and powerful camera system.

Specifications

Verdict

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra truly earns its name. It combines an amazing 50MP 1-inch main sensor, stunning Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, great battery life with turbo charging, and a premium IP68 build into one of the best camera phones available. The bulky design and 1080p front video are minor drawbacks. For photography enthusiasts and power users wanting a top-tier camera phone, the 13 Ultra is an outstanding choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xiaomi 13 Ultra the best camera phone?

It is widely regarded as one of the best camera phones, thanks to its 50MP 1-inch main sensor and versatile quad Leica camera system.

How fast does it charge?

It supports 90W turbo charging, getting the 5000mAh battery back to full in a short time.

Is it water resistant?

Yes, it has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

What is the display refresh rate?

The LTPO OLED display supports an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz.

Does the front camera record 4K?

No, the 32MP front camera is limited to 1080p recording.