Xiaomi updates old flagship phone with bigger battery, more OEMs might follow

While Xiaomi is preparing the Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi 18 Pro, and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max for launch starting in September, the company has apparently not forgotten about older flagship phones. Xiaomi is reportedly offering Chinese users the choice to get a 5,140 mAh battery replacement for the Xiaomi 14 Pro, which originally launched back in 2023 with a 4,880 mAh battery.

So, Chinese owners of the Xiaomi 14 Pro can potentially get even better battery life than at launch. On the surface, this 260 mAh increase is modest, but things get interesting when we speculate on the potential causes behind the decision.

It is highly likely that we will see some substantial price increases for the Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi 18 Pro, and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max on account of higher component costs. Higher prices will deter many consumers from upgrading, even those who are due for an upgrade. The Xiaomi 14 Pro is around 3 years old, and users of the phone are in for an upgrade. However, the Xiaomi 14 Pro launched for the equivalent of $683 in China, and the Xiaomi 18 Pro could reportedly cost close to $900.

So, a ~$200 premium for a phone of the same class might not be justifiable for many people, which will deter them from upgrading. Xiaomi is smartly offering these users the choice to keep using their Xiaomi 14 Pro but with better battery life. Ice Universe thinks more companies will eventually follow this approach.

While we can’t say if other OEMs will follow in Xiaomi’s footsteps, we do appreciate the move. Letting users keep their current phones longer not only saves them money but also builds goodwill toward the company and reduces needless e-waste.

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