It's only been two years since Xiaomi partnered with Leica, and its offerings are already expanding as they are no longer limited to flagship devices. Last year saw the start of the Xiaomi 13T series which is an affordable flagship phone that also has a Leica camera and the latest to arrive at the our lab is the Xiaomi 14T Pro. This time Xiaomi brings the capabilities of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in an affordable package. Is it worth it and should you buy it? This article will answer your question.
SPECIFICATIONS
6.67″ CrystalRes AMOLED screen,
2712 x 1220 (446PPI)
144Hz, 4000 nits,
Dolby Vision
MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip (4nm)
CPU 1x Cortex-X4 3.4GHz
3x Cortex-X4 2.85GHz
4x Cortex-A720 2.0GHz
Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU
Memory 12GB RAM, LPDDR5X
Storage 512/1000 GB, UFS 4.0
LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX Rear Camera
Wide Angle, Light Fusion 900
50MP, ƒ/1.6
Leica Telephoto
50MP, ƒ/2.0
Leica Ultra-Wide Angle
12MP, ƒ/2.2
Authentic Leica Imagery, Xiaomi AISP
Master-Lens
32MP f/2.0 Front Camera
Audio Stereo speakers
Biometrics Under-screen fingerprint scanner
IP68 protection
5000mAh battery
120W (wired)
50W (wireless)
Price RM 2,599 (12/256 GB)
RM 2,999 (12/512 GB)
RM 3,499 (12/1000 GB)
USAGE EXPERIENCE
Xiaomi 14T Pro is one of the devices under the 14T series. This 14T Pro is also not just an ordinary affordable flagship device because it is loaded with various advanced technologies. Among them are the Leica VARIO-SUMMILUX lens, the Xiaomi AISP algorithm with FusionLM, ColorLM, ToneLM and PortraitLM for UltraHDR and Master Portrait. Then it also has a Xiaomi Surge T1 Tuner chip, a Surge P2 chip and also a Surge G1 for charging.
DESIGN
Xiaomi is consistent in bringing premium flagship features to affordable flagship devices. For example, a screen design with thin bezels, a quality OLED panel, equipped with IP68 protection, and also a choice of Titan Gray, Titan Blue, or Titan Black colors like the iPhone 16 Pro.
Xiaomi also emphasized that the design of this 14T Pro is unique and that this device itself is not an existing Poco or Redmi device.
Every button is well designed, the aluminum body used is also 116% more durable than the 13T Pro, and the finish of the device also feels like holding an expensive device.
The power button also has a texture with extra grip to make it easy to find and more comfortable to hold. Even so, in my eyes the Xiaomi 14T Pro still looks like a clichéd and not unique premium mid-range smartphone.
SCREEN
The screen of the device is also very beautiful and satisfying. I received the experience of using a RM6000 device at a price of RM3000. The screen has a resolution of 2712 x 1220 with a refresh rate of 144Hz and brightness can reach up to 4000 nits. It also remains offering HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.
During my use, I watched a variety of videos both digital movies I rented, movies on streaming platforms, playing video games, taking photos and editing photos – the Xiaomi 14T Pro's screen is fast and one of the best on the market for its class.
HYPEROS & DIMENSITY 9300+
The MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip used in this device is a chip developed together with Xiaomi. It is specially designed for the all-new HyperOS to run smoothly with various generative AI features, no matter the standalone version or with Google Gemini. HyperOS on this device is still based on Android 14 with ad display support that can feel less and less but Xiaomi is smart to find a way how to force these ads to appear.
The HyperOS available on this device is still more or less the same as the Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Ultra and also the use of the Xiaomi 13T. It's better than MIUI days, it's smoother, faster and more comfortable to use. Not to mention the consistent performance and as of almost a month of use I have not experienced any lag issues.
The benchmark scores above prove that the Xiaomi 14T Pro is a capable affordable flagship device. Even if the score is just a number, at least my usage is comparable to it because it is high and satisfactory. Similarly, every game, regardless of the heavy COD Mobile or the light Marvel Snap, I can be so solemn that I forget the responsibilities of the world.
GENERATIVE AI
It is very disappointing that the Xiaomi 14T series is marketed as a Leica camera device with generative AI features but its use is very limited. What you have seen on the Xiaomi 14 and updated on the Xiaomi 13T, everything is the same on the Xiaomi 14T. Although I use the 14T Pro none of the extra features are Pro. Circle to Search still cannot be used because it will only arrive on October 6th. Only AI Interpreter is new and other features such as AI voice recording or AI notes application are still not visible.
CAMERA
When I received the Xiaomi 14T Pro for testing, I was using the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. After I open the camera, do the proper settings – I keep the Pixel and Galaxy in the bag and just use the Xiaomi 14T Pro as my main camera when abroad. The result of the camera is very beautiful, bright, balanced colors with Ultra HDR support, and every image has well-preserved details.
It doesn't matter which lens I use, which Leica mode or where I am – every image when I see this my heart is still calm and relieved. The main issue I have is the ability to take pictures at night which I feel is still trying to emulate the 14 Ultra but just isn't.
Auto mode, solid focus and incredible detail with amazing colors.
Balanced, stable and for various colors or lighting situations.
Potrer, Master-lens is also attractive as if taken with an expensive mirrorless camera.
Selfie camera at night is still weak.
Strong HDR effect at night with still readable text and less noise.
Night mode is still inconsistent with sometimes noise sometimes neat.
A dark atmosphere like dusk is the best time to try the Xiaomi 14T Pro camera.
The HDR capabilities of this camera try to mimic the Pixel 9's HDR
Zoom also does not want to lose, this is an example of 5x zoom that is suitable for printing and as a background image.
Pictures with a variety of complex colors will look a bit yellowish but not extreme.
VIDEOS
The video recording results on the Xiaomi 14T Pro are also getting more interesting and good. I tried recording a vlog using the selfie camera and the main camera, it displayed satisfactory colors and details. Rarely do I get vlog video quality with a Xiaomi device like this. Judge for yourself with the video below;
AUDIO
Dolby Atmos + stereo speakers on smartphones is a good pairing because the audio will be loud and usually balanced. Xiaomi 14T Pro does not disappoint by providing audio that approaches the benchmark level but at an affordable price. It's delicious, fun and comfortable to listen to all day long.
BATTERY
The 14T Pro is not only equipped with a 5000mAh battery, 120W HyperCharge fast charging and 50W fast wireless charging. Inside the device there are also Xiaomi Surge P1 and Surge C1 chips to ensure the health of the battery and chip is guaranteed and to control the charging process – including with the temperature of the device.
The battery life I received for light use was over 10 hours a day, while heavy use was around 7 hours. The discontinued 120W charger can charge the device from 0% to 100% in less than 30 minutes.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
1x Xiaomi 14T Pro.
1x 120W HyperCharge Charger (free package, not in box).
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable.
1x Black silicone protective frame.
1x SIM Pin.
1x Set of manual and safety book.
SHOULD BUY OR SKIP?
Ever since the Xiaomi 12s Ultra, I've been convinced that the best affordable smartphone photography has to go to Xiaomi and Leica. Amazing camera capabilities, better video recording capabilities, and flagship features and functions at an affordable price – the latest Xiaomi 14T Pro is the best flagship phone alternative if you can't afford the 14 Ultra.
If you have been a user of a premium mid-range device for the past two years or a flagship device for the past three years – you must buy the Xiaomi 14T Pro as your main phone. Xiaomi offers the most complete package with the flagship Dimensity 9300+ chip, a Leica camera with the new Summilux lens matched with Xiaomi AISP and a fast charging system with a long-lasting battery – at a starting price of RM3,099 you definitely won't regret it.
ADVANTAGES
Very charming screen.
A flagship camera at an affordable price.
Fast and smooth performance all the time.
Long lasting battery with super fast charging.
Leica camera prices are the most affordable.
SHORTAGES
Nighttime camera capabilities are inconsistent.
The design is not very attractive.
HyperOS still has ads.
Many new features are just promises of future updates.