Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G Review: Incremental Improvements but Lacks Excitement
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 5G has made some minor yet thoughtful enhancements, like the addition of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to the camera and a larger battery. This budget-friendly device boasts a good OLED display and improved battery life. However, its limited availability and the continuation of Xiaomi’s cluttered software may not make it a standout choice in the competitive market.
#### Design & Build
The Redmi Note 14 5G is slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessor, sporting a solid plastic build and an improved IP64 rating. Despite the weight gain, the phone’s larger battery justifies the increase. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor and the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack enhance its user experience.
#### Screen & Speakers
Featuring a familiar 6.67-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Redmi Note 14 5G offers decent visual quality. The device’s stereo speakers, along with Dolby Atmos support, deliver clear audio output. The display’s peak brightness and HDR10+ support provide an enjoyable viewing experience, although improvements are marginal compared to its predecessor.
#### Specs & Performance
Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, the Redmi Note 14 5G offers fine performance but falls short when compared to some of its competitors. The device’s storage options range from 128GB to 512GB, with expandable storage available via a microSDXC slot. While the performance improvements are noticeable, they are not significant enough to set it apart from other devices in its class.
#### Camera
The Redmi Note 14 5G’s camera setup, featuring a 108MP main sensor with OIS and an upgraded 20MP selfie camera, delivers improved low-light performance. The inclusion of OIS addresses previous issues with night mode photography. The device maintains decent daylight image quality but lags in certain scenarios, like portrait selfies and ultra-wide shots.
#### Battery Life & Charging
With a larger 5110mAh battery and faster 45W wired charging, the Redmi Note 14 5G offers improved battery life and charging capabilities. The device’s endurance and charging speed have seen enhancements, making it a reliable companion for daily use.
#### Software
Running on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 1.0 over Android 14, the Redmi Note 14 5G continues to suffer from excessive bloatware and a cluttered user interface. While software updates are promised, the lack of significant improvements in the software experience remains a drawback for users.
#### Price & Availability
The Redmi Note 14 5G’s availability varies by region, with limited official releases and availability on platforms like Amazon. Pricing ranges from £190 to $276 for the 8GB/256GB model, offering a budget-friendly option for interested buyers.
#### Should You Buy the Redmi Note 14 5G?
While the Redmi Note 14 5G offers incremental improvements, it lacks the excitement and differentiation needed to stand out in the competitive budget smartphone market. Xiaomi’s focus on providing clarity on availability and improving the overall user experience could benefit its budget smartphone offerings.
Conclusion:
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 5G is a solid budget smartphone with notable enhancements in camera performance, battery life, and charging speed. However, its limited availability, cluttered software, and incremental improvements may not make it a top choice in a market filled with compelling alternatives. As Xiaomi continues to refine its budget smartphone lineup, addressing software issues and providing clearer availability could elevate its offerings in the future.