Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review | Best Camera Phone Champion!

Reviewing the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, a global mega-flagship smartphone boasting the best camera setup in 2024. I've been testing the gaming chops, battery life and everyday HyperOS experience of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra for over a week. Here's my final verdict vs the Samsung S24 Ultra etc, and check out Tech Spurt for more phone reviews!
Now, it's the camera tech which really helps this excellent premium phone to stand out. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is brilliant as a point and shoot device, for photo and video capture, but it's the Pro tools that really boost it. You can record LOG footage with full aperture control in Director Mode. Or get gorgeous 10-bit HDR video in the regular mode. It's a step beyond the Pixel 8 Pro, S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro Max etc.
Besides that, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a top-class smartphone in every other way. The OLED screen is a stunner (and now practically flat). I had a great time gaming on Genshin Impact, even for hours at a time. Plus, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra enjoys long battery life as long as you don't get carried away with those cameras.
The only negative points with this phone are the steep asking price, occasional HyperOS jank and...that's about it. Certainly come my 'best phones of 2024' round-up, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be right up there as one of my favourites!
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review Chapters:
0:00 - It's a proper hand-filler
0:45 - Design
3:17 - HyperOS & features
6:07 - Display & audio
8:26 - Performance & gaming
9:32 - Battery life
11:14 - Cameras
17:26 - Verdict

[@chris56269]

I work in HR for a large UK retailer. Dropped by one of our branches earlier and when looking at a Samsung display I saw Uncle Spurt on one of the screens and immediately though "Oh no someone's put a Tech Spurt video on, we're going to get complaints from parents!" turned out it was part of a looping Samsung promotional video with clips from different reviews.

[@TechSpurt]

Haha bloody hell, hope they chose a clip that was shop friendly...

[@camotech1314]

​@@TechSpurtyou don't have any of those sir 😅

[@duddie1911]

​@@TechSpurt Oppo Find X7 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Ultra? Which is better for night video and all photos? Thanks.

[@Kenkiller1-2000]

@@duddie1911 If you are a photographer, choose Xiaomi 14u. All four lenses support ultraraw mode, and the video supports log mode. With artificial intelligence, you probably know what I mean. 23mm ultraraw 16bit color pro mode + 50mp tiff format source file, the sample obtained after tapaz sharpen AI intelligent sharpening is amazing. The upper limit of Xiaomi 14u is much higher than that of oppo, oppo is only suitable for mobile phones that never post-process and directly output jpg player.

[@RagingBad]

@@duddie1911I’ll go for the Oppo

[@ruialex314]

Man I was so happy with my 15 pro max till I saw these photos…that contrasty look is amazing I love it

[@SMGJohn]

What??? You can change contrast in photos bud

[@ruialex314]

@@SMGJohn i know that 😅 I’m talking about the look straight from the camera it looks like the photos from the Leica camera, I was exaggerating I’m happy with the iPhone

[@SMGJohn]

@@ruialex314 Use a real camera and you will have even better pictures, even the Sony RX100 shoots superior pictures to any phone in existence.

[@blainegoodwin6365]

Sheesh, sorry you still buy Apple products

[@milpatel83]

They've spent about £10 making HyperOS - I wouldn't worry.

[@siann5198]

i loved it when uncle spurt said "stupidly overpriced phones like iphone15ptomax"

[@superiortoall22]

Is this phone not stupidly overpriced at $1500? 😂

[@longnguyencaotuan2267]

@@superiortoall22 lol overpriced? You should know for the (almost) same price as 15PM this thing gives you 16GB ram and 512GB Storage as minimum. Not to mention it's hardware destroys 15PM

[@superiortoall22]

@@longnguyencaotuan2267 it's $1600 vs $1200, for $1600 I can get a 1tb 15 Pro Max.

[@elicoptere7582]

​@@longnguyencaotuan2267not mentioning the Sony cameras and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 which is literally the best phone processor rn (with Dimensity 9300)

[@MonLyica]

​@@longnguyencaotuan2267Xiaomi software is shitty. You don't even get the actual 16GB RAM i bet 1/4 of it is eaten on the system itself lol

[@xzist649]

Uncle spurt has an analogy for everything

[@mbharaths]

6:16 It's an Amoled display😂

Yet another video full of shenanigans, what's not to like about that. Keep it up Spurty! :)

[@zh123456]

The words and accent makes you're video stands out in the all the other YT reviews. Keep up the good work and greetings from bloody amsterdam 555

[@Techybryan]

Just the review i was waiting for Simply amazing as always 👏🏾❤️

[@olethembones]

Just got mine today, huge box with the camera kit included! So far I really like the screen, that slight curve just at the very edge feels really nice and strikes a good balance between curved or flat. I definitely do not miss that bump the 13 Ultra has on the back. I have one of the Xiaomi 50W wireless charging stands they sell on their site and can confirm that works with this phone (w/case) without any issues. I'm excited to see what I can get out of the camera and the kit will come in handy when I don't want to lug my mirrorless around. Great overview!

[@olethembones]

P.S. Don't forget to turn on motion tracking focus in camera settings! Picks up eyes, people, animals, plants, cars, planes etc etc. Best subject identifier I've seen in a phone!

[@olethembones]

P.P.S. So far the only thing I don't like is how you're now stuck with the HyperOS control center on the down swipe. Having to swipe down on the left side of the screen for notifications is going to require some retraining of my brain.

[@kbtriplesix]

@@olethembones Yeah but you'll get used to it. Swiping down is more efficient than to the side imo

[@omnihein9322]

​@@olethembonesI personally prefer it. If i want my notifications i swipe on one side if i want my controls i swipe on the other. But I've been using a custom rom for my Mi11 forever now (it wasn't because i disliked MiUI it was because the roms work better with root, lol.)

[@vasileiosbolmpasis9803]

@@olethembones You can turn on the old style notification slide down, it;s called control center style -> switch to old version

[@ecnerwallim]

As always love your shenanigans and reviews. Hrm. You're kinda very very sober for this review 😊

[@SurenMOF1]

That photos looks absolutely amazing. One of the best reviews about that phone.

[@ben6453]

Loving these xiaomi reviews, lots catching on jaut how good they are and arguabely the beat bang for the buck reqdily available here in the UK.

[@zeljkokohar7404]

Perfect presentation, Thanks !

[@user-pi4fl2yb4v]

"Cats pissing about in a garden" is possibly the greatest line ever 🤣🤣🤣 That camera setup looks impressive but the bigger they are, the harder they fall and in my clumsy hands it'd put a dent in the floor at least once a day!

[@AbubakarMuwonge]

Every line is legendary 😂

[@BubuDuduForever]

Nice review. Just want to know if you can switch between front and back camera while video recording?

[@ILLRICARDO]

i swore that i would never buy a xiaomi phone, but after this i have no choice but to get a xiaomi 14

[@Peterski]

note that this is 14 ultra, not the regular 14

[@ILLRICARDO]

@@Peterski I know, I think I am going to go for the 14, most of the phones released have been disappointing, or did not have a physical dual SIM, while the Xiaomi 14 doesn't have the headphone socket, it has everything else I need...

[@No304sCunt]

​@@ILLRICARDOwait for the vivo x 100 pro plus

[@stupidthings1000]

​@ILLRICARDO Samsung s24 ultra have everything you nees.

[@ILLRICARDO]

@@stupidthings1000 price is way too much for a phone, I would have been happy with the redmi 13 pro plus, but it has a curved screen so I started to look else where.

[@MrArchbishop666]

Great review Mr Spurt as always, but you omitted one important point - if you are in the UK and buy from the Xiaomi web site before the end of March you get the camera kit AND a mi pad 6 10 inch tablet thrown in. Mine came last Friday, phone is amazing but the tablet is really good too. If you don't want the tablet just sell it, retails for £450 or thereabouts so you must be able to sell it for £200, maybe more. Plus, there's a £50 voucher they just give you during checkout. So i got the phone, photo kit and the tablet for £1249. Well chuffed.

[@Iksmada5]

Got the same deal, happy days! 😊

[@eaglehunter1802]

I got the same deal.... The pads are going on ebay for 250s... So that's where mines going haha

[@matheusguedesba]

Great video, I really love this device, and it's cool to know it's a good buy! I laughed when you mentioned the weather because yesterday I complained a lot that where I live, the heat felt like 40°C, and last Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, it felt like 62.3°C. I'd be happy in your climate, lol

[@TechSpurt]

Oooft, I'd like a bit of sun but I'd spontaneously combust in that

[@ronjatter]

Thank you for the review mr splurt

[@TechSpurt]

Most welcome!

[@randyorton6198]

Great review as always. Waiting for this phone in Sweden it said to show in April here. Can’t wait to buy it

[@TechSpurt]

Big love to Sweden!

[@silis_pap8473]

Was not expecting such a good camera! Bloody excellent

[@2000AKSHAY]

Same here.

[@hayghosty]

Alright’ what app or where do get the clean wallpapers?

[@RichCSR2]

What audio does it support and does it have SD expansion? Be really interesting to compare this to the upcoming Xperia 1 VI. It'll take a special phone to pull me away from the 1's

[@donoella235]

Thanks for the review. I have the MI 11 Ultra and thinking of going for the 14 Ultra.

[@lkss.k.]

Even though i don't have money to buy such flagship phone like this but i love watching review videos of these phones😂😂😂

[@amllemans]

Exactly

[@camotech1314]

It's a state of mind bro, I ain't rich either but I still own a Samsung S23 Ultra and S24+. You can do the same.

[@burlhorse61]

@@camotech1314 contract

[@averagegamer9162]

​@@camotech1314i own the s21fe

[@fevad1246]

​@camotech1314 you are rich unless someone gave you for very cheap cuz they didn't want it or relative that gifted you

[@ManDone88]

I bought this with camera pack , watch 2 and other band for 1098€ . All for this money . The phone is a beast. 16/512 .

[@NenadDakicOnline]

Whoa where did you get that deal???

[@emiharith]

​​@@NenadDakicOnlineshould be wherever the local official store is. like in my country we primarily use an app called shopee, so xiaomi's official shopee store just have that deal going on

[@zilakomachiya1443]

Which site?

[@cromyjr1592]

Price trolling, nice move Mr. Pig !

[@AliWrites03]

Thank you so much for such a good information I have one concerns about this is this better than s24 ultra in video like cinematography

[@Dark42nty]

Samsung has better video with Apple. Xiaomi has better photos.

[@rgopal123]

Excellent review thanks - love the xiaomi will see if you like the camera kit and is it worth buying

[@ben6453]

Believe it's free along with a tablet and supercharger in the presale.

[@SilentRunnerSpeaks]

Uncle Spurt!... how does this compare to the S24Ultra?... why do I have series FOMO with this one!?!

[@PyCoder82]

Is it possible to remove all the bloatware or will some stuff only be disabled?

[@milosmirjanic907]

Kako li radi Proxy senzor, raniji modeli su imali taj problem🤔.

[@GreeboandGaspode]

When did you find some sunshine in Folkestone? I live not many miles away and it feels like I haven't seen the sun since last year

[@TechSpurt]

I was down that way just last Saturday, early hours (hence it wasn't rammed with Londoners in my test shots!)

[@RespawnRevenge]

What plug you get in the box is it uk plug I mean if you get it from giztop or China

[@mbarts009]

You need to review the Honor x8b! Haven't seen a lot of reviews on it

[@user-vg4yg6lb2c]

What do you think, video capability perspective vs S24 Ultra in low light?

[@grimmer2005]

I got my Xiaomi 14 today, so far so good. BUT! When I turn on steady-video (OIS i suppose it is) then I cannot vary between the lenses, only the main lens is available. I havent managed to turn it on in 3.2 zoom mode either, when I do, it flips back to main camera. A bug?

[@AverageDadOfficial]

Best review you have done for a whule

[@deiiisan]

Razor gameplay = immediately subbed

[@tgagaming1354]

I always wanted to see what would it look like if he featured gameplay with each phones he has

[@GibraltarRocks]

Mr spurt, Which did you prefer to use Honor magic Pro 6 or the Xiamoi 14 ultra.

[@TechSpurt]

I liked the Honor, but the Xiaomi has it for me

[@hinatashoyo2999]

Did bro just say IPS display? LMAO

[@kai84m]

Yes he did, I rewatched it and verified, that it of course has an AMOLED Display.

[@cromyjr1592]

This channel is more Spurt than Tech :))

[@charlesrath4888]

Bless you for the positive review smile. I just hit the BUY Button on ONE and was starting to go into buyers remorse. "what if it's as bad as my Pixel 7 pro...."

[@biensur19]

Is this phone EUXM or MIXM version ?

[@Archer-hg9rw]

How many years of software support?

[@michaelblake244]

Look at that hefty main shooter.

[@konradc12]

I viewed the Xiaomi UK site and currently are offering the photography kit and a tablet, when buying the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. I am happy with my Samsung S23 Ultra, so not tempted.

[@damndan]

Thanks for the most excellent shenanigans filled review! It took allot of willpower to not buy this on reorder, but my bank account and partner would defo not be happy with myself.

[@nicolaasoosthuizen8756]

Got mine full of happiness , and yeah it's great I have to say day two there was moisture behind the screen , sent it back , got a replacement , second one was great but also had moisture after about a week behind screen and camera module despite keeping it dry , so bummed as it's a fantastic fantastic power house and great bit of tech , not shure how o feel though id share😂

[@simonbcity]

Got a deal on till end of march where you get the photography kit and Xiaomi pad 6 free with the phone

[@RielVee]

@TechSpurt I also pre ordered one here in the UK. did you not experience camera fogging in the main lens? it happens to me when I'm shooting outside, the temperature is below 10°C and I tinker with pro mode. tbf it disappears quickly in a minute or two but it's still a bother.. would give it a 4/5 still though

[@3MBit]

This problem is only in Xiaomi 14. Xiaomi 14 Pro and Ultra not fogging.

[@RielVee]

@@3MBit I have the 14 Ultra and it does fog sometimes.. will ask for a replacement then

[@cromyjr1592]

Why do expect detailed/long-term reviews from this guy ? He is spurting reviews as fast as he can :)

[@lhamagedon]

Why does this look just like the Vivo's 'X100 Pro? Are they the same?

[@vengirgirem]

Well, if you handed a Chinese version of Xiaomi with Hyper OS to a Xiaomi fan it would be quite more easy for them to tell the difference from MIUI. I got Chinese Xiaomi 14 Pro quite recently and Hyper OS on it looks quite different than on global Xiaomi 13T Pro in some menus.

[@AbubakarMuwonge]

😢 taking the Xiaomi 14 back after this review.. ultra 🙌🏾

[@GauravSingh-qf8lh]

does anybody know from where he gets his stunning wallpaper

[@techtt6213]

And a new update will even allow RAW10 which is important for Motioncam (LOG and RAW video) and for a gcam port

[@sourabhsuri1104]

Mr. Spurt, You have been totally great... and I love your content.. A Few Questions - 1) How is the Burst Mode - is it as good as Sony's? 2) How is the Auto Focus - again - as good as Sony's? 3) If you buy a Chinese version, then, do you suggest that we can flash a new version to get the more Globalized version? 4) How well is the Heating problem managed here?

[@cromyjr1592]

The "review" was already spurted :)) so he won't aswer your questions.

[@1324193a]

How does it compare to VIVO X100PROs camera ?

[@Dreamcee]

Hi, have you experienced any fogging? As there are now reports of it showing up coming across user groups on facebook sadly

[@Runningman-01]

I would like to know this as well, quite a few reviews mentioned the camera fogging up

[@hazza_007]

Hows battery life and heat under load

[@roberttonner354]

We'll just have to guess what the optical range of the periscope camera is then

[@zakiebrahimi5428]

As always best review, thanks!

[@yousef5886]

The photo of Uncle Spurt at 13:43 is somewhat terrifying lol 😂 Jack Nicholson in the Shining energy

[@user20573]

I wish I didn't see that. What a truly horrifying pic😂

[@hamzabimezzagh3303]

Can anyone tell me the name of the game showen in the beginning if the video please

[@passivaggressor]

"It all sounds A bit Michael Crichton". I appreciate that reference Spurt.

[@hansley270]

Swinging hard in the background! Great review and great musical taste!

[@houdamimi8355]

Ayoooo miku in back round ? 🎉🎉 habibi hampud

[@johnbaker6270]

Leica vibrant and authentic are a vibe ... Use them both for different vibes... If you are into phone photography.

[@Edanilo_]

Where can I get the global version?

[@azoznvrend]

I need that wallpaper bro..❤

[@MHR_Photos]

Mobile Photography King❤

[@MCD3007]

Trading my s24 ultra for this phone. Liked and subscribed mate!

[@kay-slick6044]

Tech Spurt pls review samsung a35 and a55 please sir!!

[@ririsahrial]

Which is better than Vivo X100 Pro ?

[@AndrewHahaLee]

Having a case would flush the camera plateau at the very least so it won't bother me

[@exlfactory]

I got the Xiaomi 14 ultra and a friend of mine got the Samsung s24 ultra. If you don't put them side by side, the photos are great in both (Looking more natural in S24 ultra so far), but you do see x14 ultra a bit better than the s24. We are now testing the video (the FILM mode is great and the variable aperture is a game changer). I do prefer myself the flat screen in the s24 ultra, but I am coming from a OnePlus 6 (What a classic...), so could be a matter of time to get used to the slight curved edges of the x14. Another thing I noticed, I prefer the OS of the OnePlus and by far the Samsung one, the Xiaomi feels that it's too much "vanilla" and based on 3rd party apps, like they didn't put much thought to it. I don't know if you had that, but in the x14 ultra, seems there is loose part on the camera? And compared to the OnePlus 6, the Xiaomi looks like it weighs a full on brick :d.

[@stevemorgan5043]

I have had my Honor Magic 6 pro for a week and I love it, Xiaomi 14 ultra was way too much money, the Xiaomi 14 Pro only available in China, so went with the HM6p 👌

[@ttube111]

I got my S24Ultra for £739 with a trade in deal. I sold the free Watch 6 for £150. So £589. Xiaomi 14 Ultra is £1299 but they giving me £838 for the S24 Ultra. What do you advise?

[@Dreamcee]

"finger shelf" made me pmsl

[@deonkirk7357]

Diminishing returns on phones have gotten to the point that cameras are about the only thing thts emphasized in videos ....as an average consumer who doesnt really care about OIS, 100x zoom, telephoto, Zeiss, etc....its all the same, just the same boring slab from last year with ever so slight but heavily emphasized camera upgrades which are always put to shame with the equipment they film and shoot the video with ...but ranting aside it's a well done video as usual...I'm just ready for something new to change this dull period

[@viktorstorelv]

Agree. That's why I'm waiting for this year's folding phones.

[@brianguerra]

I can’t seem to purchase this phone anywhere in the USA

[@armfix8427]

True, genshin bloody impact really eat my storage despite got 512gb storage

[@simoncranwell3461]

Will this phone only be available sim free, or are any uk networks going to offer contracts for it as that is the only way I would look at considering buying one.

[@ben6453]

Idmobile generally do get the Xiaomi flagships in. On presale till end of march so I'd guess if they are going to get it we should see it by mid April. I'm waiting to see if the normal 14 comes as due my upgrade anytime from 25th march.

[@simoncranwell3461]

@@ben6453 yeah my upgrade is due, currently on an S22 Ultra but would entertain a Xiaomi if available via contract. If it's not then I'd either go for the S24 Ultra or Honor Magic 6 Pro

[@seanconlon8406]

Network providers are supplying an interest free loan on their phones over 2 / 3 years, and then adding a bumped up airtime charge on top for the privalledge. I've just picked up this phone direct from Xiaomi UK with a 2 year interest free loan as part of the options, and then taken a SIM only deal. Works out I'm quids in PM without being tied into a 3 year contract

[@dooronron69]

Mine came sim free from xiaomi uk

[@chibasenkosana4294]

I'm never sure whether I'm watching a review or a Netflix comedy special😂😂. Please never change the way you do these reviews 😂🔥🔥🔥

[@zantesh]

Wait did you call ot an ips display?

[@johnbaker6270]

Sir Spurt mentioned that the screen is an IPS unit but I'm sure it just a slip of the tongue, it's an oled of you were worried .

[@sanjai2808]

Please give wallpaper link😢

[@Rizwaan122]

Did you say ips display???

[@badfoot]

Ips display?

[@mehranakbari7443]

BEAST

[@Sam.Exobyte]

IPS Display? It's oled

[@halazadeh]

What do you mean? It's that bad?

[@Sam.Exobyte]

@@halazadeh Its an OLED display, the best tech for a display. I was just correcting him about the IPS part not to create confusion

[@halazadeh]

​@@Sam.Exobyte oh OK. Got you. Thanks ❤

[@Zafar15]

You look like Australian cricketer Aston Agar

[@Gicha5]

Thank you for your work. I like your funny comments. 😁

[@hugopage7087]

Big up folkestone

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

This or Honor Magic 6 Pro?

[@danielayirakwa93]

Xiaomi os on top of the phone game now.

[@asus1111ful]

There are cases with fogging lenses also in 14 ultra

[@abade002]

I received mine today. But it is making a rattling noise from the camera stabilizers. It seems like something is broken there. Is it normal?

[@movieflaps7772]

That's the sensor it's normal

[@ryuuu9818]

I was wondering what type of battery Xiaomi use on this phone, for sure it's not Ion nor LiPo

[@aideyp7333]

It does look very nice and at present in the UK their website is giving you the Ultra professional kit and a Xiaomi Pad 6 in when you place your order 😲😲

[@kopkiwi08]

@13.50 is that a Whiskey Sour?

[@PersonManManManMan]

Man I like your commentary, stuff like: "...is so hig and chunky that if tou were to drop the thing it would probably fracture your foot or the veey least put a serious crater in the earth's surface"