The Xiaomi 14 proves that great things can indeed come in smaller packages. This compact flagship offers a combination of cutting-edge design, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities. In this review, we delve into how the Xiaomi 14 stacks up in a competitive market, where it faces off against top brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 14 strikes a balance between practicality and aesthetics. It features a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display, perfectly sized between the larger 6.7-inch and smaller 6.1-inch screens found in many smartphones. Weighing just 193 grams and measuring 8.2mm thick, the Xiaomi 14 is designed for easy one-handed use. Its curved back design may feel unusual at first but quickly becomes comfortable, offering a secure grip and an elegant look.
Available in Matte Black, Jade Green, and Classic White, the Xiaomi 14 impresses with its design. The Matte Black variant, which we reviewed, has a sleek matte finish that reduces fingerprints and is practical even without a case. However, the Jade Green and White versions are notably slippery. The phone’s aluminium frame is sturdy, and the minimal bezel ensures maximum screen space. Xiaomi has even retained the IR blaster, moving it to the camera module for added convenience.
Display Quality
The Xiaomi 14’s display is a standout feature. It boasts a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED screen with a resolution of 1200×2670 pixels, delivering a peak brightness of 3000 nits. This screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it excellent for media consumption. It also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and an impressive 460PPI pixel density for sharp visuals. The display performs admirably in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and DC dimming, the screen is both durable and easy on the eyes.
Camera Performance
The camera system on the Xiaomi 14, developed in collaboration with Leica, is a major highlight. The rear setup includes a 50-megapixel Sony sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 10cm close-up shots, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with a 115-degree field of view. The camera delivers vibrant, detailed images, often outperforming competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of natural color reproduction.
Xiaomi offers Leica’s Authentic and Vibrant styles for photo customization. The Authentic style provides true-to-life colors, while the Vibrant style enhances color saturation. The camera also includes various portrait modes and filters designed in collaboration with Leica, adding creative options for photography enthusiasts.
While the rear cameras impress, the 32-megapixel front camera falls short, especially in low-light conditions. Despite good performance in daylight, it could benefit from additional enhancements.
Performance and Software
The Xiaomi 14 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring top-tier performance. It’s the first Xiaomi device in India to feature HyperOS, Xiaomi’s new operating system. HyperOS introduces a refreshed user interface with extensive customization options and improved cross-device connectivity, aligning with Xiaomi’s vision for an integrated smart ecosystem.
In performance benchmarks, the Xiaomi 14 excels, scoring 1973937 on AnTuTu, 121fps in T-Rex and Manhattan 3.1 tests on GFX Bench, and 2210 in single-core and 6808 in multi-core tests on GeekBench 6. It also scored 4818 in 3D Mark’s Wild Life Extreme test, placing it among the top performers in its class.
The Xiaomi 14 offers four major software updates and five years of security patches, with Android 14 pre-installed. This ensures a long lifespan for the device, with updates potentially extending to Android 18.
Battery Life
Despite its compact size, the Xiaomi 14 houses a 4610mAh battery. The combination of HyperOS and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides impressive battery life. The device easily lasts a full day of heavy use, including photography, gaming, and browsing. It also supports 90W wired charging, capable of fully charging the device in just 36 minutes. Additionally, there is support for 50W wireless turbo charging.
Verdict
The Xiaomi 14 proves that smaller smartphones can offer flagship features. With its exceptional design, top-notch performance, and impressive camera system, it stands out in a crowded market. Although it lacks a Pro version this year, the Xiaomi 14 delivers a premium experience that rivals larger competitors.
If you’re seeking an Android phone that combines excellent camera capabilities with solid performance and battery life in a compact form, the Xiaomi 14 is a compelling choice. While it does have minor drawbacks, such as some bloatware and a less impressive selfie camera, the overall package is hard to beat.
