Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Leica Optics launched in China

Xiaomi has taken the wraps off its new flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, in a launch event in China. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra packs an incredible camera setup backed by Leica optics and top-of-the-line specifications. It will be interesting to see how it fares against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra when it hits the global market.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Specifications & Features

The standout feature of the 14 Ultra is its quad rear camera system, headlined by a massive 1-inch 50MP primary sensor from Sony. It uses the new and larger Sony LYT-900 sensor, allowing superior light capture and detailed images. The primary camera has a variable aperture between f/1.63 and f/4.0 for enhanced flexibility.

Accompanying the main camera is a 50MP ultra-wide, a 50MP (75mm) telephoto with 3.2x optical zoom and a 50MP (120mm) periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Xiaomi claims the 14 Ultra's telephoto cameras gather significantly more light than the latest iPhones since it uses the Leica Summilux optical system with features like 8P Aspheric lens, ultra-low reflective optical coating, and more.

The camera system is complemented by advanced computational photography powered by Xiaomi's new AISP AI platform. Features like 30x AI Super Zoom, Ultra RAW, and enhanced video recording up to 8K promise stellar photo and video capabilities rivalling professional cameras.

The 14 Ultra has aesthetics similar to its predecessor, with a sleek metal frame and a choice of leather, crystal, or titanium finishes. The 6.73-inch, 12-bit 2K AMOLED display offers HDR support, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, and adaptive refresh rates from 1-120Hz.

Under the hood, the 14 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It has a large 5,300mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra runs Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS out of the box.

Other notable features include two-way satellite communication for messaging in remote areas, enhanced cooling with a triple vapour chamber, and Xiaomi's new "Dragon Armor" chassis, which is claimed to increase drop protection.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be available in Blue, Black, White, and an exclusive Titanium edition. Prices start at CNY 6,499 (₹74,949 for the 12/256GB model and go up to CNY 8,799 (₹1,01,423) for the 16/1TB Titanium variant. Xiaomi also offers an upgraded camera grip accessory as part of a photography kit.

Pre-orders are open now in China, with the first units shipping on February 27. A global launch event is scheduled for February 25 in Barcelona, where pricing and release details for other markets are expected. In addition, Xiaomi is all set to launch the Xiaomi 14 in India on March 7, but the likelihood of the 14 Ultra appearing is slim.