In a world where Android skins often blur into one another, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 stands out – not just for its visual flair, but for the subtle, strategic features tucked beneath the surface. While it may not be the lightest skin on the market, MIUI 14 rewards the curious user with deep customisation, smart utilities, and a few tricks that even seasoned Android fans might miss.
Whether you’re a content creator, a multitasking pro, or just someone who wants more control over their device, MIUI 14 has a few aces up its sleeve.
Hidden Features That Deserve the Spotlight
Here are some lesser-known MIUI 14 features that can genuinely elevate your mobile experience:
1. Second Space
Think of it as a dual persona mode. Second Space lets you create a completely separate user profile – with its own apps, photos, and settings. Perfect for creators who want to separate work from play, or parents sharing a device with kids.
2. Hidden Apps Vault
MIUI 14 allows you to hide apps from your main drawer without third-party tools. Combine this with fingerprint-only access, and you’ve got a stealthy privacy layer that’s rare in other Android skins.
3. Super Icons & Smart Folders
Beyond aesthetics, these features improve navigation. Super Icons are resizable and more interactive, while Smart Folders expand to show app previews – cutting down on taps and swipes.
4. Floating Windows & Sidebar Enhancements
Multitasking gets a boost with floating windows that can be resized and minimized like desktop apps. The Smart Sidebar also lets you pin tools or apps for quick access – ideal for editing, messaging, or managing social posts on the fly.
5. Photo Text Recognition (OCR)
MIUI 14’s native gallery app can extract text from images – no need for Google Lens. It’s a game-changer for journalists, students, and anyone who screenshots more than they’d like to admit.
6. Battery & RAM Optimization Shortcuts
Hidden under “Special Features” and “Developer Options,” MIUI 14 lets you fine-tune background app behavior, animation speeds, and memory usage. It’s not just about saving juice—it’s about reclaiming performance.
MIUI 14 vs Other Android Skins: Where It Wins
| Feature Area | MIUI 14 | One UI / ColorOS / Pixel UI |
|---|---|---|
| Customisation | Deepest in class—icons, animations, themes, gestures | More curated, less granular |
| Privacy Tools | Hidden apps, Second Space, App Lock | Strong on Samsung (Knox), decent on others |
| Multitasking | Floating windows, Sidebar, Dual Apps | Samsung DeX is great, others are more limited |
| Visual Identity | Bold, iOS-inspired, highly skinnable | More minimalist or stock Android-like |
| Bloatware | Still present in global ROMs | Cleaner on Pixel and OPPO |
Why it matters in South Africa
In a market where value-for-money is king, MIUI 14 gives users flagship-level features on mid-range hardware. For creators, students, and entrepreneurs juggling multiple roles, the ability to customize, compartmentalise, and optimise is more than a gimmick – it’s a productivity edge.
Plus, with Xiaomi’s growing ecosystem of smart TVs, wearables, and home devices, MIUI 14 is quietly building a cross-device experience that rivals Samsung’s SmartThings – without the premium price tag.
Final word
MIUI 14 isn’t perfect – it’s heavy, occasionally cluttered, and slower to update than Pixel or Samsung. But for those willing to explore its depths, it offers a level of control and creativity that few Android skins can match.
So if you’re rocking a Xiaomi device and haven’t dived into Second Space, floating windows, or OCR in the gallery – you’re only scratching the surface.
