Xiaomi and Leica’s partnership has reached its third year, marked by the launch of the Xiaomi 14 in India. This collaboration, which commenced in 2022 with the debut of the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, aimed at the premium smartphone segment, has now resulted in the second phone release in India following the Xiaomi 13 Pro. Although the initial product, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, didn’t reach Indian shores, the 13 Pro set the stage with its exceptional camera capabilities. Now, the Xiaomi 14 steps in, demonstrating the potential for further innovation. Scheduled for launch in India on March 7, Gadgets 360 has already had the opportunity to spend nearly a week with the Xiaomi 14, offering our initial impressions.
Xiaomi 14: Innovations
While the Xiaomi 14 shares similarities with its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, particularly in the integration of Xiaomi x Leica-tuned cameras, its design presents a departure from the past. The Xiaomi 14 exhibits a fresh aesthetic, meticulously crafted with practicality in mind. Notably, its 6.36-inch screen strikes a balance between compactness and display size, weighing in at 193 grams with an optimal weight distribution for comfortable one-handed use. Compared to its predecessor’s 229-gram weight, the Xiaomi 14 boasts improved ergonomics. With a slim profile of 8.2mm, it outshines even the iPhone 15 Pro and the Xiaomi 13 Pro in terms of sleekness. The design nuances, including the flat edges, contribute to its overall appeal, available in White, Jade Green, and Black color options.
In our interactions with both Xiaomi and Leica teams during our time with the Xiaomi 14, it’s evident that their joint effort aims to deliver a smartphone that leverages Leica’s renowned expertise in photography, promising an exceptional camera experience for consumers. We will delve deeper into our comprehensive review, so stay tuned to Gadgets 360.
The Xiaomi 14 also marks a significant milestone on the software front, being the first device to feature HyperOS out-of-the-box, a point we’ll explore extensively in our upcoming review upon its India launch.
Impressive Display and Performance
Featuring a 120Hz AMOLED display with a resolution of 1200×2670 pixels and a pixel density of 460PPI, the Xiaomi 14’s display dazzles with its peak brightness of 3,000 nits and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification. The ultra-thin bezels enhance the immersive viewing experience, complemented by stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support and a 4-mic array. In our usage, the Xiaomi 14 emerged as a go-to multimedia device, thanks to its stunning display and audio capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and offering a single configuration of 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, the Xiaomi 14 ensures seamless performance across multitasking, gaming, and more. The inclusion of LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 storage further enhances its premium appeal.
Battery and Connectivity
Despite its smaller 4,610mAh battery compared to the Xiaomi 13 Pro’s 4820mAh, the Xiaomi 14 doesn’t compromise on charging speed, supporting 90W HyperCharge and 50W wireless HyperCharge, enabling a full charge in just 31 minutes. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G, and dual-SIM support.
Enhanced Camera Capabilities
The highlight of the Xiaomi 14 undoubtedly lies in its camera setup, featuring three 50-megapixel sensors – wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide – all fine-tuned by Leica. The primary sensor utilizes a Light Fusion 900 image sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, supporting features like Ultra Night mode, Movie mode, and 8K video recording. The telephoto lens adopts Leica’s floating camera design, while the ultra-wide lens offers a 115-degree field of view. Users can choose between two photographic styles: Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant. For selfies, a 32-megapixel front camera ensures stunning self-portraits.
Unfortunately, due to embargo restrictions, we cannot provide extensive insights into the camera performance. However, stay tuned for our forthcoming review, where we’ll share camera samples and our detailed assessment.
With the Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi and Leica continue to push the boundaries of smartphone photography, promising an unparalleled camera experience for consumers.