Xiaomi Nepal has started 2025 strong with the launch of the new Redmi Note 14 4G, the brand’s latest budget-friendly smartphone. It’s been exactly a year since Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Note 13 series in Nepal, making now the perfect time to bring the Note 14 lineup to the market. With this new addition to the popular Redmi Note series, Xiaomi promises another round of feature-packed phones at a great price.
We’re taking a look at the base 4G model. While it’s not the Pro version, its impressive specs give it the feel of a premium mid-range device rather than a typical budget phone. Notably, it boasts a 108MP main camera with OIS, along with an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro lens, and a 20MP front-facing camera for selfies. The phone also offers key upgrades in design and battery life, making it an exciting option on paper. But how well does it perform in everyday use? Here’s our Redmi Note 14 4G Full Review.
Table of Contents
Redmi Note 14 5G Full Review: Detailed Discussion, Pros and Cons
Design and Build
The Redmi Note 14 4G phone has a new look compared to the older Redmi Note 13 4G. The camera area on the back is now a square shape with rounded corners. It’s made with strong Gorilla Glass 5 on the front (better than the Note 13’s), a plastic frame, and a plastic back. It can handle some dust and splashes, which is good for Nepal’s sometimes dusty and rainy environment d heavier than the Note 13 4G. It measures 163.3 x 76.6 x 8.2 mm and weighs 197 g.
The phone’s design is flat, unlike some fancier Note 14 models that have curved edges. The back comes in different colors: green, black, purple, and blue. The purple one has a shiny effect. Xiaomi has made the Note 14 4G more durable. They’ve used stronger materials inside and reinforced the corners, which is important for places like Nepal where phones might get accidentally dropped. The screen has slightly thicker borders than the Note 14 5G, and the back is completely flat. These features suggest it’s a more budget-friendly phone.
The screen is a 6.67-inch AMOLED, the same as the Note 13 4G, with a sharp picture and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. It has a small hole for the 20MP selfie camera. The earpiece also works as a stereo speaker, with another speaker on top for better sound. It unlocks with a fingerprint scanner under the screen. You can use two SIM cards, or one SIM card and a microSD card to add extra storage. It doesn’t support eSIM.
On the back, the cameras are in the new rounded square. There are three separate rings around each camera, even the less important 2MP macro and depth cameras. This is probably just for looks.
Display
The Redmi Note 14 4G has a display that is identical to the Redmi Note 13 4G. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5.
There have been no improvements from the previous model. Xiaomi claims the display can reach a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits.In our tests, we found the display’s maximum brightness to be 471 nits manually and 1,312 nits automatically, which aligns with Xiaomi’s claims. The lowest brightness we recorded was 2.5 nits.
The display supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, with two modes available: Custom (where users can select either 120Hz or 60Hz) and Default (which automatically adjusts). The adaptive mode effectively drops to 60Hz when showing static images, while streaming apps are limited to 60Hz for both user interface and content. Some apps can utilize the full 120Hz, but others, like the camera and Google Maps, run at 60fps.
The screen briefly switched to a 30Hz mode for the always-on display feature, which only lights up for 10 seconds at a time. Although the display does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range), it can stream content in standard quality up to 1080p or even 1440p.
Performance and Storage
The Redmi Note 14 4G uses a processor called the Helio G99 Ultra, which is made using a process called 6nm by TSMC. This processor is similar to the previous version but with an “Ultra” label that doesn’t seem to add much difference. It’s essentially the same as before, just with a new name.
The Helio G99 Ultra includes two powerful cores (ARM Cortex-A76) that run at up to 2.2 GHz and six smaller cores (ARM Cortex-A55) that run at up to 2.0 GHz. The graphics part, known as the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, remains unchanged and isn’t very strong compared to other processors available in the market.
The phone comes in different storage options: you can choose between 6GB RAM with 128GB storage, or 8GB RAM with either 128GB or 256GB storage. All of these use UFS 2.2 type of storage, which helps data move quickly within your device.
While the Redmi Note 14 4G isn’t the best performer in its class, it does better than its predecessor in terms of overall performance. It can keep running without getting too hot because it doesn’t demand too much power from itself, meaning it won’t slow down easily even when used for long periods.
OS and UI
The Redmi Note 14 4G operates on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s customized software, built upon Android 14. While this software pairing is common across many recent Xiaomi devices, it’s somewhat disappointing that the phone doesn’t ship with the latest Android 15, which was released a few months prior. Despite this, Xiaomi has committed to providing extensive software support, including four major Android version upgrades and six years of security patches. This level of support is notably generous for a budget-friendly device, even surpassing the support offered for the phone’s 5G variant.
For detailed information on the HyperOS and Android 14 software, a dedicated review is available. It’s important to note that certain advanced software features found on higher-end Xiaomi models are not included in this Redmi phone. A recent HyperOS update introduces AI-powered functionalities, such as AI Erase for photo editing, AI Sky for sky replacement, and AI Beautify for image enhancement. The phone also integrates with Google’s Gemini AI, allowing for AI-powered interactions within select applications.
In contrast, the premium “Pro” and “Pro+” versions of the Redmi Note 14 series offer a wider array of AI features, including “Circle to Search,” AI translation, and AI note-taking capabilities. A notable drawback of the Redmi Note 14 4G is the presence of advertisements within system applications, even in European regions. While these ads can be disabled on a per-app basis, the process is time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient.
Camera
The Redmi Note 14 4G presents a camera system that, by some assessments, represents a step back from its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13 4G. Notably, the ultrawide lens has been removed, a feature of limited utility for many, and replaced with a depth sensor, which offers minimal practical value. The macro lens, another component of questionable usefulness, remains. Consequently, the rear camera setup comprises three modules, with the 108MP main sensor being the sole truly functional element.
During daylight, the main camera captures commendable still images, characterized by vibrant colors and satisfactory detail. While not exceptional, the dynamic range is within expected parameters for devices in this price bracket. The full-resolution 108MP mode offers enhanced detail, particularly for close-range subjects, but its performance is contingent on optimal lighting, as it exhibits increased noise in darker areas.
In low-light scenarios, the main camera delivers surprisingly competent still photography. The automatic night mode effectively enhances dynamic range, retrieves detail from shadows, and minimizes noise. Images are generally sharp and color-accurate, though a slight warmth in the color temperature is occasionally observed.
Video recording is limited to 1080p resolution for both the main and selfie cameras, with the main camera capable of 60fps capture. Electronic image stabilization is available, though its performance is not exemplary. Daylight video exhibits the expected qualities for a budget smartphone, with acceptable dynamic range, colors, and contrast. Even low-light video performance is adequate, providing sufficient detail and dynamic range despite some visible noise.
Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 14 4G features a larger battery compared to its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13 4G. It comes with a 5,500mAh battery, which is a 10% increase from the 5,000mAh cell in the previous model. This upgrade results in improved battery performance across the board.
In terms of usage, the phone achieved an Active Use Score of 12:47 hours, indicating good endurance for daily activities. The Redmi Note 14 4G supports fast charging up to 33W, allowing users to quickly replenish their battery when needed. However, it’s worth noting that while some models come with a charger.Users can also use any compatible USB-PD charger rated at least at 30W.
During our tests using the original Xiaomi adapter, we observed that it refilled about 27% of a dead battery within just 15 minutes, reached around 46% after half an hour, and fully charged in approximately 78 minutes. These charging times are quite satisfactory for most users who need quick power boosts throughout their day.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved durability and IP54 rating | Aging chipset |
| Bright and nicely specced flat OLED display | No 4K video, no ultrawide, disappointing selfie camera |
| Decent battery life | Doesn’t come with the latest Android 15/HyperOS 2 out of the box |
| Dependable main camera |
Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 4G is a competitive option in its class, even though it doesn’t have some standout features. It’s a good all-rounder that improves upon its predecessor, the Redmi Note 13 4G. One thing missing is the ultrawide camera, but this isn’t considered a major loss.
The phone has several positive aspects: it offers longer battery life compared to last year’s model, features a nice display with an aluminum frame and updated Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front panel, and provides decent camera performance. However, there are some drawbacks. For instance, it doesn’t support 4K video recording, which many competitors offer. Additionally, the chipset feels outdated for a release in 2025.
In Nepal’s market, where affordability and value for money are key factors in purchasing decisions, devices like these can be appealing due to their balanced set of features at an affordable price point. The Redmi series has been popular among Nepalese consumers who prioritize practicality over cutting-edge technology features like extreme gaming capabilities or advanced camera systems.
