Redmi Note 14 5G: Unboxing & First Look – An Upgrade or Downgrade?
The Redmi Note series has long been a cornerstone in the mid-range smartphone market, renowned for offering fantastic value for money. With each iteration, the series has traditionally brought something new to the table, consistently pushing boundaries in terms of specs and performance. However, the latest iteration, the Redmi Note 14 5G, seems to have taken a more cautious approach. Is this an upgrade worth investing in, or does it fall short of its predecessors?


First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice when unboxing the Redmi Note 14 5G is its design. Compared to earlier Redmi Note models, this phone opts for a minimalist design that feels somewhat uninspired in a market that is full of stylish and experimental looks.





Key Design Highlights:
- Plastic Back: Unlike its premium sibling, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, which sports a glass back, the base variant uses a plastic back. While this reduces the weight, it doesn’t offer the premium feel many consumers expect today.
- Flat AMOLED Display: A 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate dominates the front of the phone. The display is one of the few standout features at this price point, delivering bright, sharp visuals. Gorilla Glass 5 offers decent durability.
- Lightweight Build: Weighing in at just 190.5g, the phone is noticeably lighter compared to the Pro Plus variant, which was bulkier due to its larger 6200mAh battery.
While the build quality is decent, it doesn’t stand out, especially when compared to competitors like Realme Narzo, Motorola G series, and Poco in the same price range. The plastic back and lack of any design innovation make it feel like Redmi is playing it safe.
Display: A Major Upgrade
The display is where the Redmi Note 14 5G shines the brightest. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.


Specification | Details |
---|---|
Display Size | 6.67 inches |
Resolution | FHD+ (2400 x 1080) |
Display Type | AMOLED |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 |
Brightness | 2100 nits |
The brightness has been significantly improved from 1000 nits on the previous generation to 2100 nits, which makes it ideal for outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. The flat AMOLED display offers excellent viewing angles and punchy colors, making it perfect for media consumption.
What’s Missing?
However, when comparing it with other devices in the ₹10-15K price range, the lack of higher resolution or HDR support might be a letdown for users looking for the ultimate viewing experience.
Performance: A Modest Upgrade
Powering the Redmi Note 14 5G is the Snapdragon 7025 Ultra chipset, an incremental upgrade over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 6080. While this isn’t a massive leap forward, it still offers sufficient power for daily tasks and moderate multitasking.

Processor and Performance Specs:
- Chipset: Snapdragon 7025 Ultra
- RAM Options: 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB (LPDDR4X)
- Storage: 128GB and 256GB (UFS 2.2)
- AnTuTu Score: 4.5L
For gaming enthusiasts, this phone can handle games at 40 FPS on smooth settings, but it’s not designed for intensive gaming sessions. Titles like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile will run, but not at the highest settings.
Competitive Edge?
While this phone is fine for everyday performance, it’s not the top performer in its price segment. iQOO, Motorola, and Realme offer more robust gaming experiences at similar price points.
Battery Life: Reliable but Unremarkable
The Redmi Note 14 5G comes equipped with a 5110mAh battery and a 45W fast charger, which is a welcome upgrade over the previous 33W charger. This ensures quicker charging times, making it a convenient device for users on the go.

- Battery Capacity: 5110mAh
- Charging Speed: 45W Fast Charging
- Type-C Cable: Yes (Type A to C)
While the battery life is more than enough to get you through a full day of moderate usage, the real-world performance falls in line with other devices in this price range. Given the rise in battery capacities and charging speeds in the budget segment, Redmi could have gone further to differentiate itself.
Camera System: A Missed Opportunity
The camera department is where the Redmi Note 14 5G falters the most. It features a 50MP Sony LYT600 primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The absence of an ultrawide camera is a glaring omission, especially when competing models offer versatile setups.



Camera Specs:
- Primary Camera: 50MP Sony LYT600 with OIS
- Secondary Camera: 2MP Depth Sensor
- Selfie Camera: 16MP
- Video Recording: FHD 30 FPS
For a phone priced around ₹12-13K, the lack of ultrawide and macro cameras limits its appeal. The 50MP main sensor performs decently in good lighting conditions, but the 2MP depth sensor feels like an afterthought.
In comparison, rivals like Realme Narzo and Motorola G-series include ultrawide cameras even in their budget models, offering more versatility.
Image Quality:
- Daylight Photography: Decent, with natural color reproduction.
- Low-light Performance: Average, even with OIS.
- Selfies: The 16MP front camera captures good selfies, but doesn’t offer much beyond the basics.
Connectivity & OS: Future-Proof
On the connectivity front, the Redmi Note 14 5G offers Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, and an IR blaster. However, the 5G bands supported will only be confirmed closer to the Indian launch. It also includes the necessary sensors such as in-display fingerprint and face unlock, both of which work smoothly.

HyperOS and Android 14:
The phone runs on HyperOS based on Android 14, which is expected to get Android 15 updates soon after its official launch. Xiaomi has invested heavily in their new HyperOS, which brings a cleaner, faster user experience. However, it remains to be seen how well-optimized this OS will be for the Indian market.
Durability and Build Quality
In terms of durability, the phone features Gorilla Glass 5 and IP64 certification, making it resistant to minor splashes and dust. In a drop test, the phone survived without any noticeable damage, but the plastic back does mean it might not hold up as well as phones with glass backs.
- Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
- IP64 Certification
- Drop Test: Survived without damage
The build quality is solid, but the overall look and feel don’t scream premium.
Should You Buy the Redmi Note 14 5G?
At a price range of ₹12-13K, the Redmi Note 14 5G brings incremental upgrades like a brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly better processor. However, in a fiercely competitive market, these changes feel more like placeholders rather than leaps forward.
Pros:
- Bright 2100 nits AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- Fast 45W charging
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Lack of an ultrawide camera in this price range
- Limited gaming performance
- No 4K video recording
Final Verdict: Upgrade or Downgrade?
The Redmi Note 14 5G falls into a gray area where it’s neither a significant upgrade nor a clear downgrade. If you’re coming from a much older Redmi Note model, the AMOLED display, brighter screen, and faster charging will feel like valuable improvements. However, if you’re already using a recent mid-range smartphone, the Redmi Note 14 won’t offer anything groundbreaking.
In conclusion, while the Redmi Note 14 5G is a decent phone for its price, it fails to stand out in a crowded market. Other options, such as the Realme Narzo or Motorola G-series, offer more bang for your buck, especially if you’re looking for better cameras or gaming performance.
For those who prioritize battery life, display quality, and fast charging, the Redmi Note 14 5G is a solid choice. But for those looking for versatility in the camera or performance upgrades, this phone may feel like a downgrade in comparison to the competition.
Yes, the Redmi Note 14 5G is worth considering if you prioritize an AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 45W fast charging at an affordable price of ₹12-13K. However, if you’re seeking better camera versatility or gaming performance, there are other options available at this price point.
The Redmi Note 14 5G comes with a 5110mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging. It offers a full day of battery life with moderate usage, making it a reliable option for everyday use.
No, the Redmi Note 14 5G does not support 4K video recording. It offers FHD video recording at 30 FPS with its 50MP main camera, which is standard in this price segment.