Which Redmi Note 14 should you (not) buy?
Verdict in brief
The Redmi Note 14 series offers five models for every need. The Pro+ 5G has the best processor, the most AI features and 120 watts. If you don't need 5G, you save money with the Pro or the Note 14 and even get more battery.
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Pros
- All models with a 6.6-inch AMOLED display and 120 Hz
- Backs made of faux leather, glass or plastic feel good
- Screen protector and case are included with all models
- Even the cheapest model has a macro camera
- Variant without 5G for anyone who doesn't need it
Cons
- Confusing naming
- No smaller, handier model in the lineup
- Cheaper models scaled back in AI features and camera
- Some of the Pro+ 5G's AI features only arrive via update at the end of January
Xiaomi has released the new lineup of the Redmi Note series, and it is five smartphones at once. Here is an overview of the differences so you can find the right device. The regular Redmi Note 14 without 5G is the only one I don’’t have here.
The five models and the matter of 5G
These are the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, the Note 14 Pro 5G, the Note 14 Pro without 5G, the Note 14 5G and the Note 14. The naming is really terrible, but it makes sense. 5G coverage in Germany is 90%, but that only refers to availability with at least one provider. For many people, a 5G smartphone is still superfluous because they don’’t have or want 5G. Xiaomi is responding to that and offers cheaper models without 5G.
What they have in common: display and design
All five have a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz, even the cheapest. With five devices, I would have wanted a smaller, handier model, for example with 6.1 or 6.3 inches. The design is extremely similar too: the two Pro models and the Pro+ have a curved display and an identical camera module. You can recognize the regular 14 and the 14 5G by the flat display and the angular camera module. The backs differ, from faux leather to velvety frosted glass to plastic. I like the faux leather of the 14 Pro+ 5G in Lavender Purple best, as it has the best grip. Compared to the Note 13 Pro with its smooth glass back, that is a big improvement. On the plus side: there is a screen protector on every display, and a matching case is included with all of them.
The differences at a glance
| Model | RRP (smallest variant) | Processor | Battery | Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 14 Pro+ 5G | from €499.90 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | 5,110 mAh | 120-watt HyperCharge |
| Note 14 Pro 5G | €399.90 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra | 5,110 mAh | 45-watt TurboCharge |
| Note 14 Pro (without 5G) | €50 below the Pro 5G | MediaTek Dimensity | 5,500 mAh | 45-watt TurboCharge |
| Note 14 5G | €299.90 | MediaTek Dimensity | ||
| Note 14 (without 5G) | €199.90 | MediaTek Dimensity | 5,500 mAh | 33-watt TurboCharge, IP54 |
Pro+ 5G: the flagship
It is the best equipped and the only one with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. All the others have different variants of the MediaTek Dimensity processor. On paper, the Pro+ 5G is the most powerful, even though the Dimensity 7300 Ultra in the Pro 5G also does well. Whether there are really differences in everyday use has to be shown by tests; you know what I think about benchmarks.
It also has the most AI features: Google Gemini, Circle to Search, AI Interpreter, AI Notes, AI Recorder, AI subtitles, and in the photo app AI Film, AI Beautify, AI Erase Pro and AI Image Expansion. Some of these only come at the end of January with the first update. For AI features, it is state of the art and offers everything that expensive flagships currently offer.
Pro 5G and Pro without 5G
The Pro 5G differs from the Pro+ 5G in processor and AI: among other things, the translator, AI Notes, AI Recorder, subtitles and AI Film are missing. It also only comes with 45-watt TurboCharge. There is no difference in camera, IP rating or update guarantee. At €399.90 in the smallest variant, it is €100 cheaper.
The Pro without 5G is another €50 cheaper. It has the same camera, with 32 megapixels even the best selfie camera in the lineup, and also three years of OS updates and four years of security updates. It comes with a larger battery, though, at 5,500 mAh instead of 5,110 mAh. If you don’‘t need 5G or the most powerful processor but want more battery, it serves you perfectly, and you don’‘t pay for what you don’’t need.
Note 14 5G and Note 14
The Note 14 5G only comes in one storage size for a €299.90 RRP, the Note 14 without 5G for a €199.90 RRP. The cheaper models have further compromises, including in the camera. I find it astonishing that they still have a macro camera, even if it is only 2 megapixels. They also have other processors and less AI: only Gemini and some photo editing features.
The cheapest model has the longest OS update guarantee of all models at four years and a large 5,500 mAh battery, but only 33-watt TurboCharge and an IP54 rating. Whoever came up with these specs must have been in a good mood.
Verdict
If you want the best possible processor, all the AI features and 120-watt fast charging, you have to go for the Pro+ 5G. Everyone else can choose from the lineup what matters to them and pay for it. Overall, with the Redmi Note 14 series, Xiaomi has brought a nice, modern lineup to market. I am looking forward to testing the individual devices.
Questions and answers
- Which Redmi Note 14 models are there?
- There are the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, the Note 14 Pro 5G, the Note 14 Pro without 5G, the Note 14 5G and the Note 14 without 5G.
- How much does the Redmi Note 14 series cost?
- According to the recommended retail price (RRP), the Pro+ 5G starts at €499.90, the Pro 5G is €399.90 in the smallest variant, the Note 14 5G is €299.90 and the Note 14 is €199.90. The Pro without 5G is €50 cheaper than the Pro 5G.
- What is the difference between the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and the Pro 5G?
- The Pro+ 5G has the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, more AI features and, as the only one, 120-watt HyperCharge. The Pro 5G has the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra and 45-watt TurboCharge. Camera, IP rating and update guarantee are the same.
- Who is the Redmi Note 14 Pro without 5G suitable for?
- For anyone who doesn't need 5G and doesn't want the most powerful processor but can use a larger 5,500 mAh battery. It is €50 cheaper than the Pro 5G.
