The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is one of 2024s most interesting new Android smartphones, not least because of the massive camera bump on the back. It also has a number of great features inside plus a very intriguing accessory kit you can get for the phone.

Contents Leica’s black-and-white filtersThe amazing Xiaomi Photography KitUsing Xiaomi HyperOSTesting battery efficiency and chargingLiving with that camera bumpReview coming soonShow 1 more item I recently put my SIM card in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, ready to fully review it over the coming days. Here are the things Im looking forward to the most about it.

　　Leicas black-and-white filters

Leica describes black-and-white photography as a medium that eliminates all distractions posed by color elements, focusing the observers eye entirely on the essence of the scene. It has a long history with the format and even makes dedicated monochrome cameras. When Leica worked with Huawei and introduced a dedicated monochrome camera on phones like the Huawei P20 Pro, I loved the photos I took with it.

Related Xiaomi and Leica worked together on the Xiaomi 14 Ultras camera, and although it doesnt have a monochrome camera, it does have two Leica black-and-white filters BW NAT and BW HC. While black-and-white filters are available in most camera apps, theres something special about the opportunity to use a Leica-tuned filter. I know from previous experience talking to the company about mobile photography that it wouldnt put its name on it if it werent confident the results reflect the brands standards. I cant wait to see what it can do.

　　The amazing Xiaomi Photography Kit

Xiaomi is taking photography seriously with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and has released the Xiaomi Photography Kit to accompany the phone. It includes a leather case and a camera grip for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra that adds a two-stage shutter, a zoom wheel, quick access to video recording, and pro-level features like aperture, EV, and ISO. It also has a 1,500mAh battery built in so it doesnt solely draw power from the phone.

Even more interestingly, it includes an adapter ring that fits around the camera module on the case so you can fit a 67mm filter for use with the phones camera. This is very unusual, and unlike adding a filter to your photo after youve taken it, it alters how the camera views the scene beforehand, opening it up to being used in a variety of different environments in a professional manner.

Im all for exploring new ways to be creative with mobile cameras, and this is different from anything else available at the moment. Will it be worth the high $228 (converted over from the 180 British pound cost) entry price? Im really looking forward to trying out the polarizing and UV filters Ive already ordered for the kit to find out.

　　Using Xiaomi HyperOS

Xiaomi has used its MIUI interface over Android on its smartphones for years, but it has recently launched HyperOS a complete software system that will replace MIUI and operate on everything from smart home products to electric cars like the Xiaomi SU7. The unified approach is similar to Huaweis plans with HarmonyOS.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be the first phone Ive used with HyperOS on board, and although there are only a few visual changes compared to MIUI, there are many changes promised on the inside. Im keen to see how HyperOS has affected performance in particular smoothness and responsiveness and if I can notice any other alterations when I use the phone day-to-day. Is this nothing more than a simple, sneaky rebrand, or is it something more substantial? Thats what I want to find out.

　　Testing battery efficiency and charging

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery inside, which is sizable, but relatively standard across phones of this size and price, and not an absolute guarantee the battery life will be stellar. Although the phone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip already proven to be a very efficient processor software also plays a big part in battery efficiency and longevity. Im keen to find out how the switch to HyperOS will affect it.

Its not just because we all want long-lasting batteries in our phones; its also because the Xiaomi 14 Ultras main competitors have been impressing us with battery life recently. Xiaomi needs to get this fundamental feature right if its going to compete and if it wants to tempt you away from those other phones. It does have seriously fast charging on its side, though, as the 90W wired charging should take the battery to 100% in about 35 minutes. Plus, theres fast wireless charging, too.

　　Living with that camera bump

I got used to the overall size of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but couldnt get on with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, so what will my hands and pockets make of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra? Its has very similar dimensions as these two other phones, and is actually the lightest of the three at 220 grams, but its also the thickest at just over 9mm. Will I quickly tire of the size, or has the design been optimized for long-term use?

But its not just the dimensions that will affect how it is to live with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra its the impact of the ridiculously massive camera module on the back. Its distractingly large and becomes even more noticeable when you use the plastic case that comes with the phone. I want to find out if it affects balance, if it becomes annoying to hold the phone upright, if it gets caught in my pocket all the time, and if I soon tire of its presence. Will the Xiaomi 14 Ultra challenge the S24 Ultra for in-hand comfort, or is it going to join the Zenfone in terms of unwieldiness?

　　Review coming soon

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is available outside China (although not in the U.S.), which hasnt always immediately been the case for the brands top models. It costs the same as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, so its directly competing with one of 2024s very best phones, but is it a true alternative?

These five things will make or break the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in its efforts to unseat the all-powerful Galaxy phone from its throne. Youll find out if it does in our review, which is coming soon.