Xiaomi 14 is likely one of the greatest examples of how collaborations ought to work. Right here, Xiaomi and Leica have labored collectively, and we talked in detail about why this is not just a marketing partnership. 2024 is a crucial 12 months for Xiaomi, not solely as a result of it completes 10 years of operations in India but additionally as a result of this 12 months, loads of Xiaomi devices will be upgraded to HyperOS, the corporate’s subsequent huge transfer to convey the human x automobile x dwelling good ecosystem a actuality. We are going to get into that later on this evaluation. The all-new Xiaomi 14 ticks all of the bins on paper that one expects from a new-age flagship Android smartphone – a prime processor, strong digicam system, wonderful show and cameras, and a likeable and sensible design in each method. 

Nonetheless, the all-new Xiaomi 14 enters a value phase the place many manufacturers struggle to get some share – from Samsung to Google to OnePlus. However how nicely does the Xiaomi 14 carry out in our in-depth evaluation? Let’s discover out.

Xiaomi 14 Overview: Design that provides you confidence

At a time when smartphone manufacturers wish to supply the largest potential show on their gadgets, Xiaomi in all probability took a extra sensible method. That includes a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED show, the Xiaomi 14 completely sits between gadgets sporting 6.7-inch and 6.1-inch shows. At 193 grams and eight.2mm thickness, Xiaomi 14 is designed for one-hand use. In a really very long time, we’ve not reviewed a tool that is handy to make use of for on a regular basis duties, so in aesthetics, Xiaomi 14 units a benchmark. 

We like telephones with flat sides, and Xiaomi has gone a step additional by choosing a curved again for the Xiaomi 14. This initially seems and feels odd, however you get used to it steadily. With no sharp edges, the cellphone completely sinks into your palm. It gives wonderful grip for on a regular basis use and could be very handy for lengthy textual content typing and different duties. In actual fact, we wrote most of our articles on the Xiaomi 14 as a result of, inside every week, it turned our main system for many issues. 

The aluminium body feels strong in arms and gives confidence in on a regular basis utilization. The minimal prime body ensures minimal bezel and most display actual property. The Xiaomi 14’s weight distribution is so good that the massive square-shaped digicam placement by no means felt pointless. 

The Xiaomi 14 has launched in Matte Black, Jade Inexperienced, and Basic White. We obtained the Black one, which has a matte end, making it appropriate to be used even and not using a case. Nonetheless, the identical can’t be mentioned for the Jade Inexperienced and White color variants, as each are extraordinarily slippery. 

We liked the eye to element on the 14, and long-time Xiaomi followers would respect that the corporate hasn’t forgotten the IR blaster on its premium system. The corporate has moved the IR blaster to the again and positioned it contained in the squarish digicam placement. 

The show panel on the Xiaomi 14 is shiny and gives 3000nits peak brightness. It options 460PPI pixel density and gives a 1200×2670 pixels display decision. There is a 120Hz adaptive refresh charge. Speaking about real-world utilization, the Xiaomi 14’s show is superb in any lighting situation – even below direct daylight. The viewing angles are additionally good, and the colors are wealthy. To reinforce the multimedia expertise, Xiaomi has added Dolby Atmos with Dolby Imaginative and prescient, which provides to the general bundle. The entrance additionally options Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, and Xiaomi has added DC dimming to handle the flickering. The Xiaomi 14 comes with Widevine L1 safety stage for streaming high-quality movies on streaming providers. 

Xiaomi 14 Overview: Leica-ble Cameras!

 The rear cameras are the largest spotlight of the Xiaomi 14, and that is after extensively utilizing it for nearly three weeks. The first 50-megapixel sensor with f/1.6 aperture can click on wonderful pictures – even when clicking in harsh lighting circumstances. The colors are on level, and there are a ton of particulars in each shot. In some comparability pictures, we seen that the Xiaomi 14 photographs have extra pure colors than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which seemed barely heat in tone whatever the mild state of affairs. 

Under are some samples that talk for themselves. In the event you love to make use of your smartphone as a point-and-shoot digicam on the road, then the Xiaomi 14 is the most suitable choice. 

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14 main digicam

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14 main digicam

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14 main digicam

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14 ultra-wide digicam

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14’s telephoto digicam

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14’s telephoto digicam

Xiaomi 14’s lengthy publicity choice Neon Trails in play

One other spotlight is the 50-megapixel telephoto sensor. It could actually seize topics as shut as 10cm, and we captured one improbable shot in very difficult lighting circumstances. The 50-megapixel extremely wide-angle sensor gives a 115-degree discipline of view, a step up from the one we noticed on the Xiaomi 13 Professional. All three rear sensors are leaps and bounds higher than any Xiaomi smartphone we’ve used.

Xiaomi 14’s Leica BW filter used

Shot utilizing Xiaomi 14’s 75mm portrait mode

Xiaomi 14’s 35mm Documentary portrait mode, together with the BW filter used right here

Customers can select between the Leica Genuine or Vibrant kinds. We appreciated the Genuine model of most of our samples. In comparison with the Vibrant model, the Leica Genuine captures photographs within the authentic picture high quality, holding the colors and particulars nearer to actuality.

Then, there’s the Leica watermark to flaunt the pictures you’re taking. The portrait is one other division the place Xiaomi 14 takes the lead in opposition to most of its rivals. You may select between customary, documentary (35mm), swirly bokeh (50mm), portrait (90mm), and tender focus (90mm). To boost your pictures additional, you’ll be able to select from an array of filters made in collaboration with Leica, like Leica Pure, Leica Vivid, Leica Pure, Leica Sepia, Leica Black and White Excessive Distinction, and Leica Black and White Pure. We had a whole lot of enjoyable with the digicam throughout the evaluation. 

There are tons of additives for movies, just like the all-new Film Mode, which comes with Dolby Imaginative and prescient Recording in Video Mode. 

The selfie digicam, for us, was the largest Achilles heel of Xiaomi 14. The corporate added a lot to the cameras, together with Leica-tuned options, and we consider the selfie digicam ought to have gotten one thing. The daylight selfies have good particulars; nonetheless, the low-light selfies have been barely inconsistent. 

Xiaomi 14 Overview: Glorious efficiency

Xiaomi and Leica have not simply made the 14 a camera-focused smartphone solely however ensured that it’s an all-rounder in each different division. Earlier than diving into the efficiency, we should add that Xiaomi 14 is the corporate’s first in India to launch with HyperOS out-of-the-box. HyperOS is a time period you’ll hear loads about this 12 months as a result of it is a part of an even bigger technique for the model. 

HyperOS seems acquainted excessive, so learn MIUI. Nonetheless, there are options that we completely liked, like the brand new lock screens with tons of customisation choices. HyperOS will play a significant position for Xiaomi in interconnectivity for cross-device dynamic networking, the place customers will not be required to obtain separate apps for particular gadgets like bands, Good Lights, CCTV Cameras, Air purifiers, and extra. 

Coming to the smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 feels snappy. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC ensures top-notch efficiency in your arms. 

Not many individuals could have seen, however we’ve steadily reached a degree the place differentiating between flagship processors on mobiles is getting more durable yearly. Like in real-world utilization, the Snapdragon Gen 2 is nearly as good because the processor for all duties, however the Gen 3 improves effectivity. Anyhow, again to the evaluation. We ran some artificial benchmarks and located that Xiaomi 14 is up on the listing in comparison with different Gen 3-powered flagships this 12 months.

On AnTuTu, the Xiaomi 14 scored a powerful 1973937, whereas in GFX Bench, it scored 121fps in T-Rex and 121fps in Manhattan 3.1 assessments. On GeekBench 6, the 14 scores a great 2210 in single-core assessments and 6808 in multi-core assessments. In 3D Mark’s Wild Life Excessive check, 14 scored a good 4818. After working a bunch of those benchmarks, we realised that the Xiaomi 14 is among the many prime telephones utilising the very best of the Gen 3 chipset. 

Xiaomi guarantees 4 main software program updates and 5 years of safety patches. The Xiaomi 14 will get Android 14 out of the field, which suggests customers will get help for as much as an Android 18 replace till 2028. That is not unhealthy, contemplating many smartphones launch with Android 13 and promise 4 updates, whereas Android 14 can also be counted. 

Xiaomi 14 could also be a compact-looking smartphone, nevertheless it packs a loud stereo speaker setup that delivers crisp audio. The four-mic array ensures that calls and audio recorded throughout movies are first rate. The twin-SIM Xiaomi 14 can help a mixture of two nano SIMs or a nano SIM and an eSIM. The decision high quality is top-notch, and we encountered no points throughout the evaluation interval. 

The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast. Nonetheless, the thumb placement is barely on the decrease aspect of the display, which might be a problem for some throughout the preliminary days. After spending one or two days with the Xiaomi 14, we most popular the in-display fingerprint over face unlock for comfort. Nonetheless, face unlock can also be dependable and has a fast turnaround. Total, the Xiaomi 14 is a well-rounded smartphone contemplating efficiency metrics.

Xiaomi 14 Overview: Battery that may final a day

Xiaomi 14 ships with a 4610mAh battery, which, on paper, does not look large. However, because of the corporate’s all-new HyperOS and Qualcomm’s flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the battery efficiency does impress. In the course of the evaluation interval, the Xiaomi 14, with all that taking pictures, modifying photographs, gaming, and shopping, lasted for a full day, which was spectacular. In our video loop check, we obtained 11 hours and 20 minutes earlier than the cellphone powered down, which is improbable.

The Xiaomi 14 ships with a 90W charging adapter, the utmost charging velocity we’ve seen on this value phase. From Apple to Samsung gadgets, ship and not using a charging adapter and help decrease charging speeds. From 0 to 100%, the Xiaomi 14 can absolutely cost in 36 minutes – which we may replicate twice throughout the evaluation course of. Total, the battery efficiency of the Xiaomi 14 impresses, and there is additionally 50W wi-fi turbo charging help.

Xiaomi 14 Overview: Verdict

Good issues are available small packages – the place Xiaomi 14 could also be compact, nevertheless it gives greater than a daily flagship smartphone, from best-in-class aesthetics, flagship efficiency, and a flexible digicam that is arduous to beat in difficult lighting circumstances. Satirically, we’re not getting a Professional model this 12 months in India as a result of Xiaomi 14 has probably the most Professional options within the phase. 

Lengthy factor brief, if you need an Android system that may click on the absolute best pictures whereas on the go together with a Leica contact, gives constant efficiency, delivers first rate battery output, and a design that may make you ask why corporations do not make telephones this measurement, then Xiaomi 14 is for you. Sure, very similar to, as they are saying, no one is ideal; the 14 additionally has just a few points like bloatware, which might be unacceptable to some shoppers at this value. However, with HyperOS, loads on the software program entrance is about to vary, and that is for good. 

In the event you’re searching for alternate options, the Google Pixel 8 (Review), retailing round Rs 76,000, is an effective choice, alongside the Samsung Galaxy S24, priced round Rs 80,000. There’s additionally the OnePlus 12 (Review), which is similar value because the Xiaomi 14.