OnePlus Ace 5 vs Xiaomi 13T: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus Ace 5 and Xiaomi 13T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-to-high range smartphone market. The Ace 5 arrives with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, promising raw power, while the 13T leverages the well-regarded Dimensity 8200 Ultra and focuses on a balanced experience. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Ace 5 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. However, the Xiaomi 13T offers excellent battery life and a bright display, making it a strong contender for those valuing longevity and media consumption.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Ace 5 Xiaomi 13T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, December 262023, September 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, December 26Available. Released 2023, September 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Crystal Shield Glass), glass back (Crystal Shield Glass), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back or silicone polymer back, plastic frame
Dimensions161.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.37 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g or 223 g (7.27 oz)193 g or 197 g (6.81 oz)
Display
ProtectionCrystal Shield GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 15, ColorOS 15Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLeica lens, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, HDR10+
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 55.4, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (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/6/7, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 18W PD, 55% in 15 min, 100% in 35 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6415 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, GreenAlpine Blue, Meadow Green, Black
ModelsPKG1102306EPN60G
PriceAbout 300 EUR$ 255.96 / £ 326.27 / € 204.18
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)

OnePlus Ace 5

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
  • Faster charging speed (80W)
  • Potential for higher gaming frame rates

  • Potentially shorter battery life
  • Cooling system performance is unknown

Xiaomi 13T

  • Excellent battery life (12:23h active use)
  • Bright display (1264 nits)
  • Balanced overall experience

  • Less powerful processor (Dimensity 8200 Ultra)
  • Slower charging speed (67W)

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 13T boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1264 nits. While the Ace 5’s display specs are currently unavailable, Xiaomi’s peak brightness is ideal for outdoor visibility. The 13T’s panel technology is likely AMOLED, common in this price range, but without knowing the Ace 5’s panel type (LTPO or standard AMOLED) or refresh rate, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the 13T’s brightness advantage is a clear win for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs for both devices are limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer that the Xiaomi 13T likely prioritizes a versatile camera system with a focus on image processing. The Ace 5, geared towards performance, may have a more streamlined camera setup. Without knowing sensor sizes, aperture values, or OIS implementation, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. We can assume both phones will offer capable main cameras, but the Xiaomi 13T’s image processing algorithms are likely more refined for everyday photography.

Performance

The OnePlus Ace 5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the Xiaomi 13T’s Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core, clocked at 3.3 GHz, offers significantly higher single-core performance than the 13T’s Cortex-A78 core at 3.1 GHz. The Snapdragon’s architecture, with its three Cortex-A720 cores at 3.2 GHz, also provides a performance edge in multi-threaded tasks. While both chips are built on a 4nm process, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s newer architecture and higher clock speeds translate to superior gaming performance and faster application loading times. The Ace 5’s potential for sustained performance will depend on its cooling solution, but the chipset itself is a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 13T shines in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 12:23h and an endurance rating of 101h. This suggests excellent power efficiency. The OnePlus Ace 5, while featuring 80W wired charging (significantly faster than the 13T’s 67W), may sacrifice some battery life for its higher performance. The Ace 5 can reach 55% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes, while the 13T takes 42 minutes for a full charge. The 13T’s longer battery life is a significant advantage for users who prioritize all-day usage, while the Ace 5’s faster charging mitigates downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Ace 5 if you demand the absolute fastest performance for gaming and demanding applications, and are willing to trade some battery life for it. Buy the Xiaomi 13T if you prioritize all-day battery life, a vibrant display for media, and a more balanced overall experience without sacrificing significant performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus Ace 5 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerful chip, and thermal throttling is always a possibility. However, the 4nm process and Qualcomm’s optimizations should mitigate this. The Ace 5’s cooling system (details currently unavailable) will be crucial in maintaining sustained performance. Expect some heat, but likely not to the point of significant performance degradation.
❓ Does the Xiaomi 13T support high refresh rate gaming, and what frame rates can be expected in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
While the 13T’s display refresh rate is unknown, it likely supports at least 120Hz. The Dimensity 8200 Ultra is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or potentially higher depending on graphics settings). However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, so expect some frame drops during extended gaming sessions.
❓ What kind of charging protocol does the OnePlus Ace 5 support beyond 80W wired charging?
The context data indicates the Ace 5 supports 18W PD charging. This allows for slower, but more versatile charging with compatible USB-C chargers and power banks. It's likely it also supports standard USB-PD PPS for optimized charging with compatible chargers.