Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is a value-packed mid-ranger that offers a lot more than its 5G counterpart. With a larger battery, different screen and chipset, and expandable storage, this phone seems to cover all the basics quite well. However, it also has some notable differences and compromises compared to the 5G model, such as a lower IP rating and less sharp display. Is this the one to get for those on a budget? Our review will delve into its strengths and weaknesses.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a curvy and elegant design that is sure to turn heads. The phone's body is made from high-quality plastic with a matte silky finish, giving it a premium feel in the hand. The back of the device curves into a thin plastic frame, creating a seamless and smooth experience. One notable feature of this phone is its build quality. Despite being an affordable mid-ranger, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G feels sturdy and solidly constructed, with no creaks or flexes to speak of. The phone's weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. While the design may not be particularly original or innovative, it does have a certain charm to it. The use of vegan leather or plastic backing options adds a touch of personalization to the device, allowing users to choose their preferred aesthetic. In terms of display, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G features a 6.67-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. While this is certainly impressive for a mid-range phone, it's worth noting that the display has a lower 1080p resolution compared to some other devices on the market. However, the trade-off in terms of sharpness and pixel density is still relatively minor, making the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's screen a pleasure to use. The addition of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection adds an extra layer of durability to the device, giving users peace of mind when using their phone. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's build quality and design are definite strengths of this mid-range phone. While it may not be perfect in every aspect, the device's sturdy construction, premium feel, and stylish aesthetic make it a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable smartphone that looks and feels great.
Battery Life
In our review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G, we found its battery life to be solid but not spectacular. With a large 5500mAh battery, this mid-ranger is designed to last all day and then some. In our tests, it managed an endurance rating of 12 hours and 7 minutes, which is decent but not exceptional. While the phone's ability to go all day without needing a charge is commendable, its charging times are somewhat disappointing. With support for 45W fast charging, we expected quicker top-ups, but it took around an hour and 21 minutes to fully charge from empty. That being said, there were some bright spots in our battery life experience with the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G. The phone's power management was good, with minimal throttling when running demanding apps or games. This suggests that Xiaomi has done a good job optimizing the device's performance to make the most of its battery. Ultimately, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's battery life is a mixed bag. While it won't blow you away with its endurance, it should still get you through a full day without needing a top-up. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-ranger with good battery life, this phone might be worth considering – but don't expect exceptional performance in this area.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth viewing experience for daily use. However, it's worth noting that the display resolution is lower than its 5G counterpart, with a pixel density of 395 PPI and a maximum resolution of 1080p. While the sharpness is still satisfactory, you may notice a slight compromise in image quality compared to higher-end displays. The absence of HDR video support and 12-bit color also contributes to this perception. On the other hand, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection ensures durability against everyday wear and tear. A notable advantage of the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's display is its improved maximum brightness, reaching up to 1500 nits in auto mode compared to less than 1150 nits on the 5G model. This enhancement makes it easier to use the phone outdoors or in brightly lit environments. In terms of refresh rate behavior, the display maintains a smooth 120Hz for swiping and scrolling, which can dial down to 60Hz when inactive to conserve battery life. The addition of stereo speakers adds depth to multimedia experiences, although bass presence is relatively minor. Overall, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's display strikes a balance between affordability and feature set. While it may not match the highest-end displays on the market, it still provides an enjoyable viewing experience for everyday use.
Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a triple-camera setup on the back, comprising a 12.5-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. While the cameras perform adequately in most scenarios, there are some noticeable shortcomings. In good lighting conditions, the main camera produces decent images with a good amount of detail and natural colors. However, contrast and dynamic range could be better, leading to occasional overexposure or underexposure. Portraits are generally good, but subject detection and separation can falter occasionally. Skin rendition is also not the best, often appearing unnatural. The ultra-wide-angle camera performs averagely, with average detail, mediocre contrast, and a lot of noise in bright conditions. At night, the ultra-wide-angle camera's photos are soft and lack contrast. Close-up shots from the dedicated macro camera are usable but suffer from plenty of noise and softness. On the front, there's a 32-megapixel selfie camera that captures images with okay detail, although facial features can appear slightly soft from up close. One notable limitation is the phone's inability to capture 4K video due to its Mediatek Helio G100 chipset. Even when recording in full HD, there's some noticeable wobbling in the video when capturing moving subjects. Overall, while the cameras on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G are serviceable for everyday use, they don't quite live up to expectations. If camera performance is a top priority, you may want to consider other options. However, if you're looking for a well-rounded mid-range phone with a good balance of features and price, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G might still be worth considering.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is a mid-range powerhouse that checks all the right boxes, but at what price? This phone offers impressive specs for its segment, including a large 5500mAh battery, a fast 120Hz OLED display, and expandable storage. However, with a launch price that's not particularly competitive, it raises questions about its value proposition. While the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a larger battery than its global 5G counterpart, it's worth noting that the latter has an IP68 rating for water resistance, whereas this phone is only rated at IP64. Additionally, the display resolution on this model is lower (1080p) compared to the 5G version. The Helio G100 Ultra chipset, although capable of providing a smooth everyday experience, is not as powerful as some other mid-range options available in the market. This might lead to slightly slower performance and thermal management issues during intense gaming sessions. In terms of camera capabilities, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G has three cameras on the back – a 12.5 megapixel primary sensor, an 8 megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2 megapixel macro camera. While they produce decent results overall, there's room for improvement in terms of detail and dynamic range. Considering these factors, it becomes clear that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is not necessarily the best value proposition in its segment. With other mid-range phones offering similar specs at lower price points or even higher-end features, this phone may struggle to stand out from the crowd. While it's still a solid option for those looking for a reliable mid-ranger, potential buyers should carefully weigh their needs and expectations before making a purchase decision.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra chipset, which is a budget chip less powerful than the Dimensity 7 300 Ultra used in the 5G model. In benchmarks, the note 14 pro 4G takes a backseat to its 5G counterpart, landing on the lower end of the spectrum for this price range. Gaming performance is also impacted, with the phone struggling to deliver smooth experiences. However, everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and social media usage remain unaffected, making it suitable for basic users. One notable aspect of the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's thermal management is its ability to handle heat without throttling, a common issue in budget smartphones with low-power chipsets. This allows the phone to maintain performance over extended periods, although it may not be ideal for resource-intensive activities like gaming or video editing. Battery life is another area where the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G fares reasonably well, boasting a large 5500mAh battery that lasts around 12 hours and 7 minutes in our tests. However, charging speeds are average, taking about an hour and 21 minutes to reach full capacity with the bundled 45W charger. In terms of camera performance, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G's main sensor captures decent photos with good detail and color accuracy. The ultra-wide camera, on the other hand, produces lower-quality images with average detail and noticeable noise. Overall, while not impressive, the phone's cameras can still capture satisfactory shots in various lighting conditions. In conclusion, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is an average performer in terms of performance, with its budget chipset impacting gaming capabilities and camera quality. However, it still manages to deliver smooth everyday experiences and decent battery life, making it a suitable option for basic users on a budget.
Pros
1. A value-packed Xiaomi mid-ranger that covers all the basics quite well
2. Expandable storage up to 1TB, which is not easy to find nowadays
3. A headphone jack, which many phones no longer have
4. A large 5500mAh battery with a good endurance rating of 12 hours and 7 minutes
5. Support for 45W charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 42% in half an hour
6. Decent overall performance from the Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra chipset
7. A reliable under-display optical fingerprint reader
Cons
1. A lower IP64 rating against splashes of water compared to the 5G model's IP68 rating
2. A less sharp display with a lower 1080p resolution and no support for HDR video content or 12bit color
3. No thermal management issues, but gaming performance is a bit of a struggle
4. Limited to 1080p video capture due to the Helio G100 chipset
5. The ultra-wide camera has average detail and poor contrast at night
6. Close-up shots from the macro camera have plenty of noise and softness
7. The selfie camera produces photos with okay detail but facial features look a bit soft