Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Luxury Android Flagships

The Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra represent the pinnacle of Android smartphone engineering, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Mate 70 RS Ultimate, with its unique design and Kirin chipset, aims for a distinct brand identity, while the Xiaomi 14 Ultra focuses on delivering uncompromising performance and camera capabilities with the latest Snapdragon silicon. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which reigns supreme.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and consistently excellent camera results, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and measured 11:25h active use battery life provide a more reliable and efficient experience. However, the Mate 70 RS Ultimate’s unique features and wireless charging capabilities may appeal to a niche audience.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, November 262024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, December 19Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
BuildGlass front, titanium alloy frameGlass front (Shield Glass), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), titanium frame (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions164.6 x 79.5 x 8.3 mm (6.48 x 3.13 x 0.33 in)161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm (6.35 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight251 g or 256 g (8.85 oz)219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g (7.76 oz)
Display
ProtectionHuawei Kunlun Glass (basalt tempered)Xiaomi Shield Glass
Resolution1316 x 2832 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 117.4 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDual-layer LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (typ), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.5 GHz & 3x2.15 GHz & 4x1.6 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetKirin 9020 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 920Adreno 750
OSHarmonyOS 4.3Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lenses, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, 67mm filter ring holder (optional)
Quad-50 MP, f/1.6-f/4.0, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.8, 75mm (telephoto), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF (10cm - ∞), OIS, 3.2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.5, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF (30cm - ∞), OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/1.8, 12mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D, (depth)
Triple50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.1, 93mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), PDAF-
Video4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@24/30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/480/960/1920fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec. (4K@60fps, 1080p)
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.4, 18mm (ultrawide) TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K, 1080p4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired 80W wireless 20W reverse wireless 18W reverse wired90W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 33 min 80W wireless, 100% in 46 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 5700 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5000 mAh (Global)· 5300 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, RedBlack, Blue, White, Titanium Gray
ModelsPLU-AL1024031PN0DC, 24030PN60G
PriceAbout 1580 EUR€ 663.14
SAR-0.83 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate

  • Faster Wireless Charging (80W)
  • Reverse Wired Charging (18W)
  • Unique and Distinctive Design

  • Less Powerful Chipset (Kirin 9020)
  • Limited Software Ecosystem
  • Battery life data unavailable

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
  • Longer Battery Life (11:25h active use)
  • Higher Peak Display Brightness (1281 nits)

  • Slower Wireless Charging than Mate 70 RS Ultimate
  • No Reverse Wired Charging
  • Potentially less unique design

Display Comparison

While both devices undoubtedly feature high-quality displays, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a measured peak brightness of 1281 nits, suggesting superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Mate 70 RS Ultimate (brightness data unavailable). The absence of LTPO specification for the Mate 70 RS Ultimate raises questions about its adaptive refresh rate efficiency, potentially impacting battery life. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s higher brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor users and content consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the Mate 70 RS Ultimate, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is known for its advanced camera system, likely featuring a large main sensor and sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) further enhances image quality and processing speed. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s focus on computational photography and sensor size will likely deliver superior dynamic range and low-light performance. The Mate 70 RS Ultimate will need to demonstrate exceptional image processing to compete.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: Huawei’s Kirin 9020 (7nm) versus Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, built on a more advanced 4nm process, inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal management. Its octa-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, significantly outperforms the Kirin 9020’s 2.5 GHz peak clock speed. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. The Snapdragon’s architecture also benefits from improved AI processing capabilities.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s measured 11:25h of active use provides a concrete benchmark for real-world battery performance. While the Mate 70 RS Ultimate offers impressive charging speeds – 100W wired, 80W wireless, and 20W reverse wireless – the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 90W wired (33min to 100%), 80W wireless (46min to 100%) and 10W reverse wireless are competitive. The Mate 70 RS Ultimate’s advantage lies in its faster wireless charging and the inclusion of reverse *wired* charging at 18W, a feature absent on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. However, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s longer active use time suggests better overall battery efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 70 RS Ultimate if you value a distinctive design, prioritize fast wireless charging (80W) and reverse wireless charging (20W), and are invested in the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Xiaomi 14 Ultra if you demand the absolute best Android performance, a consistently top-tier camera system, and longer battery life during active use, and prefer a more mainstream software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9020 chipset in the Mate 70 RS Ultimate suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Given the 7nm process node and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s superior thermal efficiency, the Kirin 9020 is more likely to experience throttling under sustained load. While Huawei’s cooling solutions are typically robust, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s 4nm architecture provides a fundamental advantage in heat dissipation.
❓ How does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera perform in challenging low-light conditions compared to other flagship phones?
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to excel in low-light photography due to its likely large main sensor, advanced image stabilization, and the powerful image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP. It should deliver images with excellent detail, minimal noise, and accurate colors, rivaling or surpassing other top-tier camera phones.
❓ Is the 20W reverse wired charging on the Mate 70 RS Ultimate significantly more useful than the 10W reverse wireless charging on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?
Yes, the 20W reverse wired charging offers a substantially faster charging speed for accessories or other devices compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 10W wireless option. This makes the Mate 70 RS Ultimate a more practical choice for users who frequently need to top up other devices on the go.