Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra marks Xiaomi’s boldest move since introducing the Mi 11 Ultra in India in 2021. While the brand has showcased its capabilities in the premium market with devices like the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 14, entering the ultra-premium segment presents a new set of challenges and opportunities. With the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the brand is pushing boundaries and setting new standards for what users can expect from a flagship device.
From cutting-edge technology to innovative features, this smartphone promises to deliver an unparalleled user experience that redefines luxury in the world of mobile devices. As Xiaomi continues to disrupt the market with its forward-thinking approach, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra cements the brand’s position as a key player in the competitive smartphone industry.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review 2024
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra sets a new benchmark by improving upon the strengths of the Xiaomi 14. Thanks to its collaboration with Leica, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra presents an exceptionally versatile camera setup that stands out in the realm of Android devices. Alongside its impressive camera capabilities, this model excels in various other aspects including display quality, battery longevity, and overall performance.
While the inclusion of native generative features is currently absent from the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, prospects are promising, particularly with advancements like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 which is poised to unlock a host of innovative functionalities. The potential integration of such features could revolutionize user experiences and elevate the device’s appeal even further.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review Details
| Article Name | Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review |
| Category | Tech Reviews |
| Official Website | www.xiaomi.com |
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Cameras
Without further ado, let’s acknowledge the obvious difference – the Xiaomi 14 Ultra features an additional rear camera, in contrast to the triple camera configuration on the Xiaomi 14.
Its rear camera system includes:
- 50MP camera with OIS and stepless variable aperture (f/1.63 – f/4.0). The primary camera utilises a 1-inch LYT-900 sensor.
- 50MP telephoto camera with OIS, 3.2x optical zoom, and a 75mm floating lens.
- An additional 50MP telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom, OIS, and periscope-style lens for 120X digital zoom.
- 50MP ultra-wide camera with auto-focus capabilities.
Xiaomi has teamed up with Leica to provide a variety of filters and modes that enhance the camera experience by adding a playful element. Users can take macro shots using the telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. The camera app includes the iconic Leica shutter sound and watermark for added flair. The smartphone also boasts an UltraRAW mode for capturing images in 16-bit colors, along with AI-powered features like scene optimization and Magic Eraser.
I had the opportunity to try out the Xiaomi 14 Ultra camera in Singapore, and in general, photos taken during the day show a high level of sharpness and dynamic range. Although the device can capture authentic colors using RAW mode, I often switched between Leica Vibrant and Authentic modes for a classic camera look.
The Authentic mode strives to replicate true-to-life colors, with a tendency towards a more dramatic interpretation in terms of contrast and shadows. Conversely, the Vibrant mode features brighter and warmer tones, reminiscent of pleasant summer days. Ultimately, the choice between these modes is entirely based on personal preference, resulting in sharp and appealing photos. The sensor and 8P lens structure enable a shallow depth of field, enhancing the overall image quality even without utilizing the portrait mode.
I found the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s portrait capabilities impressive, especially its accurate skin color detection. While the Vivo X100 Pro is also noteworthy for portrait photography, I personally favor the Xiaomi 14 Ultra for its incorporation of classic Leica style without sacrificing details. The portrait mode’s master lens system provides different focal lengths like documentary (35mm), swirly bokeh (50mm), portrait (75mm), and soft focus (90mm), all of which are worth trying out.
The telephoto lens can capture images with a zoom of up to 120x. Though details may become unclear at maximum zoom, the outcomes at 10x and 30x are notably impressive. I particularly liked the 5x optical zoom for capturing portraits and distant shots. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra excels in maintaining consistent colors across wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide shots. The ultra-wide camera delivers good details in various lighting conditions.
In dim lighting, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra can maintain details with minimal noise. Despite this, my pictures typically feature strong contrast and shadows. The images appear suitable for social media, although some may prefer a more precise representation. While the UltraRAW mode could help, casual users may find it challenging to adjust the aperture and shutter speed consistently. In comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provided superior default white balance and brightness in my evaluation.
The 32MP front camera delivers good performance in comparison to other smartphones, with slight skin brightening that is not excessive. It includes features like Dynamic Framing (0.8x, 1x), Portrait mode with bokeh and depth control, and various AI features such as object remover and auto-colouring that improve image quality from both front and back cameras.
In general, taking photos with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is smooth, and the inclusion of a telephoto camera and the Leica partnership enhances its flexibility. However, when it comes to video quality, iPhones are still considered superior. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra excels in capturing colors and details in photos, but videos may experience occasional stuttering issues, likely due to a fixable software problem that can be addressed with an OTA update.
After spending several days with the Xaiomi 14 Ultra, I have barely explored its wide range of features. One unique aspect of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is its ability to transform into a professional digital camera, complete with physical buttons for video recording and brightness adjustments. However, this feature requires the separate Xiaomi photography kit, which I did not have the opportunity to test for this review.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review Price
Xiaomi 14 Ultra price in India starts from ₹99,999. It is available at lowest price on Amazon in India. Take a look at Xiaomi 14 Ultra detailed specifications and features.
Design And Display
The additional camera features result in a larger and heavier device. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is 9.2mm thick with the camera bump, unlike the Xiaomi 14 which is 8.2mm thick. The weight has also increased from 193 grams to 219 grams. Precision in measurements is crucial in the world of technology.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra undeniably exudes a premium feel from all angles. It features a leather finish on the back providing a soft yet firm grip. The round module of the rear camera resembles the sizeable lens found on conventional cameras. Although not titanium, the metal frame is robust.
Should you find the classic camera appearance attractive, the conventional design of the Xiaomi 14 might be more suitable. Both phones are equipped with an IP68 rating for safeguarding against dust and water – a significant advantage. The term “Ultra” signifies more than just enhanced cameras in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This model boasts a larger 6.73-inch AMOLED display with improved resolution (3,200 x 1,440 pixels) and a brightness reaching 3000nits. It includes important display certifications such as HDR and Dolby Vision to provide a high-quality viewing experience, along with loud stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos for added enhancement.
Although the majority of users may find the display performance satisfactory in terms of color reproduction, contrast, or deep blacks, I personally appreciate the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s native matte coating for its benefits in viewing and reading in bright sunlight. For a demonstration of the Galaxy S24 Ultra‘s exceptional display quality in direct sunlight, please visit our Instagram Reel.
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Performance, Software, And Battery
Xiaomi provides a single storage variant of 512GB UFS 4.0 storage and 16GB LPDDR5X RAM. This choice is logical since higher photo and video quality results in larger file sizes. The 512GB storage is crucial for recording videos in 4K or 8K resolution.
When it comes to performance, there is little difference between the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra, as both devices feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The performance is fast, and the camera application feels lightweight even with numerous features.
Additionally, the phone comes with HyperOS based on Android 14 to enhance compatibility with other Xiaomi devices.
The updated user interface in HyperOS seems more refined, although there is potential for enhancements by minimizing pre-installed applications and enhancing AI features. The wallpapers included in HyperOS are appealing, but it remains to be seen how Xiaomi utilizes the generative AI-driven wallpaper generator.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a larger 5,000mAh battery and supports 90W wired charging and 80W wireless charging. Using the included 120W charger, the phone can be fully charged from 0 to 100 percent in around 35 minutes. Even under heavy usage, the battery life is impressive. With moderate settings, the phone can last a full day without any issues.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra proves its worth primarily through its exceptional camera performance, but it also excels in other areas such as display quality, battery life, build quality, and charging speed. However, Xiaomi has room for improvement in its products, especially in software experience, to rival top competitors like Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The brand has yet to develop a more extensive ecosystem, but progress with its new Android-based HyperOS suggests this may change soon. If you’re looking for a smartphone that is camera-centric and comes at a more budget-friendly price compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a great choice.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review FAQ’S
How does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra camera technology reduce noise and enhance detail in captured images?
It can output HDR images to reduce noise in dark areas and improve details.
Is Xiaomi a good brand?
Xiaomi makes excellent Android smartphones, boasting some of the best hardware.
Is it safe to use Xiaomi camera?
Mi Camera adopts a combined secure encryption method for encrypted transmission and storage of your video.
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