The OnePlus Turbo and Xiaomi 13T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-to-high range smartphone market. The Turbo arrives with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, aiming for raw power, while the 13T leverages the well-regarded Dimensity 8200 Ultra, prioritizing a balanced experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing peak performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Turbo emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a significant leap in CPU and GPU capabilities. However, the Xiaomi 13T provides excellent battery life and a bright display, making it a strong contender for those seeking a more balanced, all-around experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2023, September 26 |
| Status | Rumored | Available. Released 2023, September 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back or silicone polymer back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 193 g or 197 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~459 ppi density) | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 109.1 cm2 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz | AMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 840 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 16, ColorOS 16 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Up to 512GB | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Leica 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 |
| Video | 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30fps (HDR10+), 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, HDR10+ |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 100W wired
Bypass charging | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 8000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Alpine Blue, Meadow Green, Black |
| Models | - | 2306EPN60G |
| Price | - | $ 255.96 / £ 326.27 / € 204.18 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
OnePlus Turbo
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Potentially better thermal management due to 3nm process
- Faster 100W charging with bypass charging
- Battery capacity currently unknown
- Display specifications currently unavailable
Xiaomi 13T
- Excellent battery life (12:23h active use, 101h endurance)
- Bright 1264 nit display
- Fast 67W charging with PD3.0/QC4 support
- Less powerful processor compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- 4nm process may result in more thermal throttling
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi 13T boasts a measured peak brightness of 1264 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the OnePlus Turbo’s display specifications are currently unavailable, it’s reasonable to expect a high-quality panel given OnePlus’s track record. The 13T’s brightness is a clear advantage, and the absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rates to conserve power. Color accuracy and panel type (likely AMOLED for both) will be crucial differentiators, but currently unknown for the Turbo.
Camera Comparison
The Xiaomi 13T is advertised with a versatile camera system, including photo and video capabilities. However, specific sensor details are missing. The OnePlus Turbo’s camera specifications are also currently unavailable. Without knowing sensor sizes, lens apertures, and image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s likely both phones will offer competent camera performance for everyday use, but the Turbo’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could provide an edge in low-light photography and video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Turbo’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, built on a 3nm process, features a unique Oryon V3 Phoenix CPU architecture (2x4.6 GHz + 6x3.62 GHz). This contrasts sharply with the Xiaomi 13T’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 + 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) fabricated on a 4nm node. The Snapdragon’s Oryon cores are expected to deliver significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming experiences. The 3nm process also implies better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The 13T’s Dimensity 8200 Ultra remains a capable performer, but it’s a generation behind in terms of raw processing power.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi 13T shines in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 12:23h and an endurance rating of 101h. Its 67W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC4, replenishes the battery to 100% in 42 minutes. The OnePlus Turbo counters with a faster 100W wired charging solution and bypass charging, potentially reducing heat during charging. However, the Turbo’s battery capacity is unknown. The 13T’s longer battery life is a significant advantage for users who prioritize all-day usage, while the Turbo’s faster charging mitigates downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Turbo if you demand the absolute fastest performance for gaming, demanding applications, and long-term usability. Its cutting-edge chipset will remain competitive for years to come. Buy the Xiaomi 13T if you prioritize all-day battery life, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a more refined software experience, all at a potentially lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the OnePlus Turbo overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The 3nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is designed to improve thermal efficiency compared to previous generations. While demanding games will inevitably generate heat, the Turbo is expected to manage temperatures more effectively than devices with older chipsets, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 13T fast enough, or should I prioritize the OnePlus Turbo's 100W charging?
67W charging is still very fast, fully charging the Xiaomi 13T in 42 minutes. However, the OnePlus Turbo’s 100W charging will be noticeably quicker. The choice depends on your charging habits; if you frequently need to top up quickly, the Turbo’s faster charging is beneficial. If you typically charge overnight, the difference is less significant.
❓ Does the Xiaomi 13T support high refresh rate gaming, and what frame rates can I expect in popular titles?
While the Xiaomi 13T's display refresh rate isn't specified, it likely supports at least 120Hz. The Dimensity 8200 Ultra is capable of running most popular games at high frame rates. Expect smooth gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, potentially reaching 60-90fps depending on graphics settings.
