Xiaomi 14 Review: No “Pro” Needed to Shine Bright

Xiaomi 14 Review: No “Pro” Needed to Shine Bright. The Xiaomi 14, one of Xiaomi's latest high-end smartphones, has landed in Spain, showcasing that it doesn't need the "Pro" label to stand out. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into its features, performance, and overall user experience to see if it lives up to the hype.

Xiaomi 14 Review: No “Pro” Needed to Shine Bright

Price and Availability

• Amazon: From USD 951.49 (Previously EUR 864.99)

SmartGSM may receive a small commission for qualified sales.

Overview

Xiaomi has taken a slightly different path this year with its high-end Xiaomi 14 series. Although the company introduced the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro in China last year, the global market sees the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra as the main stars. The absence of the "Pro" model globally is a strategic decision by Xiaomi.

This leaves the Xiaomi 14 to shoulder the responsibility of competing with the best high-end smartphones of 2024, while the 14 Ultra takes on the premium high-end segment. Xiaomi has introduced clear improvements in the Xiaomi 14 to reduce the gap with the Pro model, offering a technically advanced smartphone featuring an LTPO display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Leica-signed triple rear camera, and more.

On paper, the Xiaomi 14 seems more than ready to compete with any high-end smartphone. But is it really? We’ve been testing it over the past few weeks, and in this in-depth review, we’ll tell you all about it.

Design and Display

The Xiaomi 14 features a conservative design approach. At first glance, it looks almost identical to the Xiaomi 13. It’s constructed with aluminum and glass, with straight edges along the chassis, a completely flat screen, and a subtly curved back to improve grip.

Build Quality

• Dimensions: 152.8 x 71.5 x 8.2 mm
• Weight: 193 grams
• Materials: Aluminum and glass

Despite its 15 centimeters height, the Xiaomi 14 is one of the more compact smartphones considering its nearly 6.4-inch display. It doesn’t reach the dimensions of devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the iPhone 15 but remains comfortable to hold.

Display

• Type: LTPO AMOLED
• Size: 6.36 inches
• Resolution: 1.5K (2670 x 1200 pixels)
• Refresh Rate: 1-120 Hz
• Brightness: Up to 3000 nits (peak)

The display is one of the best in any mobile currently available. With 460 pixels per inch, the clarity is excellent, and the color representation is accurate in "Color original PRO" mode, especially when the color temperature is set to "Warm."

Rear Design

The rear is dominated by a large camera module with a metal frame and a point pattern for added texture. In the black model we tested, the glossy camera module and dark gray aluminum edges contrast nicely with the matte finish of the glass back, adding personality to its design.

Notable Features

The infrared emitter, a hallmark of Xiaomi smartphones, is now located inside the camera module. Although hard to spot, it’s still functional. The large camera module and limited rear surface can make it easy to smudge the camera lens with your fingers. A protective case, like the included black silicone one, can help prevent this.

Front Display

• Front Protection: Flat glass
• Bezel Width: 1.71 mm at the widest

The front houses a 6.36-inch display protected by flat glass with narrow bezels. The LTPO AMOLED panel promises improved efficiency and dynamic refresh rate adjustments between 1 and 120 Hz, conserving energy when necessary. It also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 boasts impressive specs.

Processor and Memory

• Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 256/512/1 TB UFS 4.0

Xiaomi was the first to announce a smartphone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Xiaomi 14 delivers outstanding performance. It handles demanding tasks effortlessly and maintains excellent temperature management, possibly due to its new cooling system.

Security

Xiaomi collaborates with NXP to include an external hardware security module that integrates NFC, eSIM, and a secure element for storing critical data, similar to Google's Titan M chip.

Software and Experience

The Xiaomi 14 is the first global flagship running HyperOS, Xiaomi's new software platform.

Interface

Despite being based on Android 14, HyperOS 1.0 feels like a refined version of MIUI 14. The interface, pre-installed apps, and notification management are similar to its predecessor. Xiaomi has promised generative AI features to be announced in March.

Ecosystem Integration

Improved integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem allows for better control of connected devices through the quick settings panel. The "Interconnectivity" menu in system settings offers additional integration features, provided you have other Xiaomi products linked to your account.

Software Support

Xiaomi offers 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security updates, although this is shorter than what Samsung and Google provide.

Haptics and Sound

The haptic motor provides firm and pleasant vibration effects, and the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support deliver powerful and balanced sound.

Battery and Charging

• Battery: 4610 mAh
• Wired Charging: 90W USB-PD
• Wireless Charging: 50W

The Xiaomi 14’s battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full day with over 40% remaining. It supports fast charging, reaching 100% in about 38 minutes with the included charger and cable. Wireless charging is also available at 50W.

Camera System

The Xiaomi 14's camera setup is versatile and high-quality, featuring a triple rear camera system signed by Leica.

Rear Cameras

• Main: 50 MP, f/1.6, OIS
• Ultra Wide: 50 MP, f/2.2
• Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.0, OIS, 3.2X optical zoom

Front Camera

• Selfie: 32 MP

The camera system offers excellent performance in various conditions, with the main sensor providing sharp and vibrant images. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses add flexibility, making it a capable shooter in diverse scenarios.

The Xiaomi 14 proves that it doesn’t need the "Pro" label to be a top contender in the high-end smartphone market. With its compact design, impressive display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system, it stands out as one of the best smartphones of 2024.

Where to Buy

• Official Xiaomi Store: Starting at USD 1,099.90
• Amazon: Starting at USD 951.49

Final Rating: 90/100

Pros

• Compact design, high build quality
• Excellent display
• Outstanding performance
• Versatile and high-quality camera system

Cons

• HyperOS still feels like MIUI 14
• Limited software support compared to competitors

For more detailed information, you can check the Xiaomi official website and other trusted sources.

This comprehensive review should provide a thorough understanding of the Xiaomi 14, ensuring you make an informed decision if you’re considering this smartphone.

Cameras

Xiaomi 14 Camera Module

The Xiaomi 14, though not branded as an Ultra or Pro, boasts a cutting-edge camera system designed to rival the best in the smartphone photography market today.

Camera Specifications

The camera setup of the Xiaomi 14 includes the following:

Main Leica Camera

• Light Fusion 900 image sensor with 50 MP
• Super Pixel 4-in-1 at 2.4 µm
• Equivalent focal length: 23 mm
• Aperture: ƒ/1.6
• Optical image stabilization (OIS)
• Anti-reflective lens coating (ALD)
• Sensor size: 1/1.31"
• 7-element lens
• Autofocus (AF)

75 mm Floating Leica Telephoto Camera

• 32 MP in photo mode and 50 MP in portrait mode
• Aperture: ƒ/2.0
• Equivalent focal length: 75 mm
• Optical image stabilization (OIS)
• Macro photography capability at 10 cm
• 6-element lens
• Autofocus (AF)

Leica Ultra-Wide Camera

• 50 MP
• Field of view: 115°
• Equivalent focal length: 14 mm
• Aperture: ƒ/2.2
• 6-element lens

Selfie Camera

• 32 MP
• Aperture: ƒ/2.0
• Pixel size: 0.7 μm
• Field of view: 89.6°
• 5-element lens

Performance Overview

On paper, the Xiaomi 14's camera system seems poised to match some of the market's best. The collaboration with Leica, including the Summilux lens, the Light Fusion 900 sensor from OmniVision, and the floating lens for the telephoto camera, is particularly noteworthy.

However, the Xiaomi 14 lacks some of the advanced features found in the Ultra model, such as the innovative variable aperture system and the long-range periscope lens telephoto camera with a one-inch diagonal sensor. These features are reserved for the Ultra model, which costs an additional 500 euros.

Main Camera Quality

The main camera delivers excellent results in both daylight and nighttime conditions. Xiaomi has struck a balance between sharpness, dynamic range, color accuracy, and detail without overdoing the sharpness. While some artificial sharpness is added, it is not excessive.

Xiaomi allows users to choose between two color profiles: Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic. In my experience, Leica Vibrant offers the best balance between vivid colors and realism.

Telephoto Camera

The telephoto lens is the most fun to use among the three rear cameras and is ideal for portraits. It performs well in good lighting conditions and holds its own in darker scenes thanks to its larger aperture compared to other similar sensors.

Ultra-Wide Camera

The ultra-wide camera also impresses, capturing sharp images with minimal distortion. However, it has a more limited dynamic range and struggles more in low light due to its smaller aperture.

Overall, the camera system is balanced and reliable, excelling particularly with the main sensor and offering fast capture speeds in all conditions—an aspect that no other Android smartphone brand can currently match beyond Xiaomi.

The Xiaomi 14 enters the market as Xiaomi's flagship high-end device for 2024, just shy of the premium range where the Xiaomi 14 Ultra competes.

It is one of the most balanced smartphones available today, comparable to models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or the iPhone 15 Pro. It is even priced higher than the Samsung model and is not far from Apple's.

However, the Xiaomi 14 justifies its cost with a refined design, an excellent display, the latest and most powerful Qualcomm processor, and a camera system that matches its price.

Xiaomi is also leveraging market preferences for premium segment phones by offering incentives for those who pre-order their new flagship, such as a tablet valued at 400 euros. This strategy not only attracts potential buyers but also draws more users into Xiaomi's growing ecosystem.

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