Why Xiaomi 13 Ultra Release Date Was the Event of the Year
Xiaomi’s flagship 13 Ultra smartphone was one of the most anticipated gadgets of 2023 — and for good reason. It combined cutting-edge technology in mobile photography, performance and design to set new standards for premium devices. But when exactly did it officially launch, and what preceded that event?
For many tech enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra release date was a turning point: the company first introduced a device with a 1-inch sensor main camera from Sony, designed specifically for mobile devices. This decision radically changed the approach to shooting on smartphones, bringing them closer in quality to professional cameras. However, the process of announcing was accompanied by intrigue: the model was originally expected to be released simultaneously with the Xiaomi 13 line in December 2022, but plans changed.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the timeline of the release, the technical nuances that made the Xiaomi 13 Ultra unique, and give practical advice to those who are considering buying this flagship today – a year after the premiere.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra release date: chronology of events
The specific release date of Xiaomi 13 Ultra was announced only a few weeks before the presentation.
- 📅 December 2022 – The announcement of the base models Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro without mentioning the Ultra version.
- 🔍 February 2023 - The first leaks with specifications and design renders appear.Sources claimed the camera would be revolutionary.
- 📢 April 18, 2023 – Xiaomi 13 Ultra officially announced at the presentation in Beijing, Simultaneously with the Chinese market, the model became available to global buyers through import.
- 🛒 April 21, 2023 – Start of sales in China, the first batches sold out in a few hours despite the high price (from 5,999 yuan for the base version).
Interestingly, Xiaomi chose the strategy of “late announcement”: usually Ultra-models came out along with the main line, but this time the company decided to wait for the readiness of the unique sensor Sony IMX989 (1 inch, 50 MP), which became the main trump card of the device. This step was justified: according to Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi 13 Ultra became the best-selling premium smartphone in China in the second quarter of 2023.
⚠️ Note: The first batch of Xiaomi 13 Ultra went on sale with pre-installed Chinese firmware MIUI CN, It does not support Google Mobile Services (GMS). Global version of the MIUI Global only appeared in June 2023.
Technical specifications: what made Xiaomi 13 Ultra unique
The 2023 flagship was not only a camera, but also a complex of innovations.
| Characteristics | Parameter | Comparison with Xiaomi 12S Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | 20% more productive in AnTuTu tests |
| Main camera. | Sony IMX989 (1, 50 MP, f/1.9 or f/4.0) | 72% larger sensor area than the 12S Ultra IMX707 |
| Screen. | AMOLED 6.73", 2K (3200×1440), 120 Hz, LTPO | Brightness up to 2600 nits (vs 1500 nits from its predecessor) |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 90W wired + 50W wireless charging | Capacity increased by 11%, charging speed increased by 25% |
| Cooling | Loop LiquidCool system with steam chamber | Processor temperature is lower by 10°C when loaded |
The Leica optical system, which was modified specifically for Xiaomi, deserves special attention. 13 Unlike the previous models, there were two versions of the aperture (f/1.9 for night photography and f/4.0 For daytime, as well as the unique color profiles of Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant, this allowed to achieve a professional level of detail even in the field of color reproduction. RAW-format.
Another know-how is the ultra-thin protective glass over the cameras, which reduced the module's protrusion by 20 percent compared to the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which the company's engineers patented to avoid damage from falls.
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If you buy Xiaomi 13 Ultra handheld, be sure to check the integrity of the security glass over the cameras – its replacement costs 15-20% of the cost of the smartphone.
Comparison with its predecessor: Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Xiaomi 12S Ultra
To understand the evolution of the line, compare the two flagships:
- 📸 Camera: 13 Ultra received a sensor IMX989 instead IMX707, This increased the level of detail by 40% (according to the tests). DXOMARK). Also there is a telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom (vs 4.8).× bal 12S Ultra).
- ⚡ Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 – the difference in Geekbench 6 was ~15% in favor of the new chip.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Battery capacity increased from 4860 mAh to 5000 mAh, and wireless charging speed – from 50W before 50W (But now it's back-charging. 10W accessories).
- 🎨 Display: Peak brightness increased from 1,500 to 2,600 nits, and refresh rate is now adaptive (1-120 Hz) instead of fixed.
Not all of the changes were positive, however, such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra losing the 3.5mm headphone jack that was stored in the 12S Ultra, and some users have noted that the new IMX989 sensor warms up more when shooting long-term 8K video.
⚠️ Note: When buying used Xiaomi 13 Ultra check the serial number on the official website of Xiaomi – the first batch had problems with overheating of the camera, which was fixed in the revision of 23.4.1.0 firmware.
Where and how to buy Xiaomi 13 Ultra in 2026: expert advice
A year after the release of Xiaomi 13 Ultra remains a popular device, but its purchase has nuances:
- Official channels: 🌍 The global version is available on the Mi Store (Europe/Asia) and partners (Amazon, AliExpress: ~$1100–$1300 depending on memory. 🇷🇺 In Russia, it is sold through "gray" imports (guarantee 1 year from local dealers.
B/w market:
- 🔄 Nana Avito/Yule prices start from 80 thousand rubles, but the risk of running into a "Chinese" firmware without GMS high.
- 🛡️ Check it out. IMEI via *#06# and imei.info – some devices may have been imported illegally.
When buying, pay attention to the firmware version:
- 📱 MIUI Global – supports Google Play and Russian language.
- 📱 MIUI CN — without Google services, only Chinese/English interface.
- 📱 MIUI EEA — European version with full support NFC contactless.
☑️ Xiaomi 13 Ultra Checks Before Buying
If you are planning to use a smartphone for professional shooting, note that Xiaomi 13 Ultra supports the use of the smartphone. LOG-video profile (10-bit D-Log, but you’ll need a PC with Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.
Frequent Problems and How to Avoid Them: User Experience
Despite its premium status, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is not without childhood illnesses, and here are the most common complaints and ways to address them:
- 🔥 Overheating during video shooting 8K: Turn off background applications and use an external battery to power you while you're recording.In firmware 23.10.1.0, the problem is partially fixed.
- 📵 Poor network reception in some regions: Update modem software through Settings → The phone. → Update of the software. For Russia, the version is relevant V14.0.6.0.TMBCNXM.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off Permanent time display (AOD) Limit background activity through Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
- 📸 Artifacts in the photo at zoom 10×: This is a feature of software zoom. For best results, use a tripod and manual focus.
One of Xiaomi's most controversial decisions is the lack of official IP68 water protection, which, although the case is slurry-proof, does not declare water protection, and users have tested the device for splash resistance, but submersion is fraught with failure.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi 13 Ultra?
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Alternatives in 2026: Should You Overpay?
If you're considering buying Xiaomi 13 Ultra today, it makes sense to compare it to the newer flagships.
| Model | Advantages | Deficiencies | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Sony IMX989 (1) Sensor, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, IP68 | Price 30% higher, no revolutionary changes to the camera | ~$1500 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | 200 MP main camera, S Pen, IP68 | Less detailed photos in the dark | ~$1200 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Best Video Stabilization, USB-C, Apple’s Ecosystem | Closed system, no manual camera settings like Leica | ~$1400 |
| Vivo X100 Pro | Sony IMX989 (1) sensor, Zeiss optics, 100W charging | Weak global support, no official sales in Europe | ~$1300 |
The question is, should you buy Xiaomi 13 Ultra in 2026?
- ✅ Yes, if: You want the best camera in your class for a reasonable price, and you're willing to put up with the lack of a camera. IP68.
- ❌ Not if: Water protection, the latest version of the processor or the Apple ecosystem is important.
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The Xiaomi 13 Ultra remains the best choice for photographers thanks to its unique IMX989 sensor and Leica optics, but for everyday use in 2026, it’s worth considering the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.