Huawei nova 14 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Huawei nova 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone market. The nova 14 Ultra aims to deliver a high-end experience with Huawei’s in-house Kirin chipset, while the Xiaomi 14 Ultra leverages the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, positioning itself as a performance powerhouse. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a consistently smooth experience, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and superior battery life, evidenced by the 11:25h active use score, outweigh the nova 14 Ultra’s faster wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 14 Ultra 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, May 192024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 19Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
Build-Glass front (Shield Glass), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), titanium frame (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions163.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm (6.43 x 2.98 x 0.31 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
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g (7.76 oz)
Display
ProtectionKunlun GlassXiaomi Shield Glass
Resolution1272 x 2860 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.81 inches, 111.1 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO3 OLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120Hz, 5500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (typ), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.29 GHz & 3x2.05 GHz & 4x1.3 GHz)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetKirin 8020Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 920 2cuAdreno 750
OSHarmonyOS 5.0Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-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/1.4-4.0, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 88mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), AF-
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS, 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
Dual8 MP, f/2.2, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, (ultrawide), 1/2.5", Dual Pixel PDAF-
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS, HDR Vivid4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC (320-960 kbps HD audio)5.4, 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 2.0, OTGUSB 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
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired, SCP, UFCS, PD, PPS, QC 5W reverse wired90W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 33 min 80W wireless, 100% in 46 min 10W reverse wireless
Type5500 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5000 mAh (Global)· 5300 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Purple, GoldBlack, Blue, White, Titanium Gray
ModelsMRT-AL1024031PN0DC, 24030PN60G
PriceAbout 520 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 nova 14 Ultra

  • 100W Wired Charging: Fastest charging speeds available.
  • Huawei Ecosystem Integration: Seamless experience for Huawei users.
  • Potentially Competitive Price: Huawei often offers aggressive pricing.

  • Kirin 8020 Chipset: Less powerful than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
  • Limited Global Availability: Huawei faces restrictions in some markets.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Industry-leading performance.
  • Excellent Battery Life: 11:25h active use provides all-day power.
  • Bright Display: 1281 nits for optimal outdoor visibility.

  • Slightly Slower Wired Charging: 90W vs 100W.
  • Higher Price Point: Flagship Snapdragon devices command a premium.

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1281 nits, which translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the nova 14 Ultra (brightness data unavailable). While both likely employ high-refresh-rate OLED panels, the Xiaomi’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage. Details regarding panel technology (LTPO) and color accuracy are currently unavailable for the nova 14 Ultra, but Xiaomi’s flagship typically excels in these areas.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for the nova 14 Ultra, a direct comparison is limited. However, Xiaomi’s Ultra series is renowned for its camera capabilities. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The focus should be on the primary sensor size and aperture, as these directly impact low-light performance and image quality. The nova 14 Ultra’s camera system will likely be competent, but the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to offer a more versatile and higher-quality photographic experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) is a substantial leap ahead of the Huawei nova 14 Ultra’s Kirin 8020. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, alongside its advanced Cortex-A720 performance cores, provides significantly higher CPU and GPU performance. The Kirin 8020’s octa-core configuration, while capable, is architecturally older and less efficient. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving 11:25 hours of active use. While the nova 14 Ultra offers faster 100W wired charging, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 90W wired charging (33 minutes to 100%) and 80W wireless charging (46 minutes to 100%) are still remarkably fast. The difference in battery life suggests the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s efficiency plays a crucial role, offsetting any potential capacity differences (mAh not specified for nova 14 Ultra).

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 14 Ultra if you prioritize extremely fast 100W wired charging and are deeply integrated into the Huawei ecosystem, potentially benefiting from software optimizations. Buy the Xiaomi 14 Ultra if you demand top-tier performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, coupled with a longer-lasting battery and a more versatile camera system.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 8020 in the Huawei nova 14 Ultra struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Kirin 8020 is a capable chipset, but it will likely exhibit more frame drops and require lower graphics settings in demanding games like Genshin Impact compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s superior GPU architecture and thermal efficiency provide a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the 80W wireless charging on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra compare to the convenience of the nova 14 Ultra's 100W wired charging?
While the Huawei nova 14 Ultra charges faster with its 100W wired charging, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s 80W wireless charging offers convenience without needing to plug in a cable. The 46-minute full charge time for wireless is still very competitive, and the convenience factor may outweigh the slightly slower speed for some users.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on either phone useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Both phones offer reverse charging, but the wattage differs. The Huawei nova 14 Ultra provides 5W reverse wired charging, while the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers 10W reverse wireless charging. The Xiaomi’s wireless reverse charging is more convenient for compatible accessories, while the Huawei’s wired option might be slightly faster for devices that support it.