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Picture perfect: Xiaomi launches its 13 series with Leica-powered cameras

By KATHY MORAN, The Philippine STAR Published Mar 03, 2023 12:59 pm

There is no better time than now to own a mobile phone that keeps us in touch with family and friends. Even better is a mobile phone that takes exceptional photos so we never miss an award-winning picture of once-in-lifetime events.

Xiaomi, the ever-dependable mobile phone, continues to know exactly what its users desire and covet when it comes to being mobile and on the go.

The mobile phone company has taken a step even further to make a better camera-phone for its customers. Its recent collaboration with Leica, the prestigious camera and optics manufacturer, provides users with an enhanced smartphone photography experience.

The Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro are flagship models with Leica professional optical lenses, advanced software capabilities, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Surge battery management system for powerful performance.

At the launch are Tomi Adrias, Head of Marketing; Angela Elejido, Marketing Manager; Wayne Li, Smartphone GTM Manager and Sophia Liao, AIoT GTM Manager

At a launch held on March 1 at the Ayala Museum, Xiaomi Philippines executives announced that Manila-based Xiaomi fans can pre-order the latest flagship phones at discounted prices from March 3 to 10.

“Xiaomi is thrilled to bring the Xiaomi 13 Series to the Philippines, co-engineered with Leica. This flagship smartphone features game-changing camera technology that will take mobile photography to new heights, empowering both enthusiasts and professionals to capture the world in a whole new light. We can’t wait for local Xiaomi fans to experience t1he power and innovation of the Xiaomi 13 Series,” Xiaomi Philippines marketing head Tomi Adrias said.

Master-level photography

We all know how essential our mobile phones are when we are at an all-important event. We are forever looking for ways to capture that special moment. So, without thinking, as though it is second nature to us, we pull out our mobile phones at every significant moment and snap away. But capturing the moment is one thing—being able to take good, professional-looking photos is another. This is where Xiaomi mobile phones come in camera-ready for the perfect photo.

Xiaomi showcases photographs taken by Leica photographer Jonathan Hodder using the Xiaomi 13 Pro in a launch exhibit entitled “Rhythmic Chaos”

Picture this: The Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro have a Master-Level photography system with Leica co-engineered cameras. The camera system’s hardware and image quality to UI/UX design have been created in collaboration with Leica to deliver a pro-grade smartphone photography experience. Both models feature triple cameras equipped with Leica optical lenses.

Xiaomi 13 Pro boasts a Leica Vario-Summicron camera system with focal lengths ranging from 14mm to 75mm. It has a 23mm wide-angle main camera with a 1-inch IMX989 sensor, a 75mm floating telephoto camera, and a 14mm ultra-wide-angle camera. The IMX989 sensor is the largest ever used in a smartphone, and the 75mm telephoto lens uses a floating lens design with DSLR-level internal focusing technology. Xiaomi 13 has an optical zoom range of 0.6x to 3.2x and features a 75mm telephoto lens.

Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro cater to both photography enthusiasts and professionals by providing detailed camera settings. The Master-Lens System offers optimal focal length and depth of field to capture flawless portraits. Users can choose between two photographic styles—Leica Authentic Look, and Leica Vibrant Look—that maintain accuracy while giving moderate saturation. Xiaomi 13 Pro supports 10-Bit RAW DNG Camera and Color Profiles designed by Adobe, providing professionals greater flexibility in post-editing with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro offer top-notch computational photography with Xiaomi Imaging Engine, fast photo capture, ProFocus for moving subjects, 4K Ultra Night Videos, and HyperOIS video stabilization for exceptional video quality.

Dazzling speed, reliable power with Xiaomi surge

When a mobile phone is built well, it responds quickly to our every move. That is how you will come to appreciate the Xiaomi experience. There is no lag time between each push of a button. After all, the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform, boosting graphics by 42% and 49%, and CPU by 37% and 47%, respectively, compared to the previous generation. Xiaomi’s devices support Wi-Fi 7 with Qualcomm FastConnectTM 7800, allowing for lightning-fast speeds. Both devices offer excellent image optimization and manual adjustment of shooting parameters in pro-mode.

On display is a booth with the different colors of Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

The expression “never say die” comes to mind when shooting with Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro, as both devices feature Surge battery management systems, with 4,500mAh and 4,820mAh batteries, respectively. Xiaomi 13 supports 67W wired and 50W wireless turbo charging, while Xiaomi 13 Pro charges to 100% in 19 minutes with 120W HyperCharge.

With a battery system like this, the Xiaomi never leaves us hanging as to whether we need to make a call, send a text or snap that perfect photo—and that makes all the difference.

A Xiaomi world greets guests at the launch

Minimalistic design, best-in-class display

The Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro are equipped not only with great cameras; they have been elegantly designed, placing emphasis on the unique tech functions each mobile phone is equipped with.

Both Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro have an all-new minimalistic design language highlighting their powerful technological capabilities. Xiaomi 13 comes in Black, White, and Flora Green, with a 93.3% screen-to-body ratio and ultra-thin bezels. It offers an incredible viewing experience on its 6.36” FHD+ AMOLED display with E6 material for top-notch color accuracy and brightness while saving power.

Guests try out the new Xiaomi 13 series, powered with Leica cameras.

Xiaomi 13 Pro flaunts a sleek 3D-curved ceramic body in Ceramic White and Black, perfect for a smooth transition into camera mode. Its 6.73” WQHD+ AMOLED display is a stunner with 120Hz refresh rate and TrueColor accuracy, reaching 1,200 nits full-screen brightness and 1,900 nits peak brightness. Plus, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Atmos support creates a fully immersive audiovisual experience.

Both devices offer IP685 dust and water resistance, ensuring optimal protection and peace of mind.

Premium services

Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 13 offer three Android updates, 5 years of security patches, 6 months of free Google One cloud storage up to 2TB, YouTube Premium, and digital car key support for sharing with loved ones. Unlock, lock, and start your car with ease.

Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 13 users get free out-of-warranty repair within the first year of purchase. Xiaomi also provides International Warranty Service in 40+ markets for a better after-sales experience. Global warranty service is available for Xiaomi 13 Pro users who meet warranty conditions at any authorized service provider. (More details at mi.com.)

Pricing and availability

The Xiaomi 13 (8+256GB) comes in Black, White, and Flora Green and sells for P44,999 with Free Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (worth P8,999).

The Xiaomi 13 Pro (12+256GB) is available in Ceramic Black and Ceramic White at P59,999 with Free Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (worth P8,999).

Local Xiaomi fans who pre-order a Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 13 Pro from March 3 to 10 will also get 2TB of free Google One cloud storage for 6 months. Installment payment is also available via Home Credit at 0% interest for up to 18 months.

Get ready to experience the Xiaomi 13 Series as it makes its way to Xiaomi

Authorized Stores and partner retailers nationwide, as well as the official Xiaomi stores on ShopeeLazada, and TikTok Shop. For the latest updates and further information, be sure to visit Xiaomi’s official pages.

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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Xiaomi Philippines.