Xiaomi 13T vs Motorola Edge (2023): Which Mid-Range Champion Reigns Supreme?

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Edge (2023) and Xiaomi 13T represent compelling options. The Motorola Edge (2023) aims for a balanced experience, while the Xiaomi 13T prioritizes raw performance and extended battery life, making a direct comparison crucial for discerning buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 13T emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset delivers significantly better performance, and its impressive 12:23h active use battery life surpasses the Motorola Edge (2023)'s capabilities. While the Motorola Edge offers wireless charging, the Xiaomi 13T’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Edge (2023) Xiaomi 13T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, October 112023, September 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, October 11Available. Released 2023, September 26
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather)Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back or silicone polymer back, plastic frame
Dimensions158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm (6.24 x 2.83 x 0.30 in)162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)193 g or 197 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC3Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 13, planned upgrade to Android 14Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.4, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, HDR10+
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/k/v/r, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min
TypeLi-Po 4400 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsEclipse BlackAlpine Blue, Meadow Green, Black
Models-2306EPN60G
Price$ 189.95$ 255.96 / £ 326.27 / € 204.18
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)

Motorola Edge (2023)

  • Wireless charging offers added convenience.
  • Potentially cleaner software experience (Motorola's near-stock Android).
  • Slightly faster wired charging (68W vs 67W).

  • Less powerful chipset (Dimensity 7030 vs 8200 Ultra).
  • Likely shorter battery life based on chipset efficiency.
  • Display likely lacks the peak brightness of the Xiaomi 13T.

Xiaomi 13T

  • Significantly more powerful Dimensity 8200 Ultra chipset.
  • Exceptional battery life (12:23h active use).
  • Brighter display (1264 nits peak brightness).

  • Lacks wireless charging.
  • Xiaomi's MIUI software can be more cluttered.
  • Charging time is 42 minutes, slightly slower than theoretical Edge 2023.

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13T boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1264 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the Motorola Edge (2023). This higher brightness translates to improved visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the Xiaomi 13T’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor users. Details regarding refresh rate and panel technology (LTPO) are missing for the Motorola Edge (2023), potentially indicating a less advanced display compared to the 13T.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications beyond 'Photo / Video' are absent for both devices. However, given Xiaomi’s history, the 13T likely features a more versatile camera system with a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Motorola Edge (2023) may focus on software-driven enhancements, but the Xiaomi 13T’s hardware advantage is probable. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance definitively.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 13T’s MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Motorola Edge (2023)’s Dimensity 7030 (6nm). The 8200 Ultra’s CPU configuration – 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is more powerful than the Edge’s 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. This means the Xiaomi 13T will maintain higher performance levels for longer periods.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 13T excels in battery performance, achieving an impressive 12:23h of active use. While the Motorola Edge (2023)’s battery capacity is unknown, the 13T’s endurance rating of 101 hours suggests a significantly larger battery or more efficient power management. Charging speeds are comparable – 67W wired for the Xiaomi 13T (fully charging in 42 minutes) and 68W for the Motorola Edge (2023). The Motorola Edge (2023) adds 15W wireless charging, a convenience the Xiaomi 13T lacks, but the 13T’s superior battery life mitigates this advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Edge (2023) if you prioritize a cleaner software experience and the convenience of wireless charging. Buy the Xiaomi 13T if you demand superior processing power for gaming and demanding applications, and value exceptional battery endurance for all-day use. The 13T is the better pick for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Xiaomi 13T's Dimensity 8200 Ultra get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8200 Ultra's 4nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks, the 13T is less prone to significant throttling compared to devices with less efficient chipsets. Xiaomi also incorporates cooling solutions to manage temperatures effectively.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 13T fast enough for daily use?
Yes, the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 13T is very fast, fully charging the device in approximately 42 minutes. This is more than sufficient for overnight charging or quickly topping up the battery during short breaks. While the Motorola Edge (2023) has slightly faster wired charging, the 13T’s superior battery life reduces the need for frequent charging.
❓ How does Motorola's My UX software compare to Xiaomi's MIUI in terms of bloatware?
Motorola's My UX is known for its near-stock Android experience, offering minimal bloatware and a cleaner interface. Xiaomi's MIUI, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and services that some users may consider bloatware. This is a key differentiator for users who prefer a streamlined software experience.