Just prior to MWC 2024, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra to a worldwide audience, and I had the chance to spend some time with the latter. While not many products truly embody the original meaning of “Ultra,” I must say that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra exceeds the expectations of most, especially in terms of its camera capabilities.
During Xiaomi’s press conference, it was evident that the company wanted the conversation surrounding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to focus on its video features. The event took place at a real movie studio outside of Barcelona, complete with professional lighting, sets, and a variety of expensive equipment. This demonstrated Xiaomi’s claim that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers users professional-level features without the typical cost, bulk, or complexity associated with professional cameras.
To showcase the capabilities of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the company mounted the phone on a rig attached to a dolly and used it to record a short scene. A professional colorist then edited the video to demonstrate the Ultra’s adeptness in handling challenging lighting conditions. The final video result showcased superior dynamic range and contrast, illustrating technical prowess in a comprehensible manner.
While some of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera features may seem esoteric, others, such as automated face tracking and the stepless variable aperture system, are more straightforward. The stepless variable aperture allows the lens shutter to adapt between f/1.63 and f/4.0, providing better performance in varying lighting conditions, especially when combined with a large 1-inch sensor.
Collaborating with Leica, Xiaomi equipped the 14 Ultra with a complex camera system consisting of four cameras: Ultrawide, Main, Telephoto, and Periscope telephoto, offering a wide range of focal lengths for diverse photographic needs. Additionally, the phone includes AI features to optimize image data effectively.
In terms of the phone itself, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a design with flat edges reminiscent of recent iPhone styles, complemented by curved glass edges for improved ergonomics. The 6.73-inch QHD+ OLED screen delivers an exceptional viewing experience, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and fast-charging technology ensure smooth performance.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be available for €1,499 (~$1,624) in black or white, with the option to purchase a camera grip accessory for an additional €199 (~$216). Despite limited hands-on time with the device, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra appears to be a formidable flagship that excels in various aspects, particularly its video capabilities. Whether these advanced features are necessary for all users remains to be seen.