When I got my hands on the Xiaomi 14T, I knew I was dealing with a flagship device that promises top-notch specs and design. With its impressive display, powerful performance, and sophisticated camera system, it’s clear that Xiaomi aimed high. But does it meet expectations? Here’s my in-depth review, from design to battery life, with all the pros and cons you need to know.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 14T’s design is striking, with premium color options like Titan Gray, Titan Black, Titan Blue, and Lemon Green. Its metallic aluminum alloy body feels sturdy and reliable in hand, especially with the IP68 rating, which assures me it’s dust and water-resistant. However, the camera bump is a bit prominent, adding bulk to the sleek look.
Design Highlights:
- IP68 certification for dust and water resistance.
- Colors that suit different styles.
- Con: Noticeable camera bump that may attract scratches.
Display Quality
The display on this phone stands out. Its 6.67-inch OLED screen boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, making it incredibly smooth for gaming and browsing. With a resolution of 2712 x 1220 and a peak brightness of 4000 nits, I found content vibrant and easy to view outdoors. The AI display tech adapts brightness, which saves battery and enhances user experience.
Display Highlights:
- 144Hz refresh rate and high brightness.
- OLED panel with vivid colors.
- Con: Higher brightness can drain the battery quickly.
Performance
With the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset and 16GB RAM, performance is excellent. Apps load instantly, and games run smoothly. Xiaomi’s use of the Cortex-X4 CPU and Immortalis-G720 GPU brings impressive power for demanding games and multitasking. UFS 4.0 storage makes everything snappy, from app switching to file transfers.
Performance Highlights:
- 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset for energy efficiency.
- 16GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for seamless performance.
- Con: Device heats up slightly with extended gaming sessions.
Software and User Experience
HyperOS brings a fresh user interface with practical AI features. I appreciated Xiaomi’s AI Recorder and AI Notes, which add versatility. However, the pre-installed bloatware can be a bit much, taking up storage and possibly impacting performance.
Software Highlights:
- HyperOS with AI features like Google Gemini AI integration.
- Frequent updates for 4 years of support.
- Con: Pre-installed bloatware that feels intrusive.
Camera System
The Xiaomi 14T’s Leica-powered camera system is impressive, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The quality of stills and video recordings is outstanding, capturing lifelike details and colors. I found the zoom camera’s 30x digital zoom handy for distant shots, though it lacks autofocus on the ultra-wide, which limits its versatility.
Camera Highlights:
- Leica professional optics with 30x zoom and high-resolution sensors.
- Reliable Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for stable shots.
- Con: Ultra-wide lacks autofocus, which restricts its capabilities.
Battery and Charging
With a 5000mAh battery, the Xiaomi 14T can easily handle a full day of heavy use. Its 120W HyperCharge and 50W wireless HyperCharge capabilities mean I can fully recharge within 20 minutes, which is game-changing. However, the fast charging may reduce long-term battery health.
Battery Highlights:
- 5000mAh battery for extended usage.
- Super-fast charging at 120W (wired) and 50W (wireless).
- Con: Fast charging could impact battery health over time.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Xiaomi 14T is well-equipped for connectivity. From Wi-Fi 7 to Bluetooth 5.4 and 5G, I stayed connected with high speeds. The in-screen fingerprint reader works smoothly, and Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers enhances audio quality. The inclusion of features like an IR blaster and electronic compass further solidify this as a true flagship.
Connectivity Highlights:
- Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 5G for fast, reliable connections.
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers for immersive audio.
- Con: Some connectivity features (like NFC) may vary by region.
Variants and Pricing
For those who prioritize storage, Xiaomi offers a 256GB and a 512GB version of the 14T. At a starting price of around €800, it competes well with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the Pixel 8a. However, the lack of expandable storage could be limiting for some users.
Variant Highlights:
- 256GB and 512GB options, supporting high-end users.
- Competitively priced at €800.
- Con: No expandable storage, which may disappoint some.
Final Verdict
After using the Xiaomi 14T, I believe it’s an impressive flagship choice for anyone looking for a high-performance smartphone. While it has a few limitations, such as the lack of ultra-wide autofocus and pre-installed bloatware, its strengths in design, display, and camera capabilities make it a worthwhile option. If you’re after a capable flagship without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi 14T is a solid choice.
FAQ
How long does the Xiaomi 14T battery last on a full charge?
The 5000mAh battery can last a full day with regular use and about 8-10 hours with heavy usage, like gaming.
Does the Xiaomi 14T support expandable storage?
No, the Xiaomi 14T doesn’t offer expandable storage, but it does come in 256GB and 512GB options.
Is the Xiaomi 14T waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust and water up to a certain depth.
How fast does the Xiaomi 14T charge?
With 120W wired HyperCharge, it can reach 100% in about 19-20 minutes, and with 50W wireless charging, around 40 minutes.
What are the major cons of the Xiaomi 14T?
Notable cons include pre-installed bloatware, the lack of ultra-wide autofocus, and fast charging possibly impacting battery longevity.
