The Xiaomi 14 Ultra isn’t the latest flagship from Google, Samsung, or Apple, but it’s the smartphone camera that stands out in 2024. After extensive testing, including a recent photoshoot with a Cupra Born VZ electric car, its exceptional capabilities have solidified its position as my top camera phone choice this year.
Exceptional Image Quality and Versatility
A person taking the Xiaomi 14 Ultra out of a pocket.Alt: Xiaomi 14 Ultra being taken out of a pocket, ready for photography.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s impressive camera system has been a favorite since its initial review. The versatility provided by the Photography Kit accessory further enhances its appeal. While other competitors have emerged throughout the year, recent tests reaffirm the 14 Ultra’s exceptional image quality.
For a series of articles featuring the Cupra Born VZ, the 14 Ultra, equipped with its Photography Kit and a polarizing filter, proved to be the ideal camera choice. While the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max were contenders, the 14 Ultra’s overall performance was unmatched.
The front of the Cupra Born VZ.Alt: Front view of the Cupra Born VZ captured by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
The resulting images, used in the Cupra Born VZ review and a follow-up article on electric car ownership, demonstrate the phone’s capabilities. Despite challenging lighting conditions, the 14 Ultra delivered consistently sharp and detailed images across all zoom levels (1x, 3.2x optical, and 5x optical). The quality and emotive nature of the photographs surpassed what could be achieved with a DSLR or other smartphone cameras.
The Cupra Born VZ seen from the front.Alt: Another front perspective of the Cupra Born VZ taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
The Leica Advantage and Filter Integration
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra with the Photography Kit case and grip fitted.Alt: Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Photography Kit and grip attached, ready for professional shooting.
The Photography Kit, enabling the use of a 67mm filter, makes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra a unique choice for car photography. The polarizing filter minimizes reflections, emphasizing the car’s lines and shape. This level of filter integration is unmatched in the smartphone market.
Leica’s collaboration with Xiaomi is another key factor contributing to the 14 Ultra’s exceptional camera performance. Leica’s expertise in smartphone photography, previously demonstrated through their partnership with Huawei, is evident in the 14 Ultra’s image tuning and dedicated Leica filters (Authentic and Vibrant). These filters enhance images without appearing artificial or over-processed.
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: Scenic landscape photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, showcasing its dynamic range.
Leica’s influence extends beyond branding and filters, enhancing the overall camera experience. Xiaomi’s camera software and editing features, while not entirely unique, seamlessly integrate with the hardware, creating a system that fosters creativity and confidence.
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: Image captured with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, featuring an AI-generated sky.
Beyond Car Photography: Versatile Performance
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: Close-up of a leaf taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra at 5x zoom, showcasing detail and depth of field.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera excels beyond car photography, capturing impressive images of various subjects. A photo of a leaf at 5x zoom with the Leica black-and-white filter demonstrates the phone’s sharpness and depth of field.
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: A yellow Porsche Cayman accidentally captured in Portrait mode with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
An accidental shot of a Porsche Cayman in Portrait mode highlights the camera’s natural depth of field and vibrant color reproduction. While Xiaomi’s AI removal tool isn’t as refined as Google’s Magic Eraser, the overall image quality remains impressive.
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: Close-up portrait of a cat’s face captured with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in Portrait mode, showing detail and texture.
A portrait of a cat’s face, taken at 75mm equivalent focal length in Portrait mode, showcases the camera’s detail capturing capabilities. The 14 Ultra offers a range of focal lengths (23mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 120mm) in Portrait mode.
A True Camera Experience
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.Alt: Image showcasing the bokeh effect achieved with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra encourages experimentation and creative exploration. The experience of actively seeking out different locations and experimenting with various angles and editing styles sets it apart from other smartphone cameras.
A person holding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with the Photography Kit fitted.Alt: A hand holding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with the Photography Kit attached, demonstrating its ergonomic grip.
While 2024 has been a year of exceptional mobile camera advancements, including the iPhone 16’s Camera Control and innovative AI enhancements, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a distinct advantage. It replicates the feel and functionality of a dedicated camera, from its hardware to its software. This combined with the Photography Kit creates a superb and unmatched package in 2024. While the wide-angle camera may not be the best, and it’s not perfect, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra consistently impresses with its image quality and unique user experience.
