Starting with the phone's design, Xiaomi continues its legacy with a familiar aesthetic. While not a radical departure, a notable change comes in the form of a more pronounced camera bump, adding a touch of sophistication. The global version opts for a glass back, providing an elegant finish that, while prone to smudging, retains the brand's signature style. Despite the glossy finish, the Xiaomi 14 maintains its IP68 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water.
Now, let's dive into the visual experience offered by the Xiaomi 14. The phone boasts a 6.36-inch 120Hz OLED display, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The higher resolution LTPS panel, coupled with Gorilla Glass Victus protection, delivers a sharper visual experience at 460 PPI. With support for 12-bit color depth and features like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the display ensures a captivating and vibrant viewing experience. The adaptive nature of the LTPS technology allows the 120Hz refresh rate to conserve energy intelligently.
Audio quality is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and Xiaomi doesn't disappoint with the Xiaomi 14. Equipped with a pair of stereo speakers, the phone delivers impressive loudness and audio quality. Meanwhile, biometric authentication is handled by an under-display fingerprint reader, offering both security and convenience, albeit with room for improvement in placement.
Storage options range from 256GB to an expansive 1TB, ensuring users have ample space for their digital needs. Running on Xiaomi's new Hyper OS 1.0 atop Android 14, the interface feels both familiar and responsive. A noteworthy addition is the cleverly concealed IR blaster within the camera bump, adding a convenient touch for device control.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8N3, promising superior performance and power efficiency. Benchmark scores highlight its prowess, yet prolonged stress tests reveal thermal throttling concerns that could impact extended gaming sessions.
Battery life is a standout feature of the Xiaomi 14, boasting a slightly larger 4,610mAh capacity. The inclusion of 90W fast charging elevates the user experience, significantly reducing charging times and ensuring the phone stays powered throughout the day.
Now, let's shift our focus to the camera system, a critical aspect for many users. The Xiaomi 14 brings substantial upgrades, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 50MP 3.2x telephoto zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Daytime photography impresses with flagship-quality images, while the automatic night mode enhances low-light shots. The 4K video recording capability showcases excellent dynamic range and detail, further solidifying its multimedia capabilities.
The Xiaomi 14 emerges as one of the most capable compact flagships in the smartphone market. While it showcases superb features, including a top-notch display, powerful chipset, and versatile camera system, some drawbacks, such as thermal management concerns, are worth noting. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi 14 stands as a commendable recommendation for those seeking a comprehensive smartphone experience.