The new Xiaomi 13 Ultra challenges the Galaxy S23 Ultra with four 50MP cameras

What you need to know

• The new Xiaomi 13 Ultra has officially launched in China.
• It comes with four 50MP Leica-powered rear cameras, including a 1-inch-type primary sensor.
• The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and starts at CNY 5999. 

After countless leaks and speculation, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, one of the most hyped flagship phones, finally went official in China, with global availability coming later.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the successor to the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which unfortunately did not receive a global launch. It also completes the Xiaomi 13 lineup that already comprises the Xiaomi 13, 13 Lite, and the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra emphasizes the cameras primarily as it comes with an impressive four 50MP sensors within a giant circular camera housing at the rear. The camera system was developed with Leica to provide improved custom tuning features from the predecessor. Of the four, Sony’s IMX989 sensor acts as the primary lens, a one-inch sensor featuring variable aperture ranging from f/1.9 to f/4.0.

The other three 50MP cameras are Sony’s IMX858 lenses that act as ultra-wide lenses with f/1.8 aperture, a telephoto sensor with f/1.8 aperture, and a “super-telephoto” sensor with f/3.0 aperture. For video, the rear cameras support up to 8K recording capabilities. And for selfies, the device relies on a 32MP selfie shooter.

To further boost photography, Xiaomi has a photography kit that essentially transforms your phone into a digital camera. It includes a phone case that doubles as a camera grip with a two-stage shutter button, a zoom lever, and a filter adapter ring. It also comes with a lens cap and a lanyard to complete the look.

On the front, there is a massive 6.73-inch WQHD+ display with variable refresh rates ranging from 1Hz~120Hz. It features up to 2600 peak brightness, promises excellent color accuracy, and has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection on top.