Typically in our labs, flagship devices will take 2-3 weeks to be tested before a review is released. But for the Xiaomi 14, it's a little different this time because I've been using this device for a month. Xiaomi Malaysia gave us early access to test not only in Malaysia but also in Barcelona. In my tests, this device has better camera capabilities than the Xiaomi 13 and has the potential to be the best compact flagship device of the year.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
6.36″ AMOLED screen, 2670 x 1200 pixels,
LTPO + AdaptiveSync Pro 1-120Hz,
Xiaomi C8 custom panel
3000-nit, Pro HDR, Dolby Vision
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (4nm)
1x 3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 chip
3x 3.2 GHz Cortex-A720
2x 3.0 GHz Cortex-A720
2x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A520
Adreno 750 Graphics Chip
RAM 12 GB LPDDR5X
Internal Storage 256/512 GB UFS 4.0
Primary Camera 50MP f/1.6, Light Fusion 900, OIS (Wide Angle)
50/32 MP, f/2.0 (Telephoto)
50MP, f/2.2, 10cm Macro (Ultra Wide Angle)
LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX
Leica Authentic & Leica Vibrant, Master-lens system
Xiaomi ProFocus, Portrait Night, 8K video,
Dolby Vision 4K60fps, Ultra Night Video
Front Camera 32MP, f/2.0, HDR
4610mAh battery
90W HyperCharge wired
50W HyperCharge wireless
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM Nano /5G
Stereo Audio, Dolby Atmos
WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth WiFi 7, Yes, 5.4
Infrared Yes, on the camera bump
Waterproof IP68
Fingerprint Scan System under the screen
Sale Price RM 3,499 (12/256 GB)
RM 3,799 (12/512 GB)
The Xiaomi 13 is my favorite compact flagship device. In fact I am still using this device until the Xiaomi 14 reaches my hands. Xiaomi's new generation compact flagship device once again won my heart because of its small but premium design in the hand and powerful enough to compete with more expensive competitors. It is designed to look beautiful and simple because it wants to be a legendary icon of Leica.
The screen of the device is a flat type, the bezel is thin and almost even, Xiaomi C8 self-designed AMOLED panel with Dolby Vision color, 3000-nit brightness and supports LTPO 1-120 Hz. The design of the device is also interesting because it is quite simple and elegant. All the physical buttons are on the right side, the top is also nothing like the left side because Xiaomi put the microphone hole and the infrared sensor on the camera bump. Below is the speaker grille, USB-C port, another microphone hole and SIM card slot.
The unit I'm using is Jade Green, where it uses a glossy finish and is very smooth. It's beautiful and looks sexy, but it's not suitable for me with sweaty palms. The device gets dirty easily and is difficult to handle. This forced me to use a protective frame and not be able to enjoy the beautiful design of this device.
SCREEN
For a compact device, the Xiaomi 14 is equipped with the best screen I've ever used. Very vivid colors, very clear details, fast refresh rates and video content on Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video provide an immersive viewing experience. One thing I'm not fond of is the Sunlight mode for the screen to be used in bright sunlight. It cannot work automatically and needs to be set manually.
BIOMETRIC
The biometric system is just fine. Not the fastest, but able to detect four different fingers without any problems. Lately, I've been enjoying adding my face as an alternative to unlocking the device.
USAGE – Xiaomi HyperOS, Android 14
I really hope that Xiaomi HyperOS on Xiaomi 14 will have various AI features that were announced when this operating system was launched in China last year. Too bad it's still not included. As such, using HyperOS on this device is more or less the same as other HyperOS devices and also MIUI.
Even so, HyperOS on Xiaomi 14 seems to be given a special touch because its use is more fun and comfortable than on Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13T or Poco X6 Pro. It's smoother, faster and consumes less power as the device can last a whole day of heavy use.
Here are my favorite features while waiting for the brand new HyperOS update;
Interesting lock screen customization.
Discard or switch back AI feature.
AI Erase feature that can remove shadows, foreign objects, distracting lines.
Art Framing, an alternative to watermarks on pictures that are neater and more beautiful.
Higher quality video recording capabilities.
What I still can't forgive is, a flagship device that may cost close to RM4000 still has ads. This time I realized, the ad is only displayed in vertical orientation. Others are less like in the Get Apps application or on the theme store only. I also still don't understand why some HyperOS devices can continue to come with Google Photos built into the album app but some don't like this Xiaomi 14.
PERFORMANCE AND BENCHMARKS – HYPEROS, SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 3
If you think the Xiaomi 14 will have the same performance as the iQOO 12 or RedMagic 9 Pro you are wrong. Although all three devices use the same chip. The benchmark score of the Xiaomi 14 is only slightly higher than that of the Samsung Galaxy S24+. The benchmark tests I did were with AnTuTu 3D v10, Geekbench 6 and 3DMark.
Antutu 3D
Xiaomi 14 – 1,773,520
Honor Magic6 Pro – 1,366,519
iQOO 12 – 2,075,821
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 1,768,765
ASUS ROG Phone 8 – 1,953,486
RedMagic 9 Pro – 2,114,787
Geekbench 6
Xiaomi 14 – 1741/6313
Honor Magic6 Pro – 1362/4677
iQOO 12 – 2181/6631
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 2278/7016
ASUS ROG Phone 8 – 3032/6373
RedMagic 9 Pro – 2153/6775
3D Mark Wildlife Extreme
Xiaomi 14 – 4499
Honor Magic6 Pro – 2492
iQOO 12 – N/A / 30.22 FPS
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 4657
ASUS ROG Phone 8 – 5236
RedMagic 9 Pro – 5231
3D Mark Solar Bay
Xiaomi 14 – 7722
Honor Magic6 Pro – N/A
iQOO 12 – 8528
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – 8564
ASUS ROG Phone 8 – 8710
RedMagic 9 Pro– 8704
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 still doesn't support some features well. For example Marvel Snap on iQOO 12 and Xiaomi 14 often closes by itself. But this is not the case with the Galaxy S24+. My theory is, on Xiaomi HyperOS with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – the software has not yet adapted to the newer processing chip. A new update will probably fix this problem. Then there is one more thing that I don't like about this device is that it heats up easily.
TELEPHONY AND GPS
Throughout the use of this device, the quality of phone calls is excellent. VoWiFi and VoLTE support is no problem. 5G data connection with Maxis can be achieved either in Malaysia or Barcelona just like WiFi. GPS support is also fast with no problem for me to rely entirely on this device to walk alone in people's country.
CAMERA
I'm 100% very satisfied with the camera of the Xiaomi 14. I'm not sure if it's because of the lighting and atmosphere in Barcelona or the camera of this device is really amazing. The most obvious thing that has changed is the quality of portraits that are getting neater and more beautiful. Sharp and detailed HDR and macro photos. Ultra wide angle and zoom can produce beautiful colors. Then the night mode which reminds me of the Night Sight of Pixel devices. The shortcoming that I am aware of is the ability to zoom only moderately at the 10x level.
SAMPLE VIDEO RECORDING
The Xiaomi 14 series also focuses on video recording. If this model is already beautiful, how about the Ultra model?
AUDIO
I realize, in this world there is no gadget that is 100% perfect. Although I am already in love with the Xiaomi 14, this device's lack of speaker quality leaves me disappointed. It was good and tasty but not strong enough. Regardless of Apple Music or YouTube Music, listening to music on these devices is not satisfying enough.
BATTERY
I really hate device manufacturers who try to hide a device's SOT. No matter on MIUI or HyperOS, Xiaomi 14 cannot check the actual SOT and I have to do a manual count. The device has no problem achieving around 6 hours SOT for light use and around 4-5 hours SOT for heavy use.
The device supports 90W HyperCharge wired fast charging which can charge from 0% to 100% in around 30 minutes. It also supports PD 65W charging that charges the device from 0% to 100% in 45 minutes. If you manage to buy a 50W fast wireless charger from China, it can be charged this way in less than an hour.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
Here's what you'll receive with every Xiaomi 14 purchase;
1x Xiaomi 14
1x HyperCharge 90W Charger
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Black silicone protective frame
1x SIM Pin
1x Set of guide books and manuals
CONCLUSION
Beautiful device design, screen among the best on the market, satisfactory camera, surprising performance and long-lasting battery – Xiaomi 14 meets all the criteria for a near-perfect flagship device. It's just that the HyperOS that is boasted is just an empty promise because many AI features are still not included and for flagship devices there are still ads when playing the game which is unforgivable.
This device is undeniably good enough to be the best Raya phone or flagship device candidate. Only, in the next 9 months to 2024 will there be a compact flagship device that can compete with the Xiaomi 14? Keep following us for the sale price in Malaysia on March 7.
PRO
Beautiful, elegant, simple and premium design.
The screen is among the best on the market.
The camera is capable of producing legendary images.
Fast and satisfying performance.
IP68 waterproof.
CONS
The zoom capability is a bit disappointing.
HyperOS is more of an empty promise.
Ads still on mercu devices 2024?
The speaker is not loud enough.