OPINION : The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a top - oddment performing artist not only in term of speed but photography , with a main rear camera backed by a huge 1 - in sensing element – one of very few on the market in 2023 . However , it ’s not the chief electron lens that has impressed me most ; that would be the telephoto lens .

When theXiaomi 13 Prowas give away alongside theXiaomi 13at MWC 2023 , the fellowship principally focused on showcasing the principal 50MP rear camera – and it ’s clear to see why . It boast telling tech including a 1 - inch IMX989 sensor orotund than most of the competition , including theGalaxy S23 Ultra , along with a seemly f/1.9 aperture , large 1.8um pixels and the ability to shoot inDolby Vision HDRat up to 4K@60fps – a beloved feature film ofrecent iPhones .

It ’s not grueling to see why mass were activated about the technical school either ; the main tv camera is certainly adequate to in a variety of light up scenarios , though I did find that it did n’t suck in quite as much light as I ’d like , especially compared to theVivo X90 Pro ’s 1 - in tv camera sensor .

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Still , it was much faster at capturing nighttime shots than most of the competition , and there ’s something to be state for the true - to - life look of the results .

For most people , that will be the go - to camera when out and about – but I found more joy from using the 50MP telephoto lens , and that ’s not something I ’ve constitute with any phone I ’ve reviewed of late , if ever .

unremarkably , it ’s the independent sensor that draw all the attention , with additional lenses serve more recess intent , but that ’s just not the pillowcase with the Xiaomi 13 Pro . Maybe thatLeica partnership is more than a gimmickafter all …

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

The 3.2x telephoto lense boasts a 50MP resolve , which is fairly high for a telephoto genus Lens and allows it to utilize pixel - binning tech to improve detail and visible radiation , but that ’s not what defecate it so impressive . It ’s down to Leica ’s OIS - power floating telephotograph camera tech which essentially allows the photographic camera faculty to move around to adjust focus and make indisputable your subject is always sharp and percipient .

This means that , as well as providing a narrower 75 mm equivalent electron lens nonesuch for portrait photography , the telephoto crystalline lens is just as capable when used as a macro lens . In fact , it take some of the dependable macro shots I ’ve take care from a smartphone , with dainty amounts of detail and a natural DSLR - like bokeh gist .

The use of the floating camera organization meant that shots were always in focus with very few , if any , need to re - shoot closemouthed - ups upon review . It act upon with subjects as close as 10 cm away , which is admittedly a lilliputian far than some consecrate macro lenses , but the increase 3.2x rapid growth means there ’s para with the contender .

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

For the first time , I actively looked out for potentially interesting subject to flash up close because I knew the results would look gravid . It ’s such a utter difference to using a low - res macro lens or a crop of the radical - wide camera , as many choice incline to do .

It ’s just as performative when hit portrait picture taking . Aside from the idealistic 75 millimetre crop for portrait photograph , the Xiaomi 13 Pro ’s ProFocus tech does n’t just detect faces but eye in particular , with on - CRT screen trailing to permit you live that it has recognised the subject ’s eyes . This allows the phone to dead focus on the eye of the subject for maximal impingement .

It also has some of the best edge detective work technical school I ’ve construe from a portrait electron lens with very few , if any , computer error , even when it comes to hairlines and eyeglasses . package in a natural DLSR - like bokeh and Leica ’s Authentic photography style that deliver true - to - animation colour reproductive memory and you ’ve got a up to portrayal crystalline lens .

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Do n’t get me wrong , it ’s not the most expansive telephoto lens system around , feature a rather short 3.2x zoom compare to other top - end 2023 headphone like theSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultraand its 10x zoom , but in terms of overall character and sheer versatility , I think Xiaomi ’s telephoto lens is unexceeded .

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto camera sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto camera sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto camera sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto lens sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto camera sample

Xiaomi 13 Pro telephoto camera sample