Key Highlights
- Xiaomi 14 series is the first to be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
- Xiaomi 14 price starts from CNY 3,999 (Ksh 82,244 approx).
- Xiaomi 14 series also debuts the new HyperOS software that replaces MIUI.
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship phones, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Powered by Qualcomm’s brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, these phones boast impressive specs and AI-powered capabilities. With their China-exclusive launch, Xiaomi aims to showcase the possibilities enabled by the latest mobile silicon.
Display and Design
Both the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro feature high-refresh rate LTPO displays for smooth scrolling and motion. The standard Xiaomi 14 has a 6.3-inch screen with a 2400×1080 resolution. Meanwhile, the Pro model comes in at 6.7-inches with a 3200×1440 display.
The screens on both phones can adaptively adjust their refresh rates from 1-120Hz. Xiaomi claims an eye-catching peak brightness of 3000 nits.
Also Read: Xiaomi 13T series launched globally, specs and pricing
In terms of design, the Xiaomi 14 series strikes a balance between curved and flat. The rear glass curves gently on the edges, meeting nearly flush side rails. However, the front is flat, minimizing bezels with a “waterfall” look. The 14 Pro, in particular, has tiny 1.61mm bezels on three sides.
Cameras and Photography
For photography, both phones utilize 50MP main cameras co-developed with Leica. The Xiaomi 14 Pro goes a step further with a variable aperture lens ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0. This enables precise control over depth of field and light intake. Xiaomi says the aperture can adjust smoothly over 1024 steps.
The phones also pack 50MP ultrawide and 3x telephoto lenses. New AI features leverage the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to enhance photos. For example, Xiaomi demoed an AI portrait mode that inserts people into iconic global landmarks and scenes.
HyperOS and Ecosystem Integration
Beyond core specs, the Xiaomi 14 series showcases new software capabilities. The phones ship with HyperOS, Xiaomi’s custom Android interface. HyperOS aims to seamlessly connect Xiaomi devices across platforms like mobile, computing, automotive, and smart home. Qualcomm also emphasized cross-device experiences during its recent Snapdragon Summit.
On-device AI is another focus area. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 enables advanced natural language processing, allowing for features like meeting transcription. Xiaomi is also working on AI image generation powered by foundation models. These types of emergent AI technologies will likely shape flagships in 2024.
Availability and Pricing
For now, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are exclusive to China. The Xiaomi 14 starts at CNY 3,999 (Ksh 82,244 approx), while the 14 Pro goes for CNY 4,999 (Ksh 102,810 approx). Global launches often follow a few months after China. So consumers worldwide can expect to see Xiaomi’s latest flagships in early 2024, minus the US.
With their blend of powerhouse specs, refined design, and AI, the Xiaomi 14 series previews what’s to come. As more devices utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, we’ll get a glimpse of next-generation experiences across smartphones, laptops, vehicles, and homes.
Xiaomi’s cutting-edge handsets highlight the promising capabilities of integrated ecosystems backed by advanced silicon and software.
