The highly anticipated Xiaomi 13 Pro is set to launch today, and it’s expected to be a top-tier flagship phone that will compete with industry leaders. As we prepare for the India launch along with the global debut, let’s delve into one of the phone’s most impressive features: its camera. Xiaomi 13 Pro’s advanced camera setup is co-engineered with Leica, and a closer look reveals that it has the potential to revolutionise smartphone photography.
The brilliance of Leica
It’s not a new phenomenon for smartphones to carry the branding of established names in the photography industry. Although we have witnessed several instances where the branding merely adds a certain aesthetic to the photos, Xiaomi 13 Pro sets itself apart by delivering a unique experience that goes beyond just a mere branding exercise.The word “co-engineered” is key here. This partnership has resulted in the phone getting Leica’s entire Vario Summicron 1:1.9-2.2/14-75 ASPH. system. This means all three cameras on the rear have been constructed in such a way as to offer a wide range of 14-75mm. While the ultra-wide lens offers an equivalent focal length of 14mm, the main camera has an equivalent focal length of 23mm. Finally, the telephoto sensor offers an equivalent focal length of 75mm.
As if that wasn’t enough, the phone is also the beneficiary of two iconic Leica photography styles that are meant to elevate your images to the next level. The Leica Authentic Look preserves the original light play and doesn’t over modify the images. On the other hand, the Leica Vibrant Look provides a brighter tone and essentially enhances the bright tone. Both these modes ensure that the Xiaomi 13 Pro provides users with a great photography experience. The availability of Leica aesthetics at your fingertips is complemented by other additions like a new camera UI, the iconic Leica watermark, special Leica filters, and the classic Leica shutter sound.
The sharpness of a 50MP Sony IMX989 sensor
The triple camera setup of Xiaomi 13 Pro is headlined by a 50MP Leica camera with an f/1.9 aperture and a 23mm focal length. This is the Sony IMX989 unit, which has a whopping 1-inch sensor with a 1.6µm pixel size. One can expect nothing short of ultra-high-quality, highly detailed images from this camera. This sensor is assisted by the Xiaomi ProFocus technology, which expertly maintains focus on things that matter, even when there’s heavy movement in the frame. There’s also the HyperOIS feature, which guarantees blur-free photos and shake-free videos. And you also get 10-bit DNG RAW support to satisfy the needs of professional photographers.On the video side of things, Xiaomi 13 Pro can capture 8K videos, which in itself is a big deal. However, where it really shines is through its support for capturing 4K 60fps footage with the “Create in Dolby Vision” support. This not just means vivid colours but also stellar levels of contrast that make the videos stand out. Xiaomi’s Ultra Night Video is also present on 13 Pro, allowing you to capture stunning night-time footage that’s devoid of any grain.
