Since Xiaomi cooperated with Leica, their Ultra line has become more and more like a camera and with the 14 Ultra, you can see that more clearly not only in its exterior design but also in the technology and solutions related to photos and photography. In addition, it is still the most advanced smartphone from Xiaomi in particular or in the Android world in general, so the latest from Xiaomi’s hardware, software and capabilities are shown in this 14 Ultra.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra domestic version was introduced on February 22 and the international version was introduced yesterday afternoon. The version I have on hand to introduce to you is the domestic version. Previously, installing Google services on Xiaomi’s domestic phone to use it like the international version was difficult and time-consuming. Now everything is pre-installed, you just need to open it and use it.
Appearance and grip feel
Looking from the back, everyone will think it is more of a camera than a smartphone. Looking from the front, it’s a smartphone, but as you know, smartphones now have the same design on the back. Xiaomi this year has been faithful to the back design of the Utlra series in the style of a camera and in my opinion, they have gradually perfected it in this 14 Ultra generation. Although in the picture it doesn’t look much different from 2 years ago, in reality it looks more balanced, more comfortable, and doesn’t look overwhelming anymore.
Looking more closely at the finishing details from the aluminum frame to the contact parts, buttons, the connection of the screen to the frame, the screen’s edge… you can immediately see a level of perfection. Very high quality and sophisticated product. Over the years, phone manufacturers have increasingly upgraded their level of perfection to a higher level. I am holding both iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung S24 Ultra and OPPO N3 and see that Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a more sophisticated and thorough level of finishing. Something quite strange because Xiaomi has not been highly rated in this section before.
The back part of the vegetable leather is attached to the machine to reveal a lot of the frame. The part where the frame and the leather cover meet are very even and delicate.
Regarding the feeling of holding in the hand, it is much more comfortable than Xiaomi’s previous Ultra models. Compared to other high-end Android devices, it is also much lighter and more compact. As someone who likes compact smartphones, I appreciate these improvements from Xiaomi.
More durable material
Xiaomi says the 14 Ultra is equipped with materials that make it much more durable than the previous generation, the 13 Ultra. Specifically, Xiaomi uses 6M42 aluminum to make the frame and they say this aluminum is 1.38 times more durable than the aluminum used on the 13 Ultra and according to Engadget, Xiaomi says it is even more durable than the Titanium that Apple uses on the iPhone 15 Pro.
The finished leather-style back is animal leather and it is 6 times scratch-resistant compared to the faux leather they used on the back of Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Another part related to durability is the front glass. On Xiaomi’s website, the front glass of the 14 Ultra is 10 times more durable than the 13 Ultra in their drop tests.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra is dust and water resistant at IP68 standard.
Camera and what’s special
Xiaomi 14 Utlra looks like a camera. In that black lens-like part there are 4 cameras with 4 different sensors and focal lengths. The sensors and focal length (equivalent on the FF35mm system) are:
- 12mm with Sony IMX858 50MP sensor, F1.8 aperture
- 23mm with Sony LYT-900 1″ 50MP sensor, aperture F1.63 and F4.0
- 75mm with Sony IMX858 50MP sensor, F1.8 aperture
- 120mm with Sony IMX858 50MP sensor with F2.5 aperture
In particular, you pay close attention to the large-sized sensor Sony LYT-900. This is the largest and best sensor currently on smartphones, currently this sensor is only equipped on OPPO Find X7 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Large sensor size is a condition for greater image quality, which is the basic principle of the camera. However, the large sensor size will come with a larger camera cluster.
On the lens, Xiaomi 14 Ultra has LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.63-2.5/12-120 ASPH printed. So the lenses on the camera are all co-engineering from Leica and Xiaomi.
Regarding software, there are two things that you need to pay attention to. First, Xiaomi said that the 14 Ultra is the first phone equipped with an “AI Large Model computational photography” system. I don’t know how to translate it correctly, but people often hear large language models when talking about AI systems related to language like ChatGPT today, this part of Xiaomi’s AI is related to images. There are 4 separate Large Model parts as follows:
- FusionML
- ToneML
- ColorML
- PotraitML
Like applying AI technology with network computers to help take photos on Xiaomi 14 Ultra better because there are many previously learned models. Let’s learn more about this part and then share with you guys later.
As for Leica, they provide two color filters that help images taken with the 14 Ultra look different: Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look. There are also other color filters from Leica and other old color sets that are very nice.
Hardware and software platform
Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 hardware platform made on 4nm process. This is Qualcomm’s new and most powerful Snapdragon chip for high-end Android devices. Regarding memory, on Xiaomi’s global website, it only shows 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a 5000mAh battery and 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging capabilities. The screen is 6″73 in size with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 reaching a density of 522 ppi. The panel used is an AMOLED panel and has a normal brightness of 1000 nits and a maximum brightness of 3000 nits. . The screen configuration is the best today, let’s try it to see how it actually turns out and let you guys know. Regarding software, it is Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 14 platform.
Conclude
The first feeling with Xiaomi 14 Ultra is so exciting. Hopefully the actual experience will be better than that. And I also hope Xiaomi makes this Ultra line stronger so that smartphone lovers have more options. I love smartphones and know it well, but many people are still afraid of Xiaomi’s high-end line.
Trying an old film filter on Xiaomi 14 Ultra gives a very beautiful image. It feels comfortable and light to hold. Beautiful and comfortable camera interface and experience, more camera feel. The edge of the screen glass is curved to a degree that makes it very comfortable to swipe across. The display is embossed on the aluminum frame. Try the 120mm camera. Image:
