Full review: Redmi Note 14 5G

For most users, durability is one of the biggest purchasing factors. Perhaps that’s why it’s been the theme for a lot of smartphone launches in the past few years. Xiaomi focuses on overall longevity, well-roundedness, and a dash of artificial intelligence (AI) features for the Redmi Note 14 5G. But does it offer enough value for those looking for a durable phone without breaking the bank?

Design and build

The Redmi Note 14 5G exudes a fun, youthful energy with its design and color options: Lavender Purple, Coral Green, and Midnight Black. The first two colors feature a chequered pattern, adding a unique touch and personality. But if you like to keep things subtle, the latter is a safe choice. 

Weighing only 190g and measuring 7.99mm in thickness, the device provides a comfortable grip even during long hours of use. This is further enhanced by its rounded edges and smooth matte finish. 

For daily wear and tear, you can count on the device to hold up, thanks to its Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display and IP64 dust and water resistance. This makes it a great option for those with an active lifestyle, as it can withstand accidental drops and exposure to splashes and light rain. 

Additionally, the device’s touch recognition works well with wet or oily fingers, which is especially useful in rainy weather or when you’re on the go.

Display

The Redmi Note 14 5G boasts a 6.67-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate. Along with a crisp display with punchy colors, you can expect a snappy, responsive interaction with the screen. Even in brightly lit environments, I get to see clearly with the 2100 nits peak brightness. With all the features combined, I had a fantastic time bingeing the series I’m currently hooked on.

Thankfully, I can feel less guilty about my screen time given the abundance of protective eye features: 960Hz PWM dimming, TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, TUV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certification, TUV Rheinland Flicker-Free Certification, and SGS Low Blue Light Certification. 

Camera

At the rear, you’ll find the triple-camera setup: a 108MP (f/1.7) main camera, a 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera, and a 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera.

First off, the main camera of the Redmi Note 14 5G performs well in good lighting, capturing adequate detail and vibrant colors. I tested it at different zoom levels, and impressively, the quality didn’t take a hit. The optical image stabilization (OIS) proved to be useful while capturing subjects in motion, delivering photos with minimal or even unnoticeable image noise. And of course, steadier hands are also ideal, especially for low-light photography.

I didn’t find myself using the 2MP macro camera, and I think I made the right choice doing so. Meanwhile, night and low-light performance could be better, but the image quality is more than enough for social media posting.

The device also received some cool AI features: AI Eraser and AI Sky. The former worked to remove unwanted elements, though the results could be a hit or a miss. But the AI Sky worked like a charm, swapping backgrounds easily and naturally. My shot of the skyline went from gloomy to bright blue skies. 

Lastly, there’s the upgraded 20MP (f/2.2) front camera. Selfie enthusiasts can relish how the camera captures your facial features naturally and softly. And for group selfies, there’s also the 0.8x zoom, which ensures that everyone’s seen in a single frame. 

Performance

Under the hood, you have the highly capable MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM, handling day-to-day tasks with ease. Running heavier loads wasn’t a problem either—whether it was multitasking or gaming. I was even able to run Asphalt Legends Unite smoothly, without any lag.

Battery

The device comes with a 45W power adapter, which still offers quite a long wait before reaching 100%. It took me a little over an hour and a half to fully juice up the Redmi Note 14 5G. On the bright side, the large 5110mAh battery more than makes up for the charging time. Perhaps one can overlook that with the battery life that lasts a day or two with light-to-moderate usage.

Verdict

The Redmi Note 14 5G offers a solid package for the price of PHP13,999. Its main strengths are durability, long battery life, and reliable everyday performance, making it a great choice for users searching for a dependable device. Additionally, the AI features at your disposal add extra value at this price point. 

Overall, the device strikes a great balance for users seeking affordability without compromising on essential features—and more.