Reviews Xiaomi 14 Ultra, The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has taken the smartphone world by storm, particularly for those who prioritize photography in their mobile devices. With its Leica-engineered camera system, top-tier performance, and premium design, this flagship device is a dream come true for tech enthusiasts and mobile photographers. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra stand out, exploring its camera capabilities, design, performance, and more, all in a conversational tone tailored for tech enthusiasts eager to geek out over the latest gadgets.
A Camera That Redefines Smartphone Photography
Let’s start with the star of the show: the camera. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a Leica-powered quad-camera system that’s nothing short of spectacular. The main camera features a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor with a variable aperture ranging from f/1.6 to f/4.0, allowing for incredible flexibility in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or low-light environments, the results are crisp, vibrant, and noise-free. Reviewers have praised its ability to outperform even heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in low-light scenarios, thanks to the large sensor and Leica’s tuning expertise.
The system includes four 50MP lenses: a main sensor, an ultra-wide, a 3.2x telephoto, and a 5x periscope zoom. This setup covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it ideal for everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed portraits. The Leica Vibrant and Authentic modes add a unique character to photos, with the black-and-white filters being a particular favorite for their atmospheric depth. For those who love to tinker, the Pro mode offers RAW shooting and manual controls, while the optional Photography Kit—with a grip and filter adapter—transforms the phone into a compact camera-like experience.
Real-world tests have shown jaw-dropping results. For instance, zoom shots at 23x retain impressive detail, and the portrait mode delivers accurate edge detection with natural bokeh. However, some users note that the camera’s software processing, particularly after the switch to HyperOS, can be inconsistent, and video recording has limitations, like the inability to switch lenses unless Dolby Vision is disabled.
Premium Design with a Few Quirks
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s design screams premium. It features a high-strength aluminum frame, Xiaomi Shield Glass, and a nano-tech vegan leather back that’s both grippy and resistant to wear. The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, with a 3200x1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, is a visual treat, perfect for gaming and video streaming. The phone’s IP68 rating ensures durability against water and dust, and testers have noted its robustness, with no visible wear after weeks of use.
That said, the massive camera module makes the phone top-heavy, which can be cumbersome for one-handed use. At 220g, it’s not the lightest flagship, and some users might find it tipping out of their hands. Still, the vegan leather back, inspired by Leica’s M-series cameras, adds a tactile charm that sets it apart from the usual glass-backed phones.
Blazing Performance and Solid Battery Life
The 5,000mAh battery lasts over a day with moderate use, and the 90W wired charging gets you to 100% in just over 35 minutes. Wireless charging at 80W is a bonus, though you’ll need Xiaomi’s proprietary charger to hit those speeds. Some users have reported battery drain issues with HyperOS 2.0, particularly when using the camera, which can consume over 50% per hour.
HyperOS: A Mixed Bag
Running on Android 14 with HyperOS, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a customizable interface but comes with some bloatware. The software experience has drawn criticism for being less polished than competitors like OnePlus or Pixel, with issues like unreliable one-handed mode and disappearing lock screen notifications. Updates can also be slow to roll out globally, with some users still stuck on HyperOS 1 and older security patches. On the plus side, the phone supports five years of software updates, ensuring longevity.
Who’s It For?
At around €1,499 for the 16GB/512GB model, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra isn’t cheap. It’s a niche device aimed at photography enthusiasts who want a phone that doubles as a near-professional camera. If you’re not obsessed with capturing every moment in stunning detail, you might find similar performance in less expensive flagships. However, for those who live for photography, the Leica optics, variable aperture, and Photography Kit make it a compelling choice.
The Verdict
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a triumph for mobile photography, blending cutting-edge camera tech with flagship performance. Its design is premium, though the top-heavy camera module might take some getting used to. While HyperOS has its quirks, the phone’s strengths—especially its camera—make it a standout for tech enthusiasts and photographers. If you’re ready to invest in a device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone camera can do, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is tough to beat.
FAQs
A: For photography enthusiasts, absolutely. Its Leica-powered camera system and premium hardware justify the €1,499 price for those who prioritize top-tier photo quality. However, casual users might find similar performance in cheaper alternatives.