HyperOS vs MIUI: Unveiling Xiaomi’s Next-Gen Operating System and Its Game-Changing Features

a2zdrive
6 min readDec 4, 2023
First look of Xiaomi’s HyperOS Operating System

Xiaomi has been a trailblazer in the smartphone industry for over a decade, and its journey has been marked by the evolution of its proprietary operating system. The recent shift from MIUI to HyperOS represents a paradigm shift for Xiaomi users, and I had the chance to delve into the experience with the newly launched Xiaomi 14 Pro, running on the Android 14-based HyperOS.

In this detailed exploration, I’ve handpicked some standout features that make HyperOS a compelling upgrade for MIUI enthusiasts.

1. Uninstall Bloatware: A Breath of Fresh Air

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, Xiaomi’s decision to allow users to uninstall bloatware on HyperOS is a commendable move. It’s 2023, and the era of having pre-installed apps, especially on flagship devices, is slowly fading.

With HyperOS, Xiaomi empowers users by providing the ability to easily remove unwanted native apps like Mi Video, the Security app, Gallery, and Games.

This not only declutters the device but also grants users more control over their app ecosystem without the need for complicated ADB commands.

2. Lock Screen Customization: A Personalized Touch

The lock screen is often the first interaction users have with their smartphones, and Xiaomi has taken this experience to the next level with HyperOS.

Xiaomi’s HyperOS Lock Screen Customization
Xiaomi's HyperOS Lock Screen Customization

Lock screen customization options abound, allowing users to set their own pictures with a Depth effect for a stylish and unique look. The variety of lock screen designs, including Classic, Rhombus, and Magazine styles, gives users the flexibility to express their personal taste. The ability to tweak lock screen text font and clock style adds another layer of personalization, making it a standout feature of HyperOS.

3. Cleaner Control Center: Streamlined Accessibility

The Control Center is the nerve center of smartphone settings, and HyperOS revamps this experience. By removing icon names, Xiaomi achieves a cleaner design, reminiscent of iOS.

Xiaomi’s HyperOS Control Center
Xiaomi's HyperOS Control Center

The quick settings are seamlessly integrated into the main Control Center page, eliminating the need for sideways swipes. While it may take a moment to adapt to the new layout, the streamlined Control Center enhances the overall user experience, making it one of the noteworthy features of HyperOS.

4. Enhanced Gallery App: Redefining Visual Experience

The Gallery app in HyperOS undergoes a significant overhaul, introducing a redesigned interface with three panels — Photos, Albums, and Recommendations.

The Recommendations panel serves as a hub for features previously accessible through the three-dot vertical menu in MIUI’s Gallery app.

Xiaomi’s HyperOS Gallery App New Features
Xiaomi's HyperOS Gallery App New Features

A standout addition is the ID feature, streamlining the creation of cutouts and photos. The enhanced Cutouts feature allows users to easily share cutouts with a single tap, opening up creative possibilities.

5. Improved Privacy & Security: Fortifying Digital Fortresses

Privacy and security are paramount in today’s digital age, and HyperOS addresses these concerns with a dedicated Privacy & Security page in the Settings app.

Xiaomi's HyperOS New and Improved Privacy and Security Settings

A notable feature is a clear listing of app permissions, providing users with a comprehensive overview. The Shutdown Confirmation feature adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized shutdowns without a PIN or pattern. HyperOS aims to empower users with robust security features, making it a significant upgrade from MIUI.

6. Lightweight & Hyper Fast: Optimized for Performance

HyperOS doesn’t just bring new features; it also focuses on performance optimization. The OS impressively occupies a mere 8.76GB of internal storage on the Xiaomi 14 Pro, showcasing its lightweight nature. Xiaomi’s commitment to a streamlined OS is evident as HyperOS outshines its predecessor, MIUI 14, and even competitors like OneUI and OxygenOS in terms of install size.

The responsive interface, fluid animations, and efficient RAM management contribute to an overall satisfying user experience.

7. Dynamic Island-like Feature: Aesthetic Appeal

In the pursuit of aesthetic appeal, HyperOS introduces a dynamic feature reminiscent of Apple’s Dynamic Island.

While unnamed, this feature activates during actions like turning on the hotspot, charging, enabling Battery Saver, or activating Silent mode.

Although it may not have significant utility, it adds a cool visual element to the user experience, contributing to the overall modern and stylish feel of HyperOS.

As I immersed myself in the HyperOS experience, Xiaomi’s strategic objectives became clearer. The emphasis on minimalism and fluidity is evident, offering users a more responsive and “smart” interface. Beyond the smartphone realm, Xiaomi envisions extending HyperOS to its ecosystem products, including electric cars — a testament to the brand’s forward-thinking approach.

While HyperOS brings forth innovative features and optimizations, some may argue that Xiaomi should strive for more originality in its operating system, moving beyond features inspired by iOS.

As HyperOS makes its debut with the Xiaomi 14 series, there’s anticipation about which features will eventually make their way to the Global ROM. Xiaomi users, both new and experienced, are poised to witness a transformative shift in their smartphone experience with the advent of HyperOS.

In conclusion, Xiaomi’s move from MIUI to HyperOS is more than just a change in nomenclature — it signifies a commitment to enhancing the user experience and staying at the forefront of technological innovation. As we look to the future, the impact of HyperOS on the broader Xiaomi ecosystem and the global smartphone market is a narrative worth following. Feel free to share your thoughts on Xiaomi’s latest endeavor in the comments section below.

Is HyperOS better than MIUI?

When it comes to functionality, fluidity, and seamlessness, HyperOS unquestionably outshines MIUI in each of these aspects. The user experience on HyperOS is characterized by a significant improvement in terms of performance and responsiveness.

Notably, HyperOS stands out as the most lightweight skin available, requiring a mere 8.7GB of storage space. This efficiency contributes to a smoother and more streamlined operation, addressing one of the common concerns users often have with MIUI.

Which phones will get HyperOS?

The initial rollout of HyperOS is marked by its integration into the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro models. These flagship devices showcase the capabilities and enhancements brought by HyperOS.

Xiaomi has also thoughtfully expanded the compatibility of HyperOS to include several POCO phones, extending the benefits of this new operating system to a broader range of users.

Is HyperOS based on Android?

Yes, while HyperOS is rooted in the Android framework, it goes beyond the typical Android skin. It incorporates Linux and integrates Xiaomi’s proprietary Vela system at its core. This amalgamation of technologies forms the foundation of HyperOS, providing a unique and tailored experience.

For users of the recently launched Xiaomi 14 phones, they can expect the devices to come pre-loaded with the Android 14-based HyperOS right out of the box.

Does HyperOS introduce new features?

Absolutely. HyperOS brings a plethora of novel features to the table, elevating the user experience to new heights.

Some standout additions include comprehensive lock screen customization, allowing users to personalize their devices with ease. The ability to uninstall bloatware directly from the system is a user-friendly feature that many have long awaited.

Moreover, HyperOS retains and enhances features previously available on the Chinese MIUI ROM but not yet present in the Global ROM. This encompasses redesigned apps for improved usability, individual icon resizing, the introduction of AI Calling, and much more.

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