The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not just another flagship smartphone—it’s a statement. Released in February 2024, this device is Xiaomi’s boldest attempt yet to dominate the premium smartphone market, especially for photography enthusiasts. With a groundbreaking 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, a quad-camera system co-engineered with Leica, and the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra promises to redefine what a smartphone can do. But does it live up to the hype?

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra—from its revolutionary camera system and stunning display to its performance, battery life, and software experience. We’ll also compare it to its closest rivals, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, to see where it truly excels and where it might fall short.

Design and Build Quality: A Premium, Camera-Centric Masterpiece

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s design is unmistakably bold. The most striking feature is its massive circular camera module, which houses four 50MP lenses and a Leica logo, signaling its photographic prowess. The phone is available in two premium finishes: a sleek ceramic back and a textured vegan leather option, both of which exude luxury. The aluminum frame adds rigidity, while the slightly curved edges improve ergonomics, though the phone’s weight (224.4g) and thickness (9.2mm) make it feel substantial in hand.

The front is dominated by a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, protected by Xiaomi’s proprietary Shield Glass, which is claimed to be more durable than traditional Gorilla Glass. The phone is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in real-world conditions.

Materials: Ceramic or vegan leather back, aluminum frame, Xiaomi Shield Glass. The vegan leather variant is not only stylish but also offers a better grip and is resistant to fingerprints.
Ergonomics: The large camera bump makes the phone wobble on flat surfaces, but the curved back helps with one-handed use, though the weight can be tiring over extended periods.
Durability: IP68 rating, reinforced glass, and a robust aluminum frame make the Xiaomi 14 Ultra one of the most durable flagships on the market.
Color Options: Available in classic black, elegant white, and a striking blue, each variant offers a unique aesthetic appeal.

Display: A Visual Feast with LTPO AMOLED Technology

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display is one of the best in the industry. With a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, it delivers an unparalleled viewing experience. The display supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a 10-bit color depth, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Key features include:

AdaptiveSync Pro: Automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on content, optimizing battery life and smoothness.
TrueColor Display: Calibrated for accurate color reproduction, making it ideal for content creators and photographers.
Sunlight Mode: Boosts brightness and contrast for better visibility under direct sunlight.
TÜV Rheinland Certifications: Low blue light and flicker-free certifications reduce eye strain during prolonged use.

The only minor downside is the curved edges, which can lead to accidental touches, but this is a common trade-off for the immersive experience such displays provide.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and HyperOS Deliver Flagship Power

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. This combination ensures blazing-fast performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or editing high-resolution photos and videos.

Benchmark results place the Xiaomi 14 Ultra among the top-performing Android phones:

Geekbench 6: Single-core scores around 2200, multi-core around 7200, making it one of the fastest Android devices available.
AnTuTu: Scores consistently above 2,000,000, reflecting its ability to handle demanding tasks with ease.
3DMark Wild Life: Excellent GPU performance, thanks to the Adreno 750, which handles high-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps without breaking a sweat.

The phone runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, a rebranded and refined version of MIUI based on Android 14. HyperOS is smoother and more efficient than its predecessor, with better resource management and a cleaner interface. However, some bloatware remains, and the occasional UI inconsistency can be frustrating for users accustomed to stock Android.

Camera System: The Ultimate Mobile Photography Experience

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera system is its crown jewel. Co-developed with Leica, it features a quad-camera setup, all with 50MP sensors:

Main Camera: 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, f/1.63–f/4.0 variable aperture, OIS, and 8P lens. This sensor is larger than most smartphone cameras, allowing for exceptional light intake and dynamic range.
Ultra-Wide Camera: 12mm, 122° FOV, f/1.8, 50MP, with macro capabilities down to 5cm.
75mm Floating Telephoto: f/1.8, 3.2x optical zoom, OIS, and macro photography at 10cm.
120mm Periscope Telephoto: f/2.5, 5x optical zoom, OIS, and macro photography at 30cm.

This setup covers focal lengths from 12mm to 240mm, offering unparalleled versatility. The variable aperture on the main camera allows for precise control over depth of field, while the Leica color science ensures vibrant, true-to-life colors. The phone also supports 8K video recording at 30fps, Dolby Vision HDR, and a range of professional modes, including RAW capture and manual controls.

Camera Performance: Real-World Results

In real-world testing, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra excels in almost every scenario:

Daylight Photography: Images are sharp, detailed, and vibrant, with excellent dynamic range. The Leica color profiles (Vibrant and Authentic) allow users to choose between punchy or natural colors.
Low-Light Photography: The large sensor and variable aperture make the Xiaomi 14 Ultra a low-light powerhouse. Night mode further enhances detail and reduces noise, producing images that rival dedicated cameras.
Zoom and Macro: The 3.2x and 5x optical zoom lenses deliver crisp, detailed shots even at high magnifications. Macro photography is equally impressive, with the ability to focus as close as 5cm.
Video Recording: The phone supports 8K video at 30fps, 4K at 120fps, and Dolby Vision HDR. Stabilization is excellent, making it a great tool for videographers.

Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra holds its own, often surpassing them in dynamic range and low-light performance. However, the ultra-wide camera can sometimes exhibit slight desaturation, and the selfie camera, while decent, lacks autofocus.

Battery Life and Charging: Power That Lasts

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra packs a 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day even with heavy use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is power-efficient, and the LTPO display helps conserve battery life by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate.

Charging is equally impressive:

90W Wired Charging: Fully charges the phone in under 40 minutes.
50W Wireless Charging: Convenient for users who prefer cable-free charging.
10W Reverse Wireless Charging: Useful for charging accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.

While the battery life is excellent, intensive gaming or continuous 8K video recording can drain the battery quickly. However, for most users, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will comfortably last through a busy day.

Software and User Experience: HyperOS and Android 14

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra runs on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s latest software platform based on Android 14. HyperOS is designed to be more human-centric, focusing on seamless integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem of devices, including smart home products and electric vehicles.

Key software features include:

Performance Modes: Users can choose between balanced, power-saving, and performance modes to optimize battery life or processing power.
Customization: HyperOS offers extensive theming and personalization options, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences.
Security and Updates: Xiaomi promises four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, ensuring long-term support.
Bloatware: While HyperOS is cleaner than previous versions of MIUI, some pre-installed apps remain, which may not appeal to all users.

The overall user experience is smooth and responsive, with minimal lag or stuttering. However, the occasional bug or inconsistency can detract from the otherwise polished experience.

Connectivity and Audio: A Complete Package

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports all the latest connectivity standards:

5G and Wi-Fi 7: Future-proof connectivity with support for the latest wireless standards.
Bluetooth 5.4: Ensures stable connections with audio devices and accessories.
NFC and IR Blaster: Convenient for mobile payments and controlling home appliances.
Dual Stereo Speakers: Tuned by Dolby Atmos, the speakers deliver rich, immersive sound, though the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may disappoint some users.

Verdict: Is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Worth It?

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a masterclass in smartphone design and engineering. Its Leica-tuned quad-camera system is the best in the business, offering unparalleled versatility and image quality. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures top-tier performance, while the LTPO AMOLED display and premium build quality make it a joy to use. Battery life and charging speeds are equally impressive, and HyperOS, despite its quirks, provides a smooth and feature-rich experience.

However, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is not without its flaws. The phone’s bulk and weight may not appeal to everyone, and the ultra-wide camera occasionally struggles with color accuracy. The high price tag also places it in direct competition with established flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offer their own unique strengths.

If you’re a photography enthusiast or a power user who demands the best, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an easy recommendation. For casual users, the standard Xiaomi 14 or other flagships may offer better value. But for those who want the ultimate smartphone camera experience, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers in spades.