Verdict
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra takes everything the Xiaomi 14 excels at and elevates it further. Thanks to its collaboration with Leica, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts one of the most versatile camera setups in the Android world. Additionally, it shines in key areas such as display quality, battery life, and overall performance. While native generative AI features are not yet implemented, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset suggests such capabilities could arrive soon. Priced at approximately $1,200 USD, it offers flagship features at a competitive price point.
Cameras
The standout feature of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is undoubtedly its camera system, which goes beyond the triple-camera setup of the Xiaomi 14 by adding a fourth sensor.
Camera Configuration:
- 50MP primary camera with OIS and stepless variable aperture (f/1.63–f/4.0), utilizing a 1-inch LYT-900 sensor.
- 50MP telephoto camera with OIS, 3.2x optical zoom, and a 75mm floating lens.
- 50MP periscope telephoto camera with OIS, 5x optical zoom, and 120x digital zoom.
- 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus and macro capabilities.
In collaboration with Leica, Xiaomi has packed in numerous modes and filters to make photography creative and fun. Features like Leica’s Vibrant and Authentic shooting styles, UltraRAW mode for 16-bit color images, and a suite of AI-assisted tools (e.g., Magic Eraser and Scene Optimizer) enhance the user experience.
During my testing in Singapore, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivered sharp and vibrant daylight images with excellent dynamic range. Leica’s Vibrant mode added warm tones reminiscent of classic film photography, while the Authentic mode offered more true-to-life color accuracy. The phone excels at maintaining consistent color reproduction across its wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses.
Portrait photography is another highlight, with highly accurate skin tone detection. Leica’s master lens options—such as Documentary (35mm), Swirly Bokeh (50mm), Portrait (75mm), and Soft Focus (90mm)—allow for stunning results. The 5x optical zoom is especially useful for portraits and distant subjects.
Low-light performance is solid, with the phone retaining details and controlling noise well, though shadows and contrast tend to be more pronounced. While still photography is exceptional, video recording lags slightly behind rivals like the iPhone 15 Pro Max due to occasional stuttering, which is likely fixable via a software update.
The front-facing 32MP camera also performs well, offering features like Dynamic Framing, Portrait mode with bokeh effects, and AI tools to enhance selfies.
Design and Display
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s design reflects its flagship status, albeit with added bulk to accommodate the advanced cameras. Compared to the Xiaomi 14, the Ultra measures 9.2mm thick (up from 8.2mm) and weighs 219 grams (vs. 193 grams).
The rear panel features a premium leather finish, providing both a soft touch and firm grip. The round camera module mimics a traditional camera lens, adding to its unique aesthetic. The device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
The Ultra lives up to its name with a larger, more advanced display: a 6.73-inch AMOLED panel with a 3,200 x 1,440 resolution, peak brightness of 3,000 nits, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The viewing experience is further elevated by slim bezels and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.
While the display is excellent in almost all scenarios, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a matte coating that is particularly advantageous under direct sunlight.
Performance, Software, and Battery
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. This configuration ensures blazing-fast performance, even with heavy apps and multitasking.
The phone runs Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, based on Android 14, which feels polished and smooth. Features like Mi Share, Find My Phone, and Second Space are available, though the pre-installed apps could use some streamlining. HyperOS shows promise, particularly with upcoming generative AI features, but further ecosystem integration is needed to rival Samsung and Google.
Battery performance is impressive, thanks to a 5,000mAh cell that supports 90W wired charging and 80W wireless charging. With the bundled 120W charger, the phone can fully charge in just 35 minutes. Even with demanding settings, the battery comfortably lasts a full day.
Final Verdict
For those seeking a flagship smartphone with a focus on photography, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers in spades. Its Leica-enhanced camera system, stunning display, and robust performance make it a worthy contender in the premium segment.
Priced at approximately $1,200 USD, it positions itself as an excellent alternative to pricier competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While software refinement and ecosystem integration remain areas for improvement, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera capabilities, paired with its premium features, make it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts.
