Expensively cheap

Test: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus - The pinnacle of cheap

A mobile doesn't need to be expensive or have the absolute latest technology to be good. Xiaomi proves that here.

Erik Mörner

Published 19 February 2025 - 17:01

Not just what you need but also a little more than that. As the most expensive in Xiaomi's family of budget phones, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus pushes the boundaries. Essentially, this is a slim mobile with a slightly curved screen, 200-megapixel camera, a simpler wide-angle camera, and good performance. We have previously tested the sister model Xiaomi Redmi 14 Pro which is almost identical. What sets these apart, besides the price, is that the Pro Plus we are testing here now has better performance, in other words, a faster system chip and 120 W fast charging, more than twice as fast as the cheaper model.

Given the extensive similarities, the impression of both phones, from performance to cameras, software, and build quality, is of course similar. The screen in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is slightly curved at the edges and the screen is an AMOLED display with good detail, brightness, and enhanced refresh rate.

200 megapixels

The cameras do not provide real optical zoom, but thanks to the main camera's 200 megapixels, the resolution can still be used to get closer to the subject and still get good detail in the image. In addition to the main camera, there is a simpler wide-angle and a very limited macro camera with a meagre 2 megapixels.

When you have taken your pictures, a range of AI functions for photo editing are available. In addition to removing unwanted, distracting objects in the image, you can, for example, expand the image with AI-generated content and you can replace the sky to get better weather.

Unfortunately, the phone does not come with the latest Android, but with version 14 which was released just over a year ago. From that, Xiaomi promises three years of system updates. Xiaomi's interface Hyper OS delivers some new setting options, but doesn't add much to Android and can sometimes feel a bit confusing. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and it manages to make the phone responsive so it always feels fast. The performance is, like the phone's price tag, on the borderline between flagship and mid-range model.

Questions and Answers

What distinguishes it from the others in the Redmi Note 14 family?

This phone, like the sister model Pro, has IP68 rating, but Pro Plus supports faster charging. Redmi 14 Note 5G is somewhat of an outsider with simpler cameras, lower screen resolution, and poorer performance. I would say that Redmi Note 14 Pro is the best buy.

What is Xiaomi doing with Android?

Their Hyper OS can make things a bit confusing but adds quite little functionality. It comes with its own apps like Xiaomi's own browser, but despite the step from MIUI to Hyper OS, the system is in need of a refresh.

Does a charger come with it?

No, so to take advantage of the support for 120 W charging, you may need to purchase it if you don't already have one.

An alternative

Given that this phone is on the borderline between mid-range and flagship, last year's flagship might be at the same price and a good alternative, like the Samsung Galaxy S24, which also has significantly more promised system updates.