The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Kit is the Pinnacle of Phone Photography

I was impressed when I first got my hands on last year’s Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Camera Kit. It felt like the evolution of smartphone photography, and I said as much in my coverage. Even with this high watermark, Xiaomi managed to top themselves, with this year’s Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit experience being a step above, delivering one of the best mobile photography experiences I have ever used.

While similar to last year’s offering, I was immediately struck by the sleek design and premium feel of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit when held together in my hands. As I mentioned in my review of the phone, with its massive 1-inch sensor, variable aperture lens, and a host of other impressive specs, the 14 Ultra’s camera is a force to be reckoned with. But what truly sets the 14 Ultra apart is the optional Camera Kit accessory .

Much like last year, this kit includes a protective case, a 67mm filter adapter ring, and, most importantly, a detachable camera grip. The grip is where the magic really happens. It features a two-stage shutter button, a zoom rocker, a customizable dial, and a dedicated video button. These physical controls transform the 14 Ultra from a mere smartphone into a full-fledged camera.

I have grown accustomed to the process of photography on a smartphone, but even though it is finally catching up to the abilities of a DSLR , it never felt as tactile as I liked. That is, at least until I used these camera kits from Xiaomi. The grip fits comfortably in the hand, providing a stable and secure hold. The physical buttons and dials are intuitively placed, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without ever having to take your eye off the viewfinder. It’s a level of control and precision that I’ve been missing when using smartphones, and it’s great to have it back, even in part.

This feeling goes beyond a simple set of buttons and gets to the core of how the product works. By default, it’s set to control exposure compensation, but it can be reassigned to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more. As someone who loves to tinker with manual settings, having this level of control at my fingertips is amazing.

I feel much more comfortable getting everything set up for my specific needs. At the push of a button, it’s the way I like it, without needing to fuss with menus or settings to get things just right. I’m not saying there isn’t a time and a place for that workflow, but it’s not when you see something amazing and want to pull out your camera for the perfect shot.

“The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, represents a paradigm shift in smartphone photography.”

The one area where last year’s Camera Kit fell short was the lack of a direct connection or the ability to have the grip double as a battery. It seems Xiaomi listened, as this has completely changed this time around. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Kit now includes a 1,500mAh battery built into the grip, which can provide some extra juice to the phone when needed. This is a thoughtful addition that shows Xiaomi’s commitment to creating a truly comprehensive photography solution.

The kit still allows for all attachments and ND filters we saw in last year’s offerings, so thankfully, no major sacrifices have been made to see these improvements. I don’t know how many people will want to lug around a full filter set, along with the full kit and phone, but the fact that Xiaomi gives the option is fantastic. There are people who take smartphone photography seriously, and features like this are tailor-made for them. I will admit I fully enjoy getting everything set up around the office, but I have yet to take everything while travelling, although I am considering it in the coming months.

“The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Kit now includes a 1,500mAh battery built into the grip, which can provide some extra juice to the phone when needed.”

While the Camera Kit is impressive, it would be a total waste if the 14 Ultra’s camera couldn’t deliver the goods. However, as per my review details, the image quality is simply stunning. The large 1-inch sensor allows for incredible detail and low-light performance. The variable aperture lens is more than just a gimmick, allowing for greater control over depth of field and letting in more light when needed.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 14 Ultra and Camera Kit combo is its pure versatility for mobile photography. With four distinct focal lengths (ultra-wide, wide, 3x telephoto, and 5x telephoto), it’s equipped to handle any shooting situation. With the Camera Kit’s physical controls, it’s easy to quickly switch between lenses and adjust settings on the fly. This means you can capture the perfect shot or the best video easily and without fussing when the time comes.

Compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra , the 14 Ultra’s Camera Kit is a marked improvement in several key areas. The grip now connects via USB-C instead of Bluetooth, providing a faster and more stable connection. The inclusion of a dedicated video button is also a welcome addition, making it easier than ever to start recording at a moment’s notice.

In many ways, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, is the culmination of the smartphone photography revolution. It takes the best aspects of traditional cameras (physical controls, large sensors, interchangeable lenses) and combines them with the convenience and connectivity of a modern smartphone. The result is a device that truly blurs the lines between phone and camera. Even the design and the prominent Leica branding all work together to invoke the feeling of photography, and for good reason.

Photo Samples

When I first tested the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and its Camera Kit, I was blown away. This year’s offering takes it to the next level in the ways that matter most. It’s a device that doesn’t just take great photos but actively encourages creativity and experimentation. It’s a tool that empowers users to elevate their mobile photography.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Camera Kit, represents a paradigm shift in smartphone photography. I’m excited to see what it will do next. Its innovative design, powerful hardware, and thoughtful features come together to create a device that’s more than the sum of its parts. If you’re serious about mobile photography and want a tool that can keep up with your creativity, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Camera Kit combo is the device for you. It’s not just a great smartphone camera — it’s a great camera, period.