The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 stands out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market with its sleek design and impressive specifications. But the question should be asked is whether there are any updates over Redmi Note 13. Let's dive into the details.
The device features a lightweight build with a thickness of just 8.2 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. The device is equipped with an in-display fingerprint scanner that enhances security while maintaining a clean look. It is a decent upgrade from last models. Talking about the camera island, I'm not a fan of it. It's just showy.
The display on the Redmi Note 14 is one of its highlights, featuring a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 2100 nits, which is higher than the predecessor. This ensures vibrant colors and excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. However, while the display is bright and smooth, it lacks the higher resolution found in some competing models, but it could help in saving battery life. And it is still sharper enough day-to-day usage.
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM and various storage options up to 256GB. This combination promises solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, compared to the Snapdragon processors found in rivals like the Pixel series or Samsung's offerings, users may notice occasional stutters during demanding applications or multitasking scenarios. The RAM and ROM technologies used are LPDDR4X and UFS 2.2 which are same from last year.
Camera capabilities are another area where the Redmi Note 14 fails to impress. It boasts a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a macro lens. While the primary camera performs well in good lighting conditions, the ultra-wide is below the standards of these days. 2MP macros still? Who are Redmi trying to fool since Redmi Note 8?
Battery life on the Redmi Note 14 is robust, featuring a substantial 5110mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging. This allows for all-day usage without anxiety over running out of power. While it competes well against other mid-range devices in terms of battery life and charging speed, it is in a commendable position in terms of battery department.
On the software front, the Redmi Note 14 runs on HyperOS based on Android 14, promising four years of software updates with 3 Android updates. This commitment to updates is commendable and positions Xiaomi favorably against brands that offer less support for older devices like Vivo. But it has Android 14 out of the box where it is been months since Android 15 release. Talking about Android skin, users may find some pre-installed bloatware annoying, as there's a lot of them.
In terms of pricing, the Redmi Note 14 is priced at $219 for the base model. Pricing in Sri Lanka may vary from conversions. It faces stiff competition from similar-priced smartphones that may offer better performance or features. While it builds upon its predecessor with a few notable enhancements in certain areas like display and battery life, it falls short of delivering a standout experience across all aspects when compared to rivals.