As someone who loves pushing the limits of smartphone photography, I was intrigued when Xiaomi announced its new camera kit for its Xiaomi 13 Ultra flagship smartphone. Xiaomi has made a name for itself by offering premium features and specs at budget prices, often undercutting the competition, along with offering tech that may not be seen from other brands, so I knew I was in for something interesting.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra offered up some incredibly impressive camera hardware that I fell in love with when I first tested it. Featuring a massive 1-inch image sensor co-developed with legendary camera company Leica, it is hard not to wish for a way to use the hardware in a more professional way. I was excited to see how the 13 Ultra could compete with dedicated point-and-shoot cameras, and the new kit seemed to give new ways to achieve this goal.
This is where the optional camera kit comes into the picture, featuring accessories like a camera grip, wireless shutter button, and 67mm filter mount. After getting my hands on the 13 Ultra and full camera kit, I put it through its paces in a variety of real-world shooting scenarios to see if these accessories really take smartphone photography to the next level.
My review kit came neatly packed in official Xiaomi branded boxes, with each accessory nicely nestled into foam cutouts. At first glance, the materials and build quality seem excellent, on par with premium phone cases and camera accessories from high-end brands. It felt fantastic to open and even better to slide the phone into and use.
Available in either white or green (I tested the green offering), the camera grip case is thick and rigid, with cutouts providing access to all ports and buttons. It adds some heft but improves handling by making the phone easier to hold horizontally for shooting. The grip connects via Bluetooth and charges over USB-C.
“Xiaomi is clearly signalling the future of mobile imaging, and it’s a very bright future indeed.”
The wireless shutter button is lightweight and comfortable to hold. It features a two-stage shutter button, allowing you to focus and then capture an image. The zoom toggle wheel lets you adjust the focal length without touching the screen. I was surprised with how well it all felt, giving the feeling of holding a true point-and-shoot, with the small touches like the two-stage shutter button adding to the overall concept.
Rounding out the kit is the 67mm filter thread adapter. This screws into the camera array area, allowing you to mount filters and other attachments to enhance image quality. The kit also includes a spring-loaded lens cap to protect the camera when not in use. I picked up a range of ND filters and was happy to see how they all screwed into the mount with relative ease.
There is a wide range of filters you can pick up, and as long as they fit a 67mm lens, you can grab anything you think would suit your needs. And with prices ranging from around $25 to well over $100, this adds a whole new level to your smartphone camera kit that could be very exciting for new and experienced photographers.
Even before jumping into using the gear, the accessories exude a premium feel, with robust construction that should hold up well to daily use. The ergonomic grip and physical controls transform the experience, making the Xiaomi 13 Ultra feel more like shooting with an actual camera. I have to commend Xiaomi for the level of quality seen in all aspects; they make the package feel like it is well worth the investment.
Now that everything was installed, it was time to put the Xiaomi 13 Ultra camera kit through its paces, and I carried it with me as my primary camera for two weeks. I shot photos and videos in a variety of situations, everything from work events around the world to nights out on the town.
Right off the bat, the camera grip made a noticeable difference in comfort and stability. By adding some thickness and contour, the phone sits much better in hand, allowing a solid grip for horizontal shooting. The increased leverage also helps offset the hefty weight of the Xioami 13 Ultra with its large camera hardware.
The wireless shutter button was invaluable for capturing sharper images. A tactile button to activate the shutter meant less camera shake than tapping the screen. The two-stage design also encouraged me to pay more attention to focus and composition before firing. I have always loved the feel of a real camera, and while not perfect, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra grip comes very close to what that is like. Something I find I am missing when using any other phone.
Perhaps most importantly, the physical controls put me in more of a photography mindset, helping me slow down, frame the subject properly, and consider settings like exposure before capturing rather than just snapping away haphazardly. It feels more as if I am using a physical camera, with shots meaning much more than a throwaway snap that will be lost forever once I am happy with it.
This all works well thanks to the image quality on offer in the 13 Ultra, and with the added gear, I was impressed me with rich detail, vibrant colour, and excellent dynamic range, even in tricky mixed lighting. The massive 1-inch sensor and Leica co-engineering really shine through, capturing shots comparable to what I’d expect from a high-end point-and-shoot camera.
As I mentioned in my review, I was also blown away by the 13 Ultra’s low-light capabilities. It was able to capture remarkably clean, sharp images even in dimly lit restaurants and venues, with none of the splotchy, noisy artifacts you’d typically see in a smartphone. This excellent night shooting performance really sets it apart from the mobile photography competition.
Throughout my testing, I regularly found myself marvelling, “I can’t believe this was shot on a phone!.” And the more I used the Xiaomi 13 Ultra Camera Kit, the more I stopped and looked at what I managed to capture using the 13 Ultra.
As much as I liked what the Xiaomi 13 Ultra Camera Kit brought to the table, it does come with a few caveats. Namely, the bulk and cost may be prohibitive for more casual users. The camera grip case and accessories add considerable thickness and weight. With the grip attached, the phone is almost double the thickness of a standard Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. While the extra size didn’t bother me personally, it could be unwieldy for some, depending on hand size and pockets.
Additionally, the Camera Kit carries a $199 price tag that is hard to justify for everyone. Casual users or those who only take the occasional snapshot likely don’t need this specialized gear. However, for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and semi-pro users, the image quality and handling gains justify the premium cost, in my opinion.
After a few weeks of real-world use, I’m thoroughly impressed by what the company pulled off with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra Camera Kit. They managed to push the envelope of mobile photography to new heights while enhancing the user experience with clever accessories. It is something I hope to see more brands follow since, to be honest, it is hard to go back to snapping photos without the extras this kit provides. While it may be minor, the little extra steps help push mobile photography into the realm of professional gear, and it feels great. Xiaomi is clearly signalling the future of mobile imaging, and it’s a very bright future indeed.
