The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is the all-rounder many of us need
Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus Review: I have not reviewed Xiaomi or Redmi smartphones since the initial days. But that has not prevented me from buying these phones, especially for my parents, or recommending them when someone asks for a budget device. That is because in my books the Redmi Note series has always been a go-to device when someone wants more bang for their buck. But does that stand true even in 2024? I took the new Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G for a spin to check this.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is a stylish-looking phone with a distinct camera module, curved edges that make it comfortable to hold, and a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display. The 1.5K AMOLED display is sharp and bright, good enough to be used in all light conditions. And it is great that the audio quality on this phone makes it perfect to consume content even without earphones if you have to. Redmi is also positioning this as a very tough phone with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the display and Gorilla Glass 7i on the rear, so this can be a good choice for those of us with butter fingers.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G flaunts its distinct camera module and elegant design, perfectly complemented by the backdrop of the Mumbai skyline. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Interestingly, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G isn't a phone that touts one feature so much that others are overshadowed. I think Note series phones have always been about ticking all the boxes and pushing the envelope a little bit more than others on experience for all the features at the given price point. And this is exactly what the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G also does, it offers more than most of the competition across the board. For those looking to choose a new phone based on specs and pricing, this phone stands out.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G lock screen showcases its vibrant AMOLED display with a sleek wolf-themed wallpaper, blending style and functionality. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Xiaomi is not pulling any punches when it comes to processing power and has packed the new Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC on the phone. And this brings in fluidity and smoothness when you are doing anything on the phone, from recording 4K videos to playing games. With the HyperOS software, you can easily switch between apps, and you don't feel any stutters. The phone also stays cool with most tasks.
A closer look at the 50MP triple-camera setup of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, highlighting its sleek aesthetics and advanced imaging capabilities. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
As with any smartphone these days, the focus of users tends to be on the camera, though it is not the most used feature in a phone. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G has a 50MP telephoto lens, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 50MP Light Hunter 800 sensor primary camera. The camera is impressive, as I realised during a quick trip to Mumbai. I loved how the main camera was able to capture subtle colour variations in the early morning sky, while at night it did a good job of capturing the shadows, shades, and lights of Marine Drive. In some low-light conditions, there is a slight lack of clarity, especially if your hands are not steady. The telephoto works well till about 10x, after which some pixellation sets in.
Capturing Marine Drive's scenic beauty through the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera, proving its prowess in low-light photography. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
I loved some of the software features of the camera app, especially with the Pro Mode where you can save your presets for use later. Also, there is an AI Watermark feature that lets you create a Canva-like image that is perfect for social media. And these have been customised for Indian users which is again a nice touch.
Since I am using a Redmi phone after years, I was a bit confused with the UI at times. Also, I found that ads do appear at random places on internal screens. Again, something I am not used to. There is also a good dose of bloatware, thankfullymost can be deleted. I guess, the phone caters to users who will need this handholding especially when it comes to apps. Also, this is a perfect phone for younger users who like to try out a lot of UI customisations.
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera sample.
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera sample.
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera sample.
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera sample.
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G's camera sample.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G has a giant 6200 mAh battery which can easily last a couple of days with regular use; thankfully this does not make the phone bulky in any way. I would consider this one of the best reasons to opt for this phone.
With prices starting at Rs 35,999, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is a solid phone that ticks all the boxes but lacks a very specific USP. And maybe that is the USP of this phone… of being the all-rounder that most regular smartphone users want.
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