For those familiar with smartphones, the term “compact flagship” should ring a bell. As the market evolves, such products have become rare. Manufacturers are not naive; if there’s no profit, they’d rather drop it. Only a few brands persist, with Xiaomi being the most enthusiastic. In recent years, their digital series have featured compact sizes, with the latest being the Xiaomi 14. It’s gradually diving in popularity, but if you’re still in pursuit, it’s actually quite good. If you like it, it’s worth considering.
In terms of specs, the Xiaomi 14 leaves no room for complaints; it meets all user needs. It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 8Gen3, currently the most powerful chip, excelling in power consumption and heat dissipation. The memory allocation is generous, with a top configuration of 16GB RAM + 1TB storage, ensuring longevity. As for the screen, it’s impressive: a 6.36-inch display with a resolution of 1.5K, nearly bezel-less with 120Hz refresh rate, and high-frequency PWM dimming, offering excellent display quality.
Moreover, it doesn’t compromise on imaging. With its main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, the Xiaomi 14’s camera setup is uncompromising. It features exclusive custom sensors, with the Light Hunter 900 main sensor supporting OIS optical image stabilization and up to 8K video recording, delivering outstanding image quality. While the telephoto performance is average, with a 3.2x optical zoom limited by internal space, it’s still decent, especially with the addition of a telephoto macro lens, which I believe compensates well. It’s already at a qualified level considering its positioning.
In terms of details, the Xiaomi 14 excels: linear motors on the X-axis, stereo dual speakers, infrared remote control, and NFC. Despite its compact size, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is acceptable, leaving no functional gaps. It boasts IP68 water resistance and top-notch craftsmanship. With a built-in 4610mAh battery and a 90W+50W fast charging solution, it can easily last a day on a single charge, without compromising on endurance. Weighing around 190g and with a thickness of about 8.2mm, it offers a substantial yet comfortable grip.
In conclusion, this phone is really good. For fans of compact screens, options are scarce on the market. Apple and Samsung still offer them, but as you know, international brands tend to come with a hefty price tag. In terms of sheer user experience, the Xiaomi 14 surpasses them. If you prefer compact flagships, choosing it will definitely not lead to regrets. Moreover, the current price is quite enticing, at less than 4300 yuan, you can get the top configuration. So, what do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts.
