After a fanfare announcement ahead of MWC 2023, we headed to Xiaomi’s booth to get hands-on with the 13 and 13 Lite models. These smartphones come to support the 13 Pro in the range and intend to seduce an audience that is not yet ready to invest sustainably in an ultra premium terminal.
As expected, once in hand, the Xiaomi 13 is really reminiscent of an iPhone with these flat and frank edges. The grip is different – even better – compared to the 13 Pro and its curved edges. On the other hand, the back is of the same ilk with a coating that catches fingerprints and reflects them well. The shape of the photo island is also taken over, even if the internal alignment is not identical. And unlike the latest iPhones, the back isn’t completely flat and picks up a bit of curve. The screen is pleasant and promises, with a few details, the same result as on the 13 Pro. As a reminder, this display is currently positioned as one of the best on the market.
Finally, this Xiaomi 13 seems to position itself as a good alternative to the Xiaomi 13 Pro if you don’t need so much photographic capacity. Equipped with the same Leica treatment as its big brother, it should bring just as much satisfaction. We just have to test it once we receive it.
The 13 Lite, on the other hand, differs from the other two models in both design and technical data. True mid-range, it looks more like the 12 series, but above all knows how to be very light (176 g). In hand, it must be recognized that this featherweight is quite pleasant (as well as surprising). Regarding the photo, the Leica expertise is not present, but it should still know how to manage thanks to its main module of 50 megapixels. At the front, a pill takes place and houses two sensors, one of which is used for depth of field. We bet that at 499 €, this smartphone should find a buyer as long as it ticks all the right boxes.