Xiaomi’s latest smartphones, the 14T and 14T Pro, are closely matched, both earning an 8/10 rating. Priced at €651 and €801 respectively, they share a 6.67″ AMOLED display but differ in design, materials, and performance. The Pro model boasts a brighter screen and a more powerful Dimensity 9300+ processor, enhancing gaming experiences. Camera capabilities are similar, though the Pro offers slight improvements. Both run on the customizable HyperOS interface and promise five years of software support.
The latest offerings from Xiaomi, the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, are causing quite a stir in the smartphone arena. Their similarities are so pronounced that even we found it challenging to differentiate between the two. Both models secured an impressive score of 8/10 during our evaluation. So, are they truly identical? Let’s dive into the details.
The Xiaomi 14T starts at a competitive price of €651, while the Xiaomi 14T Pro is priced at €801.
Technical Specifications: Xiaomi 14T vs. Xiaomi 14T Pro
More Differences Than Meet the Eye
At first glance, the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro appear strikingly alike, particularly with their shared 6.67″ display. However, the real distinctions lie beneath the surface.
The standard version boasts a trendy angular design with flat edges, while the Pro variant features a more gently curved back and subdued color options.
Material choices also set these two models apart. The Xiaomi 14T Pro is crafted with a premium aluminum frame, replacing the plastic frame found in its sibling, enhancing both durability and aesthetics.
Both devices sport a similarly designed camera setup and identical button placements, including USB-C connectivity. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Pro Model Offers Superior Brightness
Both smartphones feature a 6.67″ AMOLED display, delivering a crisp resolution of 2712 by 1220 pixels, and support a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. While not utilizing LTPO technology, the screens toggle between peak refresh rates and a standard 60 Hz based on the tasks at hand.
In terms of color performance, both models are quite comparable, with the DCI-P3 color gamut being well represented (100% for the Xiaomi 14T and 97% for the Pro). However, both devices exhibit subpar white balance straight from the factory, with the Xiaomi 14T Pro reaching over 7220K and the Xiaomi 14T even hitting 7700K, resulting in cooler, bluish tones. Thankfully, users can adjust these settings via the color wheel in the display options.
The standout feature of the Pro model is its outdoor visibility, achieving an impressive peak brightness of 1570 nits, compared to 1065 nits on the standard model.
Customizable Yet Cluttered Interface
HyperOS may not be the most streamlined Android interface available, but it carries on Xiaomi’s tradition of incorporating numerous pre-installed applications that can clutter the user experience, though users have the option to uninstall them.
Nevertheless, both the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro come packed with desirable features on the Android 14 interface, including AI-driven tools that tech aficionados will appreciate. From summarizing voice notes to real-time text translation and writing with prompts, there’s plenty to explore!
Photography enthusiasts will also enjoy the built-in magic eraser, perfect for eliminating unwanted elements from images.
Furthermore, both models promise a solid software support trajectory, with five years of updates (four Android upgrades plus an additional year of security patches).
Xiaomi 14T: Limited Performance Compared to Pro
When it comes to performance, the disparity between the two smartphones becomes evident, particularly in their chips. The Pro variant is equipped with MediaTek’s formidable Dimensity 9300+ processor, while the Xiaomi 14T relies on the older Dimensity 8300 Ultra.
Despite this, the standard model holds its ground in everyday use, delivering quick responses for general navigation, although it may struggle during intensive gaming sessions due to notable throttling over extended play. While commendable, it pales in comparison to the impressive performance of the Xiaomi 14T Pro.
The Pro version excels in gaming, achieving double the framerate in titles like Fortnite at maximum settings—a significant advantage for serious gamers! However, it’s worth noting that the Pro model can get quite warm after prolonged gaming, which can impact its performance.
Well-Executed Photography Features
The camera configurations show only slight enhancements on the Xiaomi 14T Pro, which may not be compelling enough for those debating the higher price tag.
Xiaomi 14T
Xiaomi 14T Pro
The primary sensor on the Xiaomi 14T Pro slightly outperforms that of the standard model (1/1.31″ vs. 1/1.56″), but the difference in performance is subtle under similar conditions. Both models are exceptional daytime cameras, capturing life’s moments with clarity. The shutter speed is quick, and the processing is well-balanced, ensuring images are vibrant without excessive manipulation. However, low-light performance could still see improvements, as noise can be an issue.
In terms of the ultra-wide lens, there’s no technical upgrade between the two devices. Both perform adequately in bright conditions, with good distortion correction and sharpness in the center of the frame. While they do not match the main sensor’s quality, this additional lens is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. Low-light performance, however, remains a challenge due to the modest sensor size.
Lastly, the telephoto lens on the Pro model offers a slight advantage, featuring a magnification of 2.6x compared to 2x on the Xiaomi 14T. Despite this, both models utilize a 50-megapixel module that delivers impressive detail. While the color accuracy may not be perfect, both devices can produce beautiful subject shots, even at 5x zoom. However, users are advised to avoid exceeding 4x or 5x zoom to maintain image quality.