For more than a decade, Xiaomi’s MIUI has been a staple, but now the brand’s switch to what they call HyperOS feels like a breath of fresh air. Thanks to Xiaomi, I got my hands on the newly released Xiaomi 14 Pro, running the Android 14-based HyperOS.
My time with the device introduced me to a host of new features, and I’ve cherry-picked what I believe are the cream of the crop. If you’re an MIUI user excited about the new OS, here are the standout HyperOS features to anticipate on your Xiaomi phone.
1. Uninstall Bloatware
In 2023, having bloatware on flagship phones is becoming an outdated practice that brands need to leave behind. Xiaomi is making significant strides in this direction with HyperOS, enabling easy uninstallation of bloatware.
With HyperOS, you can now uninstall bothersome pre-installed applications like Mi Video, the Security app, Gallery, and Games. This flexibility allows you to keep the functionality of native apps you prefer while removing others that you don’t want cluttering your device.
Having this level of control over your device’s apps is a definite plus. And the best part? No more dealing with ADB commands, which used to be quite the hassle.
For instance, the native Mi Music didn’t align with my preferences, so I simply removed it and opted for YouTube Music, my current go-to streaming service. This move freed up space by eliminating an app I knew I wouldn’t use.
Kudos to Xiaomi’s HyperOS for enabling bloatware uninstallation, though there’s a catch: certain apps like Mi Browser and GetApps can’t be uninstalled. It’s a bit disappointing, but here’s hoping Xiaomi will allow the removal of these apps in the future too.
2. Lock Screen Customization
Absolutely, a visually appealing lock screen can make a huge difference in our interaction with a device. It’s like a subtle hack to reduce screen time, but if that’s not the goal, a captivating lock screen is definitely enticing.
Xiaomi seems to have nailed it with lock screen customization on HyperOS. While reminiscent of Apple’s approach in the iOS 16 update, Xiaomi’s implementation stands out for its commendable execution and attention to detail.
Customizing the lock screen on HyperOS offers a myriad of options that truly enhance personalization. For those moments of self-admiration, setting your own picture as the lock screen with the Depth effect adds a stylish touch. It’s impressive how the clock and date gracefully fade behind your portrait.
The array of lock screen designs is another highlight, and the smooth scroll animation adds to the overall experience. Choosing between Classic, Rhombus, and Magazine styles gives ample variety.
But the fun doesn’t stop there, tweaking the lock screen text font and clock style adds another layer of personalization. I might have indulged a bit too much in these settings myself! It’s undoubtedly one of the standout features of HyperOS. And when coupled with the customized Always-On Display (AOD), it takes the experience to another level.
3. Cleaner Control Center
Having easy access to the Control Center throughout the day is a common habit for me too. Whether it’s managing connectivity options or swiftly checking notifications, it’s a frequently visited spot. So, having a streamlined and cleaner Control Center is a logical improvement, and that’s precisely what HyperOS offers.
I had the chance to compare the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the HyperOS-running Xiaomi 14 Pro at our AzMo Tech office to gauge the differences. The updated Control Center definitely stands out as a notable improvement.
The redesigned Control Center in HyperOS takes a page from iOS by removing icon names, giving it a sleeker appearance and feel. Initially, adjusting to this change might take a moment, but once acclimated, it becomes a preferred choice over the traditional Control Center.
Another significant improvement is the consolidation of quick settings. Unlike the previous sideways swipe, now, every added icon can be accessed on the same page by scrolling down. This alignment with the iOS layout streamlines the user experience.
The revamped Control Center stands out as one of the remarkable features of HyperOS, indeed.
4. Enhanced Gallery App
The traditional Xiaomi Gallery app wasn’t flawed, but it wasn’t at its peak either. With HyperOS, there’s a significant revamp, introducing a redesigned Gallery app that showcases an improved user experience.
In the past, the Gallery app featured two top panels, Photos and Albums. With HyperOS, these panels have been relocated to the bottom, accompanied by a new addition: the Recommendations panel. This fresh inclusion offers users a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the app’s capabilities.
The Recommendations panel in the new Gallery app on HyperOS consolidates various features that were previously accessible via the three-dot vertical menu in the MIUI Gallery app. A particularly handy addition is the ID feature, which eliminates the hassle of searching for apps to create ID cutouts and photos.
Moreover, HyperOS introduces a fantastic capability allowing users to share their cutouts from specific photos across any platform. With the Cutouts feature in the gallery, you can instantly Copy, Save, or Send them with a single tap. This newfound convenience inspired some creative meme ideas involving friends, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Additionally, the accessibility of the Cutouts feature has been significantly improved in HyperOS, requiring just a single tap compared to the slightly more complex navigation in MIUI 14. This enhancement makes the feature more user-friendly and readily available.
5. Improved Privacy & Security
The revamped Privacy & Security page in Xiaomi’s HyperOS offers an array of tools to enhance device security. One standout improvement is the detailed listing of app permissions, making it incredibly convenient for quick checks.
Digging deeper into this page, I stumbled upon the Shutdown Confirmation feature, which, in my view, is among the top security features of HyperOS. This function prevents your phone from being turned off without entering a PIN or pattern. Whether your phone gets stolen or someone attempts to tamper with it, this feature acts as a barrier, requiring a PIN code for shutdown.
The clarity and user-friendliness of this page are commendable. Even users new to the Xiaomi interface will find it easy to navigate and understand, thanks to the clear presentation of features and their self-explanatory nature.
6. Lightweight & Hyper Fast
The efficiency of HyperOS truly stands out, notably in its lightweight design. Seeing the OS occupy just 8.76GB of internal storage on the Xiaomi 14 Pro was quite surprising, leaving users with more available space to utilize on their devices.
Xiaomi has shown a consistent focus on reducing the footprint of their operating systems, evident in their previous MIUI versions like MIUI 14, which occupied around 13GB of storage. However, HyperOS takes this emphasis on efficiency even further by bringing down the OS install size to under 10GB, further optimizing storage usage for users.
Comparing HyperOS with other popular operating systems like MIUI 14, iOS 17.2, OneUI, and OxygenOS in terms of install sizes really highlights its efficiency. While MIUI, iOS, and other systems demand more space, MIUI 14 and iOS 17.2 occupying around 13GB and 11GB respectively, HyperOS stands out by taking up notably less storage space, under 10GB. This reduced footprint translates into a tangible lightweight experience while using the device, something I definitely felt while navigating through HyperOS.
Your dislike for MIUI due to its cluttered and occasionally stuttery interface finds resolution in HyperOS. Xiaomi’s optimization efforts with HyperOS have truly paid off, delivering a seamless and smooth user experience. The improved animations further add to its appeal, enhancing the overall usability and aesthetics of the interface.
The addition of the super cool animation upon installing from GetApps to the homescreen in HyperOS brings an enjoyable touch. Although it had been part of the Chinese MIUI ROM previously, its inclusion in HyperOS adds a nice visual element.
The RAM management on HyperOS seems unparalleled compared to any previous MIUI device. It handles multiple apps running in the background remarkably well. For instance, I experienced Call of Duty running for an extended period, and upon re-entering the game, I found myself still in the lobby, without any reload. Additionally, other apps like YouTube and Instagram remained open and ready for use without needing to reload as well.
The overall experience with HyperOS exudes a sense of satisfaction, making using your device a much more pleasant and engaging experience. This efficiency and seamlessness truly encourage more frequent and extended usage.
7. Dynamic Island-like Feature
It’s interesting to note how the trend sparked by Apple’s Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max has influenced various Android phone makers. Brands like Realme and OnePlus have introduced their own versions – Mini Capsule and OxygenOS 14, respectively – attempting to recreate a similar feature.
Xiaomi, with HyperOS, has also ventured into this space, although they haven’t specifically named this feature yet. It seems to activate when you perform certain actions such as turning on the hotspot, charging your phone, enabling Battery Saver, or activating Silent mode.
While this addition brings a nifty aesthetic touch to HyperOS, it seems to lack substantial utility. However, in terms of coolness factor, it certainly scores high. The feature adds a visual appeal but might not offer much practical functionality.
It’s becoming clearer that Xiaomi’s aims with HyperOS revolve around two key principles: minimalism and fluidity. The experience feels notably streamlined, responsive, and intelligently designed, striking a balance without feeling excessively flashy.
Exploring Xiaomi’s new interconnectivity within HyperOS, especially with its anticipated launch in India, holds promise. The anticipation of which HyperOS features will transition to the Global ROM heightens curiosity. Additionally, Xiaomi’s plan to integrate HyperOS into its broader ecosystem, such as electric cars, signifies a significant strategic move away from MIUI.
While HyperOS marks a substantial step forward for Xiaomi, there’s an understandable desire for the company to innovate and create something entirely novel in the OS landscape, rather than continually drawing inspiration from iOS. It’d be interesting to hear your thoughts in the comments about Xiaomi’s HyperOS, its strengths and areas for potential growth.
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