After five months of daily usage, I’ve put the Xiaomi 14 through its paces and am ready to provide an in-depth assessment. Here’s a breakdown of its key features, each rated based on my experience and categorized as Best, Good, Average, or Bad.
1. Battery – Average
As a heavy user, I’ve found the battery life to be decent but not exceptional. With screen-on times ranging between 5 to 6.5 hours, the battery holds up under moderate to intense usage. Charging, however, is fast and reliable. The included 67W charger replenishes the battery from 0% to full in approximately 45 minutes, while the optional 90W charger cuts down charging time even further. Depending on usage patterns, others might experience better longevity, but for power users, this is an area where the device performs adequately.
2. Camera – Best
The camera on the Xiaomi 14 truly excels. While I’m not a professional photographer, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using the camera, especially for portrait shots and black-and-white photography. The device produces vibrant, detailed images, and the camera’s versatility makes it suitable for most situations. While photography is inherently subjective, even non-professionals will appreciate the excellent results this camera delivers. (Sample photos have been shared on my channel for a closer look.)
3. Display – Good
The display is one of the standout features of the Xiaomi 14. It’s compact, making it incredibly easy to handle with one hand. The colors are vivid, and the brightness is more than sufficient for outdoor use. Although it doesn’t quite reach the ‘Best’ category, it’s a highly reliable and visually appealing screen for daily use.
4. Performance – Best
In terms of performance, the Xiaomi 14 shines. It’s powered by HyperOS (China ROM), which has been instrumental in delivering smooth and consistent performance. I don’t typically play demanding games, but for regular apps and multitasking, the phone breezes through tasks with ease. Background apps remain active without issue, and transitions between apps are seamless. For daily use, the performance of the Xiaomi 14 is unparalleled.
5. Thermals – Good
In my experience, thermals have been well managed. The phone reaches a maximum of 40°C during normal usage and charging, which is completely manageable. Gaming sessions, especially while playing lighter games like Clash of Clans, push the temperature up slightly to around 42-43°C, but even then, the device remains comfortable to hold and use.
6. Connectivity – Best
The Xiaomi 14 handles connectivity flawlessly. I’ve experienced no issues with signal reception, and my Jio network performs consistently well on the device. It’s clear that Xiaomi has ensured robust network support, and there are no notable problems in this area.
7. Build Quality – Best
The build quality of the Xiaomi 14 is exceptional. From the moment you hold it, the device exudes a sense of premium craftsmanship. Every detail, from the sleek design to the durable materials, has been carefully thought out, and it shows. This phone feels sturdy and well-made, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
8. OS – Best
The Xiaomi 14 runs on HyperOS (China ROM), and my experience with it has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s smooth, intuitive, and easy on the battery. Additionally, I haven’t encountered any major bugs, which is a testament to the software’s stability and optimization.
9. Support – Best
One of the standout promises of the Xiaomi 14 is its long-term software support. The device comes with Android 14 out of the box and is guaranteed to receive four major OS updates along with five years of security patches. For users like me who typically upgrade every 2-3 years, this level of support is more than sufficient and adds a lot of value to the device.
Overall Rating – Best
If you’re in the market for a device that offers great performance, an excellent camera, reliable connectivity, and future-proof software support, the Xiaomi 14 is an outstanding choice. It’s well-rounded in almost every category, and after five months of use, I can confidently say this device is built to last.
Its your Turn, how would you rate the Xiaomi 14 after long-term use?
