Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 13 Pro features a ceramic back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel and providing strong durability. It measures approximately 162.9 x 74.6 x 8.38 mm and weighs about 229 grams. The device has IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. In comparison, high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra sport a glass back with Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2 and a titanium frame. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly larger at around 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm with a weight of 218 grams. It also has an IP68 rating, matching Xiaomi in durability standards but using more premium materials in its build with titanium.
Display
The Xiaomi 13 Pro offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals with a high pixel density. Its competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have a slightly larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels. The Galaxy S25 Ultra's display boasts higher peak brightness (up to 2600 nits compared to Xiaomi's less specified peak), a higher refresh rate, and more advanced display technology, offering slightly better outdoor visibility and smooth scrolling experiences. Both phones feature AMOLED technology for deep blacks and rich colors, but Samsung holds an edge with its display innovations.
Performance and Hardware
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is powered by a high-end chipset (typically the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or similar in the region it was released), paired with 8GB to 12GB RAM depending on the model. It handles multitasking and gaming efficiently. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with 12GB or more RAM configurations, delivering more raw power and improved energy efficiency due to its newer 3nm process technology. Benchmark scores show the S25 Ultra outperforming Xiaomi 13 Pro in CPU and GPU capabilities, signifying better future-proofing and superior gaming or intensive workload handling.
Camera Systems
The Xiaomi 13 Pro features a triple camera setup headlined by a 50 MP Sony IMX707 primary sensor with optical image stabilization and advanced computational photography features. It is capable of high-quality photos and advanced video recording but is generally tailored towards balanced performance. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra carries a more advanced quad camera system, including a massive 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor with high-resolution capabilities, alongside zoom and ultrawide lenses. Samsung's camera hardware and software tend to provide superior versatility, zoom capabilities, and better overall photographic performance in a variety of lighting conditions.
Battery and Charging
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is equipped with a 4820 mAh battery, which supports fast wired and wireless charging technologies, allowing quick top-ups and decent battery life for a day's use. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, boasts a larger 5000 mAh battery, which delivers longer endurance, especially under heavy usage, and competitive fast charging rates. Both phones support wireless and reverse wireless charging, but Samsung typically edges out Xiaomi in battery longevity due to the more efficient chipset and bigger capacity.
Software and Ecosystem
Xiaomi 13 Pro runs on MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary skin based on Android. MIUI offers rich customization, additional features, and regular updates but is sometimes critiqued for bloatware or occasional bugs. Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on One UI over Android, which is widely regarded as polished and user-friendly, with longer support for software updates and security patches. Samsung also has a more mature ecosystem integration, including better support for tablets, wearables, and PCs, which adds to user convenience and cross-device functionality.
Other Features and Connectivity
Both phones include high-end features such as in-display fingerprint sensors (Xiaomi 13 Pro uses optical, Samsung uses ultrasonic), stereo speakers, and comprehensive connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E or newer, Bluetooth 5.x, NFC, and USB-C ports. Samsung may have a slight edge with ultrasonic fingerprint sensing that works well with wet fingers. Xiaomi offers a stylus accessory for note-taking or drawing, a feature not present on many competitors including Samsung's Ultra line. Both phones support IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability under various conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi 13 Pro was released in late 2022 with prices generally more competitive compared to Samsung's flagship offerings. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, having launched in early 2025, is priced higher, reflecting its positioning as a premium flagship with cutting-edge technology. Xiaomi offers high value for money in the premium segment, while Samsung targets users seeking the top-tier experience regardless of price constraints.