Just forward of MWC 2024, Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra to a world viewers and I obtained to spend somewhat time with the latter. Not loads of merchandise reside as much as the unique which means of the phrase Ultra (“beyond”), however I’ll say the Xiaomi 14 Ultra goes past what most individuals would anticipate and even need… at the least in relation to cameras.
It was ultra-obvious from Xiaomi’s press briefing that the corporate desires the Xiaomi 14 Ultra dialog to revolve round its video talents. The occasion itself was held at an precise film studio outdoors of Barcelona, full with a digital camera dolly, units, skilled lighting, and many different costly pro-grade gear. The message was clear: the Xiaomi 14 Ultra can supply customers many pro-level options, with out the associated fee, bulk, or complexity usually related to skilled cameras.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Director’s Cut
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
To illustrate simply what the Xiaomi 14 Ultra can do, the corporate mounted the cellphone on a rig positioned on a dolly and used it to document a brief scene. Then an expert colorist took the video file and edited it, to showcase the Ultra’s dealing with of tough lighting circumstances.
It was positively a formidable sight, particularly for somebody like myself who will not be well-versed within the actually technical elements of capturing pro-grade video. The finish consequence video was visibly superior when it comes to dynamic vary and distinction and neatly illustrated what would have been in any other case incomprehensible technical jargon.
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
But, as my colleague Harley notes in our video, what was left unmentioned was the price of all of the skilled gear used within the demo or the years of coaching the colorist had below their belt. To be clear, I’m not saying that Xiaomi did something incorrect, however somewhat that a few of the latest developments in smartphone imaging are above and past what 99% of cellphone consumers would ever ask from a smartphone digital camera. And Xiaomi is much from the one cellphone maker utilizing more and more esoteric imaging performance to market their gadgets.
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
Not all the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s digital camera capabilities require massive setups to know — the advantages of options like automated face monitoring or the stepless variable aperture system are way more apparent. The stepless variable aperture of the principle digital camera means the opening of the lens shutter will range between f/1.63 and f/4.0, permitting the cellphone to rapidly adapt to totally different lighting circumstances. Expect higher low-light capabilities and extra granular management over bokeh results whenever you mix this variable aperture with a big 1-inch sensor.
Once once more, Xiaomi has labored with legendary digital camera producer Leica to design and tune the advanced digital camera system on the 14 Ultra. Here’s a breakdown of the 4 cameras on the again:
-
(*14*)Ultrawide: 50MP, 0.5X, 122-degree FOV, f/1.8, 12mm equal focal size
(*14*)Main: 50MP, 1X, f/1.63-f/4.0, OIS, 23mm equal focal size
(*14*)Telephoto: 50MP, 3.2X, f/1.8, OIS, 75mm equal focal size
(*14*)Periscope telephoto: 50MP, 5X, f/2.5, OIS, 120mm equal focal size
Between the 4 cameras, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is ready to deal with most sorts of scenes, from macro pictures to long-range zoom, because of the big selection of focal lengths. And in fact, there’s a smattering of AI options to benefit from all the information coming from the {hardware}.
And if it is advisable get much more out of your 14 Ultra’s cameras, Xiaomi additionally launched a brand new model of its digital camera grip accent, that includes an additional 1,500mAh battery, a shutter button, and even a zoom wheel.
Harley Maranan / Android Authority
What concerning the cellphone a part of this digital camera cellphone?
While most of our consideration was devoted to the digital camera options of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, there’s lots to love concerning the precise cellphone. The design was introduced in keeping with the latest iPhone-inspired development in direction of flat edges, however we’ve nonetheless obtained curved glass edges for a greater hand really feel. The 6.73-inch QHD+ OLED display screen delivers nearly every part you could possibly need from a show. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is in fact current, as is Xiaomi’s fast-charging expertise. It’s value highlighting the insanely quick wi-fi 80W charging, greater than what many different prime Android telephones get by a charging cable.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi hasn’t given the press a lot time with its new flagship cellphone, so all the speak about efficiency is theoretical for now. But the Xiaomi 14 Ultra does appear to be a correct monster that goes “ultra” in all the correct locations — and in some much less apparent ones. Whether all of the video energy is required for many customers, that’s one other story.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra will go on sale for €1,499 (~$1,624), in both black or white, and the digital camera grip accent can be one other €199 (~$216).