Ever heard of the term “flagship killer”? It’s a nickname for phones that offer flagship-level performance but at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
The Xiaomi 14T is the latest contender in this category. After spending some time with this device, I can say it feels like an all-in-one package at half the price of premium flagships. But is it truly worth it?
Let’s dive in and break it all down!
Design: Flat, but Lacking “Wow” Factor?
Xiaomi went for a simple, all-flat design with the 14T, which still manages to look classy. However, I’m a bit puzzled by the choice.
The camera module is larger now, without a full glass protector. The color options are nice, especially the green leather variant that feels super premium.
The back is made of plastic instead of glass, which I initially thought was a downgrade.
Surprisingly, the plastic feels solid, more durable, and less prone to fingerprints compared to glass.
And yes, the phone has IP68 certification, making it dust and water-resistant. Rain or beach trips? No problem here.
Display: Easy on the Eyes, but Something’s Missing
The Xiaomi 14T features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 1220p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. The ultra-thin bezels make the visual experience even more immersive.
The screen claims a peak brightness of 4000 nits, and while I don’t have the tools to measure that, it’s clear even under direct sunlight.
The downside? It lacks LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which helps save battery life in flagships.
That said, this omission isn’t a dealbreaker. For a mid-range phone, the display is more than enough.
Performance: Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra Delivers!
One of the most exciting aspects of the Xiaomi 14T is its performance. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra, which outperforms its predecessor, the Dimensity 8200, the phone is a beast.
With 12GB of RAM (and up to 16GB in certain variants), multitasking is buttery smooth. Gaming? Flawless.
I tested PUBG Mobile on max settings, and it ran like a dream with no lag. Other games, like Call of Duty Mobile and even Warzone Mobile, performed exceptionally well without making the phone overheat.
Benchmarking stress tests produced only mild warmth.
AI Features: Translate, Photo Editing, and More
The Xiaomi 14T’s AI capabilities stand out. Its Notes app includes smart features like AI translation, proofreading, and summarization.
For photo editing fans, the AI Eraser can remove unwanted objects, and a plugin (around 820MB) enables AI image expansion to make photos wider.
The AI Circle to Search feature is a highlight. Previously exclusive to Samsung and Google Pixel flagships, it’s now in a mid-range device.
Xiaomi clearly put a lot into making AI a key selling point for this phone.
Cameras: Leica Partnership Strikes Again
Xiaomi continues its collaboration with Leica, and the results are impressive. The 50MP Sony IMX 9006 main sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultra-wide lens deliver sharp, detailed photos with rich colors and wide dynamic range. The 32MP selfie camera is also a noticeable upgrade.
Low-light portrait shots are particularly stunning, though there’s some inconsistency in color reproduction with the ultra-wide lens.
On the video side, the 14T supports 4K 60fps recording and a log mode in Pro mode, making it a solid choice for content creators.
Bonus: the selfie camera has a teleprompter feature, ideal for recording scripts directly.
Battery: Decent, but Not the Best
The 5000mAh battery is standard for this device, but its endurance isn’t quite as good as the Xiaomi 13T. Heavy users might need to recharge before the day ends.
On the bright side, the 67W fast charging can get it fully charged in under 50 minutes.
The downside? Xiaomi no longer includes a charger in the box, which is frustrating. It’s like buying shoes without laces.
But alas, this trend seems to be spreading in the smartphone industry.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Xiaomi 14T has plenty going for it: powerful performance, a gorgeous display, solid cameras, and impressive AI features.
Its flat design might not appeal to everyone, and the missing charger is a bummer, but these are minor setbacks.
Priced globally at around $600 (approximately IDR 7.6 million in Indonesia), it’s a compelling choice for anyone seeking a high-performing phone without the flagship price tag.
