Redmi Note 14 The Best Budget Phone in Pakistan
Xiaomi Redmi Note series is a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for solid performance without breaking the bank. The new Redmi Note 14 4G builds on the basis of its predecessor and brings a mix of refinements and compromises.
It contains a lively AMOLED display, a solid chipset and a large battery, but also makes a few cuts that may not sit right with everyone. While removing the ultrawide camera and lack of 4K recording might disappoint some users, the phone still offers excellent value for money with its bright 120Hz AMOLED display, Helio G99 Ultra chipset, and AI enhanced photography tools. Let’s look at the details and see if this device is worth your attention.
Unboxing: What’s Inside the Box?
Inside the retail box, Xiaomi provides:
- The Redmi Note 14 4G handset
- A silicone TPU case
- A 33W charging brick
- A USB-C cable
- Some paper documentation
- A SIM ejector tool
This package contains everything needed to get started immediately, which is always a plus. However, as expected for a mid-range device, there are no premium extras like earphones.
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 14 4G follows a familiar design language but with slight refinements. It has a matte-finished plastic back that is resistant to fingerprints well, making it more practical for daily use. The device is also IP54-rated, making splash and dust resistance, which is a useful addition for longevity.
Color options include:
- Midnight Black
- Mist Purple
- Ocean Blue (which has a glossy, reflective finish)
- Lime Green
At the top, you get a headphone jack and IR blaster, while at the bottom you get a USB-C charging port and a SIM slot that supports dual 4G SIMs. However, if you choose to expand storage with a microSD card, you need to sacrifice the second SIM slot, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with Minor Drawbacks
One of the highlights of this phone is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate up to 120Hz and 1800 nits peak brightness. This ensures smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection is a welcome upgrade from last year’s Gorilla Glass 3, making the screen more durable and resistant to scratches.
However, the bezels are slightly thicker compared to the Redmi Note 13, which could disappoint users expecting thinner borders. While the display itself is excellent for media consumption, those wanting a more premium look may not be happy with the chunkier edges.
Performance: A Small Yet Noticeable Upgrade
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra (6nm) replaces the Snapdragon 685 from the Redmi Note 13 4G. While not a massive leap, the G99 Ultra provides:
Under the cover, MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra (6nm) replaces the Redmi Note 13 4G Snapdragon 685. Although not a huge jump, the G99 Ultra offers:
- Smoother multitasking with better RAM optimization.
- Improved gaming performance (though Call of Duty Mobile may experience slight lag during extended play sessions).
- Efficient energy consumption, leading to better battery life.
Storage and RAM options include:
- 128GB + 8GB RAM
- 256GB + 8GB RAM (with UFS 2.2 storage for faster read/write speeds)
This means users can expect faster app loading times and better overall performance, especially in multitasking scenarios.
Software & AI Features
Running Android 14 with HyperOS, the Redmi Note 14 4G offers deep customization options. While Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed the number of future updates, expect at least 2-3 years of support. The UI is feature-packed but comes with some flatware.
Pre-installed apps and pop-up notifications are present, which can be a downside for users who prefer a cleaner experience. However, Xiaomi compensates with useful AI features such as:
- AI Erase (removes unwanted objects or people from images)
- AI Sky Editing (turns the sky in images for dramatic effects)
- Gemini AI (a large language model for text and image generation)
- AI Voice Assistant (helps with hands-free navigation and commands)
These functions add extra value, particularly for photography lovers who want quick and simple image enhancements.
Camera: Good, But a Step Back?
The Redmi Note 14 4G carries over the 108MP main camera from its predecessor but removes the 8MP ultrawide sensor, replacing it with a 2MP depth sensor. While the macro and depth cameras are mostly for aesthetics, the main 108MP shooter delivers solid images with good detail and color accuracy.
The 20MP selfie camera is an improvement from last year’s 16MP shooter, though its performance remains average at best, especially in dim lighting. Night mode has improved slightly, but low-light performance still struggles compared to more premium models.
However, video recording is capped at 1080p 30/60FPS for the main camera and 1080p 30FPS for the selfie camera, without 4K support, a disappointment when competitors offer higher resolutions.
Battery and Charging: Small Bump, Same Speed
Xiaomi has increased the battery size to 5,500mAh, up from 5,000mAh, without changing the 33W fast charging speed. It takes about 80 minutes to fully charge and provides a full day’s usage on a single charge. For people in a hurry, a 40-minute charge offers about 55% of battery life, which is sufficient for a day of use. The efficiency of the Helio G99 Ultra helps extend battery life further, making it an ideal phone for moderate to heavy users.
Security Features
The under-display optical fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate. Face Unlock is also available but is less secure than the fingerprint option. Xiaomi has refined fingerprint recognition, making it faster and more reliable than before.
Audio: Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos
The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide a clear and compelling sound, making the Redmi Note 14 4G a solid choice for multimedia consumption and gaming. The 3.5mm headphone jack remains, which is great for wired audio lovers.
Price & Availability in Pakistan
The Redmi Note 14 4G is priced at around PKR 53,999 , making it a strong competitor in the mid-range segment. It stands against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy A16 4G, offering a balance of affordability and premium features. The device is widely available in Pakistani markets as well as on techbazaar.pk, both online and offline, making it easy to purchase.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Specifications at a Glance
| Specifications | Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | Announced: 2025, January 10 Released: 2025, January 15 |
| Body | Dimensions: 163.3 x 76.6 x 8.2 mm, Weight: 196.5 g, Rating: IP54 dust protected, water-resistant |
| Display | Type: AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) Size: 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm² (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Features: Always-on display |
| Platform | OS: Android 14, HyperOS Chipset: Mediatek Helio G99 Ultra (6 nm) CPU: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) GPU: Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Memory | Card Slot: microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) Internal Storage: 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM (UFS 2.2) |
| Main Camera | Triple: – 108 MP, f/1.7 (wide), 1/1.67″, 0.64µm, PDAF – 2 MP, f/2.4 (macro) – 2 MP, f/2.4 (depth) Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama Video: 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: 20 MP, f/2.2 (wide), 1/4.0″, 0.7µm Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos) 3.5mm Jack: Yes |
| Communications | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO NFC: Yes (market/region dependent) Infrared Port: Yes Radio: Unspecified USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity |
| Battery | Type: 5500 mAh Charging: 33W wired, 55% in 44 min |
| Miscellaneous | Colors: Midnight Black, Mist Purple, Ocean Blue, Lime Green Models: 24117RN76G SAR EU: 1.00 W/kg (head), 0.97 W/kg (body) |
Should You Buy the Redmi Note 14?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Bright 120Hz AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 5 | ❌ No ultrawide camera |
| ✅ Solid performance with Helio G99 Ultra | ❌ More noticeable bezels compared to Redmi Note 13 |
| ✅ AI-enhanced photography tools | ❌ Pre-installed apps and ads in the UI |
| ✅ 5,500mAh battery for extended usage | ❌ Selfie camera performance could be better |
| ✅ Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | ❌ No 4K video recording |
| ✅ Improved fingerprint sensor accuracy |
Conclusion
The Redmi Note 14 4G is a strong mid-range smartphone that excels in display quality, battery life, and AI enhanced software features. It offers a bright AMOLED panel with a refresh rate up to 120HZ, a powerful MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra chipset, and a long-lasting 5,500m Ah battery. While the 108MP main camera delivers good results, the removal of the ultrawide camera and lack of 4K recording may be a dealbreaker for some users.
The device also retains a number of flatware and UI ads, which may affect the overall experience. However, with its solid performance, stereo speakers, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the Redmi Note 14 4G remains a great value-for-money choice. If you are looking for an affordable but feature-packed smartphone, this device is definitely worth considering.
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