vivo X100s vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Android Flagship Performance

The vivo X100s and Xiaomi 14 Ultra represent two distinct approaches to the high-end smartphone market. The X100s champions MediaTek’s latest silicon, while the 14 Ultra leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a more refined software experience, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, coupled with a measured 1281 nits peak brightness, delivers a smoother, brighter experience. However, the X100s offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a potentially more efficient chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X100s 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 bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/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 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, May 132024, February 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, May 17Available. Released 2024, February 22
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Shield Glass), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), titanium frame (grade 5) or aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions163.1 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.42 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
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g (7.76 oz)
Display
Protection-Xiaomi Shield Glass
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (typ), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G720 MC12Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, OriginOS 4Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, panorama, HDR, 3D LUT importLaser 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/1.6, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS8K@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
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 20mm (ultrawide)32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASSGPS (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-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired, 50% in 11 min Reverse wired90W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 33 min 80W wireless, 100% in 46 min 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5100 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· 5000 mAh (Global)· 5300 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsTitanium, White, Grey, GreenBlack, Blue, White, Titanium Gray
ModelsV2359A24031PN0DC, 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)

vivo X100s

  • Potentially higher peak CPU performance in multi-threaded tasks.
  • Faster initial charging speed (50% in 11 minutes).
  • Dimensity 9300+ may offer better thermal efficiency under sustained load.

  • Lack of detailed display specifications.
  • Uncertain camera performance compared to Xiaomi’s Ultra series.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

  • Brighter display (1281 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
  • More balanced CPU architecture for sustained performance.
  • Excellent battery life (11:25h active use).
  • Wireless charging support (80W).

  • Slightly slower wired charging (33 minutes to full).
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 can still generate heat under extreme load.

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1281 nits, compared to an unstated peak brightness for the X100s. While both likely utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, the 14 Ultra’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The absence of detailed display specs for the X100s (PWM rate, color gamut coverage) leaves the 14 Ultra with a clear advantage in this category, particularly for users who consume a lot of outdoor content.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Xiaomi’s Ultra series is renowned for its camera prowess, and we can expect a sophisticated imaging system with advanced features. The 14 Ultra likely features a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. While the X100s may offer competitive image quality, Xiaomi’s established track record in mobile photography gives it an edge. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures on the X100s makes it difficult to assess its potential.

Performance

Both devices feature the latest generation of flagship chipsets, but their architectures differ. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) utilizes a 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, while the vivo X100s’ Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) employs a 1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4, alongside *three* additional Cortex-X4 cores. This suggests the X100s may excel in heavily multi-threaded workloads. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s more refined architecture and Qualcomm’s optimizations often translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. The 14 Ultra’s CPU configuration (3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) is more balanced, potentially avoiding the throttling issues that can sometimes plague aggressively clocked chips. The X100s' reliance on the A720 core for a larger portion of its CPU cluster could impact efficiency.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers an impressive 11:25h of active use, showcasing excellent battery life despite its high-performance components. The X100s offers 100W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 11 minutes, while the 14 Ultra’s 90W wired charging takes 33 minutes for a full charge. The 14 Ultra also supports 80W wireless charging (46 minutes to full) and 10W reverse wireless charging, offering greater versatility. While the X100s’ faster initial charging burst is appealing, the 14 Ultra’s overall battery endurance and wireless charging options provide a more complete package.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X100s if you prioritize raw CPU power for demanding tasks and appreciate the potential for improved thermal efficiency with the Dimensity 9300+. Buy the Xiaomi 14 Ultra if you value a consistently high-performing system, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a more mature software ecosystem with robust camera capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9300+ in the vivo X100s suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9300+ is a powerful chipset, its aggressive clock speeds could lead to thermal throttling under sustained load. The X100s’ thermal management system will be crucial in mitigating this. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra generally exhibits better sustained performance due to Qualcomm’s optimizations, but can still experience throttling.
❓ How does the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera perform in low-light conditions compared to other flagship smartphones?
Xiaomi’s Ultra series consistently excels in low-light photography. The 14 Ultra likely features a large sensor and advanced image processing algorithms to capture detailed and vibrant images in challenging lighting conditions. Expect excellent dynamic range and minimal noise.
❓ Is the 90W wired charging on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra significantly faster in real-world use than the 100W charging on the vivo X100s?
While the X100s charges to 50% faster initially, the 14 Ultra’s 90W charging completes a full charge in 33 minutes, which is only slightly slower than the X100s’ partial charge time. The difference in overall charging time is minimal, and the 14 Ultra’s wireless charging capabilities offer added convenience.