Buzz
I experimented with 35mm portrait shots to assess the quality difference between the Xiaomi 14 Pro and a purist's choice like the Leica M-P 240 paired with the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH.
The reason for this comparison was the opportunity to borrow the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 ASPH (all images in the article were shot wide open). Simultaneously, capturing portraits at 35mm on the Xiaomi 14 Pro, with its minimum aperture of f/1.4, sparks curiosity. Of course, a comparison is somewhat uneven due to the 1/1.31-inch sensor, unable to tip the scales against a Full-frame counterpart, but let's proceed with the comparison.
Additionally, Xiaomi has a close collaboration with Leica, resulting in high-quality phone cameras with lenses and image quality fine-tuned by Leica. The captured images are instantly beautiful, vibrant, with a unique and precise quality. Personally, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing cameras. It's regrettable that in the 14 Pro, Xiaomi has moved away from the 1-inch sensor, but I'll delve into this in more detail in the hands-on experience article.
Xiaomi 14 Pro's image is on the left/top (aspect ratio 4:3), while Leica M-P 240's image is on the right/bottom (aspect ratio 3:2). Both are unedited. Which one do you think looks better?
Quite surprisingly, in shots like these, the 14 Pro still produces reasonable bokeh layers, not overly artificial like many other phones. However, there's a bit less highlight, and the images seem somewhat lacking. Of course, on a phone, I reduced the EV rather than risking overexposed highlights.
In another shot taken in low light with warm yellow lighting, the 14 Pro performs admirably by significantly enhancing subject separation compared to the M-P 240. However, when capturing the scene, the white balance shifts noticeably towards a cooler tone, resulting in a more rosy complexion.
In this shot, you can easily notice the drawback of flattening the background as the newspaper section appears somewhat blurred. Nevertheless, the background bokeh is well-handled, and the phone's hair separation is nicely executed.
Zoom in for a closer look at the skin, hair, eyebrows, and bokeh in both photos. The color tones on the Xiaomi 14 Pro are no longer as smooth when viewed overall. The female subject's skin has distinct white patches, and the separation of tones is more pronounced. On the other hand, with the M-P 240, everything remains smooth. However, it must be said, the 14 Pro might still be favored by many.
Looking at the overall picture, the color tones of both are remarkably similar, with the Xiaomi 14 Pro maintaining its subtle pinkish hue.
Indoor lighting reveals a closer-to-reality color from Leica in my photo, albeit slightly greenish, while the Xiaomi 14 Pro tends to lean towards a warmer yellow.
Returning to daylight conditions, well-lit, decide which image you prefer. This lady mentioned she prefers the phone's shot. Various factors could contribute, and one of them might be the aging display on the M-P 240, making it unable to showcase the image on a higher-quality screen. Simultaneously, the Xiaomi 14 Pro's display is impressive, offering high color accuracy. Additionally, its algorithm enhances the rosy complexion and redder lips of the female subject.
However, in closer shooting scenarios, the advantage of f/1.4 on a separate lens speaks volumes.
Zoom in for a closer look, and observe the incredibly thin depth of field, blurring the background right from the edge of the letter 'C' onwards.
I initially aimed to frame the subject tightly, but it seems with the camera, an additional aperture closure is necessary.
Another example for you to witness how thin the depth of field is at f/1.4 on a camera.
Fortunately, while strolling, I stumbled upon a model, and quickly snapped a photo.
Smartphones often push the background to be quite bright to prevent overall darkness in the image, intensifying colors slightly. Xiaomi is one of the few manufacturers that avoids making the photo overly bright or vibrant. In contrast, Leica is the camera that truly captures the real lighting conditions at that moment.
Once again, a close-up, no embellishments, no edits, no retouching, no blemish removal.Drop your comments below, folks!
