The Xiaomi 14 Civi brings flagship features from its siblings, the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra, at a more affordable price point.
Feature
| Feature | Xiaomi 14 Civi |
|---|---|
| Price | Rs 39,999 |
| Weight | 177 grams |
| Thickness | 72.7 mm |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| RAM | Up to 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | Up to 512 GB UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera | 50 MP (Light Hunter 800 sensor, OIS, 25 mm focal length) |
| Telephoto Camera | 50 MP (50 mm portrait focal length, 2x zoom) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12 MP (120-degree field of view, 15 mm focal length) |
| Selfie Cameras | 32 MP (main) and 32 MP (ultra-wide) |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh with 67W fast charging |
| Display | Quad-curved, 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Operating System | HyperOS |
Overview
This year, I tested the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra. Both were impressive, particularly for their screens and cameras. I’ve had the Xiaomi 14 Civi in my hands for two weeks, and it’s the most budget-friendly option in the Xiaomi 14 series.
The phone boasts a Leica camera setup, and despite its lower price, it offers a flagship experience. It combines a stunning display and a compact, excellent camera with an affordable price tag.
Initially, the Xiaomi 14 Civi inherited the high-quality traits of its predecessors, and after extended use, I still hold this view. As my primary device for two weeks, I recommend it to anyone looking to spend under Rs 50,000.
Interview Insight
In an interview with Anuj Sharma, Xiaomi India’s marketing director, he emphasized that the Xiaomi 14 Civi brings a competitive edge to the sub-Rs 50k segment, likening it to “bringing a gun to a knife fight.”
Design and Build
Over the past two weeks, I’ve appreciated several aspects of the Xiaomi 14 Civi, including its design, screen, and camera performance.
However, the most notable feature is its design and build quality. The phone’s battery life could be better, but its 67W fast charger compensates for this. Here’s a deeper look into what makes the Xiaomi 14 Civi tick.
Under the Hood
The Xiaomi 14 Civi has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It’s notably lighter than the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra, weighing just 177 grams and measuring 72.7 mm thick.
Camera Specifications
The Xiaomi 14 Civi’s camera system is a standout feature, incorporating Leica lenses and the Summilux lens seen in its higher-end siblings. The triple-camera setup includes:
- Main Camera: 50 MP with a Light Hunter 800 sensor, OIS, and a 25 mm focal length.
- Telephoto Lens: 50 MP with a 50 mm portrait focal length and 2x zoom.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: 12 MP with a 120-degree field of view and a 15 mm focal length.
For selfies, it has a dual-camera setup:
- Main Selfie Camera: 32 MP
- Ultra-Wide Selfie Camera: 32 MP
Both front cameras support 4K recording at 30 fps, night mode, HDR, and more.
Battery and Charging
The phone is powered by a 4,700 mAh battery, which supports 67W fast charging. It also features the Xiaomi IceLoop cooling system. Other features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, AI face unlocking, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC.
User Experience
Using the Xiaomi 14 Civi has been delightful due to its compact size and large, vibrant display. The phone offers great one-handed usability. I tested the matcha green variant, which features a unique design with a combination of artificial leather and a wood-pressed finish.
Display
The world’s first quad-curved display is a highlight. It merges the benefits of curved and flat screens, providing no distortion and excellent usability. The display is bright with vivid colors, making media consumption enjoyable, even outdoors on sunny days. The screen is responsive and fluid, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
Performance
The Xiaomi 14 Civi handled multitasking and intensive use without any issues. During my 15-day test, the device performed smoothly with no noticeable lag or overheating problems. It warmed slightly during charging and gaming but cooled down quickly.
Battery Life
The battery life was adequate for moderate use, typically lasting a day. However, with heavy use, I needed to recharge by the evening. The 67W fast charger is a major advantage, fully charging the phone in about 42 minutes.
Software
HyperOS, an upgrade from MIUI, offers a cleaner, lighter, and more customizable interface. While not completely free of bloatware, it provides a better user experience with more intuitive controls and personalization options.
Camera Performance
The Xiaomi 14 Civi’s camera setup is impressive, allowing users to take high-quality photos effortlessly. It offers Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic modes, providing more realistic colors. The camera excels in most conditions, though low-light portrait mode can sometimes produce softer focus. The edge detection and AI post-processing enhance the overall quality of images.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 14 Civi is an affordable flagship with high-end features borrowed from its pricier counterparts. Its design, display, and camera performance make it a compelling choice in the sub-Rs 50,000 segment.
While the battery life could be better, the fast charging support mitigates this shortcoming. The Xiaomi 14 Civi is a solid option for those seeking a flagship experience without breaking the bank.
