Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review

The 14 Ultra launched in China on 22 February 2024 and globally at MWC three days later at 1,499 euros for 16GB/512GB, about $1,600. It was never sold in the US, and the price here is that conversion. The camera is the whole argument. The main unit is a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 behind a Leica Summilux lens whose aperture moves steplessly from f/1.63 to f/4.0, so you get real depth of field control and proper sunstars instead of software bokeh.

Around it sit three 50MP IMX858 units: a 75mm f/1.8 that focuses down to 10cm, a 120mm f/2.5 periscope and a 12mm ultrawide. In daylight the 14 Ultra produces the most lens-like photographs of any phone that year, and the optional Photography Kit grip adds a shutter release, a zoom dial and 1,500mAh of battery. The rest keeps up: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with no meaningful throttling, a 6.73-inch 1440p LTPO panel that claims 3,000 nits peak and measures well, IP68, an aluminium frame and Xiaomi Shield Glass.

Global units get a 5000mAh cell instead of China's 5300mAh, and endurance is merely adequate, with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging as compensation. HyperOS on Android 14 is the compromise: bloat, ads lurking in the Themes and Security apps, and a lock screen that fights you. Xiaomi did commit to four Android versions and five years of patches, which was new for them. The hump means it never lies flat, and the leather back wears at the corners.