Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Review: The Smartphone That Surprised Me

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is a strong mid-range smartphone by Xiaomi which was released in January 2025, making it among the first smartphones to be released during the new year.

Thanks to Xiaomi, I’ve obtained the Frost Blue colour for this review and here’s my personal take on this rather exquisite designed smartphone.

Main highlights

One of the main highlight of this smartphone is its 200MP AI camera which take photography to the next level.

This camera is further boosted with an ultra durable battery life, and also an IP68 rating which makes the phone very capable as a photography device.

In addition, throughout my two weeks using the phone, I did find that it’s AI functions were very helpful for content creation, particularly when editing photos.

Design, Build Quality and Durability

Xiaomi has clearly set its sights on a high-end aesthetic. The curved display, slim bezels, and the option for a glass or vegan leather back all scream “premium.”

It goes to a point that the phone looks very much like a flagship device although in terms of pricing, it is not anywhere near.

The quality of the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is of course obvious. The phone feels substantial in hand, and the use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the display and Gorilla Glass 7i on the back adds a layer of reassurance.

In addition, the IP68 rating puts it on par with the top-tier flagships, giving users like me that confidence to use the phone practically any where. The inclusion of a nicely fitting and dark coloured silicone case also adds to the phone’s appeal and dursability.

Considering all these, I personally think the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G excels when it comes to durability and looks, and should impress many despite its mid-range price tag.

Screen & Display

One of the first things I notice about the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is its curved display.

The curved edges minimize bezels, creating a near-borderless feel that make content pop with the OLED display producing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios when I am watching movies, viewing photos and playing games.

The refresh rate of the screen can also hit 120Hz or even 144Hz and this translates to smoother scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive user interface.

In terms of clarity, the screen produces crisp and clear display with high resolution with details being sharp.

Also worth noting is its 3,000 peak brightness which enables good viewing under bright light as well, with the screen also coming with ‘eye-protection features’ like 1920Hz PWM dimming, and is TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certified, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certifiedand TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certified.

Audio System

The audio system of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G includes stereo speakers which offer a wider soundstage and better spatial audio. Generally the audio produces clear vocals and bass, with the Hi-Res Audio certification a clear indication of the phone’s ability to handle high-fidelity audio.

The phone doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack which means connectivity to hearing or audio devices will relly on USB-C adapters or Bluetooth.

Overall, the phone offers a solid audio performance for everyday use.

Processor, RAM & Storage

In terms of RAM, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ packs a punch with at least 8GB of RAM.

This ensures smooth multitasking and seamless app switching particularly for demanding users like those who play games and edit videos with the phone

Storage space is equally ample, with at least 256GB with the phone however not having any option to add on external storage space.

At the heart of the device is Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor which ensures snappy responsiveness, smooth gameplay, and effortless handling of demanding tasks. This processor if common in mid-range smartphone, but it is capable of doing plenty of task without much problems.

Software

While the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ runs on Xiaomi’s MIUI which has been dubbed ‘Android on steroids’ by some, it has a good number of pre-installed bloatware which can be very annoying and storage consuming. While some apps are useful, I feel about half are redundant or just a waste of storage space.

Despite that, the phone doesn’t slack off in terms of AI capabilities, as it delivers very useful AI services particularly for those who want to use the phone to create content. You can read about all these AI features and highlights HERE.

Generally, the MIUI’s interface is user-friendly, and without problems although adverts on some pre-installed apps can be very annoying personally.

Camera Capabilities

Although promoted as having a 200MP camera, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ main shooter by default does not automatically shoot in such resolution. To use the 200MP, you need to activate the special 200MP feature in the camera app.

What’s great however is the camera does come with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will be a key feature, reducing blur from shaky hands particularly when video taking.

I personaly like it also has an ultrawide lens and dedicated macro lens, or a telephoto lens, is also expected, adding versatility to your photography.

Xiaomi’s image processing software plays a crucial role. Expect AI enhancements for scene recognition and optimized settings. Night mode will enhance low-light performance, while video recording capabilities should offer 4K resolution and various shooting modes.

While final image quality will depend on real-world testing, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ promises a feature-packed camera system designed to capture stunning photos and videos.

The photo below shows a building taken during good lighting.

Close up photos are clearly stunning as you can see below.

For potrait shots, or animal shots, the camera also performed very well as seen below, with the bokeh effect very evident with selfie shots also having the beutify effect.

At night, the camera performs admirebly with shots not only presenting accurate colours, but also clear ones as seen below.

In terms of video taking, the OIS hels a lot. A sample of the video, including zooming with the camera on a good day can be seen below.

Battery Life and Charging

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G has a large 5,000mAh battery that provides all-day battery life with moderate usage.

In my testing, I was able to get through a full day of use with about 20-30% battery remaining. The phone also supports fast charging with the 120W charging block, so I could quickly top up the battery if I need to.

Overall, I am very pleased with the battery life of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and I think the battery life should be more than enough for most users.

In addition the Xiaomi says that the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G uses a new type of battery technology that is more efficient and longer-lasting than previous generations making this smartphone a good option for those seeking prolonged and sustainable battery life.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G emerges as a compelling mid-range contender.

Its premium design, robust build, and IP68 rating offer flagship-level durability. The vibrant display, coupled with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, enhances the viewing experience.

While MIUI’s bloatware is a minor drawback, the phone’s performance, driven by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, is commendable.

In addition, the 200MP camera, fortified with OIS and AI enhancements, delivers impressive results across various lighting conditions making it perfect for content creators as well.

Coupled with a long-lasting battery and rapid 120W charging, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G presents a well-rounded package for users seeking a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.

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