Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is a value-packed mid-ranger that shines with its larger battery, different screen, and expandable storage options. While it may lack some features found in the 5G model, such as IP68 water protection and HDR video support, this phone offers a smooth everyday experience and solid battery life. With a headphone jack and stereo speakers, it's an attractive option for those seeking a reliable mid-range device.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ boasts a premium build quality that's hard to ignore. The phone's curvy design is both elegant and visually appealing, with the plastic backing featuring a matte silky finish. The back and front curve into a thin plastic frame, giving the device a solid and sturdy feel. In terms of materials, you can opt for either vegan leather or plastic backing, although the reviewer opted for the latter. The choice between the two depends on your personal preference, but both options offer a high-quality finish that's sure to please. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is its ability to withstand everyday wear and tear. Despite not being IP68 rated like some other Xiaomi devices, it still manages to protect against splashes of water with an IP64 rating. The phone's dimensions are also worth noting, with a compact 6.67-inch OLED display that makes it easy to hold and use. The display itself is crisp and clear, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your favorite apps. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ delivers on its promise of premium build quality and design. Whether you're a fan of leather or plastic backing, this phone has got you covered. Its sturdy construction and compact size make it perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed device.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 4G's battery life is solid but not spectacular. With a large 5500mAh battery, this phone can easily get you through the day without needing a top-up. In our tests, the phone earned an endurance rating of 12 hours and 7 minutes, which is respectable considering its mid-range status. The phone supports fast charging at up to 45W, which is a welcome feature for those who need a quick power boost on-the-go. However, while it's nice to have this option, it doesn't quite live up to the speed of some other devices in this class. We managed to charge from 0-42% in just half an hour, and a full charge took around an hour and 21 minutes. While not exceptional, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 4G's battery life is more than adequate for most users. It should be able to handle heavy usage with minimal fuss, although it's worth noting that gaming may still be a challenge due to the phone's mid-range processor. Overall, the battery life of this phone is one of its strengths, and something that will likely appeal to those who value convenience over outright performance.
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is impressive for a mid-range phone. However, the resolution is slightly lower than expected at 1080p, resulting in a pixel density of 395 PPI. While this still provides good sharpness, it's less crisp compared to some other displays in its class. One notable difference between this display and that of the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is the lack of support for HDR video content or 12-bit color. However, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection remains intact, offering a good level of scratch resistance. A notable plus point is the manual slider's ability to boost brightness up to 1500 nits in auto mode, significantly outperforming the 5G model's under 1150 nits. Additionally, the display maintains its smooth refresh rate for seamless swiping and scrolling, with an option to dial down to 60Hz when not in use to conserve battery life. Stereo speakers are also featured on this phone, producing decent loudness and pleasant vocals and highs, though lacking minor base presence. Overall, while the display is a solid offering, it's not without its compromises, particularly regarding resolution and HDR capabilities.
Camera
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is a mixed bag. The primary sensor captures decent photos with good detail, nice colors, contrast, and dynamic range. However, subject detection and separation can be inconsistent at times, and skin rendition could be better. Digitally zoomed shots from the main camera look good but lack sharpness compared to regular photos. Automatic night mode processing produces excellent nighttime photos with plenty of detail, no noise, pleasant colors, and wide dynamic range. The ultra-wide camera is a different story. Detail is average, contrast is mediocre, and the frame has noticeable noise. Nighttime shots from the ultra-wide camera are soft and lack contrast. At least, color saturation is fine, and dynamic range is good. Close-up shots from the dedicated 2-megapixel macro camera are usable but suffer from excessive noise and softness. Selfie camera performance is also a mixed bag. Selfies come out in full 32 megapixels, with okay detail but slightly soft facial features from up close. Video capture is limited to 1080p resolution due to the Helio G100 chipset. When shooting from a stationary position, videos are decent. However, when capturing video while walking or panning, there's noticeable wobbling and distortion. Overall, the camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is average for its price range. While it can take good photos in certain situations, it falls short in others. The ultra-wide camera and macro sensor are particularly disappointing. If you're heavily invested in photography, you might want to consider a different device with better camera capabilities. However, if your primary concern is everyday smartphone usage, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ still has enough cameras to take decent photos for social media, messaging apps, or general use.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is an excellent mid-ranger that offers a lot of value for its price. While it may not be the most powerful device in its class, it more than makes up for it with its impressive battery life, feature-packed display, and generous storage options. Priced around $200, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone. Considering the quality of its display, camera, and performance, this phone offers exceptional value for its price. Compared to the 5G model, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G has a few compromises, such as its lower IP rating and less powerful chipset. However, these differences are not significant enough to deter buyers who are looking for a solid mid-ranger at an affordable price. In fact, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G offers some advantages over its 5G counterpart, including a larger battery, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. The phone's display is still impressive, with a high refresh rate and decent brightness, making it perfect for casual users who don't need top-of-the-line performance. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank. Its price-value ratio is one of the best in its class, making it a great option for those on a budget. If you're looking for a solid mid-ranger at an affordable price, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G should definitely be on your shortlist.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is an okay mid-ranger that covers the basics well. However, its performance falls short of expectations. The phone is equipped with a Mediatek Helio G100 Ultra chipset, which is less powerful than the Dimensity 7 300 Ultra found in the 5G model. In benchmarks, the Note 14 Pro+ lags behind other mid-range devices in its price range. While it's capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, gaming is a bit of a struggle. The thermal management is decent, with minimal throttling observed during our testing period. One of the major concerns with the G100 Ultra chipset is its limited performance capabilities. It's not surprising to see the phone underperform in demanding scenarios like gaming or video editing. However, for general use cases such as social media browsing and streaming, the Note 14 Pro+ should be sufficient. It's worth noting that Xiaomi's software optimization can make up for some of these limitations. The company has been known to provide timely updates and patches to ensure its devices stay relevant in the market. Nonetheless, the performance disparity between the G100 Ultra and Dimensity 7 300 Ultra chipsets is noticeable. If you're in the market for a mid-range device with exceptional performance capabilities, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ might not be your best bet. However, if budget is a concern, it's still worth considering this phone for its affordability and other features like expandable storage and a headphone jack. Just don't expect top-notch performance from this device.
Pros
1. Value-packed mid-ranger
2. Large 5500mAh battery with solid battery life
3. Support for 45W charging and bundled charger
4. Stereo speakers with good Mark for loudness
5. Under-display Optical fingerprint reader
6. IR blaster for controlling other devices
7. Expandable storage up to 1TB
8. Headphone jack, a feature that's not easy to find nowadays
Cons
1. Lower IP64 rating against water splashes compared to IP68 on the 5G model
2. Less sharp display with lower 1080p resolution and pixel density of 395 PPI
3. No support for HDR video content or 12bit color
4. Thermal management can be a bit of an issue during intense gaming
5. Gaming performance is not as smooth as the 5G model
6. Limited to 1080p video capture and some wobbling in the video while recording from a moving position
7. Macro camera has limited detail and noise in close-up shots
8. Selfies have soft facial features when taken up close