Apple iPhone 13 vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra: Clash of the Titans

In the ever-evolving realm of smartphones, two juggernauts stand face to face – the Apple iPhone 13 and the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Let’s dissect these technological marvels, scrutinize their features, and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pocket.

Design and Build

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm, 174g163.2 x 74.6 x 9.1 mm, 227g
BuildGlass front and back, Aluminum frameGlass front, Eco leather back, Aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
ResistanceIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

The iPhone 13 opts for a classic glass and aluminum combo, while the Xiaomi 13 Ultra goes for a sleek mix of glass and eco leather. The IP68 resistance on both ensures your phone can handle a splash or two.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby VisionLTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1300 nits
Size6.1 inches, 86.0% screen-to-body ratio6.73 inches, 89.5% screen-to-body ratio
Resolution1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, ~460 ppi density1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio, ~522 ppi density
ProtectionCeramic Shield glassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus

While the iPhone 13 boasts the vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED, Xiaomi 13 Ultra counters with a larger LTPO AMOLED display. Both promise a visual feast, but the choice may boil down to personal size and preference.

Quick Note: The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s HDR10+ support brings an extra punch to your multimedia experience.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
OSiOS 15, upgradable to iOS 17.3.1Android 13, MIUI 14
ChipsetApple A15 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPUHexa-core (2×3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4×1.82 GHz Blizzard)Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 740

In the performance arena, both giants bring their A-game. The iPhone 13, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, faces off against the Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It’s the classic iOS vs. Android showdown, each with its legion of fans.

Real-life Example: The iPhone’s optimized hardware often translates to seamless performance, making multitasking a breeze.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Main Camera12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide50 MP wide, 50 MP periscope telephoto, 50 MP telephoto, 50 MP ultrawide, TOF 3D (depth)
Selfie Camera12 MP wide, SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP wide
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec.

The battle intensifies in the camera department. Apple’s dual-camera setup faces off against Xiaomi’s impressive array of lenses. The choice may hinge on your preference for Apple’s computational photography or Xiaomi’s multi-directional PDAF and impressive zoom capabilities.

Fun Fact: The Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s periscope telephoto lens brings a new dimension to smartphone photography.

Audio and Connectivity

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
LoudspeakerYes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm jackNoNo
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
USBLightning, USB 2.0USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort, OTG

Both phones follow the modern trend, ditching the 3.5mm jack for sleeker designs. The stereo speakers on both ensure an immersive audio experience, while NFC and USB Type-C are standard features.

Did You Know: Xiaomi’s inclusion of aptX HD and aptX Adaptive in Bluetooth connectivity enhances audio streaming quality.

Battery and Charging

FeatureApple iPhone 13Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Battery TypeLi-Ion 3240 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised)90W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 35 min (advertised)
15W wireless (MagSafe)50W wireless, 100% in 49 min (advertised)
15W wireless (Qi2) – requires iOS 17.2 update10W reverse wireless

In the battery marathon, Xiaomi 13 Ultra pulls ahead with a larger battery and faster wired and wireless charging.