Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review – Pros and cons, Verdict

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review   Pros and cons, Verdict

The Xiaomi 14 Extremely is Xiaomi’s most formidable wager because the launch of the Mi 11 Extremely (evaluate) in India in 2021. Certain, we have now seen what the model can supply within the premium area with Xiaomi 13 Professional (evaluate) and Xiaomi 14 (evaluate), however the ultra-premium phase is a very completely different ball sport.

The corporate is banking on the digital camera system, co-created with Leica, to justify the value tag of Rs 99,999 (MRP Rs 1,19,999). Can the Xiaomi 14 Extremely show to be a worthy contender, particularly in a phase occupied by giants, together with Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (evaluate), iPhone 15 Execs, and extra?

Verdict

Regardless of the Xiaomi 14 does properly, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely does it higher. With its Leica partnership, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely boasts some of the versatile digital camera programs within the Android area. Furthermore, it excels in different areas as properly, comparable to show, battery life, and efficiency. Whereas native generative options are but to be seen onboard, the day will not be far off, particularly with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 unlocking these capabilities.

Cameras

Let’s tackle the elephant within the room immediately. The Xiaomi 14 Extremely homes an additional digital camera on the again, in contrast to the triple digital camera setup on the Xiaomi 14.

Its rear digital camera system contains:

  • 50MP digital camera with OIS and stepless variable aperture (f/1.63 – f/4.0). The first digital camera utilises a 1-inch LYT-900 sensor.
  • 50MP telephoto digital camera with OIS, 3.2x optical zoom, and a 75mm floating lens.
  • A further 50MP telephoto digital camera with 5X optical zoom, OIS, and periscope-style lens for 120X digital zoom.
  • 50MP ultra-wide digital camera with auto-focus capabilities.

To not overlook, Xiaomi, with its partnership with Leica, provides a bunch of filters and modes to make the general digital camera expertise extra playful. You’ll be able to even seize macro images with telephoto and ultra-wide cameras. The digital camera app provides the traditional Leica shutter sound and watermark for an additional layer of flex. The smartphone has an UltraRAW mode for capturing pictures with 16-bit colors. Moreover, there are AI-backed options, together with scene optimiser and Magic Eraser.

I had the possibility to check the Xiaomi 14 Extremely’s digital camera within the picturesque metropolis of Singapore, and for probably the most half, pictures taken in daylight function an ideal diploma of sharpness and dynamic vary. Whereas the cellphone can seize pure colors through RAW mode, I discovered myself often toggling between Leica Vibrant and Genuine modes for a extra conventional camera-like aesthetic.

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For readability, the Genuine mode goals to imitate real-life colors, though the distinction and shadows can lean in the direction of a extra dramatic strategy. Then again, the Vibrant mode, because the identify suggests, incorporates brighter and hotter tones, which can evoke cherished recollections of a summer season day. Both method, images look good and crisp, and the remedy is totally as much as your choice. Even in the event you don’t use the portrait mode, the sensor and 8P lens construction enable a shallow depth of discipline.

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I used to be equally impressed by the portrait capabilities of the Xiaomi 14 Extremely, and the pores and skin color detection can also be probably the most correct I’ve seen on a smartphone. The Vivo X100 Professional is equally spectacular for taking portraits, although I choose the Xiaomi 14 Extremely a notch higher for its capacity to include the traditional Leica flavour with out compromising on the small print. The grasp lens system obtainable underneath the portrait mode provides varied focal lengths, together with documentary (35mm), swirly bokeh (50mm), portrait (75mm), and comfortable focus (90mm), all of that are price exploring.

The secondary telephoto lens is able to taking photos with 120x zoom. Whereas the small print can get sketchy when the utmost zoom is enabled, outcomes with 10X and even 30X are fairly spectacular. I discovered the 5X optical zoom a wonderful companion for portraits and distant pictures. One other energy of the Xiaomi 14 Extremely is its capacity to take care of color consistency, whether or not you’re utilizing extensive, telephoto, or ultra-wide lenses. The small print with the ultra-wide digital camera are good, if not the very best in each brilliant and dim circumstances.

In low-light circumstances, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely is ready to protect particulars with out including an excessive amount of noise. Nevertheless, most of my pictures incorporate excessive distinction and shadows by default. The images look social media-ready, although purists might choose a near-accurate depiction. The UltraRAW mode might supply respite, however common customers will seemingly battle to tweak the aperture or shutter pace each time. In that case, the iPhone 15 Professional Max provided higher white stability and brightness by default, at the least throughout my evaluate.

The 32MP entrance digital camera additionally performs comparatively properly in comparison with what I’ve noticed on most smartphones. Whilst you might discover occasional brightening of the pores and skin complexion, it’s not overpowering. Moreover, the entrance digital camera provides options like Dynamic Framing (0.8x, 1x), Portrait mode with bokeh and depth management, and extra. Some AI options, comparable to object remover and auto-colouring, considerably improve the standard of pictures, whether or not taken with entrance or again cameras.

Total, nonetheless images with the Xiaomi 14 Extremely isn’t a problem, and a further telephoto digital camera, plus the Leica partnership, provides nice versatility. I really feel iPhones stay the MVP for movies. You gained’t face color or detail-related points on the Xiaomi 14 Extremely, however movies usually begin with an odd stutter. That seems to be a software-related drawback, which is fixable with an OTA replace.

Lastly, regardless of spending days with the Xaiomi 14 Extremely, I’ve solely scratched the floor when it comes to options and extra. The Xiaomi 14 Extremely can also be particular as one can flip the smartphone right into a full-blown digital digital camera with bodily buttons to start out video or alter brightness. Sadly, that’s solely attainable with the devoted Xiaomi images package, and I couldn’t take a look at that for this evaluate.

Design and show

All these additional digital camera options additionally imply an elevated dimension and weight. In comparison with the Xiaomi 14’s 8.2mm thickness, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely measures 9.2mm with the digital camera bump. Equally, the load has gone up from 193 grams to 219 grams. And within the tech world, each millimetre and milligram counts.

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There’s little question that the Xiaomi 14 Extremely feels premium from each nook. The again incorporates a leather-based end, which provides a comfortable contact however a agency grip. The rear digital camera’s spherical module mimics the massive lens of conventional cameras. The body is steel (not titanium but) and feels sturdy.

If the standard digital camera look does appear interesting, the common Xiaomi 14’s boxy design could appear extra applicable. Each smartphones have an IP68 ranking for defense in opposition to mud and water – an enormous thumbs up.

The Extremely within the identify doesn’t solely imply bumped-up cameras but in addition show specs. The Xiaomi 14 Extremely incorporates a comparatively greater 6.73-inch AMOLED show with comparatively higher decision (3,200 x 1,440 pixels) and brightness of as much as 3000nits. You will discover all the foremost show certifications (HDR and Dolby Imaginative and prescient) to supply a premium viewing expertise. The loud stereo audio system with Dolby Atmos help additionally complement the viewing expertise.

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Whereas most customers shall be glad with the show efficiency, whether or not it’s color replica, distinction, or deep blacks, I discover the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely’s native matte coating significantly advantageous for viewing and studying underneath harsh daylight. You’ll be able to take a look at our Instagram Reel to see the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s show superiority underneath the harshest daylight.

Efficiency, software program, and battery

Xiaomi is providing a single storage choice of 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It is sensible as higher particulars in images and movies result in an elevated file dimension. The 512GB storage might be equally essential when recording movies in 4K or 8K decision.

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By way of efficiency, there’s not a lot to differentiate between the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Extremely, as each smartphones are rocking Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The efficiency is snappy, and the digital camera app feels extraordinarily gentle regardless of carrying a ton of options. The cellphone additionally ships with Android 14-based HyperOS to supply higher integration with different Xiaomi merchandise.

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The brand new UI with HyperOS additionally feels extra polished, though there may be room for enchancment when it comes to lowering pre-installed apps and refining AI-related options. I just like the wallpapers that the HyperOS bundles, however we have now but to see how Xiaomi leverages the generative AI-based wallpaper creator.

The Xiaomi 14 Extremely additionally carries a comparatively greater 5,000mAh battery with help for 90W wired charging and 80W wi-fi charging. With the bundled 120W charger, the cellphone takes roughly 35 minutes to cost from 0 to one hundred pc. Even with most settings enabled, you anticipate a decent battery life. If the settings are reasonable, then the cellphone can simply final for a full-day.

Closing verdict

If the worth of a real flagship lies in digital camera efficiency, then the Xiaomi 14 justifies each penny. There are different areas too the place the smartphone excels, be it show, battery, construct, and even charging pace.

Nonetheless, there are areas the place Xiaomi might improve its choices, significantly within the realm of software program expertise to compete with the likes of Google Pixel 8 Professional and Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely. We’re but to see a extra complete ecosystem from the model, and that day will not be too distant with the aggressive work on its new Android-based HyperOS.

In any other case, in the event you search a camera-focused smartphone with a comparatively extra inexpensive price ticket than the Galaxy S24 Extremely, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely is bound to impress.

Editor’s ranking: 8 / 10

Causes to purchase:

  • Xiaomi 14 Extremely’s Leica cameras elevate the smartphone images expertise to a brand new degree.
  • The Xiaomi 14 Extremely additionally sports activities a tall show with help for nearly all main codecs.
  • The cellphone provides respectable 90W wired charging and super-fast 80W wi-fi charging.
  • The Xiaomi images package can even flip the Xiaomi 14 Extremely right into a full-blown digital digital camera with easy-to-access buttons to regulate settings.

Causes to not purchase:

  • The Xiaomi 14 Extremely is heavy to hold. The load distribution can also be barely unbalanced.
  • The cellphone is but to obtain cutting-edge generative AI for an enhanced consumer expertise.

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