Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup has built a reputation for squeezing every bit of value out of a dollar, and the new Redmi Note 14 4G continues that tradition as the most affordable entry in the series. While 5G might be the buzzword of the decade, many users will find that sticking with 4G offers plenty of speed for daily tasks—especially when it means getting a premium display and solid internals for a fraction of the cost. Starting at roughly £179 or €200, it’s clearly aiming for the “best bang for your buck” crown.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Redmi Note 14 4G looks every bit the modern smartphone. It follows the current industry trend of boxy designs and flat edges, though a closer look reveals its budget-friendly nature. The frame is constructed from plastic rather than metal, and the bezels surrounding the display are a bit more pronounced than what you’d find on a flagship. However, the matte finish on the back is a welcome touch, as it does a fantastic job of hiding fingerprints.
The device has grown slightly in size and weight compared to its predecessor, but it remains manageable. Its 6.7-inch footprint firmly places it in “large phone” territory. Interestingly, Xiaomi hasn’t stripped away the legacy features that many users still love; you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster on the top edge, while the bottom houses the USB-C port, speaker, and SIM slot.
A Standout Visual Experience
The display is arguably the star of the show here. Xiaomi equipped the Note 14 4G with a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED panel featuring a 1080p resolution. What sets it apart from other phones in this price bracket—many of which are still stuck with 60Hz or 90Hz screens—is the smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Visibility is another strong suit. Our lab testing confirms that the screen reaches higher brightness levels than many of its rivals, making it much easier to use outdoors under direct sunlight. To top it off, the retail experience is surprisingly generous. Inside the box, you get a 33W fast charger, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a silicone protective case, and even a pre-applied plastic screen protector.
Smart Software and Hidden Features
The phone runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which includes several clever shortcuts that often go unnoticed. For instance, the in-display fingerprint sensor does more than just unlock the device. If you keep your finger pressed on the sensor after unlocking, a quick-launch menu appears. By default, this provides instant access to your calendar, a QR code scanner, and the browser. While the number of shortcuts can vary by region, it’s a handy time-saver.
Beyond navigation, the sensor doubles as a health tool. Tucked away in the “Additional Settings” menu is a heart rate monitor feature. By placing your finger over the sensor, the phone can track your pulse; surprisingly, our comparisons with dedicated Garmin wearables show that the results are remarkably accurate for a smartphone sensor.
Camera Performance and Trade-offs
To hit such an aggressive price point, some compromises were inevitable. The camera setup is led by a 108 MP main sensor that uses sensor-crop technology to mimic a zoom lens. While there is an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, there is no dedicated telephoto camera.
The image quality is decent for social media but won’t be winning any photography awards, and video enthusiasts should note the lack of 4K recording capabilities. However, with a massive 5,500 mAh battery to keep the lights on and the inclusion of a microSD card slot for expandable storage, the Redmi Note 14 4G remains a compelling package for anyone who prioritizes screen quality and battery life over high-end photography.
