With the latest international launch of the Xiaomi 14 Extremely, these on a quest for the last word cameraphone are introduced with an alternative choice. Coming from a lineage of digital camera excellence, the Xiaomi builds on it with seemingly minor however, the truth is, tangible enhancements within the telephoto capabilities.
Additionally within the zoom division is the place the most recent top-end Samsung made its most important generational change. The Galaxy S24 Extremely changed the previous mannequin’s 10x zoom unit with a larger-sensor 5x one, making a comparability with the Xiaomi all of the extra pure.
The Galaxy is sort of presumably probably the most smartphone you may have to start with, camera-centric or in any other case, so the Xiaomi must do extra than simply be an superior picture-taking system as a way to compete. Let’s examine the way it stacks up.
Desk of Contents:
For starters, you may examine the whole specs sheets or instantly proceed with our editor’s evaluation within the following textual content.
Measurement comparability
Each of those are very giant telephones, however they take completely different approaches to dimension, proportions, and styling. The Xiaomi has extra fluid shapes – its corners are extra rounded, the show has a slight curvature round its complete perimeter, and the body flows into the again – total, it does loads to masks its dimension. There isn’t any masking that digital camera bump although – the large circle could also be there out of necessity to suit all of the {hardware}, however Xiaomi’s embraced that and turned it right into a stylistic ingredient too.
The Galaxy, then again, has about all of the styling of a concrete tile. It is giant, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally flat on each side and has sharp corners making you’re feeling each little bit of its dimension and weight. The comparatively extra modest digital camera {hardware} would not want fairly as a lot thickness and also you get thinner separate lens rings.
Each handsets are IP68 rated for mud and water resistance, however neither goes past the IPX8’s commonplace requirement (1.5m, half-hour) – solely iPhones supply extra.
Whereas the sealing needs to be nearly as good on each, the supplies used are completely different. Samsung has a titanium uncovered body (and an aluminum skeleton beneath), whereas Xiaomi makes use of simply aluminum. There is a titanium body model of the 14 Extremely too, however that is China-only.
Not all glass is created equal both. The Galaxy S24 Extremely makes use of Corning’s newest Gorilla Armor (to date solely) on each the show and the again panel. This unique glass has yet another further advantage aside from its improved sturdiness, however extra on that within the subsequent part.
The Xiaomi’s show is protected by a proprietary resolution known as Xiaomi Defend Glass, which they are saying provides 10 instances higher drop resistance than the Xiaomi 13 Professional (Gorilla Glass Victus).
Every of our Ultras has a singular accent that units it aside from the opposite one, but additionally from some other competing choices. The Galaxy S24 Extremely, in true Galaxy Word style, comes with an S Pen inside that can be utilized for taking notes and as a distant shutter launch. All S24 Ultras have that.
The Xiaomi Images Equipment, then again, is an optionally available merchandise that comes at an additional price (€200). It provides a couple of bodily controls, a hand grip, and a few further battery, and the entire ensemble seems and looks like an precise digital camera – at the least as shut as you may get to that with a smartphone.
Show comparability
You would not anticipate something aside from greatness from these two shows and that is what you would be getting. Each supply a excessive decision (1440p) and a excessive refresh fee (120Hz most, very adaptive), in addition to brightness to spare. The Galaxy was brighter in our testing (1,447nits vs. 1,281nits in auto, 755 vs. 710 in handbook), although it should not be a readily observable distinction in the true world.
What’s pretty evident is the lowered reflectivity of the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s show glass. One of many two main developments ushered in by Gorilla Armor, the much less reflective facade ought to assist scale back the brightness wanted to attain the identical perceived ‘readability’ and thus perhaps contribute to raised endurance.
The Galaxy’s show is not flawless although, and at very low brightness it reveals a really superb graininess because the completely different coloured subpixels cannot be made to mild up uniformly at these very low ranges. We might certainly not name it a dealbreaker, however for those who usually use your cellphone in darkish environments (and thus at low brightness ranges) and also you prefer to fixate on imperfections, you could discover it exhausting to completely benefit from the S24 Extremely.
Battery life
Each telephones have 5,000mAh capability batteries, and with the identical chipset inside and related show specs, you’d anticipate comparable battery life. The fact is completely different although, and the Xiaomi is not as environment friendly at changing capability into longevity.
Whereas the 14 Extremely lasted virtually exactly so long as the S24 Extremely in our net looking check, the Galaxy was notably higher within the different three disciplines, with an virtually 40% benefit in gaming and practically 30% longer video runtime. The 25% benefit in voice calls is much less necessary, nevertheless it’s there too.
Charging pace
The Xiaomi is fast to strike again and scores a victory for charging pace – it might not final as lengthy nevertheless it fees virtually twice as quick. A half-hour charging session from flat will get you to 93% on the 14 Extremely, when utilizing its equipped adapter.
The Galaxy, then again, can be at 70-ish p.c on the 30-minute checkpoint, if you utilize the Samsung 45W adapter, which is offered individually. Every other adapter can be slower, and in our expertise that features even good third-party USB Energy Supply choices (not loads slower with these, however slower nonetheless).
The Xiaomi can even win in a wi-fi charging pace race although we have not actually examined that to inform you numbers from expertise. Xiaomi says 46 minutes with their “80W Adaptive Wi-fi Charging Stand” and we now have motive to consider that the true quantity will not be too far off from their claims. The Samsung, in the meantime, is capped at 15W.
Each telephones are in a position to cost different units both wirelessly or over a cable.
Speaker check
Each telephones function stereo speaker setups with slight variations of their implementation. A backside firing ‘predominant’ speaker is joined by a second one which additionally serves as an earpiece – however whereas the Xiaomi can even ship a number of the reverse channel to every speaker, the Galaxy will strictly preserve separation.
In our testing, the numbers assigned a ‘Very Good’ score for loudness to each telephones. Each sound nice to our ears, however the Galaxy has the higher hand with a livelier midrange and a bit extra bass.
Efficiency
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powers every of those telephones, as is to be anticipated from 2024 Android flagships. The Galaxy’s storage choices begin at 256GB and go as much as 1TB, with all of them having 12GB of RAM. The Xiaomi is barely out there globally in a 16GB/512GB configuration (12GB/256GB model in addition to a 16GB/1TB one are offered in China).
Benchmark efficiency
Benchmark efficiency may be very related between the 2 and each submit predictably excessive numbers – neither is an underachiever.
The Xiaomi is notably higher at dealing with sustained load, although – in our testing it acquired a 68% vs. 48% stability score within the 3DMark Wild Life Stress check and in addition confirmed markedly higher leads to the CPU Throttling check.
Sustained load outcomes: Xiaomi 14 Extremely • Galaxy S24 Extremely
Alternatively, the Galaxy might rating some factors for its software program. Samsung guarantees 7 years of main OS updates in addition to safety patches for a similar interval. Xiaomi says the 14 Extremely will get 4 OS releases and an additional yr on prime of that for safety patches.
Moreover, Samsung’s shut collaboration with Google means the Galaxy is getting innovative AI options and performance. Xiaomi’s HyperOS must also be becoming a member of the AI bandwagon, no matter that entails, however we have not but seen the promised options carried out.
One other apparent benefit for the Galaxy is its S Pen. The unmatched stylus expertise may be motive sufficient to choose the S24 Extremely because of its advantages for productiveness, inventive pursiuts, or distant operation.
Digicam comparability
There is a pretty pronounced distinction in approaches with regards to imaging between these two. Xiaomi has been on the forefront with {hardware} and was among the many early adopters of ‘one-inch’ sensors, and that is now their third Extremely with a sensor this large. For this iteration they’ve added a constantly variable aperture on the principle digital camera to steadiness issues between mild gathering and depth of area. Additionally new this time round are the lenses for his or her telephotos (similar sensors as final yr), which are actually able to some extraordinarily shut focusing. Level being that Xiaomi cameras have some industry-leading {hardware}.
Xiaomi 14 Extremely digital camera specs
- Vast (predominant): 50MP Sony LYT-900 (1″, 1.6µm – 3.2µm), f/1.63-f/4.0, 23mm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS; 4K@120fps
- Ultrawide: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 12mm, PDAF; 4K@60fps
- Telephoto 1, 3.2x: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 75mm, PDAF (10cm – ∞), OIS; 4K@60fps
- Telephoto 1, 5x: 50MP Sony IMX858 (1/2.51″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/1.8, 120mm, PDAF (30cm – ∞), OIS; 4K@60fps
- Entrance digital camera: 32MP OmniVision OV32B40 (1/3.14″, 0.7µm-1.4µm), f/2.0, 22mm, fastened focus; 4K@60fps
Samsung has some succesful {hardware} in its Extremely too, in fact, nevertheless it does really feel somewhat stale (or merely unexciting?). The primary digital camera has been reused from the earlier era, and its sensor is on the small aspect for a 2024 cameraphone. The above applies to the ultrawide and the 3x telephoto as nicely, solely they’re now three years previous, not two. The one new piece of package is the 5x telephoto that kind of matches Xiaomi’s 5x, going by the numbers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely digital camera specs
- Vast (predominant): 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP2 (1/1.3″, 0.6µm-2.4µm), f/1.7, 23mm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps
- Ultrawide: 12MP Sony IMX563 (1/2.55″, 1.4µm), f/2.2, twin pixel PDAF; 4K@60fps
- Telephoto 1, 3x: 12MP Sony IMX754 (1/3.52″, 1.12µm), f/2.2, 67mm, PDAF, OIS; 4K@60fps
- Telephoto 2, 5x: 50MP Sony IMX854 (1/2.52″, 0.7-1.4µm), f/3.4, 111mm, PDAF, OIS; 4K@60fps
- Entrance digital camera: 12MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3LU (1/3.2″, 1.12µm), f/2.2, 26mm, twin pixel PDAF; 4K@60fps
Picture high quality
Regardless of all of the variations in {hardware}, the 2 telephones truly produce fairly related finish outcomes, broadly talking. In daylight, there is not any definitive winner with regards to sharpness and element when taking a look at pictures from the ultrawides or the first cameras. Perhaps, simply perhaps, the three.2x telephoto is barely crispier on the 14 than the 3x is on the 24, nevertheless it’s hardly a deciding issue. Equally, the 5x might be perceived as sharper on the Xiaomi, however we might pin that on the additional distinction, quite than precise element benefit.
Certainly, there are delicate variations in colour rendition and distinction on the opposite cameras. The Xiaomi tends to supply barely extra expressive pictures, with a tiny bit extra distinction and saturation, nevertheless it’s not essentially an goal benefit for one or the opposite.
Xiaomi 14 Extremely daylight picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely daylight picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
Xiaomi 14 Extremely daylight picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely daylight picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
In the case of the “made-up” focal lengths, we might say that the Xiaomi has the higher hand on the 2x zoom stage – the Galaxy’s 200MP sensor would not seem to shine right here both.
2x samples: Xiaomi 14 Extremely • Galaxy S24 Extremely
At 10x the Xiaomi additionally has a minor edge, although it might be the additional distinction talking, quite than precise further element.
10x samples: Xiaomi 14 Extremely • Galaxy S24 Extremely
Each telephones supply good close-up taking pictures capabilities, whether or not it is with the ultrawide cameras or the telephotos. The telephotos, specifically, are most attention-grabbing, although, as a result of they allow you to seize superb element in small topics with out getting your cellphone up in them, throwing shadows or disturbing critters.
The Xiaomi is the undisputed winner at 3x, providing a better focusing distance and a better replica ratio, but additionally total significantly better high quality.
At 5x, the 2 telephones have an analogous minimal focusing distance, whereas the Galaxy has a barely greater replica ratio. Nonetheless, we might say Xiaomi’s picture high quality is a bit greater on this state of affairs.
Shut-up samples: Xiaomi 14 Extremely 3x • Galaxy S24 Extremely 3x • Xiaomi 14 Extremely 5x • Galaxy S24 Extremely 5x
The Galaxy is the higher choice for selfies, we reckon. The Xiaomi’s 32MP selfie digital camera solely works at nominal decision and even for those who downscale the pictures your self to 12MP, it nonetheless would not fairly match the Samsung’s sharpness and element. The Galaxy additionally has a livelier colour output, and its autofocusing functionality permits you to shoot weirder angles. The 14 Extremely does have a noticeably wider area of view although, which can be your factor.
Selfie samples: Xiaomi 14 Extremely • Galaxy S24 Extremely
In low mild, each telephones will get you nice footage, however as soon as once more, there can be variations in method. The Galaxy opts for somewhat extra grain, which comes with higher element, whereas the Xiaomi tends to supply smoother pictures – cleaner, however with that little bit much less superb texture. Considerably surprisingly, the Xiaomi cannot beat the Galaxy at 3x, the place it has a big sensor dimension benefit. Dynamic vary is great on each, although the Galaxy will are typically extra desirous to protect highlights than the Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 14 Extremely low-light picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely low-light picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
Xiaomi 14 Extremely low-light picture samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely low-light picture samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
Video high quality
Each telephones are competent video cameras as nicely. Each will get you 4K at 24, 30 and 60fps from all cameras (minus 4K24 on the Xiaomi’s selfie digital camera), and each predominant rear cameras also can do 4K120. The Galaxy can file in 8K too, at 24 and 30fps, with its predominant digital camera and its 5x telephoto – a functionality that the Xiaomi matches, but additionally extends to the three.2x and the ultrawide.
Daylight video high quality is great on each, with little to separate them when it comes to high quality. Stabilization can be exhausting to fault on both cellphone.
Xiaomi 14 Extremely daylight video samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely daylight video samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
In low-light, the Galaxy’s ultrawide has the higher hand, providing higher dynamic vary and noise discount. The Xiaomi counters with superior telephoto footage at each zoom ranges.
Xiaomi 14 Extremely low-light video samples: 0.5x • 1x • 3.2x • 5x
Galaxy S24 Extremely low-light video samples: 0.6x • 1x • 3x • 5x
Verdict
One can be forgiven for initially pondering that this dilemma can be selected the cameras, however ultimately, it seems that is not going to be the case. Or, quite, the rear cameras of the 2 telephones are so carefully matched of their efficiency (if fairly completely different in {hardware}), that for those who’re wanting solely from an imaging standpoint, selecting one over the opposite is not solely an goal choice. Certain, there are a few standout variations which may assist – the Xiaomi is notably higher at closeups with its telephoto cameras, whereas the Galaxy has the higher hand within the selfie division – however total, these are remarkably succesful picture- and video-taking units, each of them.
The very best cameraphones are additionally usually the most effective telephones altogether, and nowhere is that this more true than within the case of the Galaxy S24 Extremely. Versatile past comparability, the most recent top-tier Galaxy stays the one moderately viable choice with a stylus, and the S Pen is not simply good as a result of it has no competitors – it is good as a result of it provides true utility for work and play.
Samsung’s One UI is indisputably probably the most feature-packed tackle Android and for those who’re one to carry on to your handset for so long as it can final, the most recent era’s 7-year replace coverage can be a significant promoting level. The Galaxy must also supply longer battery life than the Xiaomi, presumably because of a extra frugal show.
The 14 Extremely is not with out its personal benefits, although. What it lacks in longevity, it makes up for in charging pace, each on a cable and wirelessly. It additionally aced out thermal testing benchmarks, an space the place the Galaxy wasn’t practically as steady.
And the place the Galaxy has the S Pen, the Xiaomi has the Images package. You may scoff at this €200 further buy, however after the picture high quality tie, it is like a profitable purpose in further time. We reckon that if it provides additional enjoyment to the method of taking equally nice footage, it seems like an attractive proposition.
All issues thought of, the Galaxy S24 Extremely feels just like the extra well-rounded providing and a greater worth for cash. By present market charges, the 2 are about the identical worth (whenever you match the Xiaomi’s 512GB storage on the Galaxy) and also you simply get extra outright with the Samsung. You might even save somewhat by choosing the bottom 256GB spec. However we might perceive for those who’d desire the Xiaomi.
- Top-of-the-line digital camera techniques available on the market.
- The superior close-ups with the zoom cameras.
- The Images Equipment.
- The extra pocket-friendly shapes.
- The quicker charging.
- The higher thermal dealing with.
Get the Xiaomi 14 Extremely for:
- Top-of-the-line digital camera techniques available on the market.
- The higher selfies.
- The S Pen.
- The longer battery life.
- One UI and seven years of updates.
- The cheaper price (for a base 256GB model).
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely for: