Xiaomi 14 Review: Capable smartphone - Will it be threat to other flagship devices?

Xiaomi 14 Review: Xiaomi has introduced its latest smartphone, the Xiaomi 14, which can be referred to as its torchbearer until the brand’s next device hits the market. The smartphone, by its initial look, gives away a slender profile. Co-engineered with German lens maker Leica, Xiaomi 14 is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. In this review, we shall delve deep to find out how fierce competition this smartphone gives to the likes of flagship devices, including Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, One Plus 12, and others. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Design

Appearing similar to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the Xiaomi 14 boasts a handy design. Even for prolonged usages, this device is comfortable to hold with smooth edges not bent on creating a pit on palms. The device flaunts a glossy finish, attracting fingerprint smudges more frequently. Coming with an aluminium frame, the device gains enhanced durability while donning a stylish look. The bezels are thin with a flat-screen, shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus protection. To the right side, you will find the power buttons and volume rockers, and towards the bottom, the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray are located.

ALSO READ | Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE Review: Reliable, pocket-friendly tablet

Moreover, the IR blaster is unconventionally found at the camera module towards the back. Further, the device gets IP68 certification, enabling it with water and dust resistance capabilities. The device is available in three colour options: Matte Black, Jade Green, and Classic White. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Display

Featuring a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display, the Xiaomi 14 boasts a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz. With a resolution of 1200x2670 pixels and peak brightness notching 3000 nits, this smartphone is slated to offer a seamless multimedia experience even in outdoor usage conditions. The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision further consolidate this device’s worthiness, providing vibrant colours, better dynamic range, and enhanced contrast. This smartphone is enhanced by 12-bit colour depth support, enabling it to offer a better control mechanism pertaining to refresh rate, ultimately leading to improved power efficiency. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Performance and Software

Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Xiaomi 14 boasts the most deserved performance boost. The device easily handles regular tasks like watching content on Netflix, surfing the internet, browsing social media pages, running YouTube, among others. The device performs competently well even in intensive usage conditions such as undertaking games and editing photos. No technical stutter is likely to be encountered even while running on-device generative AI, which this processor is capable of. On the software front, the device runs on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s custom skin, which is based on Android 14. This operating system is tailored to enhance performance with seamless optimisation. The brand claims to offer four major software updates, along with 5 years of security upgrades. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Camera

The camera prowess of the Xiaomi 14 is the most talked about feature, with considerable hype surrounding it, since it has been developed in collaboration with Leica. The camera module encompasses a 50MP triple-camera system, including a 50MP primary shooter with OIS support, complemented further by a floating 50MP telephoto sensor with OIS, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. The primary camera offers impressive outputs in properly lit conditions, with adequate sharpness and details. The dynamic range is brilliant, coupled with vibrant colours in outdoor as well as indoor setups. The telephoto sensor also does a decent job, giving rich details, maintaining a wide dynamic range. The device offers brilliant close-up shots, attributed to its telephoto camera. 

ALSO READ | Samsung Galaxy S24 Review: Compactly Premium, AI-Driven Powerhouse

Additionally, the low-light photography with this device is fun, with sharpness and details properly taken care of when the night mode is activated. On the front, you will get a 32MP selfie camera, which offers more than satisfactory skin tones. It offers a good bokeh effect but edge detection is not always up to the mark. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Battery

Coming to the battery, the Xiaomi 14 is equipped with a 4,610mAh battery. Notably, the device has received a highly competitive processor in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, resulting in enhanced battery life. The device easily lasts for a day even in intense working scenarios, with some fuel left in the tank. It supports 90W wired charging speed and 50W wireless charging, as well as 10W of reverse charging. The device gets fully charged in just over half an hour's time with the 90W charger and USB-C cable offered with the box. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Verdict

The Xiaomi 14 is a brilliant amalgamation of compactness and power. The display is vivid, with durable battery life. The unmissable part is its camera at the back. However, its contemporaries are all up against it with some uniqueness associated with each one of them. What sets apart the Xiaomi 14 is its all-round profile spanning good in-hand feel, powerful processor and battery life, bolstered further by enhanced charging speed. 

Xiaomi 14 Review: Pros and Cons

Pros: 

1. Compact size
2. Leica cameras
3. Excellent Display

Cons: 

1. Pre-installed apps (which can be uninstalled)
2. Selfie camera leaves scope for improvement