A new compact contender emerges to challenge the giants of Apple and Samsung. With formidable hardware, camera capabilities, and battery life, the Xiaomi 14 aims to outshine the latest offerings from its rivals. Yet, its journey is not without its bumps, primarily due to an overstuffed user experience in the form of the HyperOS. If you can overlook its lackluster design and navigate through the cluttered interface, the Xiaomi 14 presents itself as a compelling choice, albeit with limited availability.
Pros:
- Impressive display upgrade raises the bar
- Camera system delivers rich and detailed shots
- Outstanding performance and thermal management
Cons:
- AI features remain in beta at launch
- HyperOS overwhelms with its abundance of features
- Design lacks distinction, blending in rather than standing out
The Xiaomi 14 steps into the arena as a strong contender among this year’s compact flagships, although slightly larger compared to the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24. Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a Leica-backed camera system, and rapid 90W charging, this phone packs a punch.
Having initially debuted in China in October 2023, Xiaomi later announced its global expansion, reaching international markets by February 2024. The design echoes its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13, with a square main camera bump and similar dimensions, albeit with slight enhancements in weight due to hardware upgrades.
The 6.36-inch display receives notable upgrades, boasting higher resolution, brightness, and a variable refresh rate, surpassing its competitors in certain aspects. Collaborating with Leica for the fifth time, Xiaomi’s camera system maintains its prowess, offering improved sensors for better light, detail, and color reproduction.
Performance-wise, the Xiaomi 14 shines, delivering top-tier results in benchmarks and real-world usage. However, its user experience with HyperOS remains convoluted, reminiscent of its predecessor MIUI. While feature-rich, navigating through its complexities may prove daunting for newcomers.
Although AI features promise innovation, their beta status at launch limits accessibility, requiring users to seek approval for activation. Battery life stands out as a highlight, offering impressive longevity and fast charging capabilities, outperforming its competitors in both aspects.
Despite its higher price tag compared to rivals, the Xiaomi 14 offers better value with twice the storage. However, availability remains a challenge, particularly in regions like the US and Australia, where third-party options become the only means of acquisition.
In summary, the Xiaomi 14 presents itself as a compelling option for those seeking power and performance in a compact form factor. However, its user experience and limited availability may deter some, making it a choice best suited for those willing to delve into its intricacies.
