The Xiaomi 14 Ultra continues to be a mobile photography powerhouse. Not only does it have a new Leica 1-inch sensor with stepless variable aperture now, it also has a Leica Summilux optical lens that promises improved image quality.
Paired with the Photography Kit made specifically for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, this is really one of the best smartphones for avid photographers. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the 14 Ultra’s camera capabilities with plenty of sample shots included, of course.
Let’s break down the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s quad camera system first. First, there’s the headline 23mm Leica 50MP 1-inch main camera with stepless variable aperture between f/1.63 to f/4.0 and OIS. Next, we have the Leica 50MP f/1.8 75mm Leica floating telephoto camera with OIS and support for 10cm macro photography.
If you want to zoom in even farther, there’s the 120mm 50MP f/2.5 Leica periscope camera (with OIS) that can also do 30cm macro photography. Lastly, there’s the 12mm 50MP f/1.8 Leica ultra-wide camera for wider shots and very close-up 5cm macro photography. It’s worth noting that all four of these Leica cameras feature autofocus capabilities as well.
The Leica Summilux lens found in the 1-inch primary sensor of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is particularly noteworthy. After all, the lens delivers outstanding color reproduction, contrast, and resolution, while also capturing beautiful details in low-light environments.
To put this to the test, we went around Kuala Lumpur – as well as beautiful Las Vegas in Nevada, US – to see just what the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Leica cameras can do. Needless to say, we’re impressed with the final images. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:
Thanks to the different focal lengths afforded by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s quad camera system – and the stepless variable aperture of the 1-inch primary camera – it’s a very versatile sensor array. Whether you want to take a beautiful, wide landscape shot, or get a tighter framing to better focus on a particular subject, the 14 Ultra can do it all as you can see in the sample shots above.
Now, paired with the Photography Kit, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra becomes an even more impressive mobile photography tool. The kit itself is made up of a sleek leather case with a separate photography grip that can be seamlessly attached to the phone case.
With the grip installed, it offers more intricate controls of the 14 Ultra’s camera interface while also providing better…well, grip.
There are four main controls found on the photography grip of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra: a two-stage shutter button, a zoom lever, a recording button, and even a custom dial that adjusts the EV by default. As its name suggests, the dial can be changed to control the aperture, shutter, ISO, or other functions as well.
Oh, it’s worth noting that the photography grip even has a built-in 1,500mAh battery that can further extend the battery life of the 14 Ultra by 23%. You can continue to charge the phone as per normal without removing the grip too, which is really quite convenient.
Another neat feature of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Photography Kit is the 67mm filter adaptor ring with a decoration ring. It offers a quick-release setup to quickly swap between any 67mm threaded camera filter that’s offered in the market, further elevating the photography capabilities of the 14 Ultra.
Without a doubt the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is made with photography in mind first and foremost. If you want a versatile, capable Leica camera system on a smartphone, the 14 Ultra offers just that and more. After all, it’s also a very capable flagship device outside of its photography chops.
If you’re keen to pick up the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it is currently available for pre-order in Malaysia until 21 March 2024 for RM5,199. Those who place their orders by then can also get premium gifts worth up to RM2,346.94, which include the Photography Kit, an 80W adaptive wireless charging stand, a 6-month subscription to Google One with 100GB cloud storage, 1+1 year extended warranty, and a one-time free screen replacement within six months of purchase.