The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from Xiaomi, released in February 2024. It promises a top-tier experience with cutting-edge technology, a stunning display, and a powerful camera system. This phone is designed for those who seek the best performance, high-quality photography, and a premium build. With its impressive specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 1TB of storage, and a massive 5300 mAh battery, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra aims to compete with the best smartphones on the market today.
This review dives deep into every aspect of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what this phone offers and whether it’s the right choice for you.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the smartphone market. This flagship device packs a powerful punch with its cutting-edge technology, stunning design, and exceptional performance. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to help you make an informed decision.
II. Design and Build Quality: A Premium Experience
Material
Benefits
Glass (front and back)
* Sleek and modern appearance * Durable and scratch-resistant
Titanium or aluminum alloy (frame)
* Strong and lightweight * Provides structural integrity
Shield Glass (display protection)
* Enhanced durability against scratches and drops
Xiaomi Longjing Glass (display protection)
* Advanced scratch resistance and improved clarity
Eco leather (back option)
* Premium texture and sustainable material
Materials and Durability
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is crafted with a focus on durability and a premium feel. It features a glass front protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass or Xiaomi Longjing Glass, which offers excellent resistance to scratches and accidental drops. The back panel comes in two variants: a glass finish for those who prefer a sleek, modern look, and an eco-leather option for a more textured, luxurious feel. The frame is made from either titanium grade 5 or aluminum alloy, both of which provide a robust structure while keeping the weight manageable.
Moreover, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is IP68 rated, meaning it can withstand dust and be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This makes it a reliable companion for everyday use, even in challenging conditions. The attention to detail in the materials and construction ensures that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra not only looks good but also stands up to the rigors of daily life.
Ergonomics and Handling
Despite its large 6.73-inch display, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has been designed with ergonomics in mind. The curved edges and slim profile of the device make it comfortable to hold, even during extended use. The weight distribution is well-balanced, which adds to the overall handling experience. At 219.8 to 229.5 grams, depending on the variant, the phone feels substantial without being overly heavy.
The placement of buttons and ports is intuitive, with the power button and volume rocker easily accessible on the right side. The phone supports dual Nano-SIMs with dual standby capability, offering flexibility for those who need to manage multiple lines. Overall, the design and build quality of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra reflect its flagship status, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional robustness.
III. Display: A Feast for the Eyes
Feature
Benefits
LTPO AMOLED
* Superior contrast and color accuracy * Wide color gamut * Energy-efficient
6.73 inches
* Large screen for immersive viewing * Comfortable for media consumption
1440×3200 pixels
* High resolution for sharp and detailed images
120Hz refresh rate
* Smooth scrolling and animations * Responsive touch input
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
* Enhanced video quality with dynamic range and color accuracy
1000 nits (typ) brightness
* Good visibility in various lighting conditions
3000 nits (peak brightness)
* Excellent outdoor visibility under bright sunlight
LTPO AMOLED Technology
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display that supports an impressive 68 billion colors. This technology allows for dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, which enhances smoothness in animations and scrolling while conserving battery life by lowering the refresh rate when not needed. The inclusion of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ ensures that content is displayed with vibrant colors and deep contrast, making the viewing experience truly immersive.
Color Accuracy and Brightness
With a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, the display offers a high pixel density of approximately 522 ppi, resulting in crisp and clear visuals. The screen is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays available on a smartphone. This makes it easy to use even in direct sunlight, and the adaptive brightness settings work seamlessly to adjust to varying lighting conditions.
User Experience
The nearly bezel-less design provides an impressive screen-to-body ratio of about 89.6%, which enhances the viewing experience by minimizing distractions. The touch response is quick and accurate, which is crucial for gaming and other interactive applications. Whether you are watching a movie, browsing the web, or playing games, the display of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers an exceptional experience.
IV. Performance: Unmatched Power and Speed
Feature
Benefits
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
* Powerful performance for demanding tasks * Efficient power management
Octa-core CPU
* Handles multitasking and resource-intensive apps with ease
Adreno 750 GPU
* Excellent graphics performance for gaming and multimedia
12GB/16GB RAM
* Smooth multitasking and app switching
256GB/512GB/1TB storage
* Ample space for apps, files, and media
UFS 4.0
* Fast storage speeds for quick app loading and data transfer
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset
At the heart of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This powerful octa-core processor comprises a combination of Cortex-X4, Cortex-A720, and Cortex-A520 cores, offering a balanced mix of high performance and energy efficiency. The Adreno 750 GPU further enhances graphical performance, making this phone a powerhouse for gaming and multimedia consumption.
Gaming and Multitasking
Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra handles multitasking and high-end gaming with ease. Games run smoothly even at the highest settings, and the device stays cool under pressure due to its advanced thermal management system. The phone’s impressive AnTuTu score of 2,014,262 and GeekBench score of 7,060 are a testament to its raw power.
Storage and RAM Variants
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes in three storage variants: 256GB with 12GB of RAM, 512GB with 16GB of RAM, and 1TB with 16GB of RAM. All models use UFS 4.0 storage, which provides lightning-fast read and write speeds, ensuring that apps load quickly and multitasking is seamless. The lack of a microSD card slot may be a downside for some, but the available internal storage options are more than sufficient for most users.
V. Camera: A Photography Powerhouse
Feature
Benefits
Quad-camera setup
* Versatile photography options for various scenarios
50MP main camera with 1-inch sensor
* Exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions
50MP telephoto camera
* Powerful zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects
50MP ultrawide camera
* Wide field of view for capturing landscapes and group photos
50MP periscope telephoto camera
* Even more powerful zoom capabilities for capturing distant details
Laser autofocus
* Fast and accurate focusing in various lighting conditions
Leica lenses
* Tuned for exceptional image quality and color accuracy
Dual-LED flash
* Ample lighting for low-light photography
HDR
* Enhanced image detail and dynamic range
Panorama mode
* Capture wide-angle shots by stitching multiple images together
8K video recording
* High-resolution video for exceptional detail
4K video recording
* Versatile video recording options for different needs
1080p video recording
* Slow-motion and time-lapse effects
Optical image stabilization
* Smoother videos with reduced camera shake
Main Camera Capabilities
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a quad-camera setup that is sure to impress photography enthusiasts. The main camera is a 50 MP sensor with an aperture range of f/1.6 to f/4.0 and a large 1.0-inch sensor size. This allows for excellent low-light performance and a natural depth of field. The camera also features multi-directional PDAF and OIS, which help to capture sharp, detailed images in a variety of conditions.
Telephoto and Periscope Telephoto Lenses
For those who love zoom photography, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra does not disappoint. It includes a 50 MP telephoto lens with a 75mm focal length and 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with a 120mm focal length and 5x optical zoom. Both lenses have dual pixel PDAF and OIS, ensuring clear and stable images even when zooming in from a distance. These lenses provide a range of focal lengths, making it easy to capture everything from close-ups to distant subjects.
Ultra-Wide and Depth Sensors
The 50 MP ultra-wide lens has a 122˚ field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots. It also features dual-pixel PDAF for fast and accurate focusing. The TOF 3D depth sensor adds an extra layer of depth to photos, enhancing portrait mode shots and improving the overall quality of bokeh effects.
Selfie Camera Performance
On the front, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra sports a 32 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It supports HDR and panorama modes, allowing for versatile shooting options. The camera is capable of recording video in 4K at 30/60fps and 1080p at 30/60fps, with gyro-EIS to ensure stable footage.
Video Recording Features
Video enthusiasts will appreciate the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s extensive video capabilities. It can record 8K video at 24/30fps and 4K video at up to 120fps. The device also supports 1080p video recording at up to 1920fps for ultra-slow-motion videos. The inclusion of gyro-EIS and Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit recording ensures that video content is both stable and visually stunning.
VI. Audio Quality: Immersive Sound Experience
Stereo Speakers
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features stereo speakers that deliver rich, immersive sound. The audio output is loud and clear, with a balanced mix of highs, mids, and lows. The speakers are positioned to provide a surround sound experience, making media consumption on this device a true pleasure.
Hi-Res Audio and Wireless Capabilities
While the Xiaomi 14 Ultra does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, it supports 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio through the USB Type-C port and wirelessly. The phone is compatible with various high-quality wireless audio codecs, including aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LHDC, ensuring excellent audio quality for wireless headphones and earbuds.
VII. Battery Life and Charging: Lasts All Day
Usage Scenario
Estimated Battery Life
Light Usage (browsing, social media, emails)
12-15 hours
Moderate Usage (gaming, video streaming, photography)
8-10 hours
Heavy Usage (continuous gaming, video recording)
5-7 hours
Battery Capacity and Performance
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with a robust battery that comes in two variants: a 5000 mAh battery for the international model and a 5300 mAh battery for the China-only model. This provides ample power to get through a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge. In active use tests, the phone scored 11:25 hours, which is impressive for a device with such a powerful display and processor.
Fast Charging Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is its fast charging capabilities. The phone supports 90W wired charging, which can charge the battery to 100% in just 33 minutes, as advertised by Xiaomi. This makes it one of the fastest-charging smartphones on the market. Additionally, the phone supports 80W wireless charging, which can fully charge the battery in 46 minutes, providing flexibility for those who prefer wireless charging solutions.
Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging
In addition to standard wireless charging, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra also supports 10W reverse wireless charging. This allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone, making it a convenient feature for those who are always on the go.
VIII. Connectivity and Network Support
5G and Other Networks
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G. This ensures compatibility with virtually all carriers worldwide and provides future-proofing as 5G networks continue to expand. The phone’s 5G capabilities deliver ultra-fast download and upload speeds, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive applications.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Performance
The phone supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, along with Wi-Fi 6e, providing blazing-fast wireless internet speeds and improved performance in crowded environments. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures stable and efficient connections with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, and the inclusion of support for advanced codecs like aptX HD and LHDC enhances the audio experience for wireless headphones.
Additional Connectivity Features
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including NFC for contactless payments, an infrared port for controlling appliances, and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and OTG support. These features make the phone versatile and adaptable to a wide range of use cases.
IX. Software: A Seamless User Interface
Feature
Benefits
Android 14
* Latest Android features and security updates
MIUI 14
* Custom user interface with various features and customizations
HyperOS
* Enhanced performance and efficiency
Up to 4 major Android upgrades
* Long-term software support and updates
Android 14 and HyperOS
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS on top. HyperOS provides a smooth and responsive user interface, with plenty of customization options to tailor the phone to your preferences. The software is well-optimized, ensuring that even intensive tasks run smoothly without lag or stutter.
Update and Support Commitment
Xiaomi has committed to providing up to 4 major Android upgrades for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, ensuring that the phone remains up to date with the latest features and security patches for years to come. This long-term support is a significant advantage for users who want to keep their phones for an extended period.
Unique Software Features
HyperOS includes several unique features that enhance the user experience, such as advanced privacy controls, enhanced battery management tools, and a variety of productivity enhancements. The software also integrates seamlessly with Xiaomi’s ecosystem of devices, making it easy to connect and control other Xiaomi products.
Additional Features and Sensors
Fingerprint Sensor and Security
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable. It provides a secure way to unlock the phone and can also be used to authenticate payments and access secure apps. The phone also supports face recognition as an additional security option.
Satellite Communication and Other Sensors
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is its support for two-way satellite communication, which can be a lifesaver in areas with no cellular coverage. The phone also includes a comprehensive array of sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope, compass, color spectrum sensor, and barometer, making it a versatile tool for a variety of applications.
X. Pricing and Value for Money
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is priced at approximately $1,091.55, €1,084.00, £1,265.00, or ₹99,999, depending on the market. While this places it in the premium segment, the phone’s extensive feature set, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality build justify the price. For users who want the best that Xiaomi has to offer, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an excellent investment.
Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece of Modern Technology
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a top-tier smartphone that brings together the best of design, performance, and innovation. With its stunning display, powerful chipset, exceptional camera system, and long-lasting battery, it caters to users who want nothing but the best from their mobile device. While it comes with a premium price tag, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra justifies every penny with its comprehensive feature set and future-proofing.
Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a professional photographer, or someone who simply wants a reliable and powerful smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an excellent choice that will not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra support 5G?
Yes, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports 5G networks, making it compatible with the latest generation of mobile networks for ultra-fast internet speeds.
What materials are used in the build of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a glass front and offers options for either a glass or eco-leather back. It also comes with a titanium (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame, providing durability and a premium feel.
Is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra waterproof?
Yes, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is IP68-rated, meaning it is dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
How good is the camera on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
The camera system on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is exceptional, featuring a quad-camera setup with Leica lenses, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, and a variety of focal lengths and shooting modes. It supports up to 8K video recording.
What is the battery life like on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a robust battery life, with a 5000 mAh battery for the international version and a 5300 mAh battery for the China-only model. It supports fast wired and wireless charging, ensuring minimal downtime.
Does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have a headphone jack?
No, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports high-resolution audio via the USB Type-C port and wirelessly.
What software does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra run?
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS on top. Xiaomi has committed to providing up to 4 major Android upgrades for the device.
