Xiaomi 13 Ultra Design teased ahead of April 18 launch; Looks more like a camera than a phone

Xiaomi 13 Ultra is expected to launch in China on April 18. Ahead of the launch, the Chinese manufacturer started teasing several aspects of the phone. More recently, the company revealed some details about the camera sensors used in the smartphone. Now the company has given us an official first look at the design of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and it looks more like a camera than a smartphone. The next flagship is expected to succeed the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and will feature cameras tuned by Leica.

In a recent Weibo post, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared some promotional images of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which tease the design of the upcoming handset. This is a silhouette image of the smartphone with a camera-like design. Jun wrote in the post, “With the blessing of this suit, the phone turns into a camera! Mi 13 Ultra offers a full range of professional photography. There are so many fun things in this set,” and added that more information will be disclosed and discussed at the press conference.

Although it’s not very clear, from the message, it can be assumed that the camera-like bump and grip seen in the promotional image is an external case that can be attached and detached from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Importantly, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept allowed users to attach a Leica M-series lens module to its body, so it’s possible Xiaomi will implement a similar mechanism this time around.

The company says the Xiaomi 13 Ultra “is a professional imaging device, not a camera phone.” (translated) The official message also adds that during the launch press conference on April 18, a single model of the phone will be offered for “re-evaluation”.

Earlier today, the handset was confirmed to feature Leica-tuned cameras with special Summicron lenses and Sony IMX989 and Sony IMX858 sensors. The quad-camera setup will feature a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 sensor and three 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 sensors which are said to offer enhanced noise reduction technologies and HDR features.

According to previous reports, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra could be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal storage. The handset is said to feature a 6.7-inch WQHD+ AMOLED LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The smartphone should also be equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is expected to come with MIUI 14 based on Android 13. It could also pack a 4,900mAh battery with 90W fast charging capabilities, according to leaked reports.

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