The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is arguably the best smartphone I’ve used this year. Its standout features—exceptional performance and an unparalleled camera setup—place it in a league of its own. Here, I’ll delve into my experience with the device and highlight its unique features, strengths, and areas where it could improve.
A Unique and Durable Design
With an ultra-premium design, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra really stands out from the competition. The round camera cutout and leather body make it feel as luxurious as it looks, while practical benefits include dust and water resistance. The combination of looks and functionality means this will be as durable as it is elegant.
Stunning 4K Display
The 4K on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a feast for the eyes. For this, it uses Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Be it Netflix or just casually using your favorite apps, those deep blacks and vibrant colours elevate the experience. Thanks to Dolby Atmos support, the audio quality from the device matches the brilliance of the display for an immersive multimedia experience.
AI-Powered Features
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, for a 2024 flagship, does not disappoint in terms of AI capability. Features such as an AI image eraser and AI-powered upscaling of low-quality videos and images make it quite a versatile tool for creators and casual users alike. Besides that, the ability to enhance HDR content further enriches the overall experience.
Revolutionary Camera System
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera setup is one of its defining features:
Main Camera: 50 MP with a 1-inch sensor for superior low-light performance and dynamic range.
Telephoto Lens: 50 MP for detailed zoom shots.
Ultra-Wide Lens: 50 MP for expansive landscapes.
Periscope Lens: 50 MP with a focal length of 120 mm for impressive long-range zoom.
Portrait and Night Photography
Portraits taken at various focal lengths are sharp and vibrant, though skin tones can appear slightly soft. Night photos—both normal and selfie shots—are vivid, albeit not the best in terms of quality. The natural bokeh effect eliminates the frequent need for portrait mode.
Zoom and Special Modes
The 120x zooming is just insane. Full zoom shots taken on it look very different in detail and clarity compared to the competition, like the Samsung S23 Ultra. The Super Moon mode, dedicated to capturing the moon, turns in some breathtaking results.
Advanced Video Recording
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s video capabilities are equally impressive. Highlights include:
Slow-Motion Recording: Up to 1,920 fps for ultra-detailed footage.
4K Video Recording: Supports up to 120 fps with HDR.
8K Video Recording: While available, it’s less practical for everyday use.
Top-Tier Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers blazing-fast performance. From the fingerprint sensor’s speed to the hyper-smooth animations enabled by Xiaomi’s new HyperWake technology, every interaction feels seamless.
Gaming Experience
Gaming on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a treat. Playing PUBG at Ultra HD with the highest frame rate was smooth and steady at 60 fps. The powerful cooling mechanism of the phone means no heating issues, hence perfect for long gaming sessions.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The other strong point is the battery life. The phone minimizes idle power loss and charges rapidly with the included 90W power brick, reaching 100% in just 33 minutes. It also supports 80W wireless charging, quite convenient for users on the go.
Areas for Improvement
While the Xiaomi 14 Ultra excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks:
Lack of eSIM Support: The absence of eSIM hindered my ability to use my primary SIM card.
Availability: Currently, the phone isn’t sold directly in Kenya, with resellers pricing it around KES 155,000, making it less accessible.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the powerhouse that revamps the entire idea of a smartphone for 2024. Minor flaws aside, the exceptional performance and groundbreaking camera system, combined with a display to kill, make this phone a well-worth investment even for tech enthusiasts and creators.