The Xiaomi 14 series has made its debut at MWC 2024, but there is both good and bad news for Indian consumers. While the standard version of the phone will be available in India, the Ultra and Pro variants will not be released in the country. This is not the first time Xiaomi has held back on bringing its flagship devices to India, leading to speculation about the company’s strategy in the market.
Xiaomi’s partnership with German optics major Leica in 2022 raised expectations for its flagship devices, but the Xiaomi 12S Ultra did not make it to India for unknown reasons. The absence of the Pro version in the Xiaomi 14 series suggests that the higher-end variant may not have performed well in terms of sales.
Future
Despite the disappointment, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers notable improvements over its predecessor. It features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for enhanced performance, an upgraded primary rear camera with a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, and a variety of cosmetic changes to the design. The device also boasts a 6.73-inch LTPO screen with a 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate, providing a vibrant and smooth display experience.
While limited hands-on time prevents a comprehensive assessment of the camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra shows promise in daylight photography and portrait mode. With its enhanced light capture and variable aperture lens, the device aims to deliver superior image quality and an improved user experience.
Although Indian photography enthusiasts may feel they are missing out on the Ultra model, the standard version of the Xiaomi 14 series still offers a compelling smartphone experience. With its refined design, powerful performance, and upgraded camera, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra sets the stage for what could be an impressive flagship device. It remains to be seen if Xiaomi will launch the Ultra variant in the Indian market in the future.
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