MWC 2024: Xiaomi 14 Ultra officially unveiled for Europe

It was already clear that the Xiaomi 14 would also be relevant at this year’s Mobile World Congress. However, it is now also certain that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will also find its way onto the European market. This should be a real treat, especially for camera fans.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra with large camera module

Just as the Xiaomi 13 was given a flagship version with exciting technical tricks with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra presented in April 2023, an Ultra version is also to be launched with the latest generation. At first glance, the front of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra may hardly look any different from the standard version. But appearances are deceptive. If you turn the flagship over, you will see a really large camera unit, which Xiaomi once again used the support of the experts from Leica to develop. And this becomes clear when you look at the technical details of the camera.

The main camera offers a resolution of 50 MP, a focal length of 23 mm and a variable aperture with continuous adjustment (f1.63 to f4.0). The optical image stabilizer should ensure razor-sharp images and blur-free moving images. Leica will also be present in the software. For example, there will be various filters that can imitate the classic optics of the iconic company. Overall, it is a quad camera.

With a combined ultra-wide-angle and macro lens as well as two telephoto lenses, the main camera is joined by three additional lenses. All of them are said to offer a resolution of 50 MP. Of course, shooting videos is also no problem. It’s not just the high-quality lenses that are supposed to do a disservice here. Xiaomi also emphasizes how practical the so-called director mode is. Here you can connect the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to other Xiaomi gadgets to use them as an external viewfinder, for example.

More camera feeling is hardly possible

Camera technology in smartphones may have taken another big leap forward in recent years. Nevertheless, enthusiastic photographers still prefer to use their classic camera. This certainly has a lot to do with the feel. Xiaomi also seems to be aware of this. Accordingly, the tech company has developed a practical camera attachment for its Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

With the help of the Photography Kit, you can transform the naturally rather slim smartphone into a classically bulky camera, which is primarily intended to provide more ergonomics. But with the kit, the camera should not only fit better in the hand. There are also buttons here that you can use to make the most important camera settings. Another highlight is the built-in battery. This has a capacity of 1,500 mAh and is designed to provide power for the smartphone during the photo session.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for maximum power

Naturally, the camera is the focus of public attention. The other technical specifications are also a real feast for the eyes. At its heart is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from Qualcomm. It is supported by 16 GB of RAM. The 220 g smartphone also has a total of 512 GB of flash memory. At 6.73 inches, the display is slightly larger than the standard model. The screen has a resolution of 3,200 x 1,440 pixels and promises excellent contrast values and vivid colors thanks to OLED technology.

Xiaomi specifies a maximum brightness of 3,000 cd/m². The smartphone can automatically adjust the refresh rate. Up to 120 Hz is possible here. A 5,000 mAh battery should ensure endurance, while weather protection is provided by IP68 certification. Once the battery is empty, it should be recharged very quickly. The battery should then be recharged quickly using conventional cabling via a USB port. However, the charging performance without a cable sounds more exciting.

An impressive 80 watts should be possible here. There are no big surprises when it comes to the software. Of course, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is also based on Android. To be more precise, a slightly customized version in the form of HyperOS is to be used here. The smartphone is delivered with Android 14 and, according to Xiaomi, the flagship will receive the next four major software updates. Security updates will be provided for five years.

Price and availability

If you are interested in the flagship with a focus on the camera, you can order it now. Xiaomi plans to deliver the first models of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra from March. The prices are of course correspondingly steep. The smartphone, which is available in either black or white, will be launched at an RRP of 1,499.90 euros. Photography fans can alternatively secure a bundle with the photography kit.