The Xiaomi 14 has made a grand entrance, offering us a sneak peek into the future of smartphones for 2024. What sets it apart is the utilization of the groundbreaking Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This chipset is expected to set the stage for next year’s top-tier Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy S24, the OnePlus 12, and many others.
While the Xiaomi 14’s initial launch is in China, it effectively represents a 2024 phone, hinting at what the global smartphone landscape will look like in the coming year. While many regions will likely get their hands on the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro in early 2024, the United States might not be among them, based on past trends.
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro are poised to deliver exceptional power. However, their capabilities don’t stop there. Both phones boast displays capable of reaching an astounding 3,000 nits of brightness, making them stand out as having the brightest smartphone displays available.
The Xiaomi 14 features a 6.36-inch screen, while the Xiaomi 14 Pro boasts a 6.73-inch display, both with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. They also offer up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, making them powerhouses in terms of performance. Moreover, both phones come equipped with 32MP front-facing cameras and carry an IP68 rating, ensuring they are dust and water-resistant.
While these devices share many characteristics, several key specs differentiate them. The Xiaomi 14 houses a trio of 50MP cameras on the back, including a main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 Pro boasts a 50MP main camera with a variable aperture, allowing users to switch between f/1.4 and f/4.0. This feature offers greater control over the final outcome of your photos compared to most other smartphones.
When it comes to batteries and charging speeds, the Xiaomi 14 has a 4,610mAh battery with 60W wired and 50W wireless charging. In contrast, the Xiaomi 14 Pro packs a 4,880mAh battery with a faster 120W wired charging and the same 50W wireless charging capability.
Both of these smartphones run on HyperOS, a new Android skin that Xiaomi has adopted, replacing MIUI. This change aims to provide a more streamlined and lightweight software experience, addressing some of the concerns associated with MIUI. Xiaomi also aims to improve cross-device capabilities with HyperOS, especially for users with a Xiaomi ecosystem.
As for the release date, the global launch of the Xiaomi 13 didn’t occur until late February. Therefore, we may have to wait until around February 2024 before seeing the Xiaomi 14 line become more widely available.
While the global pricing for these devices remains uncertain, for reference, the Xiaomi 14 starts at CNY 3,999 (approximately $545 / £450 / AU$870) in China, and the Xiaomi 14 Pro starts at CNY 4,999 (roughly $685 / £565 / AU$1,085). It’s worth noting that global pricing may vary and could be higher than these initial figures.
