HMD Arc vs. Xiaomi 14T Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing speed and convenience, the Xiaomi 14T Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset and 120W charging significantly outperform the HMD Arc's Unisoc SC9863A and 10W charging. However, the HMD Arc remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Arc | Xiaomi 14T Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 18 | 2024, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2024, September 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back (Panda X) |
| Dimensions | 166.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.55 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.31 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· eSIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.4 g (6.53 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 460 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 4000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Leica lens, Ultra HDR, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 60mm (telephoto), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF, 2.6x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, 10-bit Rec. 2020, HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.44", 0.64µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR10+ |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, LHDC |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 19 min 50W wireless, 100% in 45 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Titan Gray, Titan Blue, Titan Black |
| Models | - | 2407FPN8EG |
| Price | - | $ 550.00 / £ 498.00 / € 539.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
HMD Arc
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to lower power chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Inferior display quality
Xiaomi 14T Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ chipset
- Bright and vibrant display
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load (offset by fast charging)
- May require more frequent software updates
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi 14T Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1228 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the HMD Arc's display specifications are not provided, it's reasonable to assume it falls considerably short of this brightness level given its price point. The Xiaomi 14T Pro’s higher brightness and likely superior color accuracy will provide a more immersive viewing experience. We can infer the Xiaomi 14T Pro likely uses a higher quality panel, potentially AMOLED, compared to the HMD Arc’s likely LCD.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the HMD Arc, a direct comparison is limited. However, given its budget positioning, it's unlikely to compete with the Xiaomi 14T Pro in image quality. The Xiaomi 14T Pro likely features a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 9300+ chipset, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image processing. While the HMD Arc may suffice for casual snapshots, the Xiaomi 14T Pro will deliver superior photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Xiaomi 14T Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) chipset, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core, is in a different league than the HMD Arc’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 9300+’s advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node translate to significantly higher processing power and improved energy efficiency. The HMD Arc’s Cortex-A55 cores, while efficient, lack the raw performance needed for demanding tasks. The Xiaomi 14T Pro will offer a far smoother experience in multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi 14T Pro’s charging capabilities are a standout feature. Its 120W wired charging can fully charge the battery in just 19 minutes, a massive advantage over the HMD Arc’s slow 10W charging. While the HMD Arc’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Xiaomi 14T Pro’s active use score of 12:32h demonstrates excellent battery life despite its fast charging. The Xiaomi 14T Pro also supports 50W wireless charging, a feature absent on the HMD Arc, offering added convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Arc if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing, and your budget is the absolute primary concern. Buy the Xiaomi 14T Pro if you prioritize a smooth user experience, fast charging, and the ability to handle demanding applications and games without significant compromise.