During Mobile World Congress 2024, we had the opportunity to get a close look at the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. You will be surprised, Xiaomi is a direct competitor to two big names in the sector.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
Before us, a smartphone from the most high-end segment, premium category par excellence. Only the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max compete with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Its selling price, set at 1500 euros, reflects its positioning. It’s daring, you have to admit.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
In this category, Xiaomi is playing big, with everything to gain and nothing to lose. The objective is to position themselves as a flagship of their technological expertise, they have chosen to focus on photography and video. Although this strategy is not new, Huawei having already taken this route, it remains formidable. Reaching the top means making no compromises, especially when it comes to marketing a camera phone.
In my opinion, it's photography and video that separates ultra-high-end smartphones from high-end models. In the world of smartphones, these features represent the most difficult and demanding challenge.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
What is immediately striking is the size of the rear module, equipped with four lenses: its imposing size, its width and its thickness (15.9 mm) do not go unnoticed. Xiaomi is making a bet here, they want to deliberately emphasize this feature. The significant thickness is explained in particular by the need to incorporate a 1-inch sensor, which is considerable, as well as a periscope camera with a 5x zoom.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
During normal handling, the index finger naturally rests just below the camera module, thereby lessening the perceived importance of this module.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
However, an inconvenience arises when using the phone in landscape mode, whether for gaming or watching videos. The bulky camera module makes it difficult to handle. No matter which hand you hold it with, its size makes the experience uncomfortable. The most natural way to handle it seems to be to hug the module with the phone. This is not the most practical. Moreover, you will also have to be attentive to dust and fingerprints.
A real photophone
Four cameras adorn the rear, the main one of which is equipped with the 50-megapixel, 1-inch LYT-900 sensor, benefiting from 4-in-1 pixel fusion technology. One feature to remember is its variable aperture, ranging from f/1.63 to f/4.0, which provides a wide range of diaphragmatic apertures. This flexibility is not limited to extreme values, but extends over the entire aperture range. In Pro mode, it is possible to fine-tune the exposure with a precision of 0.01.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
According to Xiaomi, thanks to the 1-inch LYT-900 sensor and Dual Native ISO Fusion Max technology, the device achieves a dynamic range of 14EV, which promises faithful reproduction of complex scenes, both in the highlights and in the shadows. All optics are by Leica, who also worked on software optimization as well as dedicated software modes.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
In addition to the main sensor, the device integrates a Sony IMX858 sensor dedicated to the 75 mm (3.2x) telephoto lens, which also has 50 megapixels with an aperture of f/1.8, optical image stabilization (OIS) and a macro function up to 10 centimeters. Moreover, the same Sony IMX858 sensor is used for all three cameras.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
The configuration also includes a 120mm (5x) periscope camera with an f/2.5 aperture, capable of taking macro shots at 30cm. The ultra-wide-angle, for its part, offers a 12 mm perspective with an aperture of f/1.8 and allows a macro proximity of 5 cm. All of these cameras benefit from Leica’s expertise. What's the point ?
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
In fact, the camera offers two Leica photography modes: Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look, as well as exclusive Leica filters: Sepia, Blue, Vivid, Natural, BW Natural, and BW High Contrast. These styles and filters are there to multiply the creative possibilities.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
With these four cameras, the diversity of focal lengths available is impressive, it goes from 12 mm for the ultra wide angle, to 23 mm for the wide angle, 75 mm for the telephoto lens, 120 mm for the periscope, with Additional focal lengths of 46mm and 240mm accessible via digital zoom.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
Xiaomi fully in the video
Xiaomi has launched a major challenge by attacking head-on the field of video on smartphones, an area where Apple has always excelled. With the launch of Cinema mode in its Xiaomi 14 series, the brand shows that it is not coming to play supporting roles.
It's a bit of a surprise: positioning itself as the essential smartphone for video professionals. And the least we can say is that Xiaomi is pulling out all the stops to prove its point.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
This Cinema mode is serious: cinematic aspect ratio 2.39:1, 180° rule for motion blur just like in the cinema, not to mention the AI features which ensure that everyone remains in sight or that the zoom is done without a hitch. This will probably remind you of cinematic mode on iPhone.
Besides, it's not just that: with MasterCinema, video quality takes a leap: we're talking about high dynamic videos in 10-bit Rec.2020, which means more details everywhere, especially on the screens HDR.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
Director mode is for those who want to push mobile production to the pro level. Pro camera interface, advanced controls, Log recording to work thoroughly in post-production. And the cool thing is that it works perfectly with other Xiaomi products, like the Pad 6S Pro 12.4 tablet, which transforms into an external screen.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra // Source : Aroged
For those who are really into it, there is the separate Xiaomi 14 Ultra photography kit. Handle, special case, buttons and levers for shooter, additional 1500 mAh battery on board and adapter for 67 mm filter.
It must be recognized that these features and other functions are aimed at a very specific niche, often already loyal to iPhone, rather than the general public. In my opinion, it's as if Xiaomi is throwing down a challenge: they are not ready to give Apple the monopoly on professional video on smartphones.
It’s an opportunistic move, no doubt. For my part, however, I would have liked Xiaomi to favor more accessible features, more immediately useful in daily life…
That said, their ambition is to be welcomed, provided that other aspects are not neglected. This strategy reminds me of Sony with its latest models. However, the Japanese manufacturer made a mistake by emphasizing professional video at the expense of other basic features. For Xiaomi this doesn't seem to be the case, professional video is a bonus, take it or leave it.
Nothing to envy of Samsung or Apple
We could also have talked about its screen, its performance or its crazy look, but we're going to keep a little mystery for the full test which arrives in a few weeks. The few minutes in hand do not allow you to explore everything you would like.
Xiaomi has really pulled out all the stops with this Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Frankly, it packs a punch and has nothing to envy of Samsung or Apple.
We have already highlighted it, but yes, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will not be cheap. For the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage version, you will have to pay 1499 euros. And if you want to take the photo and video experience even further, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra photography kit will be yours for 199 euros. However, Xiaomi is offering the kit to buyers of the 14 Ultra, which helps lower the final bill a little. Product release is planned for March 19.
Where to buy
Xiaomi 14 Ultra at the best price?
Xiaomi clearly aims to direct you towards the Xiaomi 14. Certainly, it does not combine all the high-end features of the 14 Ultra, but it already offers a nice range of them.
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