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BatteryWe put the Xiaomi 13 Pro through our rigorous DXOMARK Camera test suite to measure its performance in photo, video, and zoom quality from an end-user perspective. This article breaks down how the device fared in a variety of tests and several common use cases and is intended to highlight the most important results of our testing with an extract of the captured data.
Overview
Key camera specifications:
- Primary: 50MP 1.0″ sensor, 23mm equivalent f/1.9-aperture lens, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-wide: 50 MP, 14 mm equivalent f/2.2-aperture lens, AF
- Tele: 50 MP, 75 mm equivalent f/2.0-aperture lens, PDAF
Scoring
Sub-scores and attributes included in the calculations of the global score.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Use cases & Conditions
Use case scores indicate the product performance in specific situations. They are not included in the overall score calculations.
Outdoor
Photos & videos shot in bright light conditions (≥1000 lux)
Indoor
Photos & videos shot in good lighting conditions (≥100lux)
Lowlight
Photos & videos shot in low lighting conditions (<100 lux)
Friends & Family
Portrait and group photo & videos
16th
15th
Pros
- Good exposure and detail in photo and video
- Wide dynamic range down to very low light in photo
- Neutral white balance in bright light, generally nice color
- Good-quality zoom at close and medium range tele settings
Cons
- Some exposure instabilities and tone compression in high-contrast scenes
- Halo artifacts in photo
- Frequent delays between triggering the shutter button and image capture, especially in high-contrast conditions
- Some autofocus failures
With a DXOMARK Camera score of 136, the Xiaomi 13 Pro performed well in our tests, offering bright exposure, nice colors and good detail capture in both photo and video modes. In addition, the camera was capable of producing high image quality at close and medium range tele settings and recorded still images with a wide dynamic range, even in low light.
The 13 Pro camera has some similar hardware to the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, but there are a few differences to note. The primary module uses the same large 1″ 50MP sensor, but the 13 Pro’s tele setup is different. The 13 Pro’s tele lens doesn’t use the 12S Ultra’s periscope design but comes with a shorter focal length that has better light-gathering capabilities. Another difference is that the 13 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset instead of the 1st generation variant in the 12S Ultra. Both models have Leica-branded lens and the Leica color modes. We performed all DXOMARK Camera testing with the Vibrant setting, just like we did with the 12S Ultra.
Overall camera performance was very similar between the two devices, with differences in some sub-attributes. Notably, the 13 Pro’s shorter tele resulted in lower image quality at long-range tele settings. However, it has improved over the 12S Ultra at close and medium-range settings, especially when shooting in low light.
When compared to the current No. 1 smartphone camera in the DXOMARK Camera ranking, the Honor Magic5 Pro, the Xiaomi 13 Pro lagged slightly behind in several areas, despite its larger image sensor. In terms of exposure, the Xiaomi displayed unnatural contrast in backlighting conditions which was much less noticeable on the Honor. Our experts also observed a better texture/noise trade-off on the Honor, even in low light. Given the Magic5 Pro’s smaller sensor, this was an unexpected result. In video mode, both exposure and focus were much less stable on the Xiaomi 13 Pro than on the Honor.
Test summary
About DXOMARK Camera tests: DXOMARK’s Camera evaluations take place in laboratories and in real-world situations using a wide variety of subjects. The scores rely on objective tests for which the results are calculated directly by measurement software on our laboratory setups, and on perceptual tests in which a sophisticated set of metrics allow a panel of image experts to compare aspects of image quality that require human judgment. Testing a smartphone involves a team of engineers and technicians for about a week. Photo, Zoom, and Video quality are scored separately and then combined into an Overall score for comparison among the cameras in different devices. For more information about the DXOMARK Camera protocol, click here. More details on smartphone camera scores are available here. The following section gathers key elements of DXOMARK’s exhaustive tests and analyses. Full performance evaluations are available upon request. Please contact us on how to receive a full report.
Photo
Xiaomi 13 Pro
154
For scoring and analysis, DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate more than 2,600 test images both in controlled lab environments and in outdoor, indoor and low-light natural scenes, using the camera’s default settings. The photo protocol is designed to take into account the main use cases and is based on typical shooting scenarios, such as portraits, family, and landscape photography. The evaluation is performed by visually inspecting images against a reference of natural scenes, and by running objective measurements on images of charts captured in the lab under different lighting conditions from 1 to 1,000+ lux and color temperatures from 2,300K to 6,500K.
Still images captured with the Xiaomi 13 Pro offered a wide dynamic range, but our testers observed some contrast issues on faces and a halo effect around subjects that would appear when HDR processing kicked in. Overall, the 13 Pro’s exposure performance was quite similar to the 12S Ultra we tested previously. The same was true for color, but the Xiaomi 13 Pro delivered a slightly more neutral white balance in daylight shooting. The 13 Pro also managed to capture a high level of details and to keep noise levels low. This said, they were not quite as low as on the 12S Ultra. Unlike some previous Xiaomi models, the 13 Pro does not feature zero shutter lag, and in some scenes, our testers observed a noticeable delay between pressing the shutter button on the display and the image actually being captured.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro comes with a 50MP capture mode. However, for our testing, the 12MP default mode was used.
Exposure
Xiaomi 13 Pro
117
Exposure is one of the key attributes for technically good pictures. The main attribute evaluated is the brightness of the main subject through various use cases such as landscape, portrait, or still life. Other factors evaluated are the contrast and the dynamic range, eg. the ability to render visible details in both bright and dark areas of the image. Repeatability is also important because it demonstrates the camera's ability to provide the same rendering when shooting several images of the same scene.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro delivered a bright exposure and wide dynamic range on most occasions. However, our testers observed some tone mapping and contrast issues that were particularly visible in backlit portrait shots. The Honor Magic5 Pro also offered a wide dynamic range but with fewer contrast issues.
Color
Xiaomi 13 Pro
119
Color is one of the key attributes for technically good pictures. The image quality attributes analyzed are skin-tone rendering, white balance, color shading, and repeatability. For color and skin tone rendering, we penalize unnatural colors but we respect a manufacturer's choice of color signature.
For our testing, we used the Leica Vibrant image mode. Authentic mode applies slightly lower levels of saturation, but the difference would not have had any impact on our score. The choice of mode comes down to personal taste.
Like we had previously seen on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, colors were usually saturated and nice on the 13 Pro. However, but we noticed some skin tone issues, especially in backlit scenes like the one above. Our testers found white balance to be more accurate than on the 12S Ultra in various conditions.
Autofocus
Xiaomi 13 Pro
116
Autofocus tests concentrate on focus accuracy, focus repeatability, shooting time delay, and depth of field. Shooting delay is the difference between the time the user presses the capture button and the time the image is actually taken. It includes focusing speed and the capability of the device to capture images at the right time, what is called 'zero shutter lag' capability. Even if a shallow depth of field can be pleasant for a single subject portrait or close-up shot, it can also be a problem in some specific conditions such as group portraits; Both situations are tested. Focus accuracy is also evaluated in all the real-life images taken, from infinity to close-up objects and in low light to outdoor conditions.
Like we had previously seen on the 12S Ultra, the Xiaomi 13 Pro frequently failed to capture the image at the exact moment the shutter was pressed, making it difficult to capture the decisive moment.
Texture
Xiaomi 13 Pro
114
Texture tests analyze the level of details and the texture of subjects in the images taken in the lab as well as in real-life scenarios. For natural shots, particular attention is paid to the level of details in the bright and dark areas of the image. Objective measurements are performed on chart images taken in various lighting conditions from 1 to 1000 lux and different kinds of dynamic range conditions. The charts used are the proprietary DXOMARK chart (DMC) and the Dead Leaves chart.
Noise
Xiaomi 13 Pro
116
Noise tests analyze various attributes of noise such as intensity, chromaticity, grain, structure on real-life images as well as images of charts taken in the lab. For natural images, particular attention is paid to the noise on faces, landscapes, but also on dark areas and high dynamic range conditions. Noise on moving objects is also evaluated on natural images. Objective measurements are performed on images of charts taken in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux and different kinds of dynamic range conditions. The chart used is the Dead Leaves chart and the standardized measurement such as Visual Noise derived from ISO 15739.
Artifacts
Xiaomi 13 Pro
81
The artifacts evaluation looks at lens shading, chromatic aberrations, geometrical distortion, edges ringing, halos, ghosting, quantization, unexpected color hue shifts, among others type of possible unnatural effects on photos. The more severe and the more frequent the artifact, the higher the point deduction on the score. The main artifacts observed and corresponding point loss are listed below.
Bokeh
Xiaomi 13 Pro
80
Bokeh is tested in one dedicated mode, usually portrait or aperture mode, and analyzed by visually inspecting all the images captured in the lab and in natural conditions. The goal is to reproduce portrait photography comparable to one taken with a DLSR and a wide aperture. The main image quality attributes paid attention to are depth estimation, artifacts, blur gradient, and the shape of the bokeh blur spotlights. Portrait image quality attributes (exposure, color, texture) are also taken into account.
Preview
Xiaomi 13 Pro
91
Preview tests analyze the image quality of the camera app's preview of the image, with particular attention paid to the difference between the capture and the preview, especially regarding dynamic range and the application of the bokeh effect. Also evaluated is the smoothness of the exposure, color and focus adaptation when zooming from the minimal to the maximal zoom factor available. The preview frame rate is measured using the LED Universal Timer.
Zoom
Xiaomi 13 Pro
156
DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate over 400 test images in controlled lab environments and in outdoor, indoor, and low-light natural scenes, using the camera’s default settings and pinch zoom at various zoom factors from ultra wide to very long-range zoom. The evaluation is performed by visually inspecting the images against a reference of natural scenes, and by running objective measurements of chart mages captured in the lab under different conditions from 20 to 1000 lux and color temperatures from 2300K to 6500K.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro comes with a three-camera configuration that has almost become a standard for higher-end smartphones: an ultra-wide camera, a 50MP primary module and a dedicated tele. The focal length of the tele is slightly shorter than on the 12S Ultra, which in our tests predictably resulted in lower image quality at long-range tele settings. However, the 13 Pro did better at close and medium-range settings, especially when shooting in low light.
Wide
Xiaomi 13 Pro
117
These tests analyze the performance of the ultra-wide camera at several focal lengths from 12 mm to 20 mm. All image quality attributes are evaluated, with particular attention paid to such artifacts as chromatic aberrations, lens softness, and distortion. Pictures below are an extract of tested scenes.
Tele
Xiaomi 13 Pro
116
All image quality attributes are evaluated at focal lengths from approximately 40 mm to 300 mm, with particular attention paid to texture and detail. The score is derived from a number of objective measurements in the lab and perceptual analysis of real-life images.
For a smartphone camera with a medium range tele lens, the Xiaomi 13 Pro offered a very good tele performance, but it was outperformed by the current leader of the ranking, the Honor Magic5 Pro, at most tele zoom settings, as can be seen in the samples and graphs below.
Compared to the predecessor 12S Ultra, the Xiaomi 13 Pro performed better at close and medium range tele, particularly in low light.
Video
Xiaomi 13 Pro
149
DXOMARK engineers capture and evaluate more than 2.5 hours of video in controlled lab environments and in natural low-light, indoor and outdoor scenes, using the camera’s default settings. The evaluation consists of visually inspecting natural videos taken in various conditions and running objective measurements on videos of charts recorded in the lab under different conditions from 1 to 1000+ lux and color temperatures from 2,300K to 6,500K.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro’s video mode was tested at 4K resolution and a 60fps variable frame rate. With those settings, it did pretty well when compared with the competition in its segment, delivering pretty good exposure, a wide dynamic range, and nice colors when recording in daylight or under indoor conditions. In addition, it managed to maintain a good balance between detail preservation and noise reduction across all light conditions. Compared to the 12S Ultra, it delivered nicer colors and had a more stable exposure. We observed more instabilities in terms of autofocus, however.
Exposure
Xiaomi 13 Pro
115
Exposure tests evaluate the brightness of the main subject and the dynamic range, eg. the ability to render visible details in both bright and dark areas of the image. Stability and temporal adaption of the exposure are also analyzed.
Color
Xiaomi 13 Pro
117
Image-quality color analysis looks at color rendering, skin-tone rendering, white balance, color shading, stability of the white balance and its adaption when light is changing.
Autofocus
Xiaomi 13 Pro
117
Texture
Xiaomi 13 Pro
115
Texture tests analyze the level of details and texture of the real-life videos as well as the videos of charts recorded in the lab. Natural videos recordings are visually evaluated, with particular attention paid to the level of details in the bright and areas as well as in the dark. Objective measurements are performed of images of charts taken in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux. The charts used are the DXOMARK chart (DMC) and Dead Leaves chart.
The texture acutance is measured on the deadleaves chart in the video deadleaves setup.
Noise
Xiaomi 13 Pro
118
Noise tests analyze various attributes of noise such as intensity, chromaticity, grain, structure, temporal aspects on real-life video recording as well as videos of charts taken in the lab. Natural videos are visually evaluated, with particular attention paid to the noise in the dark areas and high dynamic range conditions. Objective measurements are performed on the videos of charts recorded in various conditions from 1 to 1000 lux. The chart used is the DXOMARK visual noise chart.
Stabilization
Xiaomi 13 Pro
117
Stabilization evaluation tests the ability of the device to stabilize footage thanks to software or hardware technologies such as OIS, EIS, or any others means. The evaluation looks at residual motion, smoothness, jello artifacts and residual motion blur on walk and run use cases in various lighting conditions. The video below is an extract from one of the tested scenes.
Artifacts
Xiaomi 13 Pro
86
Artifacts are evaluated with MTF and ringing measurements on the SFR chart in the lab as well as frame-rate measurements using the LED Universal Timer. Natural videos are visually evaluated by paying particular attention to artifacts such as aliasing, quantization, blocking, and hue shift, among others. The more severe and the more frequent the artifact, the higher the point deduction from the score. The main artifacts and corresponding point loss are listed below.
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