Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

With the current world launch of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, these on a quest for the last word cameraphone are introduced with an alternative choice. Coming from a lineage of digital camera excellence, the Xiaomi builds on it with seemingly minor however, the truth is, tangible enhancements within the telephoto capabilities.

Also within the zoom division is the place the most recent top-end Samsung made its most important generational change. The Galaxy S24 Ultra changed the outdated mannequin’s 10x zoom unit with a larger-sensor 5x one, making a comparability with the Xiaomi all of the extra pure.

The Galaxy is sort of presumably essentially the most smartphone you may have to start with, camera-centric or in any other case, so the Xiaomi must do extra than simply be an superior picture-taking gadget with a purpose to compete. Let’s see the way it stacks up.

Table of Contents:

For starters, you may examine the whole specs sheets or instantly proceed with our editor’s evaluation within the following textual content.

Size comparability

Both of those are very giant telephones, however they take totally different approaches to dimension, proportions, and styling. The Xiaomi has extra fluid shapes – its corners are extra rounded, the show has a slight curvature round its whole perimeter, and the body flows into the again – general, it does quite a bit to masks its dimension. There’s no masking that digital camera bump although – the massive circle could also be there out of necessity to suit all of the {hardware}, however Xiaomi’s embraced that and turned it right into a stylistic aspect too.

The Galaxy, however, has about all of the styling of a concrete tile. It’s giant, sure, but it surely’s additionally flat on either side and has sharp corners making you’re feeling each little bit of its dimension and weight. The comparatively extra modest digital camera {hardware} would not want fairly as a lot thickness and also you get thinner separate lens rings.

Both handsets are IP68 rated for mud and water resistance, however neither goes past the IPX8’s normal requirement (1.5m, half-hour) – solely iPhones provide extra.

While the sealing must be pretty much as good on each, the supplies used are totally different. Samsung has a titanium uncovered body (and an aluminum skeleton beneath), whereas Xiaomi makes use of simply aluminum. There’s a titanium body model of the 14 Ultra too, however that is China-only.

Not all glass is created equal both. The Galaxy S24 Ultra makes use of Corning’s newest Gorilla Armor (to this point completely) on each the show and the again panel. This unique glass has yet another additional advantage apart from its improved sturdiness, however extra on that within the subsequent part.

The Xiaomi’s show is protected by a proprietary resolution known as Xiaomi Shield Glass, which they are saying gives 10 instances higher drop resistance than the Xiaomi 13 Pro (Gorilla Glass Victus).

Each of our Ultras has a singular accent that units it other than the opposite one, but in addition from every other competing choices. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, in true Galaxy Note trend, comes with an S Pen inside that can be utilized for taking notes and as a distant shutter launch. All S24 Ultras have that.

The Xiaomi Photography Kit, however, is an non-compulsory merchandise that comes at an additional value (€200). It provides a number of bodily controls, a hand grip, and a few additional battery, and the entire ensemble appears and looks like an precise digital camera – no less than as shut as you will get to that with a smartphone.

Display comparability

You would not count on something apart from greatness from these two shows and that is what you would be getting. Both provide a excessive decision (1440p) and a excessive refresh price (120Hz most, very adaptive), in addition to brightness to spare. The Galaxy was brighter in our testing (1,447nits vs. 1,281nits in auto, 755 vs. 710 in handbook), although it should not be a readily observable distinction in the actual world.

What’s pretty evident is the lowered reflectivity of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s show glass. One of the 2 main developments ushered in by Gorilla Armor, the much less reflective facade ought to assist scale back the brightness wanted to realize the identical perceived ‘readability’ and thus perhaps contribute to higher endurance.

The Galaxy’s show is not flawless although, and at very low brightness it reveals a really superb graininess because the totally different coloured subpixels cannot be made to gentle up uniformly at these very low ranges. We would not at all name it a dealbreaker, however in case you usually use your telephone in darkish environments (and thus at low brightness ranges) and also you prefer to fixate on imperfections, you might discover it arduous to completely benefit from the S24 Ultra.

Battery life

Both telephones have 5,000mAh capability batteries, and with the identical chipset inside and related show specs, you’d count on comparable battery life. The actuality is totally different although, and the Xiaomi is not as environment friendly at changing capability into longevity.

While the 14 Ultra lasted virtually exactly so long as the S24 Ultra in our net looking check, the Galaxy was notably higher within the different three disciplines, with an virtually 40% benefit in gaming and almost 30% longer video runtime. The 25% benefit in voice calls is much less vital, but it surely’s there too.

Charging velocity

The Xiaomi is fast to strike again and scores a victory for charging velocity – it might not final as lengthy but it surely costs virtually twice as quick. A half-hour charging session from flat will get you to 93% on the 14 Ultra, when utilizing its provided adapter.

The Galaxy, however, will probably be at 70-ish % on the 30-minute checkpoint, if you utilize the Samsung 45W adapter, which is bought individually. Any different adapter will probably be slower, and in our expertise that features even good third-party USB Power Delivery choices (not quite a bit slower with these, however slower nonetheless).

The Xiaomi may even win in a wi-fi charging velocity race although we have not actually examined that to let you know numbers from expertise. Xiaomi says 46 minutes with their “80W Adaptive Wireless Charging Stand” and we now have purpose to imagine that the actual quantity will not be too far off from their claims. The Samsung, in the meantime, is capped at 15W.

Both telephones are capable of cost different gadgets both wirelessly or over a cable.

Speaker check

Both telephones characteristic stereo speaker setups with slight variations of their implementation. A backside firing ‘primary’ speaker is joined by a second one which additionally serves as an earpiece – however whereas the Xiaomi may even ship a number of the reverse channel to every speaker, the Galaxy will strictly keep separation.

In our testing, the numbers assigned a ‘Very Good’ score for loudness to each telephones. Both sound nice to our ears, however the Galaxy has the higher hand with a livelier midrange and a bit extra bass.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powers every of those telephones, as is to be anticipated from 2024 Android flagships. The Galaxy’s storage choices begin at 256GB and go as much as 1TB, with all of them having 12GB of RAM. The Xiaomi is just obtainable globally in a 16GB/512GB configuration (12GB/256GB model in addition to a 16GB/1TB one are bought in China).

Benchmark efficiency

Benchmark efficiency may be very related between the 2 and each publish predictably excessive numbers – neither is an underachiever.

The Xiaomi is notably higher at dealing with sustained load, although – in our testing it bought a 68% vs. 48% stability score within the 3DMark Wild Life Stress check and in addition confirmed markedly higher leads to the CPU Throttling check.

Sustained load outcomes: Xiaomi 14 Ultra • Galaxy S24 Ultra

On the opposite hand, the Galaxy may rating some factors for its software program. Samsung guarantees 7 years of main OS updates in addition to safety patches for a similar interval. Xiaomi says the 14 Ultra will get 4 OS releases and an additional 12 months on prime of that for safety patches.

Additionally, Samsung’s shut collaboration with Google means the Galaxy is getting leading edge AI options and performance. Xiaomi’s HyperOS also needs to be becoming a member of the AI bandwagon, no matter that entails, however we have not but seen the promised options applied.

Another apparent benefit for the Galaxy is its S Pen. The unequalled stylus expertise may be purpose sufficient to select the S24 Ultra due to its advantages for productiveness, inventive pursiuts, or distant operation.

Camera comparability

There’s a reasonably pronounced distinction in approaches on the subject of imaging between these two. Xiaomi has been on the forefront with {hardware} and was among the many early adopters of ‘one-inch’ sensors, and that is now their third Ultra with a sensor this massive. For this iteration they’ve added a constantly variable aperture on the principle digital camera to stability issues between gentle gathering and depth of subject. Also new this time round are the lenses for his or her telephotos (similar sensors as final 12 months), which are actually able to some extraordinarily shut focusing. Point being that Xiaomi cameras have some industry-leading {hardware}.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra digital camera specs

• Wide (primary): 50MP Sony LYT-900 (1″, 1.6µm – 3.2µm), f/1.63-f/4.0, 23mm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS; 4K@120fps
• Ultrawide: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 12mm, PDAF; 4K@60fps
• Telephoto 1, 3.2x: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 75mm, PDAF (10cm – ∞), OIS; 4K@60fps
• Telephoto 1, 5x: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 120mm, PDAF (30cm – ∞), OIS; 4K@60fps
• Front digital camera: 32MP OmniVision OV32B40 (1/3.14″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/2.0, 22mm, mounted focus; 4K@60fps

Samsung has some succesful {hardware} in its Ultra too, after all, but it surely does really feel a bit of stale (or merely unexciting?). The primary digital camera has been reused from the earlier technology, and its sensor is on the small facet for a 2024 cameraphone. The above applies to the ultrawide and the 3x telephoto as properly, solely they’re now three years outdated, not two. The solely new piece of equipment is the 5x telephoto that roughly matches Xiaomi’s 5x, going by the numbers.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra digital camera specs

• Wide (primary): 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP2 (1/1.3″, 0.6µm-2.4µm), f/1.7, 23mm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps
• Ultrawide: 12MP Sony IMX563 (1/2.55″, 1.4µm), f/2.2, twin pixel PDAF; 4K@60fps
• Telephoto 1, 3x: 12MP Sony IMX754 (1/3.52″, 1.12µm), f/2.2, 67mm, PDAF, OIS; 4K@60fps
• Telephoto 2, 5x: 50MP Sony IMX854 (1/2.52″, 0.7-1.4µm), f/3.4, 111mm, PDAF, OIS; 4K@60fps
• Front digital camera: 12MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3LU (1/3.2″, 1.12µm), f/2.2, 26mm, twin pixel PDAF; 4K@60fps

Image high quality

Despite all of the variations in {hardware}, the 2 telephones truly produce fairly related finish outcomes, broadly talking. In daylight, there is no definitive winner on the subject of sharpness and element when taking a look at images from the ultrawides or the first cameras. Maybe, simply perhaps, the three.2x telephoto is barely crispier on the 14 than the 3x is on the 24, but it surely’s hardly a deciding issue. Similarly, the 5x might be perceived as sharper on the Xiaomi, however we would pin that on the additional distinction, fairly than precise element benefit.

Indeed, there are refined variations in colour rendition and distinction on the opposite cameras. The Xiaomi tends to supply barely extra expressive pictures, with a tiny bit extra distinction and saturation, but it surely’s not essentially an goal benefit for one or the opposite.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra daylight picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

Galaxy S24 Ultra daylight picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

Xiaomi 14 Ultra daylight picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

Galaxy S24 Ultra daylight picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

When it involves the “made-up” focal lengths, we would say that the Xiaomi has the higher hand on the 2x zoom degree – the Galaxy’s 200MP sensor would not seem to shine right here both.

2x samples: Xiaomi 14 Ultra • Galaxy S24 Ultra

At 10x the Xiaomi additionally has a minor edge, although it might be the additional distinction talking, fairly than precise additional element.

10x samples: Xiaomi 14 Ultra • Galaxy S24 Ultra

Both telephones provide good close-up taking pictures capabilities, whether or not it is with the ultrawide cameras or the telephotos. The telephotos, specifically, are most fascinating, although, as a result of they allow you to seize superb element in small topics with out getting your telephone up in them, throwing shadows or disturbing critters.

The Xiaomi is the undisputed winner at 3x, providing a better focusing distance and the next copy ratio, but in addition general a lot better high quality.

At 5x, the 2 telephones have the same minimal focusing distance, whereas the Galaxy has a barely greater copy ratio. Still, we would say Xiaomi’s picture high quality is a bit greater on this scenario.

Close-up samples: Xiaomi 14 Ultra 3x • Galaxy S24 Ultra 3x • Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5x • Galaxy S24 Ultra 5x

The Galaxy is the higher choice for selfies, we reckon. The Xiaomi’s 32MP selfie digital camera solely works at nominal decision and even in case you downscale the images your self to 12MP, it nonetheless would not fairly match the Samsung’s sharpness and element. The Galaxy additionally has a livelier colour output, and its autofocusing functionality permits you to shoot weirder angles. The 14 Ultra does have a noticeably wider subject of view although, which can be your factor.

Selfie samples: Xiaomi 14 Ultra • Galaxy S24 Ultra

In low gentle, each telephones will get you nice photos, however as soon as once more, there will probably be variations in strategy. The Galaxy opts for a bit of extra grain, which comes with higher element, whereas the Xiaomi tends to supply smoother pictures – cleaner, however with that little bit much less superb texture. Somewhat surprisingly, the Xiaomi cannot beat the Galaxy at 3x, the place it has a major sensor dimension benefit. Dynamic vary is great on each, although the Galaxy will are typically extra desperate to protect highlights than the Xiaomi.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra low-light picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

Galaxy S24 Ultra low-light picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

Xiaomi 14 Ultra low-light picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

(*14*)




Galaxy S24 Ultra low-light picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

Video high quality

Both telephones are competent video cameras as properly. Both will get you 4K at 24, 30 and 60fps from all cameras (minus 4K24 on the Xiaomi’s selfie digital camera), and each primary rear cameras also can do 4K120. The Galaxy can document in 8K too, at 24 and 30fps, with its primary digital camera and its 5x telephoto – a functionality that the Xiaomi matches, but in addition extends to the three.2x and the ultrawide.

Daylight video high quality is great on each, with little to separate them by way of high quality. Stabilization can be arduous to fault on both telephone.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra daylight video samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

Galaxy S24 Ultra daylight video samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

In low-light, the Galaxy’s ultrawide has the higher hand, providing higher dynamic vary and noise discount. The Xiaomi counters with superior telephoto footage at each zoom ranges.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra low-light video samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x

Galaxy S24 Ultra low-light video samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x

Verdict

One can be forgiven for initially pondering that this dilemma will probably be selected the cameras, however ultimately, it seems that is not going to be the case. Or, fairly, the rear cameras of the 2 telephones are so carefully matched of their efficiency (if fairly totally different in {hardware}), that in case you’re wanting solely from an imaging standpoint, selecting one over the opposite is not totally an goal determination. Sure, there are a few standout variations which may assist – the Xiaomi is notably higher at closeups with its telephoto cameras, whereas the Galaxy has the higher hand within the selfie division – however general, these are remarkably succesful picture- and video-taking gadgets, each of them.

The greatest cameraphones are additionally usually the most effective telephones altogether, and nowhere is that this more true than within the case of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Versatile past comparability, the most recent top-tier Galaxy stays the one moderately viable choice with a stylus, and the S Pen is not simply good as a result of it has no competitors – it is good as a result of it gives true utility for work and play.

Samsung’s One UI is definitely essentially the most feature-packed tackle Android and in case you’re one to carry on to your handset for so long as it’s going to final, the most recent technology’s 7-year replace coverage will probably be a serious promoting level. The Galaxy also needs to provide longer battery life than the Xiaomi, presumably due to a extra frugal show.

The 14 Ultra is not with out its personal benefits, although. What it lacks in longevity, it makes up for in charging velocity, each on a cable and wirelessly. It additionally aced out thermal testing benchmarks, an space the place the Galaxy wasn’t almost as secure.

And the place the Galaxy has the S Pen, the Xiaomi has the Photography equipment. You would possibly scoff at this €200 additional buy, however after the picture high quality tie, it is like a profitable purpose in additional time. We reckon that if it provides additional enjoyment to the method of taking equally nice photos, it feels like an attractive proposition.

All issues thought of, the Galaxy S24 Ultra feels just like the extra well-rounded providing and a greater worth for cash. By present market charges, the 2 are about the identical value (if you match the Xiaomi’s 512GB storage on the Galaxy) and also you simply get extra outright with the Samsung. You may even save a bit of by choosing the bottom 256GB spec. But we would perceive in case you’d desire the Xiaomi.