It’s cherry blossom season!! You know what that means – it’s prime time for pictures. And, where else to take those pictures than in Japan? With that said, I needed a reliable companion that could do the key travel trio – Photography, Editing and Videography. It seems like Xiaomi caught wind of my trip and sent me the Xiaomi 14 to test it out while fulfilling my travel trio.
Before we begin, let me share a brief overview of the newly launched Xiaomi 14. The Xiaomi 14 is a feature-packed smartphone that combines a sleek design with powerful performance. Equipped with a top-tier camera system including a Leica Summilux optical lens and Light Fusion 900 image sensor, it captures stunning photos and videos with ease. With additional features like Dolby Vision® support and hyper-fast charging, it offers users a premium experience across the board.
Let’s kick the review off with one of the most important features in my opinion, the camera. Let me just say, that Mount Fuji has never looked more stunning than through the lens of the Xiaomi 14. The Leica Summilux optical lens with its large aperture is a game-changer when you’re trying to capture those breathtaking landscapes. And with the Light Fusion 900 image sensor, every detail, from the cherry blossoms to the snow-capped peaks, pops with vibrant colours.
When it comes to video, this phone is a filmmaker’s dream. Whether I was filming the beautiful Sakura at Kayabacho Street of Tokyo or the skilful craft of a sushi chef, the Xiaomi 14’s Dolby Vision® support and all-new Movie mode made every shot look like it belonged on the big screen. And the 4-MIC Array? Let’s just say it made me feel like a sound engineer, capturing the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s streets with crystal-clear audio.
But what about performance? Well, let me tell you, the Xiaomi 14 handled everything I threw at it – from navigating crowded subways to editing photos on the fly. And with its high-speed Wi-Fi 7, it was a breeze connecting to my hotspot and using the Xiaomi 14 to browse through what to do next. You can imagine how many tabs I had opened but there wasn’t any performance delay or lag.
One other feature I enjoyed was the AI tools that were available readily on the photos app. I was able to erase the “flaws” of a picture by just clicking on random people and a mistaken finger in the photo. You can also modify the bokeh of the photos making you or the subject pop out in the photo.
Battery life was another highlight of this trip. With its high-density silicon battery and hyper-fast charging, I was able to spend more time exploring and less time worrying about how my portable charger could charge the phone. And trust me, when you’re chasing cherry blossoms and taking photos from dawn ’til dusk, every minute of battery life counts.
Overall, the Xiaomi 14 has been the perfect travel companion for my Japanese adventure. With its stunning design, powerhouse performance, and top-notch camera system, it’s a phone that’s as unforgettable as the cherry blossoms themselves.
So if you’re planning your Sakura-inspired getaway, do yourself a favour and bring along the Xiaomi 14 – you won’t regret it! The Xiaomi 14 can be purchased at authorised retailers or Xiaomi’s online store for $1,199.
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Now onto the daily companion, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. With this Smart Band 8 Pro, I was relieved of constantly checking my phone for the time and weather while getting my steps clocked and updating on my phone.
With a huge 1.74″ AMOLED display as you can tell by my wrist, it was easy to check notifications and spot small details without squinting. Also, with the lightweight and slim body, quick-release strap system, and a range of stylish band options, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro was both comfortable to wear and customizable to match my style. In this case, the rubber band that came with it was the best option.
Aside from its looks, the Smart Band 8 Pro packs a punch when it comes to fitness tracking and health monitoring. With over 150 sports modes like walking, treadmill and strength training, built-in GNSS for precise tracking, and advanced health monitoring features like all-day stress monitoring and scientific sleep tracking, it’s like having a personal health assistant on your wrist. Side note, for ladies, there’s also cycle tracking. Plus, with up to 14 days of battery life, I only had to charge it once during my trip especially when I am using it every day.
Also, all these data can be found in your Mi Fitness app which can be downloaded on both Android and Apple phones. Also, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro can be connected via Bluetooth to both Android and Apple phones so no hassle thinking it only works with Android phones.
Overall, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is like your own personal fitness guru, wrapped up in a sleek and stylish package. Whether you’re hitting the gym, pounding the pavement, or just trying to stay on top of your health game, this thing has got your back. So if you’re in the market for a fitness tracker that’s as functional as it is fashionable, look no further. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro can be purchased at authorised retailers or Xiaomi’s online store for $119.
