The heart of the mobile communications world in Europe is currently pulsating at the MWC, the largest mobile communications trade fair on the continent. This is all about the latest trends and innovations in the field of mobile communications. Among the shiny new products, two models in particular have attracted attention: the Xiaomi 14 and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
These two flagships have been highly anticipated and aim to raise the bar in terms of performance, design and user experience. We take a first look at the striking innovations and improvements that Xiaomi presented at MWC this year. Stay tuned if you want to find out what makes the new Xiaomi smartphones so special!
Design and appearance: A comparison to the predecessor
Old becomes new
When developing the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi followed a surprising design philosophy: for the first time, Xiaomi remains true to its design line and relies on subtle adjustments instead of radical changes. This approach shows a new level of maturity and confidence in one's own product design. While the basic appearance is retained, with clean edges and a slightly rounded back already seen on the Xiaomi 13, it's the details that make the difference. The changes in the design of both devices are particularly noticeable when it comes to the camera module.
Variety of materials and colors: elegance in every detail
In the latest models, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi has expanded the color palette and material selection to meet the different preferences of users.
Color variety and design of the Xiaomi 14
The Xiaomi 14 is available in black, white and green in Europe, while there is an exclusive pink variant in China. This selection of colors reflects the versatility and individual style of users. The device impresses with its compact design with clear edges and a gently rounded back that ensures a pleasant feel. The front is characterized by thin bezels around the 6.36-inch display, which is surrounded by a sturdy aluminum frame. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the front by ensuring scratch resistance and minimal reflections.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Elegance meets technology
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, on the other hand, is limited to the classic colors black and white, thereby emphasizing its elegant lines. The Ultra model features a nano-tech vegan leather back, inspired by classic analog cameras, giving the smartphone a distinctive texture and luxurious look. The frame is made of aluminum and ensures increased stability and longevity.
The front is dominated by an almost borderless all-around liquid display, which ensures an immersive viewing experience with its slightly curved sides and corners. Instead of conventional Gorilla Glass, Xiaomi uses the specially developed Xiaomi Shield Glass for the 14 Ultra, which offers optimal protection against damage.
More than just compact
The Xiaomi 14 sets new standards in terms of compactness and lightness, which sets it apart from its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13. With a size of 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.2 mm, the standard model of the Xiaomi 14 already offers impressive handiness.Interestingly, the cell phone model with the nano-leather back only weighs 188 grams, despite a minimal increase in thickness to 8.28 mm. This means it is 4 grams lighter compared to the standard model of the Xiaomi 14, which weighs 192 grams.
Despite the minor adjustments in size and weight, the Xiaomi 14 remains close to the compact dimensions and lightweight design of its predecessor. Xiaomi once again underlines the handiness and compactness of their devices.
Elegance and ergonomics combined
The introduction of the nano leather back on the Xiaomi 14 represents not only an aesthetic upgrade, but also a practical improvement. The material not only offers an attractive feel and a luxurious look, but also contributes to the Reduce the weight of the device, which further improves handling and comfort. This conscious choice for high-quality materials and the pursuit of an optimal balance between form and function show how Xiaomi is continually refining its products to offer users an even better experience.
Fine polish: size and weight optimized
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra shows subtle but significant adjustments in its physical makeup compared to the previous model, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Despite minimal changes in dimensions to 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm compared to the 163.18 x 74.64 x 9.06 mm of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the size of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra remains almost unchanged. It has become slightly smaller and thicker, although the changes are hardly noticeable.
The slight weight reduction to 219.8 g compared to the previous model's 227 g is also notable. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has thus become lighter, which helps it represent an impressive package of advanced technology in a handy device that is barely noticeable in both your hand and your pocket.
Xiaomi 14 vs 14 Ultra: These are the technical differences
Xiaomi 14:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.36 inch OLED, 2670x1200 pixels, LTPO with up to 120Hz
- RAM: 12GB
- Internal storage: 256, 512 GB
- Camera: Triple camera setup with 50 MP main camera, 50 MP ultra wide-angle camera and 32 MP telephoto camera
- 32 MP front camera
- Battery: 4610 mAh charging with 90 watts via cable and 50 watts wirelessly
- Dimensions/weight: 152.8 x 71.5x 8.2 mm / 193 g
Xiaomi 14 Ultra:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.73 inch AMOLED, 3200 x 1440 pixels, LTPO with up to 120 Hz
- RAM: 16GB
- Internal storage: 512 GB
- Camera: main camera, ultra wide angle, telephoto camera and periscope camera with 50 MP
- 32 MP front camera
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 90W wired charging, 80W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging
- Dimensions/weight: 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm / 219.8 g
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 power under the hood
The heart of the new Xiaomi models is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.In the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the Qualcomm chip with a clock speed of 3.3 GHz, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU, ensures powerful performance. The Xiaomi 14 promises equally impressive performance. This should handle even the most demanding apps and games with ease.
Storage diversity meets performance
Especially with Xiaomi you can see that the manufacturer relies on powerful cell phones with a large internal memory in order to ensure good performance in everyday life. Let's start with the Xiaomi 14, which comes in two variants: one with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 4.0 storage and the other also with 12 GB of RAM and twice as much storage with a capacity of 512 GB.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra even goes one better. It comes standard with a whopping 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which promises a smooth and fluid usage experience.
When it comes to storage, the Ultra model only offers one variant with a capacity of 512 GB. This should still be more than enough for most people.
Camera: More than just snapshots
The camera systems of the Xiaomi 14 series have received significant upgrades. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a state-of-the-art 50 MP Sony LYT-900 1″ main camera sensor, which offers a variable aperture of ƒ/1.63 – ƒ/4, Leica Summilux optics and optical image stabilization (OIS). This is complemented by a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 50 MP telephoto camera with 3.2x zoom and a 50 MP periscope camera with 5x zoom, which together cover a wide range of photographic possibilities.
The Xiaomi 14 offers a versatile triple camera: a 50 MP Leica Summilux main camera with ƒ/1.6 and OIS, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with ƒ/2.2 and a 32 MP telephoto camera with ƒ/2.2. For selfies there is a 32 MP front camera with ƒ/2.0. With this setup you can take impressive photos, from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits.
Longer cell phone use and fast charging
The battery technology of both models has been optimized to ensure a longer service life. Starting with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery that allows for longer usage time. While the battery size has not changed compared to its predecessor, the charging technology has been improved: In addition to charging 90 watts via cable, it also supports 80 watts wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging. Reverse wireless charging allows you to charge other devices wirelessly by simply placing them on your smartphone.
The Xiaomi 14 has a larger 4610 mAh battery compared to its predecessor with 4500 mAh. The Xiaomi smartphone is charged with fast 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Unfortunately, reverse wireless charging was not adopted by its predecessor.
Officially waterproof with IP protection
The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphones have the IP-68 protection standard. This means they are protected against dust and water and can survive in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. With the protection, the cell phones offer users more safety in everyday life as they are protected against rain, splash water and dust, which increases their durability and reliability.
MIUI 14: The latest features and improvements
Xiaomi introduces HyperOS, a new operating system based on Android 14.As the successor to MIUI 14, it promises seamless interaction between all Xiaomi devices. Small adjustments such as the revised control center already indicate a more pleasant user experience.
MIUI 14 introduces a host of new features and improvements that take the user experience on Xiaomi devices to a new level. Particularly worth mentioning are the new lock screens, which feature iOS-like swipe functionality and customization options. These gestures allow seamless browsing and personalized use.
HyperOS: A game changer?
With the release of HyperOS, Xiaomi is facing a potential game changer. This new operating system could be an answer to MIUI's image problems and usher in a new era of interconnectivity for Xiaomi devices.
Since HyperOS is visually very reminiscent of MIUI, it enables intuitive use for users who already had Xiaomi devices, allowing them to quickly find their way around.
This is what the technology YouTubers say about cell phones
Design and materials: A touch of elegance that says Computer image
Advantages of the Xiaomi 14:
- Design and materials: Elegantly designed, high-quality materials
- Display: Very bright HDR display with over 2800 nits
- Ports and audio: USB-C with 3.2 standard, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for strong performance and efficiency
- Battery life and fast charging: Improved battery, 90-watt fast charging, wireless fast charging
- Camera: Triple camera with up to 50 megapixels, developed with Leica
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi 14:
- The Xiaomi 14's camera is versatile, but in poor lighting it performs slightly less compared to top models from Google, Samsung and Apple.
- Optical zoom limited to 3.2x, digital interpolation at higher zoom levels, may not have the same image quality as other high-end smartphones.
Technology sloth's view: Light and shadow of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Advantages of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra:
- High-quality design: Aesthetic case with premium look and feel, glossy surfaces for a luxurious appearance.
- Camera: 50 megapixel main camera with 1 inch OmniVision sensor for precise images, adjustable aperture and 3.2x optical zoom.
- Fast charging: Up to 90 watts for wired charging and up to 80 watts for wireless charging for fast charging without tangled cables.
- Improved vegan leather: Nano technology makes the vegan leather six times more durable, high-quality material for robustness and aesthetics.
Disadvantages of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra:
- Price: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is more expensive compared to the Xiaomi 14.
- Clunky design and handling: The large camera module could lead to awkward handling.
- Lack of unique features: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra may not stand out from the competition with unique features.
- Difficult use of the infrared sensor: Placing the infrared sensor on the back could make it difficult to use.
Availability and pricing
The Xiaomi 14 has been officially available directly from the manufacturer for a few days and offers its customers two attractive variants: the 12/256 GB version for €999 and the 12/512 GB version for €1099. The brand's premium model, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with 16/512 GB, is available for 1,499 euros. Both the Xiaomi 14 and the Ultra are expected to drop in price over time, similar to their predecessors. Here the Xiaomi 13 is currently 200 € and the Ultra version is even 500 € cheaper than at the market launch.
Conclusion: Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra – A look at the flagships
The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra smartphones are undoubtedly technological masterpieces that attract attention with their impressive specifications and innovative features. With a focus on performance and user experience, Xiaomi sets new standards in the mobile world.
Design and materials: elegance meets robustness
Xiaomi has a remarkable design philosophy based on subtle refinements rather than radical changes. Both the Xiaomi 14 and the 14 Ultra hardly differ from their predecessors and impress with their high-quality materials and elegant design. The phones come in a small selection of color options.
Performance and innovation: The future of mobile communications
Equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, generous RAM and expandable storage, the Xiaomi 14 models set new standards in terms of performance and multitasking. In addition, the advanced camera systems offer impressive image quality and a wide range of photographic possibilities.
Battery life and charging innovations: For a long period of use
The optimizations in battery technology, supported by fast wired and wireless charging, promise longer usage time and rapid energy supply, making users more productive and flexible.
Expert assessments and user feedback: Positive, but with reservations
The technology experts agree that the Xiaomi 14 series offers impressive technology and convincing performance. Nevertheless, they also express themselves critically and criticize the points regarding the price and design.
Recommendation and conclusion: For technology lovers and demanding users
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra smartphones can be recommended as an excellent choice for technology lovers and demanding users who are looking for top performance and innovative features. Despite some reservations about price, these devices offer an impressive combination of design, performance and innovation that makes them a worthwhile investment. For users who aren't willing to spend that much money, it might also be a good option to look at the previous generation.
