Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Review: Is This the Best Camera Phone Ever Made?

Introduction

For many years, the question “Best smartphone camera” had two contenders only – Apple and Google. However, things became more complicated in recent years. With the arrival of the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the topic changed. Instead of trying to compete with iPhones and Pixels, it is necessary to consider a chance to replace your $2,000 DSLR camera with one device.

In partnership with the well-known optics brand Leica, Xiaomi has created a unique gadget for photo enthusiasts – a smartphone whose camera relies totally on its optical components. Equipped with the outstanding quad-50MP camera array, 1-inch main sensor, and stepless variable aperture, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an advanced photography powerhouse.

However, does it translate into great results? In this detailed review, we are going to explore whether the new flagship is the best camera phone ever created.

The Hardware: A 1-Inch Sensor Powerhouse

When discussing cameras, software capabilities play a significant role. However, when it comes to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it is impossible not to mention its outstanding hardware specifications, especially the unique configuration of the camera system.

The Quad-50MP Leica Summilux Array

Contrary to the standard configuration of flagship smartphones, which includes a single high-performance main camera with inferior secondary modules, the four Xiaomi’s sensors are equally powerful. As a result, all four Xiaomi’s cameras have massive 50MP sensors:

Main camera: 50MP, 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor with stepless variable aperture (f/1.63 to f/4.0) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

Ultrawide: 50MP Sony IMX858, f/1.8 with a 122-degree field of view

Telephoto 1: 50MP Sony IMX858, 3.2x optical zoom, f/1.8, OIS

Telephoto 2 (Periscope): 50MP Sony IMX858, 5x optical zoom, f/2.5, OIS

Stepless Variable Aperture: The Most Interesting Xiaomi’s Innovation

Why is Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra so unique compared to other gadgets? It lies in the fact that it uses stepless variable aperture technology, usually associated with DSLR cameras. In simple terms, while other devices control the opening and closing of the camera shutter using software, the Xiaomi smartphone uses a mechanical aperture consisting of physical blades.

This way, users can either fully open the shutter, obtaining blurred backgrounds or partially close it to ensure sharpness across the frame. Plus, as the aperture of the phone is stepless, people are free to select any f-stop value from the minimum and maximum limits.

Leica Color Profiles: Authenticity VS Vibration

Speaking about cameras, people should remember that besides hardware components, software plays an essential role in obtaining high-quality images. As a result, let’s discuss the outstanding color profiles developed by Leica, responsible for the uniqueness of Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera images.

Leica Authentic

As smartphones generally brighten and saturate pictures to make them visually appealing, Xiaomi decided to follow a slightly different path. Thanks to the partnership with Leica, the brand offers a unique opportunity to create truly dramatic images by providing their users with dark and contrasted photos with vignette at the edge and muted but realistic colors.

Leica Vibrant

Although Leica Authentic creates stunning images, sometimes people might wish to take photographs that look brighter than usual. Fortunately, Leica Vibrant mode offers this opportunity. However, despite its slightly unusual character, it is also based on the concept of authenticity, thus giving the phone outstanding characteristics.

The Telephoto Lens Features: Reaching New Heights in Photography

While the 1-inch sensor seems to be the most outstanding feature of the new camera phone, few people pay attention to what Xiaomi added to its telephoto lenses. First, thanks to the same Sony IMX858 sensor in each camera module, people can expect identical colors, regardless of the lens they use. Plus, it is possible to utilize Xiaomi’s impressive zoom features and get stunning images.

The Best Portraits on the Phone

3.2x telephoto lens with 75mm focal length on the full-frame sensor perfectly works in combination with Xiaomi’s proprietary technology called Master Portrait. By analyzing people’s faces and applying appropriate settings, this lens helps users take the most outstanding portraits.

How to use this lens for macro photography

Another unique feature of Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s cameras is that they allow people to shoot macro photographs without having shadows fall on objects that users intend to photograph. As a result, the device performs outstandingly in photographing small insects and flowers.

Camera Upgrade Kit: From Smartphones to Point-and-Shoots

Despite being an amazing device in itself, Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s functionality can be increased by purchasing an additional accessory pack, turning it into a compact point-and-shoot camera.

Key Features of the Xiaomi Photography Kit:

Two-Stage Shutter button – clicking it halfway will focus the lens and clicking again will take a picture

Zoom Lever – by using this component located near the shutter button, users will be able to smoothly increase or decrease the zoom rate

Customizable Dial – in contrast to smartphone interfaces, Xiaomi allows assigning any functions to the dial (e.g., changing exposure compensation, aperture, ISO sensitivity, or white balance)

Extra Battery – Xiaomi’s photography kit increases the battery capacity to 1,500mAh

67mm Filter Adapter – Xiaomi includes in its kit an adapter allowing mounting various filters to the lens

With the Xiaomi photography kit, people obtain an amazing point-and-shoot camera.

Is This the Top Camera Phone?

Yes, it is, if viewed from a specific angle. For people willing to spend time focusing on each setting and getting involved into the process of photographing, Xiaomi 14 Ultra undoubtedly takes the first place. In contrast to regular smartphone users relying on AI, photo enthusiasts will love the phone due to its outstanding features.

Thus, by providing outstanding Leica color profiles, stepless variable aperture, and advanced telephoto lenses, Xiaomi has created a perfect gadget for photo enthusiasts.