Xiaomi 13 looks like: photos, design and materials of the case in 2026

Xiaomi 13 has become one of the most talked-about flagships of 2023, not only because of its performance, but also because of its unique design. If you are planning to buy or just wondering what this model looks like live, our review will help you to understand all the nuances. Here you will find detailed photos of the case, material analysis, comparison with previous generations and even hidden design chips that are not written in the official specifications.

Unlike many of its competitors, Xiaomi in the 13th series has been betting on minimalism and premium. But what does it look like in practice? Spoiler: there is no revolutionary change here compared to the Xiaomi 12, but every detail is worked out to the smallest detail — from the shape of the camera to the texture of the glass rear panel.

If you've already held the Xiaomi 13 Pro, it looks familiar to you, but there are differences, and they're significant. Next, we'll take everything from the size to the color options that are available in 2026.

Dimensions and ergonomics: is it convenient to hold Xiaomi 13 in one hand?

Official sizes of Xiaomi 13 — 152.8 × 71.5 × 7.98 mm 189 D (glass back version) It sounds compact on paper, but how does it really work?

For comparison: iPhone 14 sized 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 — 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 So, it turns out that Xiaomi 13 wider and higher than competitors, but thinner than the Galaxy S23 on 0.38 Weight difference is minimal: iPhone 14 weight 172 d. and Galaxy S23 — 168 That is, Xiaomi is noticeably heavier, and it is felt with prolonged use.

On the other hand, a flat screen (without curved edges like the Xiaomi 12) makes the smartphone visually narrower. And thanks to the rounded side faces and matte aluminum inserts around the perimeter, the phone does not slip out of your hand. Only the fingers sometimes cling to the camera module - but more on that in the next section.

• 📏 Width 71.5 mm – perfectly fits in the palm of your hand, but stretching your thumb to the top corner of the screen is difficult.
• ⚖️ Weight 189g – heavier than most flagships of 2023, but balanced.
• 🖐️ 7.98 mm thick is a thin body, but the camera protrudes by 3 mm, which spoils the impression.
• 🔄 Symmetrical frames – the upper and lower edges of the screen are the same (1.6 mm), which gives a balanced appearance.

⚠️ Note: If you’re used to lightweight smartphones (like the Google Pixel 7 weighs 197g, but it’s distributed differently), the early days with the Xiaomi 13 can seem uncomfortable, especially when reading books or playing long-term gaming sessions.

Rear panel design: glass, colors and Leica signature

The back of the Xiaomi 13 is made of hardened glass Gorilla Glass Victus with a matte coating (in Black and White versions) or glossy (in Blue and Green versions). Matte versions are less dirty and do not slide, but collect micro scratches faster than glossy ones, and they also have almost no fingerprints — a big plus for perfectionists.

The main feature of the design is the camera module, which now occupies a full third of the top of the body, and it's a rectangle with rounded corners and metal edges, and inside it is three lenses and a Leica branding. By the way, the Leica logo is not just a sticker, it's engraved, and it feels like a touch.

Color options Xiaomi 13 in 2026:

• ⚫ Black is a classic matte black, looks strict and premium.
• ⚪ White - matte white with a light pearl tint (shimmering in the sun).
• 🔵 Blue - deep blue with glossy coating, the most "youthful" option.
• 🟢 Green – dark green with matte coating, rare and most expensive on the secondary market.
• 🟤 Flora Green – exclusive option with skin texture (only in some regions).

Fun fact: Flora Green's version of the back panel mimics the skin, but it's actually the same glass case with a unique coating that feels like vegan skin, but it's less practical, it wears off over time.

Camera module: why is it so big and does it interfere with use?

Xiaomi camera module 13 — It's a separate topic of discussion, and it occupies almost a third of the top of the body, and it's speaking on the floor. 3 It's got a metal edge. Why is there so much space? It's all about collaborating with Leica, where you use large sensors — 1/1.28") and aperture optics f/1.8–f/2.2, This requires additional space for stabilization.

In practice, this means:

• 📸 The phone doesn't lie flat on the table, it swings on the camera module, you have to put the screen down or use a stand.
• 👆 It is inconvenient to hold one hand when taking photos – the finger constantly clings to the protrusion.
• 🛡️ Without a case, the camera glass scratches almost immediately (even on the table).
• 🔦 The flash is not located in the center, but on the side - this is unusual and requires addiction.

On the other hand, this design has pluses:

• 🎨 Recognisable look – Xiaomi 13 is not confused with any other smartphone.
• 🔍 Easy to find a camera by touch (useful for blind shooting).
• 💎 Metal edging protects the glass of the lenses from chipping.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use the Xiaomi 13 without a case, be prepared for the fact that over time, the camera module will appear microcracks. Even with careful handling - it's a matter of time.

Front panel: screen, frames and speakers

Front of Xiaomi 13 It looks minimalist: flat. AMOLED-It's a screen with thin bezels, a central opening for the front camera, and barely visible sensors — 2400 × 1080 (FHD+), refresh rate — 120 Hz, and the brightness reaches 1900 It's in peak mode. But what does it look like in reality?

First, the frames here are really thin:

• The upper and lower - 1.6 mm each.
• Side - 1.4 mm (almost invisible).

For comparison: the iPhone 14 lower frame thicker by 0.5 mm, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 — 0.3 mm.

Second, the camera hole is only 3.6mm in diameter, one of the most compact solutions on the market, and it doesn't catch your eye or interfere with your video, and there's no infrared sensor (unlike the Xiaomi 12), so the top frame is even thinner.

And then finally, the stereo speakers, which are on the sides of the screen.

• 🔊 The top speaker is hidden in a frame above the screen.
• 🔊 The bottom is in the cutout next to USB-C.

The sound is powerful and clear, but when horizontally holding the smartphone, the bottom speaker is easily closed with a finger - this is a minus for gamers.

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To test the symmetry of the screen frames, open the white image to the full screen and look at it from an angle. If one of the frames seems wider, it is a build defect (rarely, but it occurs).

Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 14: What has changed?

Compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 (Xiaomi 12), the changes are not revolutionary, but are not.

But with Xiaomi 14, the differences are more serious.

• 📱 Xiaomi 14 thinner by 0.5 mm and lighter by 4 g, but due to the titanium body in the Pro version, the weight increased.
• 🎨 The design of the camera has become more angular, and the module itself is less protruding.
• 🔄 The screen now supports 1–120 Hz LTPO (Xiaomi 13 — only 60/120 Hz).
• 🖌️ New colors have appeared, such as Pink, which was not in the 13th series.

If you choose between the Xiaomi 13 and the Xiaomi 14, it’s not a big difference in design, but the Xiaomi 13 still looks modern in 2026, especially in exclusive colors like Flora Green.

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Xiaomi 13 is the middle ground between the compact Xiaomi 12 and the futuristic Xiaomi 14.It has kept premium, but no frills, making it relevant even a year after its release.

Covers and accessories: what fits the Xiaomi 13?

Due to the unique camera module and flat screen, not all Xiaomi 12 cases will fit the Xiaomi 13.

• 📦 Original cases from Xiaomi: 🛡️ Clear Case – transparent, thin, but does not protect against blows. 🧳 Leather Case – leather, with magnetic mount for pop socket. 💎 Glitter Case – Brilliant, for Women’s Design.
• 🔧 Third-party covers: 🛡️ Spigen Thin Fit is minimalist, doesn’t close the camera. 🏋️ Ringke Fusion-X - with enhanced protection and stand. 🎮 GameSir X2 — Gamer case with cooler (suitable for Xiaomi 13).
• 🔋 Accessories: 🔌 Xiaomi wireless charging 50W — Compatible but requires precise positioning. 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones are optimized for this smartphone.

Important: because of the protruding module of the camera cases without additional protection for lenses are useless. It is better to choose models with a recess under the camera or protruding side (for example, Spigen Tough Armor).

The cutout under the camera is accurate and does not cover the lenses

The buttons are pressed easily, without backlash.

Supported wireless charging (if needed)

The material is not slippery (especially for glossy flowers)-->

Where to buy Xiaomi 13 in 2026 and how much is it worth?

In 2026, the Xiaomi 13 is no longer on sale in official stores as a new model, but it is easy to find.

• 🛒 Secondary Market (Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace) – prices from 30,000 to 45,000 ₽ conditionally.
• 🌍 Chinese stores (AliExpress, Taobao) – new devices at 28,000-35,000 ₽, without warranty.
• 🏬 Xiaomi Service Centers – sometimes sell refurbished devices with a warranty (from 35 000 USD) ₽).
• 📦 Sales (for example, on Black Friday) – you can grab for 25,000-30,000 ₽.

When buying a used product, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery status (check in ##4636## → «Battery information»).
• 📸 Camera performance (test photos in different modes).
• 🛠️ The presence of traces of repair (check the screws on the bottom of the case - if they are scratched, the body was opened).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi is often sold in the secondary market 13R (Chinese version) under the guise of the regular Xiaomi 13. NFC, other firmware and only Chinese/English. Check the model in settings: Settings → The phone. → Model.

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If you buy a smartphone with your hands, ask the seller to remove it. IMEI from the box and check with what the phone shows (dial *#06#) This will protect against buying stolen or gray devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the appearance of Xiaomi 13