It was an open secret: Xiaomi did indeed take advantage of its platform on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress to formalize the launch of its Xiaomi 14 range in the West.
If we had already been able to discover the Xiaomi 14 a few months ago during its release in China, the brand has increased the pressure on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, officially presented to the world today after a launch in his native country mid-week.
Everything for the photo
Xiaomi’s approach seems almost anachronistic in an industry so obsessed with artificial intelligence. However, it is on photography that the Chinese has once again decided to bet, after a Xiaomi 13 Ultra which is already particularly convincing on this point.
This new model thus offers one of the largest camera units ever seen on the back of a smartphone. This includes no less than four modules (five including the 3D ToF scanner). Here is the configuration:
- Wide-angle: 50 Mpx (1″; ƒ/1.6-4.0; PDAF, OIS);
- Ultra wide-angle: 50 Mpx (1/2.51″; ƒ/1.8; 12 mm; PDAF);
- 3.2x telephoto lens: 50 Mpx (1/2.51″; ƒ/1.8; PDAF; OIS);
- 5x telephoto lens: 50 Mpx (1/2.51″; ƒ/2.5; PDAF; OIS);
- Selfie: 32 Mpx (ƒ/2.0).
At first glance, the quartet of 50-megapixel sensors comes very close to the configuration at work on last year’s model. However, it is in the details that we must delve to appreciate all the characteristics.
Adopting the exclusive Sony LYT900 (1″) main sensor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra would be 136% brighter than the already impressive sensor of its predecessor. A great promise for night photography enthusiasts, especially as the lens offers a Variable aperture from ƒ/1.63 to ƒ/4.0 for greater versatility.
The duo of telephoto lenses are also worth keeping an eye on on the smartphone. These are two Sony IMX858 sensors, the first of which opens at ƒ/1.8 and the second at ƒ/2.5. Enough to promise even better results than the recent Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Of course, the rest of the technical sheet is not to be outdone with a 6.73 inch 120 Hz and QHD+ screen, a brightness announced at 3000 nits, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood and a couple 16 + 512 GB which promises breathtaking performance. On the battery side, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra progresses with a 5300 mAh cell, still rechargeable at 90W (50W wireless).
Will the Xiaomi 14 manage to find a place for itself?
Obviously, after such a juggernaut, it’s difficult for the Xiaomi 14 to put stars in people’s eyes. Unless you are a fan of small formats of course.
Yes, like the Xiaomi 13, its successor has a diagonal of 6.36 inches (which does not detract from the quality of its AMOLED, Full HD and 120 Hz screen). Also equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Xiaomi 14 will be available in a single 8+256 GB version.
Obviously, this model is more modest in terms of the photo. But its configuration still bodes well for great versatility. On the back you will find:
- Wide-angle: 50 Mpx (1/1.31″; ƒ/1.6; PDAF; OIS);
- Ultra wide-angle: 50 Mpx (ƒ/2.2);
- 3x telephoto lens: 50 Mpx (ƒ/2.0; PDAF; OIS);
- Selfie: 32 Mpx.
On the battery side, small progress also on the Xiaomi 14 with a battery which goes from 4500 mAh to 4610 mAh. Charging is also progressing with a ceiling announced at 90W compared to 67W on last year’s model.
Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Ultra: price and availability
Freshly announced, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are now available for pre-order. The Xiaomi 14 and 14 ultra will be officially sold at the following prices:
- Xiaomi 14: €999 (8+256 GB); €1099 (12+512 GB) available February 25.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: €1499 (16+512 GB) available on March 19. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Photography Kit will be available at a price of €199 and will be offered with any purchase of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (until April 30). It includes a handle and a dedicated housing with a two-stage shutter release button, a zoom lever, an additional customizable video record button and an additional customizable dial. It also works as a charging power bank, providing 1500mAh of battery.
See you in a few weeks to discover our complete tests of these new flagships from Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Smartphone
release date: second quarter 2024
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