The mid-range smartphone market has become increasingly competitive, with manufacturers vying to offer premium features at affordable prices. Xiaomi’s subsidiary, Redmi, has entered the fray with its latest offering, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G. This device aims to strike a balance between delivering high-end specifications and maintaining an accessible price point.
The design of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is a blend of elegance and practicality. The curved glass back panel and thin mid-frame edge give the phone a premium look and feel. The matte finish on the back provides a comfortable grip, while the centrally positioned camera bump ensures stability when placed on a flat surface.
However, the “squircle” camera design, which features four circle cutouts but only three actual cameras, may be seen as misleading by some users. Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which offers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display is vibrant and bright, with a 120Hz refresh rate that enhances the user experience.
The phone’s audio quality is also commendable, making it a solid choice for content consumption. However, the curved edges of the display may sometimes distort visual content and controls. Battery life is a strong point for the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, thanks to its 5110 mAh battery.
The device can easily last a full day of typical use, and when it’s time to recharge, the 120W HyperCharge technology quickly brings the battery from 0 to 100% in under forty minutes using the included charger.
Xiaomi’s balanced mid-range smartphone
The absence of wireless charging, however, is a notable drawback.
The camera performance of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is a mixed bag. The 200MP main sensor captures excellent shots in good lighting conditions, with impressive sharpness and detail. However, the 8MP ultra-wide camera struggles in low-light scenarios, and the globally-released model lacks the telephoto camera found in the Chinese variant.
Instead, it features a largely ineffective 2MP macro camera. The 20MP front camera also falls short, as it cannot record at the 4K resolution it should technically support. In terms of durability, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G boasts notable improvements, including Gorilla Victus 2 for the screen, Gorilla Glass 7i for the back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
These enhancements suggest that the phone should withstand years of use. However, Xiaomi’s software support remains a weak point, with only three years of Android updates promised, which lags behind industry standards. Priced at around $450, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G offers a mix of commendable features and some notable drawbacks.
It provides the latest mid-range Snapdragon processor, fast-charging capabilities, and a stylish design. While it excels in display quality and battery life, the cameras and software support leave room for improvement. Overall, this device will appeal to those seeking a balance between cost and performance but may not sway those looking for cutting-edge technology.
