Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, promising cutting-edge features and significant improvements. However, questions linger: can it truly surpass last year’s model? Is it a worthy upgrade or just another mid-ranger in disguise?
The Note 14 Pro Plus positions itself as a mid-range device that offers flagship-like performance, design, and features at a fraction of the price. This bold claim targets buyers looking for premium quality without breaking the bank. But does it truly live up to these expectations, or is it just clever marketing?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Note 14 Pro Plus, exploring its strengths and shortcomings. From design and performance to camera and battery life, no stone will be left unturned. I’ll also address some controversial aspects that potential buyers might want to consider.
So, let’s get started and see whether the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus deserves a spot as the go-to mid-range smartphone of the year!
BUY>> Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus
- Read also:
- Poco X7 Pro Review: The Mid-Range Champion of 2025?
- Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Vs. Solar, Which is Right for You?
Design & Build Quality
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus brings a refreshing focus on design and build quality, setting new standards for the mid-range segment. Unlike some trends of reducing accessories, Xiaomi continues to include a charger in the box, a welcome addition for users. The package also features a durable black silicone case, designed to maintain its condition even after years of use.
The phone itself boasts a sleek, curved display, now protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This level of protection, combined with a pre-applied screen protector, is a rarity in mid-range smartphones and elevates its durability. The curved edges not only look premium but also enhance usability by making access to all parts of the screen more comfortable.
The Midnight Black variant is particularly striking, exuding elegance and sophistication. Xiaomi has managed to make the Note 14 Pro Plus feel thinner and lighter in the hand, improving overall ergonomics. The slimmer sides contribute to a more seamless grip, making it easier to handle for extended periods.
A subtle but noticeable design quirk is the camera stack, which some might liken to an “Among Us” character. While playful, the design remains functional and well-integrated into the phone’s overall aesthetic.
Standard features like the USB Type-C port, power button, and volume rocker are positioned ergonomically, ensuring easy access. Xiaomi has also upped the ante with IP68 water and dust resistance, providing protection against accidental spills or exposure to the elements—a feature previously reserved for higher-end models.
In summary, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus strikes a perfect balance between style and practicality. It offers premium aesthetics, excellent durability, and thoughtful design improvements, making it the most visually appealing and robust device in the Redmi lineup so far.
Display
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus takes a commendable step forward with its display, offering a mix of advanced features and thoughtful enhancements. Xiaomi has focused on delivering a user-friendly experience, particularly with the introduction of high-frequency PWM dimming. This technology is designed to be gentle on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions, making extended use more comfortable. For users sensitive to PWM flicker, this improvement is a welcome change, though feedback from real-world users will better gauge its effectiveness.
Another standout feature is the display’s peak brightness, which now reaches flagship-grade levels. This ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight, a critical feature for outdoor use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or streaming your favorite shows, the display remains vibrant and crisp in any environment.
Color accuracy and optimization, however, could use some refinement. While the overall color reproduction is decent, it falls slightly short of perfection, particularly when compared to higher-end models. Still, for a mid-range device, the balance of vibrancy and clarity is more than satisfactory.
Gaming enthusiasts will find the 120Hz refresh rate to be a game-changer, delivering smooth transitions and fluid animations. Combined with the phone’s excellent audio performance, the Note 14 Pro Plus offers an immersive gaming experience that rivals some flagship devices.
Performance & Gaming
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus sets itself apart by being among the first smartphones globally to feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. This slightly upgraded version of the 7s Gen 2 brings marginal architectural improvements while benefiting from TSMC’s efficient manufacturing process, which promises better battery performance.
When it comes to real-world usage, the device feels fast and responsive, easily handling everyday tasks and casual gaming. While comparing it to the Snapdragon 8 series would be an overstatement, the Note 14 Pro Plus performs reliably for its category. It manages to deliver a smooth experience without noticeable lags, making it a dependable choice for most users.
The software optimization plays a key role here. Coupled with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the phone feels snappy and efficient, especially in the first few months of use. The smoothness extends to standby times and responsiveness, metrics that are critical for a seamless user experience. Benchmark scores, including AnTuTu and Geekbench, reinforce its capability, placing it in a respectable position among mid-range smartphones.
Gaming performance is equally impressive for its class. Casual and moderately demanding games run smoothly, with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 handling extended sessions without significant throttling. Temperature management also deserves praise, staying close to the levels of flagship CPUs from 2021 and 2022, even under load.
However, some compromises are evident. The device uses older-generation RAM and UFS storage, which may not match the speeds of more advanced standards. While this doesn’t drastically impact daily performance, it could be a bottleneck for power users handling heavier tasks or extensive multitasking.
Xioami Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus delivers a well-rounded performance for its price. While not a gaming powerhouse or a performance flagship, it balances speed, efficiency, and thermal management, making it a solid choice for mid-range buyers.
- Read also:
- IQOO 13 Review: The Flagship Killer of 2024?
- Redmi K80 Pro Review: Affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagship Redefines Value
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus impresses with its battery life, especially during the initial weeks of use. Thanks to HyperOS, the system optimizations ensure efficient power management, giving users excellent standby times and prolonged usage on a single charge. However, it’s worth noting that over time, the system might pile up cache and logs, which could slightly reduce the battery’s efficiency.
The phone is equipped with a 5,110mAh battery, which pairs perfectly with 120W fast charging. This combination ensures you can quickly top up the battery, taking it from empty to full in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a heavy user or someone who needs quick recharges during busy days, this feature is a lifesaver.
One drawback, however, is the lack of wireless charging, a feature becoming more common even in mid-range phones. While this omission might not bother everyone, it’s something to consider for those who value cable-free convenience.
Overall, the Note 14 Pro Plus strikes a great balance between battery capacity and charging speed. It’s a reliable companion for daily use, offering plenty of power and rapid recharges when needed.
Connectivity
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus excels in connectivity, offering a range of features that enhance its versatility. Signal reception is stable across various conditions, ensuring consistent performance during calls and data usage. Additionally, Wi-Fi speeds are impressive, making it a solid choice for streaming, gaming, or working online.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of NFC, enabling seamless contactless payments, which is a must-have for modern smartphones. Xiaomi also continues its tradition of including an infrared blaster, cleverly hidden among the camera modules. This feature allows the phone to double as a universal remote, adding extra convenience for controlling home appliances.
For global users, the presence of eSIM support is a welcome addition, expanding the device’s compatibility with modern network options. This feature simplifies switching between carriers and adds flexibility for frequent travelers or those using multiple lines.
In conclusion, the Note 14 Pro Plus offers robust connectivity features, catering to a wide range of user needs. Whether it’s stable internet, versatile payment options, or the ability to control home devices, this phone ensures you stay connected and in control.
Tech Specifications
For tech enthusiasts, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus brings a mix of impressive upgrades and a few minor setbacks. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
- Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, an octa-core chipset offering reliable performance for daily tasks and casual gaming.
- Memory & Storage: Available with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos, and media.
- Display: Features a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display, delivering vibrant colors and buttery-smooth visuals, perfect for streaming and gaming.
- Battery & Charging: Equipped with a 5,110mAh battery, a slight increase from previous generations, paired with 120W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Camera Setup: A triple-camera system on the back, suitable for standard photography needs. However, the hardware hasn’t seen significant upgrades from earlier models.
- Front Camera: A capable selfie camera, though it lacks 4K video recording capabilities, which might disappoint content creators.
- Build & Design: Comes with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a refined design that feels premium in hand.
- Software: Runs on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, promising smoother performance and better optimization over previous MIUI versions.
Improvements & Limitations
While the battery capacity and design have seen notable improvements, certain areas like the storage standard and camera hardware remain relatively unchanged or slightly downgraded. The front camera’s inability to shoot 4K video is a noticeable limitation, especially for those who value high-quality video recording.
However, these shortcomings don’t significantly impact the overall user experience. For most users, the Note 14 Pro Plus offers a well-rounded hardware package, blending performance, aesthetics, and utility to maintain its position as a compelling mid-range smartphone. Check out the latest price here:>> Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus
Camera Experience
When choosing your next smartphone, camera performance often ranks high on the priority list. With the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, however, the camera experience feels like a mixed bag. It appears Xiaomi has decided to reuse the same 200-megapixel sensor from the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. While this isn’t unusual in the industry, it does mean that hardware advancements are minimal, leaving much of the improvement reliant on software and processing power.
The inclusion of the newer Snapdragon chipset with advanced AI optimizations brings notable enhancements in photo quality, especially in low-light scenarios. While daytime photos are generally satisfactory even with basic cameras, the Note 14 Pro Plus stands out in how it processes and refines images in challenging lighting conditions. Years of software tuning for this sensor ensure it performs at its peak, particularly in low-light photography.
Portrait photography also sees improvement, with better subject separation and natural bokeh effects compared to last year’s model. This is largely thanks to the enhanced image processing capabilities of the updated Snapdragon chipset. Video recording benefits from smooth stabilization even at 4K resolution, though it’s capped at 30fps, which might be disappointing for those expecting more flexibility.
The ultra-wide camera provides a wide field of view and decent sharpness during the day. However, it struggles in low-light conditions, as expected for most mid-range smartphones. This makes it better suited for daytime landscapes or group shots rather than nighttime photography.
Unfortunately, the third camera—a 2-megapixel macro sensor—is a letdown. These low-resolution sensors continue to feel outdated and provide little value in 2025, doing little to enhance the camera experience.
The selfie camera, while competent for casual use, is another area where the device falls short. The lack of 4K video recording for the front camera is a glaring omission, especially for users who create content or prioritize high-quality video calls.
Overall, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus offers a capable camera system with decent performance in most scenarios, it doesn’t break new ground. The reliance on older hardware and some missed opportunities in the selfie and macro departments leave it feeling like a modest iteration rather than a revolutionary upgrade. For casual photographers, it delivers enough to meet expectations, but those seeking cutting-edge innovation may find it lacking.
Software & Updates
The software experience on the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus introduces both excitement and some reservations. Surprisingly, the device doesn’t launch with Android 15, instead running Android 14 layered with Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS skin. This decision feels like a missed opportunity to showcase cutting-edge software, especially for a model positioned in the upper mid-range segment.
HyperOS, Xiaomi’s evolution from MIUI, continues to polarize opinions. On the positive side, it is stable and highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their experience. There’s now a dedicated section for AI-related features, which highlights Xiaomi’s focus on integrating advanced technology into daily tasks. However, whether these features remain free or eventually move to a subscription-based model is still unclear.
Unfortunately, HyperOS retains some of the less favorable aspects of its predecessor. The system comes preloaded with bloatware, a mix of unnecessary apps that can detract from the user experience. Its bold design and heavy integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem may feel restrictive for those who prefer cleaner, more neutral Android implementations.
A welcome addition is the circle-to-search function, a new feature that adds an intuitive way to navigate the phone. Xiaomi also promises three major Android updates and four years of security patches, signaling a stronger commitment to long-term software support than in previous years.
Despite its flaws, the software stack works well for casual users and Xiaomi enthusiasts. It provides plenty of tools for personalization, and the AI features show promise for future applications. However, the continued presence of bloatware and ecosystem-focused decisions leave room for improvement, particularly for users who value a minimalist or uncluttered software experience.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus offers a solid software package with long-term support, but the experience could be more polished and user-friendly. HyperOS remains a work in progress, appealing primarily to those who embrace Xiaomi’s ecosystem while leaving others wishing for a lighter, more streamlined approach. Get it here: Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus
Drawbacks
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is an impressive smartphone, but it comes with its share of drawbacks:
- No MicroSD Card Slot: The absence of expandable storage will disappoint users who rely on memory cards for additional capacity.
- Charging Technology Limitations: While 120W charging is fast, there’s no option for wireless charging, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point.
- Outdated Storage Tech: The decision to stick with an older UFS generation for storage is a step backward, especially when many competitors are offering faster options.
- 2-Megapixel Camera: The inclusion of a 2-megapixel macro camera feels unnecessary and outdated in 2025, adding little value to the overall photography experience.
- Virtual Proximity Sensor: Xiaomi continues to use a virtual proximity sensor instead of a physical one, which can lead to inconsistent performance in everyday use.
- Regional Variations: The inconsistent camera stacks across regions add confusion for buyers. For instance, the global version has a 200-megapixel main camera, while the Chinese variant includes a 50-megapixel sensor and a telephoto camera. This disparity could frustrate users who feel they’re missing out on features available in other markets.
Despite these shortcomings, the device still offers meaningful upgrades in design, display, and battery performance compared to its predecessors.
Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus strikes a balance between high-end features and mid-range affordability, making it an appealing choice for certain buyers.
For users coming from older Redmi Note devices or lower-end models from Xiaomi or other brands, this smartphone offers an excellent blend of modern design, improved battery life, and a vibrant display. It brings upgrades that enhance the day-to-day experience, particularly with its Snapdragon chipset and polished software.
However, if you already own a Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus or even the 13 Pro Plus, the improvements may feel incremental. The similar camera performance, downgraded storage, and lack of wireless charging might not justify the upgrade.
Overall, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is a strong contender in the mid-range market, offering a flagship-like experience in some areas. For first-time buyers or those upgrading from older models, it’s an excellent option. However, users seeking groundbreaking changes or premium features may find the upgrades underwhelming.
BUY>> Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus