Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro & Plus: Unveiling the Next Budget Powerhouses
Xiaomi has once again captured the budget smartphone market’s attention with the release of the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Plus. Known for delivering premium features at affordable prices, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has been a favorite among users who want cutting-edge technology without the steep price tag.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro and Plus aim to set new benchmarks in the mid-range segment, offering impressive hardware, stunning displays, and photography features that are hard to beat at this price point. Both models stand out for their sleek designs, high-performance specs, and exceptional battery life, making them solid contenders for users looking to get more bang for their buck.
In this in-depth review, we will cover the features, performance, design, and value of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Plus, helping you determine which model is the best fit for your needs. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on key features, this review will be your go-to guide.
Overview: Redmi Note 14 Pro vs. Redmi Note 14 Plus
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand how these two models differ and what they have in common. While both share a similar core in terms of hardware and software, they are targeted at different audiences. The Redmi Note 14 Pro is built for those who want more power, better cameras, and a superior display. Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 14 Plus provides a more affordable alternative, balancing performance and cost-efficiency, making it ideal for everyday users who want reliable performance without stretching their budget.
Here’s a quick glance at the key differences:
| Feature | Redmi Note 14 Pro | Redmi Note 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.5-inch AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Processor | Dimensity 8100 | Dimensity 8100 |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/8GB, UFS 3.1 | 4GB/6GB, UFS 2.2 |
| Primary Camera | 108MP (OIS) | 64MP |
| Battery Capacity | 5100mAh, 67W charging | 5000mAh, 33W charging |
| Starting Price | ₹22,999 | ₹18,999 |
Design & Build Quality: Premium Looks, Comfortable Feel
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Plus is their premium design. Xiaomi has taken significant steps to ensure that both devices feel like flagship smartphones even though they are priced in the mid-range segment. The devices sport glass back panels with eye-catching gradient finishes, giving them a refined aesthetic. The use of glass not only adds to the visual appeal but also makes them more durable and resistant to scratches.
Both models come with a thin profile, making them comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. Despite the relatively large screen sizes, the slim bezels and the punch-hole camera design ensure that the phones don’t feel too bulky or cumbersome.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: The Pro model steps it up with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, offering enhanced scratch and impact resistance. This ensures durability for users who are prone to dropping their phones or using them in rugged environments.
- Redmi Note 14 Plus: The Plus variant retains much of the same premium design language but opts for a plastic frame to keep the cost lower. While the plastic frame may not feel as premium as metal, Xiaomi has done an excellent job in making the phone feel sturdy and reliable.
Key Design Features to Note:
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Both models feature a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, allowing for fast and secure unlocking. This placement is ergonomic and convenient, as it naturally aligns with your thumb when holding the phone.
- IP53 splash resistance: While neither model is fully waterproof, they come with IP53 certification, which offers basic protection against dust and light splashes of water. This means you don’t have to worry about minor spills or using the phone in light rain.
- Stereo speakers: Both the Pro and models come equipped with stereo speakers, delivering a more immersive audio experience whether you’re watching videos or playing games.
Display: High-quality AMOLED Panels with Smooth Refresh Rates
When it comes to display quality, Xiaomi has pulled no punches with the Redmi Note 14 series. Both the Pro and variants feature AMOLED panels, which provide rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing games, or simply scrolling through social media, the display quality is exceptional for the price.
| Model | Screen Size | Display Type | Refresh Rate | Peak Brightness | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 Pro | 6.7 inches | AMOLED (1200 nits) | 120Hz | 1200 nits | FHD+ (2400×1080) |
| Redmi Note 14 Plus | 6.5 inches | AMOLED (1000 nits) | 90Hz | 1000 nits | FHD+ (2400×1080) |
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: With a 6.7-inch AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pro model offers an incredibly smooth visual experience. Whether you’re navigating through the UI, browsing the web, or playing games, the high refresh rate ensures fluidity and responsiveness. The display also supports HDR10+, making it ideal for media consumption, offering crisp visuals with accurate color reproduction. The peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures that the screen is easily readable even under direct sunlight, making outdoor use hassle-free.
- Redmi Note 14 Plus: The 6.5-inch AMOLED display on the Plus variant is slightly smaller and features a 90Hz refresh rate. While not as high as the 120Hz on the Pro, the 90Hz still provides a smooth experience, especially when compared to traditional 60Hz displays. The peak brightness of 1000 nits ensures excellent visibility, and like the Pro, the display supports FHD+ resolution, making content appear sharp and detailed.
Display Highlights:
- AMOLED panels ensure deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to LCDs.
- 120Hz vs. 90Hz refresh rate: The Pro model offers a smoother experience for gaming and general usage.
- Widevine L1 support: Both phones come with Widevine L1 certification, allowing users to stream content from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime in full HD quality.
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Delivers a Punch
Under the hood, both the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Plus are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset, a mid-range processor designed to handle demanding tasks and gaming without breaking a sweat. This chipset is built on a 5nm process, making it both power-efficient and capable of high performance.
| Model | Processor | RAM Options | Storage Options | Expandable Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 Pro | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | 6GB/8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 | No |
| Redmi Note 14 Plus | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | 4GB/6GB LPDDR4X | 128GB UFS 2.2 | Yes, up to 1TB |
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: Paired with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Pro model excels in multitasking and resource-heavy tasks. The inclusion of UFS 3.1 storage ensures faster read and write speeds, meaning apps open quickly, and files transfer at high speeds. The Dimensity 8100 chipset, combined with 5G support, makes this phone a great option for users who need fast data speeds and future-proofing.
- Redmi Note 14 Plus: While the Redmi Note 14 Plus uses the same Dimensity 8100 processor, it is paired with LPDDR4X RAM (instead of LPDDR5) and UFS 2.2 storage. This means it’s not as fast as the Pro version, but still offers solid performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Real-World Performance
In day-to-day usage, both phones handle apps and multitasking effortlessly. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset ensures smooth performance, even when running multiple apps in the background. Gaming performance is also impressive, with both models capable of running popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty on medium to high settings without significant frame drops.
Cameras: Professional-Grade Photography
Both the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Plus are equipped with high-resolution camera setups, but the Pro model clearly takes the lead when it comes to overall image quality.
| Model | Primary Camera | Secondary Camera | Selfie Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 Pro | 108MP, f/1.8, OIS | 8MP Ultra-wide, 2MP Macro | 16MP |
| Redmi Note 14 Plus | 64MP, f/2.0 | 8MP Ultra-wide, 2MP Macro | 16MP |
Redmi Note 14 Pro: The 108MP primary camera on the Pro model delivers stunning images with exceptional detail and clarity. It’s also equipped with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which ensures sharp photos even in low-light conditions. The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a wider field of view, making it ideal for landscape photography, while the 2MP macro camera lets you get up close for detailed shots of small objects. The 16MP front camera ensures crisp and clear selfies.
Redmi Note 14 Plus: While the 64MP primary sensor is a step down from the 108MP camera found on the Pro, it still delivers excellent image quality in well-lit conditions. However, low-light performance is where the Plus model falls short compared to the Pro, as it lacks OIS. The ultra-wide and macro lenses are the same across both models, ensuring versatile shooting options.
Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging
Battery life has always been a strong suit of the Redmi Note series, and the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Plus are no different. Both phones are equipped with large batteries that easily last through a full day of use, even with heavy usage.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: With a 5100mAh battery and support for 67W fast charging, the Pro model charges from 0 to 100% in just under an hour, ensuring you spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying your device.
- Redmi Note 14 Plus: The Plus model packs a 5000mAh battery, slightly smaller but still substantial for a full day’s worth of power. It supports 33W fast charging, which is decent but slower compared to the Pro.
Both models also come with Battery Health features that optimize charging cycles to prolong battery lifespan, making these phones even more reliable over time.
Software: MIUI 14 Brings a Polished Experience
Both phones run MIUI 14, based on Android 13, which brings several improvements in terms of performance, stability, and features. The latest version of Xiaomi’s custom skin is known for its rich customization options and feature set, but it also addresses user concerns about bloatware and performance lags.
- Clean UI: MIUI 14 feels smoother and more refined, with Xiaomi focusing on eliminating unnecessary animations and streamlining the interface.
- Customization: The level of customization available is impressive, from themes to app icons and widgets, ensuring users can personalize their phones to their liking.
Price and Availability
Both the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Plus are available in multiple configurations, with pricing designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
| Model | RAM/Storage | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 14 Pro | 6GB/128GB | ₹22,999 |
| Redmi Note 14 Plus | 4GB/128GB | ₹18,999 |
Redmi Note 14 Pro: After 7 Days of Usage
After using the Redmi Note 14 Pro for a week, several standout features and challenges became evident. The phone’s vegan leather back panel not only adds a premium feel but also ensures a secure grip, although it tends to attract dirt. The IP68 rating offers peace of mind, as the device can withstand splashes or accidental submersion without issues.
The 120Hz refresh rate display delivers a smooth experience for scrolling and gaming, complemented by vibrant HDR playback for watching content. However, the screen shows noticeable flickering in low light conditions, which might bother sensitive users.
In terms of performance, the Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset ensures smooth multitasking, handling resource-heavy apps without lag. Even with extended use, the device remains relatively cool, maintaining a peak temperature of 40°C during testing.
Battery life is another strong point, with the 5500mAh capacity offering a full day of heavy usage. Despite the included 45W fast charger, charging takes a bit longer than expected.
The camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, excels in capturing detailed and vibrant shots, managing dynamic range effectively. The selfie camera also performs well, though the color tone leans slightly warm in some scenarios.
In conclusion, the Redmi Note 14 Pro strikes a balance between performance, design, and functionality, making it a solid choice for everyday use, especially in its price segment.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
The Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Plus are both outstanding options for those seeking a high-quality smartphone at a budget-friendly price. If you prioritize camera quality, display performance, and faster charging, the Redmi Note 14 Pro is the better choice, offering more premium features. However, if you want to save some money while still enjoying solid performance and a good display, the Redmi Note 14 Plus delivers excellent value without cutting too many corners.
Pros of Redmi Note 14 Pro:
- Flagship-level 108MP camera with OIS.
- 120Hz AMOLED display for smooth visuals.
- Faster 67W charging and larger 5100mAh battery.
Pros of Redmi Note 14 Plus:
- Affordable price with great features.
- Reliable performance with Dimensity 8100 chipset.
- Still offers an excellent AMOLED display at 90Hz.
Ultimately, both phones represent great value in their respective categories, and your decision will depend on how much you’re willing to spend and which features matter the most to you.