Xiaomi took everyone by surprise (even us) when they introduced the Xiaomi 14 Ultra model in India earlier this month alongside the Xiaomi 14 model. The company did not release any teasers for the product, but as the launch date approached, they began sharing release notes for the Xiaomi 14 series, generating excitement among consumers.
This excitement was justified, as India welcomed its first Xiaomi Ultra model, competing with the likes of Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxy S models, and iPhone Pros in the sub Rs 1 lakh price range.
Xiaomi has been facing challenges in the mid-range segment due to increasing competition. The company has acknowledged its past mistakes and pledged to revamp its strategy, particularly focusing on the premium segment.
Priced at Rs 99,999, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra costs Rs 30,000 more than the standard Xiaomi 14 model in India. Xiaomi opted not to use the Pro label, as the base variant offers sufficient features to be a compelling choice for buyers. With the 14 Ultra, Xiaomi faces a steep learning curve, similar to what they experienced with the Xiaomi 13 Pro last year and other Xiaomi phones priced above Rs 40,000.
In India, brands like Vivo, OnePlus, and Realme have ventured into the over Rs 50,000 price range, acknowledging that these products may not achieve high sales volumes. Even newer brands like Nothing have recognized the importance of offering mid-range models, such as the Phone 2a launched in India and other markets this year.
Although the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has been released, the real competition is just beginning. Many may question why someone would spend Rs 1 lakh on a Xiaomi phone, considering the brand’s reputation for offering value-for-money products.
Challenging established competitors requires strong conviction, focused marketing efforts, and the creation of an experiential environment that allows consumers to truly understand the product.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Specifications
- Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED ProHDR display (3200 x 1440 resolution), 120Hz refresh rates (LTPO), 3000nits peak brightness, 1920Hz PWM dimming
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 16GB (LPDDR5X)
- Storage: 512GB (UFS 4.0)
- Rear Camera: 50MP one-inch type (Sony LYT-900) + 50MP 3.2x telephoto (Sony IMX858) + 50MP 5x Telephoto (Sony IMX858) + 50MP ultra-wide angle (Sony IMX858)
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5300mAh
- Charging: 90W wired, 80W wireless
- OS: Xiaomi HyperOS (based on Android 14)
- Durability: IP68, Xiaomi Shield Glass (Front)
- Colours: Black and White
