Xiaomi fans are looking forward to the release of the new version of the flagship smartphone – Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Despite the fact that the model was announced earlier, its global release never took place, leaving many users waiting. In this article, we will understand when finally will be Xiaomi 13 Ultra on the official sale, what key features it will have and whether to wait for this model or better pay attention to newer devices such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Let’s note: the situation with the release of Xiaomi 13 Ultra is unusual. Unlike previous flagships that came out in the global version through the 1-2 And after the Chinese release, it never got an official release outside of China, and it's been a lot of rumors and speculation, and let's look at what we know so far and what are the alternatives for those of you who don't want to wait.
When will Xiaomi 13 Ultra be released?
Xiaomi 13 Ultra was introduced in China on April 18, 2023, but the global release never took place.This caused confusion among fans of the brand, as previous models of the Ultra series (for example, Xiaomi 11 Ultra and Mi 10 Ultra) were released on the international market. Xiaomi did not officially comment on the reasons for the delay, but experts highlight several possible factors:
- 🔹 Competition with Xiaomi 14 Ultra – the release of a new model could make Xiaomi 13 Ultra less relevant.
- 🔹 Certification problems – possible difficulties in obtaining sales permits in Europe and the US.
- 🔹 Strategic decision: the company could decide to focus on promoting newer devices.
- 🔹 Component shortages: global supply problems could affect production.
There is no official confirmation of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s global launch in 2026, but some retailers and insiders say limited batches could be available in the second half of 2026, but only in selected regions (such as India or Southeast Asia).
Xiaomi 13 Ultra: What makes it special?
Despite uncertainty about the release date, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra remains one of the most technologically advanced smartphones of 2023.
- 📱 Screen: 6,73-inch AMOLED permittingly 3200×1440, support 120 Hz and technology LTPO 3.0 (adaptive refresh rate from 1 before 120 Hz).
- 🔋 Processor: Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm), which still remains relevant for most tasks.
- 📸 Camera: 50MP core module with Sony sensor IMX989 (1 inch), support for Leica Summicron and optical zoom up to 5×.
- 🔄 Charging: 90W wired and 50W wireless, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging.
- 🛡️ Protection: ceramics and aluminum case, certification IP68 (dust-and-water-protection).
The camera deserves special attention – Xiaomi 13 Ultra became the first smartphone with a variable aperture (from the f/1.9 before f/4.0), It allows you to flexibly adjust depth of field and light transmission, making it one of the best photo smartphones on the market, competing with the iPhone. 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
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If you care about photography, look at the Leica Authentic Look mode, which imitates the color reproduction of classic Leica film cameras, which gives the shots a unique style.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Main camera. | 50MP, Sony IMX989 (1) | 50MP, Sony IMX989 (1) |
| zoom | 5× optical | 5× optical + 3,2× telephoto |
| Screen. | 6.73, 120 Hz, LTPO 3.0 | 6.73, 120 Hz, LTPO 4.0 |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 90 Wh | 5300 mAh, 90 Wh |
As you can see from the table, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is superior to its predecessor in a number of ways, but the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is still an extremely powerful device, especially when you consider its price in the secondary market or through parallel imports.
How much will Xiaomi 13 Ultra cost in 2026?
The official recommended price of Xiaomi 13 Ultra in China at the time of release was:
- 💰 8 GB + 256 GB — ~74 999 CNY (~80 000 ₽).
- 💰 12 GB + 256 GB — ~79 999 CNY (~85 000 ₽).
- 💰 16 GB + 512 GB — ~86 999 CNY (~93 000 ₽).
- 💰 16 GB + 1 TB — ~94 999 CNY (~102 000 ₽).
However, in 2026, the situation has changed: in the secondary market (for example, on Avito or Yula), the prices for Xiaomi 13 Ultra range from 60,000 to 75,000. ₽ If the model is still released officially, its cost in Russia could be 85,000-95,000 ₽, Which makes it less attractive compared to Xiaomi 14 Ultra (from 110,000). ₽).
⚠️ Note: When buying through parallel imports (such as AliExpress or Chinese stores), pay attention to regional firmware. 4G/5G in Russia, and also have restrictions on the operation of Google Play and banking applications.
Where can I buy Xiaomi 13 Ultra right now?
If you don’t want to wait for the official release, there are several ways to buy Xiaomi 13 Ultra today:
- Parallel imports are stores that bring devices from China without an official warranty: 🛒 AliExpress (sellers with a rating above 98%). 🛒 Banggood or Gearbest. 🛒 Local retailers (for example, "Svyaznoy" or "M. Video" sometimes offer "gray" devices).
Secondary market
Avito
yula
Telegram
Foreign marketplaces
Amazon
eBay
When buying through parallel import, be sure to clarify:
☑️ What to check before buying Xiaomi 13 Ultra?
⚠️ Some sellers offer Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Chinese firmware (China) ROM). These devices do not have Google Play and may work unstable with Russian devices. SIM-Before buying, ask the seller for a screenshot of the Settings menu → About the phone to make sure the firmware version.
Should you wait for Xiaomi 13 Ultra or better take Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
This is a key question for many potential buyers, and let's compare the pros and cons of both options:
| Criteria | Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price. | ~60 000–90 000 ₽ (secondary/import) | 110,000 ₽ (officially) |
| ⚡ Productivity | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (still top-end) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (on 20-30% faster) |
| 📸 Camera | Great, but without some Leica chips from 14 Ultra | Improved processing, better night mode |
| 🔋 Autonomy | 5000 mAh, enough for a day | 5300 mAh, a little longer |
| 🛡️ Guarantee | No official (risk) | 12–24 months (in Russia) |
Who is the Xiaomi 13 Ultra?
- 🎯 Those who are looking for a photo flagship at a lower price.
- 🎯 Enthusiasts willing to put up with the lack of official guarantees.
- 🎯 Users who don’t need the latest bells and whistles like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Who is better off with Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
- 🎯 Those who want official guarantee and support in Russia.
- 🎯 Gamers and fans of maximum productivity.
- 🎯 Those who plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2-3 years.
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If you need a camera and are willing to save money, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a great choice. If warranty and the latest technology are important, take the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?
If you don’t want to wait for uncertainty with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra release or buy it through a parallel import, consider the following alternatives:
- 📱 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – a logical upgrade with the best processor and camera. Price: from 110,000 ₽.
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the main competitor with a great screen and stylus.Price: from 90,000 ₽.
- 📱 iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best ecosystem and video, but weaker than handheld photos. Price: from 120,000 ₽.
- 📱 Realme GT The 5 Pro is a more budget flagship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Price: from 70,000 ₽.
- 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro — almost the same specs, but without a ceramic body and variable aperture.Price: from 65,000 ₽.
If the camera is critical for you, the best alternatives are the Samsung Galaxy. S23 Ultra (due to versatility) or iPhone 15 Pro Max (due to video stability). If design and premium are important, then the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with a titanium body looks preferable.
Why Xiaomi 13 Ultra is not released globally
Reviews of experts and users about Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Despite the lack of a global release, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra has received high marks from experts and users in China.
- 👍 DxOMark put the camera Xiaomi 13 Ultra 146 points (2nd place in the ranking at the time of release, second only to Huawei). P60 Particularly noted are the detailing and color reproduction in Leica mode.
- 👍 GSMArena called the smartphone one of the best in terms of performance and screen quality, but criticized for the large weight (227 g) and the lack of a slot for memory cards.
- 👎 Users on forums (4PDA, XDA) complain of overheating during long-term video shooting in 8K Slow charging against competitors (for example, Realme) GT Neo 5 supports 150 watts).
Overall, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra receives high marks for:
- 🔹 Photo and video quality (especially in manual modes).
- 🔹 Premium design (ceramics) + aluminum).
- 🔹 Performance (enough for any task in 2026).
But there are downsides:
- 🔸 Lack of official support outside China.
- 🔸 High price in the secondary market (compared to Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- 🔸 Large weight and dimensions (inconvenient to use with one hand).