Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra represent the pinnacle of Android smartphone engineering, but cater to different priorities. The Mate 80 Pro Max, likely building on Huawei’s established strengths, focuses on charging speed and potentially a unique software experience. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, meanwhile, leverages Qualcomm’s latest silicon and aims for all-around excellence, particularly in display and camera technology. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a consistently smooth experience, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset offers superior processing power and thermal efficiency compared to the Kirin 9030 Pro (6nm). However, the Mate 80 Pro Max’s 100W wired and 80W wireless charging are unmatched, making it ideal for those who demand the fastest possible refueling.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max 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
Announced2025, November 252024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, November 25Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum alloy frame, aluminum alloy backGlass front (Shield Glass), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), titanium frame (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions164.4 x 79 x 8.3 mm (6.47 x 3.11 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
Weight239 g (8.43 oz)219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g (7.76 oz)
Display
ProtectionHuawei Kunlun Glass 2Xiaomi Shield Glass
Resolution1320 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~455 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.9 inches, 117.2 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, HDR Vivid, 8000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (typ), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU9-core (1x2.75 GHz & 4x2.27 GHz & 4x1.72 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetKirin 9030 Pro (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 935Adreno 750
OSHarmonyOS 6.0Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 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)
Quad50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.1, 91mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom 50 MP, f/3.2, 140mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 6.2x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), PDAF50 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)
Video4K, 1080p@960fps, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR Vivid8K@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/2.0, 18mm (ultrawide), AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, 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
Type6000 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5000 mAh (Global)· 5300 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Blue, GoldBlack, Blue, White, Titanium Gray
ModelsSGT-AL1024031PN0DC, 24030PN60G
PriceAbout 980 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 80 Pro Max

  • Industry-leading 100W wired charging
  • Fast 80W wireless charging
  • Versatile reverse charging options (20W wired, 20W wireless)
  • Potentially unique software features

  • Less efficient 6nm Kirin 9030 Pro chipset
  • Likely lower peak display brightness
  • Potential software limitations due to geopolitical factors

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset
  • Bright 1281 nit display
  • Excellent battery life (11:25h active use)
  • Universally supported Android experience

  • Slightly slower charging speeds than Mate 80 Pro Max
  • Less versatile reverse charging (10W wireless only)
  • Potential for software bloat (typical of Xiaomi)

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1281 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over what we’d expect from the Mate 80 Pro Max, which lacks a specified peak brightness. While panel technology details are missing for the Mate 80 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra likely utilizes LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to improved battery efficiency. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but the Xiaomi’s brightness gives it a clear edge for users who frequently consume content outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for the Mate 80 Pro Max, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to feature a sophisticated camera system with large sensors and advanced image processing. The focus should be on the main sensor size and aperture, as these directly impact low-light performance. The Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms are likely tuned for a more natural look, while Huawei historically favors more saturated and contrast-boosted images. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lenses found on many smartphones, the quality of the primary and ultrawide sensors will be the deciding factor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) is built on a more efficient node than the Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max’s Kirin 9030 Pro (6nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s octa-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, is designed for demanding tasks. The Kirin 9030 Pro’s 9-core setup, while potentially offering strong multi-core performance, is likely to throttle more aggressively during prolonged gaming or video editing. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its performance capabilities.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra demonstrates impressive real-world battery life, achieving 11 hours and 25 minutes of active use. While the Mate 80 Pro Max’s battery capacity is unknown, its charging capabilities are its standout feature. 100W wired charging can fully charge the device in a remarkably short time, and 80W wireless charging is equally impressive. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 90W wired charging (33 minutes to 100%) and 80W wireless charging (46 minutes to 100%) are still very fast, but the Mate 80 Pro Max offers a slight advantage in speed. The 20W reverse wired and 20W reverse wireless charging on the Mate 80 Pro Max also provide more versatile power-sharing options than the Xiaomi’s 10W reverse wireless.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max if you absolutely need the fastest charging available – its 100W wired and 80W wireless capabilities are industry-leading. It’s also a strong choice if you prefer Huawei’s software ecosystem and are comfortable with potential limitations due to geopolitical factors. Buy the Xiaomi 14 Ultra if you prioritize peak performance, a vibrant and bright display, and a more universally supported Android experience. It’s the better option for gamers, photographers, and users who demand a consistently responsive device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9030 Pro in the Mate 80 Pro Max suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Given the 6nm process node and 9-core configuration, the Kirin 9030 Pro is likely to experience more thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra during prolonged, demanding gaming. The Snapdragon’s superior efficiency allows it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods.
❓ How does the 80W wireless charging on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra compare to the 80W wireless charging on the Mate 80 Pro Max in terms of real-world charging time?
While both offer 80W wireless charging, the Mate 80 Pro Max’s 100W wired charging provides a faster overall charging experience. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra takes 46 minutes for a full wireless charge, while the Mate 80 Pro Max is expected to be slightly faster, though exact figures are unavailable.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Mate 80 Pro Max noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 1281 nits peak brightness of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is significantly higher and will be particularly noticeable when viewing content outdoors in direct sunlight. The Mate 80 Pro Max’s display will likely appear washed out in comparison under similar conditions.