The Xiaomi 13 had already caught our attention in several ways and when the next generation was presented at MWC, we were waiting for the moment to try it. This is how we get to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, a smartphone in which the bet is clearly placed on the camera. Let's go in parts.
As far as design is concerned, aesthetically at least, the 14 Ultra looks a little more premium (in the two black and white colors) than the 13 version. The vegan leather reaches almost to the lateral limits, surrounding the camera module. The material used It has been treated with nanotechnology to be up to 6 times more resistant to shocks and abrasion than the previous generation. It is also antimicrobial and rejects fingerprints. Do you need a cover? Not so much for this part as for the camera, which would receive the first blows when it stood out. It's a shame anyway because the truth is, this is one of the most notable phones in terms of aesthetics and the cases don't do them justice.
Details that we liked: the fingerprint detection works very well, one of the fastest on the market. The power button has a somewhat rough finish that makes it easier to detect and differentiates it from the volume, reducing the possibility of confusion. From the factory it already comes with a screen protector (6.73 inch AMOLED). The positive side is that the panel, made with Xiaomi protective glass (a process developed by the manufacturer), is 10 times more resistant to falls than the previous one. But the protector it comes with (negative side) scratches easily.
But not all are good news. The screen would not have a notable brightness: although in HDR content it reaches 3,000 nits, the reality is that it is in the rest of the tasks, It is at 1,000 nits. Result? It is difficult for him to overcome sunny days or direct bright light. Another detail is that it consumes a lot of battery.
Obviously, there is a reason for this: its brain is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, probably the most advanced to date that Qualcomm has developed. And it asks for energy power. The 5,000 mAh battery It has a performance that reaches 10 hours, depending on the use we give it: it may be less. The good thing is that it supports 90 W fast charging and in 15 minutes we reach 50%.The set is very balanced with Xiaomi's operating software (HyperOS, works very well with Android 14) and 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB storage.
Having said all this, let's move on to the cameras, the four lenses signed by Leica. Three 50 MP on the back and a 32 MP selfie. To Leica's quality and resolution, we must add that it is the first mobile phone in the country that includes the new Sony LYT-900 sensor, which the Japanese house has named its most advanced sensor for a mobile phone. Having said all this, which is to say that on paper it should be a very desirable and more than effective camera, let's get to the results. The zoom, even at the extremes (240mm) works very, very well. The mode portrait and landscape, outstanding. The same in video and image stabilization. In section night images, stumbles a little, it must be said. And the same thing happens in the selfie sector.
Obviously, there is no perfect camera, but if the photography section is essential when deciding on a mobile phone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra should be on the shortlist. The price, €1500 officially, is very high, but the reality is that it is not always real: discounts from the manufacturer, from the operator, offers… Even so, it is a high price.
Verdict:
Here the question is simple: if photography (not to be confused with social networks) is what governs the election, without a doubt the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is on the podium. It is very reliable, its battery charges quickly and the lenses are a guarantee of quality. Now, if we want a more versatile phone, very good at everything, but without standing out in anything, this is not it.