When I got my hands on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G, I was excited to see if it could live up to its promises of being a budget-friendly powerhouse. After spending some time with the device, here is my honest review—including its shortcomings and drawbacks—so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Build
The first thing I noticed about the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G was its design. With curved edges, a vegan leather finish, and a symmetrical camera module, it’s undeniably sleek. I opted for the Phantom Purple variant, which looks premium. However, the leather finish is prone to smudges and fingerprints, especially in darker colors. Despite Xiaomi’s claims of durability, the back panel doesn’t feel as sturdy as it looks.
Weighing 190 grams, the phone strikes a balance between heft and portability. However, the weight distribution isn’t perfect, making extended one-handed use uncomfortable. The IP68 certification for dust and water resistance is reassuring, but I wouldn’t rely on it too much, given the phone’s budget-oriented nature.
Display Quality
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate is one of the phone’s highlights. Colors are vibrant, and the brightness peaks at an impressive 3,000 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent. However, the curved display, while visually appealing, leads to accidental touches more often than I’d like.
Another issue I faced was with the Gorilla Glass Victus 2. While it’s supposed to offer flagship-level protection, minor scratches appeared within days, even with careful use. A pre-applied screen protector would have been a welcome addition.
Performance and Software
The Snapdragon 7s Gen SoC powering this device ensures smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. Apps like Instagram and YouTube ran seamlessly, but I did encounter occasional frame drops in graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact.
What really annoyed me, though, was the software. HyperOS 1.0, based on Android 14, feels cluttered due to the numerous pre-installed apps. Removing these bloatware apps is possible but tedious. Additionally, some animations felt laggy, particularly when unlocking the phone or switching between apps. For a phone in 2025, this lack of software polish is disappointing.
Camera Performance
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G boasts a triple-camera setup:
- 50 MP Sony Light Fusion 800 sensor (main)
- 8 MP ultra-wide lens
- 2 MP macro sensor
In daylight, the main camera produces vibrant shots with decent dynamic range. Portrait mode, while generally good, struggled with accurate edge detection, especially around hair. The ultra-wide lens underwhelmed me, producing grainy and soft images, even in well-lit conditions.
Low-light photography was another letdown. The night mode helps to some extent, but the results are inconsistent. The macro camera, while fun to use occasionally, feels more like a gimmick due to its poor resolution.
Battery and Charging
The 6,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery is undoubtedly a strong point, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. However, the 90W fast charging feels like a step down compared to competitors like the Realme 13 Pro+, which offers faster speeds. Charging from 20% to 100% took just under 40 minutes—not bad, but not groundbreaking either.
User Experience
In daily use, the phone handles productivity tasks and casual gaming without major hiccups. However, thermal management is mediocre. After 30 minutes of gaming, the back panel gets noticeably warm, which could be uncomfortable for some users.
Pre-installed apps are another pain point. While Xiaomi’s customization options in HyperOS are commendable, the sheer amount of third-party apps feels intrusive. For example, I spent almost an hour uninstalling unnecessary apps to declutter the interface.
Value for Money
At a sub-Rs 79,999.00 price point, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G offers a lot on paper. But when you compare it to competitors like the Motorola Edge 50 Pro and Vivo T3 Ultra, it falls short in certain areas. The display and battery life are excellent, but the camera and software experience leave much to be desired. For its price, I expected a more refined package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant AMOLED display with excellent brightness.
- Durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (minor scratches aside).
- Long-lasting 6,200 mAh battery with decent charging speed.
- Premium design with attractive color options.
Cons:
- Cluttered software with too many pre-installed apps.
- Inconsistent low-light camera performance.
- Poor thermal management during extended gaming.
- Prone to smudges and accidental touches due to the curved display.
FAQs
Does the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G support 5G connectivity?
No, this model is limited to 4G connectivity, which might be a drawback for users looking for future-proof devices.
Can the pre-installed apps be removed?
Yes, most third-party apps can be uninstalled, but the process is time-consuming.
How does the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G compare to its competitors?
3. How does the Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G compare to its competitors? While it excels in display and battery life, it lags behind competitors like the Motorola Edge 50 Pro in terms of camera performance and software experience.
Is the phone suitable for gaming?
It can handle casual gaming well, but heavy gaming causes noticeable heating and occasional frame drops.
Is the camera good for selfies?
The 20 MP front camera delivers decent selfies with balanced exposure, but it lacks fine detail and consistency.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G is a decent option for those prioritizing display quality and battery life. However, its shortcomings in software, thermal management, and low-light photography make it a less compelling choice compared to its competition. If Xiaomi can address these issues in future updates, it might truly live up to the “Pro” moniker.
