Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Review: A Mid-Range Powerhouse with Flagship Features

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has consistently delivered impressive smartphones at competitive prices, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ continues this tradition with a focus on performance, display, and camera technology. Aimed at users who want high-end features without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ promises a flagship-like experience at a mid-range price point.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software experience, and overall value of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ blends modern design with a focus on practicality. At first glance, it sports a sleek glass front and back, with a sturdy aluminum frame. Xiaomi has done a good job making this phone look and feel premium, despite its mid-range pricing. The glossy back finish, available in a range of colors (such as Midnight Black, Glacier Blue, and Aurora Green), gives the device a refined, almost flagship feel. However, like many glossy backs, it’s a fingerprint magnet, so users might want to invest in a case to keep it looking pristine.

The device is also relatively slim at 8.5mm, with a weight of around 205 grams. While this makes it heavier than some of its competitors, it still feels solid and well-built in hand. It’s not overly bulky, and the weight distribution is well-balanced, meaning it’s comfortable to hold for extended periods. The addition of an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance adds durability to the package, though it’s not water-resistant like true flagship models.

The design is rounded off with a well-positioned fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, making it both convenient and responsive. The phone also retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack, something many users will appreciate, especially as it becomes increasingly rare in the smartphone market.

Display

The 6.67-inch AMOLED display on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is undoubtedly one of its highlights. With a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, this is a display that competes with even higher-end phones. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, making the overall user experience feel responsive and fluid, whether you're gaming, watching videos, or just browsing through apps.

Xiaomi has also equipped the screen with HDR10+ support, meaning it can display a wider range of colors and better contrast, especially when streaming HDR content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube. The color accuracy is impressive, with rich, vibrant hues and deep blacks that make watching videos and gaming a delight. Outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to the high brightness levels, allowing for comfortable usage even in bright sunlight.

One minor drawback is that the display, while excellent for its class, doesn’t feature QHD resolution. This is not a significant issue for most users, but those who are used to the ultra-crisp visuals of flagship devices may notice a slight difference in sharpness. Still, for a mid-range phone, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ offers one of the best displays available.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, a 5nm processor that balances power and efficiency. Combined with 12GB of RAM (with an option for 8GB on lower variants), this setup ensures the phone can handle demanding tasks with ease, from gaming and multitasking to intensive app use. The phone also offers 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, which is both fast and ample, though there’s no option for expandable storage via a microSD card.

In day-to-day usage, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ shines. Apps load quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run without a hitch. The high refresh rate display combined with the powerful Dimensity 9200 chipset ensures a responsive and lag-free experience in nearly all scenarios.

One area where the device excels is in thermal management. Even after extended gaming sessions or heavy multitasking, the phone remains relatively cool, thanks to Xiaomi’s improved cooling technology. This is a significant advantage for gamers or power users who don’t want their device to throttle performance during extended use.

Camera System

The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is where it truly punches above its weight. The phone comes equipped with a 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP telemacro lens. On paper, these are impressive specs for a phone in this price range, and in practice, they live up to expectations.

• Main Camera (200MP): The 200MP sensor is the star of the show, capable of capturing incredibly detailed images, especially in well-lit conditions. Thanks to pixel binning technology, the phone combines pixels to produce 12.5MP shots that are rich in detail and vibrant in color. The dynamic range is excellent, and the AI-enhanced post-processing does a good job of optimizing contrast and brightness. Low-light performance is also strong, thanks to the large sensor size and Xiaomi’s Night Mode, which helps reduce noise while maintaining detail in darker environments.

• Ultra-wide Camera (12MP): The ultra-wide lens provides a broader field of view, which is perfect for landscape shots or group photos. While there’s a noticeable drop in detail compared to the primary sensor, the colors remain consistent, and distortion at the edges is well-controlled.

• Telemacro Camera (5MP): The telemacro lens is a fun addition, allowing for detailed close-up shots. It’s not a feature that everyone will use regularly, but it’s a nice bonus for photography enthusiasts who like experimenting with macro photography.

On the front, the 32MP selfie camera captures sharp and well-exposed selfies, with excellent color reproduction. It also supports portrait mode with decent edge detection and background blur, making for pleasing results in most lighting conditions.

Battery Life

Battery life is another strong point for the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. With its 5,000mAh battery, the phone can easily last a full day of heavy usage. Whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or multitasking, the battery holds up remarkably well. For moderate users, it could even stretch into a second day before needing a charge.

When it comes to charging, the device supports 120W fast charging, which is one of the fastest in its category. Xiaomi claims the phone can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 19 minutes, and in real-world usage, it lives up to this claim. This fast charging capability is a game-changer for users who need to quickly top up their battery during the day.

Software and Features

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ runs MIUI 15 based on Android 14, Xiaomi’s custom user interface. MIUI has come a long way in terms of user experience, offering a wealth of features and customization options. It’s packed with useful tools like split-screen mode, floating windows, and a gaming mode that optimizes performance while gaming.

However, MIUI is also known for being a bit heavy on bloatware. Out of the box, the phone comes pre-installed with several third-party apps, though most can be uninstalled. Despite this, the overall experience is smooth, with regular updates and bug fixes.

Xiaomi has also committed to providing three years of major software updates and four years of security patches, ensuring that the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ remains up-to-date for a long period.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers exceptional value for money. With its stunning display, powerful performance, versatile camera system, and impressive battery life, it provides a near-flagship experience at a fraction of the cost.

While it may not offer some of the premium materials or features found in true flagship devices, like wireless charging or an official IP68 water resistance rating, these are minor trade-offs given its price point. The lack of expandable storage could be a downside for some, but with 256GB of internal storage, most users won’t find this to be a dealbreaker.

For anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance smartphone that doesn’t compromise on essential features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is an excellent choice in the mid-range market.