Xiaomi 14 Ultra debuts in China, gears up for global launch at MWC

Despite its focus on camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers top-tier specifications for a 2024 flagship
The image shows a black Xiaomi 14. — Xiaomi
The image shows a black Xiaomi 14. — Xiaomi

Xiaomi introduced its latest addition to the lineup, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, on Thursday, joining the ranks of the previously launched Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra emerges as the most formidable Android phone ever released by the Chinese tech giant, poised to rival other 2024 flagships such as Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched earlier this year.

While the initial release is confined to China, there's promising news for global enthusiasts. Xiaomi has scheduled an event in Barcelona on Sunday, likely marking the debut of the global variant of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun's recent statement about the Ultra's appearance at MWC 2024 adds weight to these speculations.

As anticipation builds, pages dedicated to the China-bound Xiaomi 14 Ultra offer insights into the phone's specifications and pricing. Notably, the camera emerges as the device's standout feature, with a prominent four-lens rear-facing module dominating the upper back of the phone.

Read more: Xiaomi 14 Ultra reportedly unveiling titanium elegance with up to 1TB storage

Pricing details have also been revealed, with preorders already underway. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra starts at 6,499 yuan ($904) for the 12GB/256GB variant, while the top-tier 16GB/1TB model commands 7,799 yuan ($1,084). An exclusive titanium version of the latter is available at a higher price of 8,799 yuan or $1,223. Expectations loom for European pricing, likely to surpass these figures.

The robust camera system boasts Leica branding and incorporates four 50-megapixel sensors, including a primary 1-inch sensor and a Sony LYT-900 camera. Further enhancements come from Xiaomi's proprietary AI-based computational photography engine, Xiaomi AISP.

Additional features include an optional Leica Pro Kit, offering a camera grip and supplementary battery (1,500 mAh), elevating the photography experience. Despite its focus on camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers top-tier specifications for a 2024 flagship, including a 6.73-inch OLED display with peak brightness reaching 3,000 nits.

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, complemented by 12GB to 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of storage. Notably, the 5,300 mAh battery supports 90W fast wired charging and 80W wireless charging, ensuring swift power replenishment.

While the software experience is anchored by Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS, the absence of AI features remains notable, though the global version may differ. With the international release on the horizon, enthusiasts eagerly await further revelations about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra's global iteration.