Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Conflict between camera phones

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.. While Xiaomi and other companies are Samsung’s competitors in China and other regions of the globe, the business is still the leader in the Ultra phone market in the West. Just one month after Samsung’s high-end flagship, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra made its worldwide debut in February 2024. It poses a serious threat to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, particularly when it comes to the camera.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

While there are many positive aspects of each phone, it is unlikely that you will be able to get Xiaomi’s phone if you live in the United States. However, you could find it difficult to decide between the newest models from Xiaomi and Samsung if you live in a place where they are both readily accessible. Fortunately, we’re here to help with that choice by directly comparing two of the greatest Android phones available.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra The looks and hardware

For their flagship phones, Xiaomi and Samsung use radically distinct design languages. Looking at the two, it’s clear that Samsung’s flagship is considerably more subdued, while Xiaomi opted for a bolder design.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s rear protruding camera housing, which holds four sensors, is its most noticeable design feature. The majority of the phone’s largely flat, vegan leather rear cover is occupied by it. The phone even goes one step further and incorporates a camera ring-like design on the circular shell, emphasizing the camera emphasis.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, features four camera sensors that stand out separately from one corner of the phone’s rear panel. As a consequence, the S24 Ultra is 8.6 mm thinner than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is 9.2 mm thinner. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a somewhat less eye-catching design since Samsung has once again chosen to use a frosted glass back panel in a variety of colors (Xiaomi only offers a limited selection of colors).

There are more changes on the front, however they are becoming progressively more minute. This time, Xiaomi chooses a quad-curve design, but it’s less noticeable on the 14 Ultra, while Samsung went with a flat display. Although many people appear to enjoy flat screens, Xiaomi’s approach may feel shocking to others. Still, it provides for a fascinating impression.

Thanks to Gorilla Armor, which increases durability and lessens reflections on the screen for improved visibility, Samsung has made significant design changes to the S24 Ultra. Although it’s unclear how Xiaomi’s Shield Glass stacks up against Samsung’s, it does increase durability as well.

The flat frames of both phones should enhance grip, but Samsung’s design includes titanium, which should contribute to the phone’s reduced weight. Nevertheless, at 219.8g, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra weighs much less than the S24 Ultra’s 232g.

Both phones are dust- and water-resistant IP68.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The specs and software

Although the specifications of these two phones are quite identical, Xiaomi’s flagship stands out thanks to a few significant variances. See how they compare by looking at the table below.

Both phones have 12GB of RAM and are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3; however, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s larger storage models have 16GB of RAM. The 14 Ultra outperforms the S24 Ultra with a greater peak brightness, even if the S24 Ultra’s 2600 nits are still very good. The devices’ displays have the same resolution and refresh rate.

Both models have an identical 5,000mAh battery (the 14 Ultra in China has an additional 300mAh), and the S24 Ultra supports 45W cable charging, but the 14 Ultra can handle 90W wired charging more quickly. In thirty minutes, according to Samsung, it will attain a 65% charge, which is about how long it takes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to charge completely. The S24 Ultra will take far longer to fully charge with just 15W charging, while the 14 Ultra’s 80W wireless charging can likewise recharge the phone in less than an hour. Reverse wireless is available on both phones, albeit Xiaomi’s model is once again quicker.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers communication via the more recent Bluetooth 5.4, while the S23 Ultra uses the more robust Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, the Xiaomi phone lacks UWB, but the Samsung flagship has it. Yet, Xiaomi’s phone has two-way satellite connectivity, which is not the case with the S24 Ultra.

Naturally, however, one of Samsung’s greatest hardware advantages over Xiaomi is the integrated S Pen, which raises the S24 Ultra’s worth even more.

Last but not least, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes pre-installed with HyperOS, an update to MIUI based on Android 14. There aren’t many cosmetic improvements, as mentioned in the Xiaomi 14 review, but consumers may like the OS’s increased optimization and fluidity. Out of the box, the S24 Ultra runs One UI 6.1, which has new AI functions and camera enhancements. Samsung and Xiaomi both make excellent software promises, but Samsung wins out since it provides seven years of upgrades overall, while Xiaomi only provides four Android OS updates and five years of security patches.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The cameras

These phones’ camera configurations vary significantly. With a 200MP main sensor that employs pixel binning to produce brilliant, vivid photos, Samsung throws all of its eggs into one basket. As we said in our review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera, although the photos don’t have nearly the level of clarity you may anticipate, some people may enjoy how more realistic they seem.

The 3x telephoto camera likewise keeps its 10MP from the Galaxy S23 Ultra, while the ultrawide stays to 12MP and performs adequately. The 50MP 5x telephoto camera, which doubles resolution while halving magnification, is the largest modification. Much better optical and digital zoom is the end result.

Xiaomi takes a very different tack. The 14 Ultra has four 50MP cameras instead of one flagship sensor with more pixels than anybody knows what to do with. One of the newest and best 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensors improves the performance of the main camera. The remaining cameras are 3.2x telephoto, 5x periscope, and ultrawide Sony IMX858 cameras.

Leica adjusted Xiaomi’s cameras, which could provide great results if the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is any indication. However, we still need to test the phone before passing any kind of verdict. For users desiring a more conventional shooting experience, the business even offers a camera grip attachment that comes with a two-stage shutter button, zoom lever, and record button.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which should you buy?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are among the top Android smartphones available in 2024. Both phones are primarily focused on their cameras, but in different ways. Xiaomi loves all of its cameras, but Samsung puts all of its eggs in the 200MP basket.

The main factors influencing which of these phones to choose are availability and preference. The 14 Ultra has stronger specifications overall, including quicker charging and a larger maximum RAM amount. That being said, even in its lowest specification configuration, you will spend a lot more for it. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will not be available in the United States, giving purchasers in that region few options.

When you consider the integrated S Pen, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is more akin to a kitchen sink phone. Although it doesn’t have the best features, this phone is still quite powerful and is more affordable when purchased in the United States. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either phone, but if you live somewhere where the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is offered and have the additional cash to invest, you may want to get it.