Xiaomi has been a notable player in the smartphone market for a long time. Known for its feature-rich and user-friendly MIUI (Mi User Interface), the company recently introduced a new operating system – the Xiaomi HyperOS. With promises of optimizations, AI features, and enhanced user experiences, HyperOS aims to outperform its predecessor, MIUI 14. In this detailed article, the two operating systems are scrutinized to reveal a series of subtle yet intriguing differences across three main categories: Interface/Icons, AI/Privacy, and Animations. So, without further ado, let’s delve deep into this comprehensive comparison.
The Interface and Icons
At first glance, it’s challenging to differentiate between MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS. Both systems offer similar layouts and designs, as Xiaomi has a reputation for a familiar and user-friendly interface. However, upon closer inspection, some subtle differences come to light. In HyperOS, the icons sport slightly desaturated colors, giving them a more subdued and refined appearance. This move towards a more understated color palette is indicative of a design shift towards a more mature and sophisticated look.
Moreover, some icons have undergone minor design tweaks. For example, the Gallery icon appears mirrored, providing a unique twist on a familiar app. The Notes icon has been updated with the addition of a checkmark, a change that, while subtle, may indicate a shift toward a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
Another interesting feature introduced by HyperOS is “Advanced Textures.” This innovation enhances the visual experience by adding rendering effects like blurring across the system. While this feature may not be instantly noticeable in everyday usage, it is a significant addition for users who appreciate attention to detail and visual polish.
In the dropdown menu, one noticeable improvement could be the inclusion of text labels for each item, which would significantly enhance user-friendliness. It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between items in the dropdown menu when visual cues alone are provided. However, this minor drawback doesn’t overshadow the overall positive user experience.
HyperOS also introduces layout changes, such as in the background apps section, making it easier for users to navigate and manage their running applications. In the photo album feature of HyperOS, three new options have been added at the bottom: ‘photo,’ ‘album,’ and ‘recommended,’ making it more convenient for users to handle photo samples with just one hand. In contrast, MIUI 14 lacks these options, and users may appreciate the enhanced accessibility provided by HyperOS.
Furthermore, some pre-installed apps in HyperOS, such as the calculator, offer new features like floating windows and diverse layout options. These additions aim to make multitasking more efficient and provide users with greater control over their app management.
AI and Privacy Features
The AI and Privacy features in HyperOS, while not as extensive as some users might hope, still warrant attention. HyperOS supports connections with multiple devices for easy sharing. Unfortunately, i couldn’t demonstrate this feature due to a lack of compatible devices. However, it suggests Xiaomi’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem and providing seamless connectivity among its products.
Privacy is also taken into account in HyperOS. When cropping images within a messaging app, the operating system automatically blurs avatars and phone numbers for enhanced privacy. This thoughtful addition ensures that sensitive information is safeguarded when sharing images.
One particularly exciting feature in Xiaomi HyperOS is AI image background removal. This tool allows users to isolate subjects in images, change backgrounds, and resize images seamlessly. The results are impressive, with clean edges and professional-looking edits. This feature could become a go-to for users who enjoy enhancing their images, and it might even replace more extensive editing software for many.
Captivating Animations
Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of HyperOS is its animations. These animations add a layer of immersion and visual appeal to the user experience, making the operating system feel more dynamic and engaging.
The weather app in Xiaomi HyperOS now boasts a background image that closely matches the current weather conditions. This subtle addition enhances the user experience by creating a more realistic and visually appealing connection to the weather outside. For example, the clouds in HyperOS are more pronounced, giving the user the feeling of a genuinely cloudy day. It’s a small touch, but it contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Moreover, Xiaomi HyperOS includes separate icons for various weather indices in the dropdown menu, making it more intuitive and direct compared to the older version. This change ensures that users can quickly access the information they need without unnecessary steps.
One of the coolest animations introduced in HyperOS is the rain effect. When you move the menu bar, you can see raindrops falling on the frame and bouncing back, just like real raindrops hitting the ground. This visually stunning effect is not available in MIUI 14 and adds a layer of vibrancy and realism to the user experience.
In the case of the Recorder app, when you start recording, it will prompt you that the phone is entering silent mode. Furthermore, when you exit the app, it will present a really cool animation as it flies to the top left corner, a feature not offered by the old system. These animations add a layer of delight to everyday tasks and elevate the user experience.
Additionally, noticed other animations in Xiaomi HyperOS, such as when you’re moving a large folder, you can see the apps moving around, creating a sense of dynamism and liveliness. Compared to MIUI, it feels like everything is more dynamic in HyperOS, and these subtle animations contribute to the operating system’s charm.
Xiaomi HyperOS also introduces new charging animations. When you’re charging your device, a window pops up at the top displaying the charging method and percentage. While this change is a noteworthy addition, some users might prefer the old animations from MIUI 14, as they exude a more tech-savvy vibe.
There are also some really subtle changes, like when you scroll down, the status icons move with your gestures. It’s a small touch, but it adds an extra layer of interactivity to the user experience. Xiaomi seems to put a significant amount of effort into these small animations, which, while hardly noticeable to the average user, create an overall impression of thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
Performance
Lastly, Xiaomi claims that the new system is more powerful and smoother, allowing for the opening of more apps without experiencing any stutter. However, tests, found that MIUI 14 felt smoother and performed better. It’s important to note that the devices used for the review were demo units and are still in the early stages, which means that the official release might offer a different experience. The performance aspect will require more thorough testing with stable releases to provide a definitive judgment.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the Xiaomi HyperOS introduces a range of subtle changes and improvements that may not be immediately apparent but contribute to a more refined and enjoyable user experience. The desaturated icons, Advanced Textures, and engaging animations make HyperOS a compelling option for those seeking a fresh and visually appealing interface. While the AI and Privacy features are promising, they might need further expansion to reach their full potential.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, users can look forward to ever more sophisticated operating systems that promise to enhance their digital experiences in innovative and entertaining ways. Xiaomi HyperOS is a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and thinking creatively to meet the ever-evolving demands of users. While it may not be a dramatic departure from MIUI 14, HyperOS demonstrates that even subtle changes can make a significant impact on the overall user experience. With an official release on the horizon, Xiaomi enthusiasts and smartphone users alike should eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore the full potential of HyperOS.
