When Xiaomi launched its sub-brand Redmi in 2013, the goal was clear — to democratize smartphone technology by offering high-performance devices at wallet-friendly prices. Over the years, Redmi has carved a name for itself in the value-for-money segment, particularly popular among students, young professionals, and savvy consumers who want flagship-like specs without the flagship price tag.
Positioned just below Xiaomi’s mainline and premium Xiaomi series (such as the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra), Redmi’s “Note” series has evolved into a powerhouse lineup known for pushing midrange boundaries. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, launched in Singapore last month at S$549, continues this tradition — and even challenges the specs and experience offered by some of its more expensive flagship siblings.
But with a 200MP camera, 120W charging, and a premium AMOLED display on paper, is this really the midrange miracle it claims to be? Or is Redmi simply playing the numbers game? We dive deep into the device to give you the real picture.
Design and Build – Mature, Premium and Practical
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G doesn’t stray far from the design language of its predecessors, but it feels noticeably more refined. The phone features a curved glass back, a flat front with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a metal frame that gives the device a reassuring heft. The overall construction feels solid — a testament to how far the midrange segment has come.
The matte finish on the back is a subtle touch that keeps fingerprints at bay. The phone is available in classic black, blue, and a new cream white, all of which look elegant and understated. Despite the large 6.67-inch display, the curved edges help with grip — although those with smaller hands may still struggle to reach across the screen.
Another surprising bonus? The device is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance — a feature rarely seen in this price bracket.
Display – Vibrant AMOLED with Flagship-Worthy Smoothness
The front of the phone is dominated by a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220), 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. It’s easily one of the best displays in the midrange category.
The display hits a peak brightness of 1800 nits, making it highly usable outdoors even under Singapore’s scorching midday sun. Colours are punchy, contrast is superb, and the deep blacks add that premium feel we usually associate with OLED panels from more expensive devices.
Touch response is fast and accurate, and adaptive refresh rates between 60Hz and 120Hz help balance smoothness with power efficiency. For both casual content consumption and high-intensity gaming, this screen does not disappoint.
Performance – MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra Punches Above Its Weight
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra, a 4nm chipset built on TSMC’s second-generation process. This is paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage.
We put it through several benchmarks, and here are the results:
🔧 Benchmark Scores
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AnTuTu v10: 712,313
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Geekbench 6: 1,158 (single-core), 3,158 (multi-core)
These numbers place the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ well above other midrange competitors and surprisingly close to last year’s flagship performance. In real-world testing, app launches are snappy, multitasking is smooth, and games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile run comfortably at high settings.
That said, the phone does heat up slightly under prolonged load, particularly near the camera bump. Thermal management is decent but not class-leading.
Cameras – 200MP Hype or Hero?
Let’s address the headline-grabbing spec: the 200MP main camera. Using the Samsung ISOCELL HP3 sensor with OIS, it captures 12.5MP pixel-binned images by default, but you can also shoot full 200MP photos in Pro mode.
Battery Life and Charging – All-Day Endurance, Lightning-Fast Top-Ups
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ packs a 5000mAh battery, which delivers 6.5 to 7 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage — very respectable considering the powerful chipset and high refresh rate display.
But what really stands out is the 120W wired charging. Xiaomi includes the 120W charger in the box, and we went from 0 to 100% in just 19 minutes. This is game-changing for people who constantly need to top up throughout the day.
Sadly, wireless charging is not supported, but at this price point, it’s an understandable omission.
Software – HyperOS Brings a Cleaner MIUI Experience
Out of the box, the phone runs HyperOS based on Android 14, Xiaomi’s latest software platform that succeeds MIUI. It retains MIUI’s visual style but feels more fluid and less bloated.
There are still some pre-installed apps (which can mostly be removed), but performance is smooth, and features like floating windows, split screen, and custom themes are all present.
Xiaomi promises 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches. That’s competitive, but historically, Xiaomi hasn’t been the most consistent with update timelines.
Connectivity and Extras – Everything You Need
Redmi didn’t skimp here:
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5G SA/NSA supported with strong reception in local networks
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WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
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Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos – loud and fairly balanced, great for videos
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IR blaster – yes, it’s still here!
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No headphone jack – might disappoint wired audio users
What We Loved
✅ Stunning AMOLED display with Dolby Vision
✅ Excellent performance from Dimensity 7200-Ultra
✅ 200MP main camera offers flagship-level detail
✅ Super-fast 120W charging (charger included!)
✅ IP68 water and dust resistance
✅ Great overall value
What Could Be Better
❌ Weak ultrawide and macro lenses
❌ No wireless charging
❌ Still some bloatware in HyperOS
❌ Gets warm during intense gaming
❌ No 4K 60fps video support
Conclusion – A Flagship Experience for Less
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G makes a compelling case for itself. At S$549, it challenges what we expect from a midrange phone — delivering performance, a premium display, and features like IP68 and 120W charging that were once exclusive to phones costing twice as much.
While it’s not perfect — with its mediocre secondary cameras and lack of wireless charging — the trade-offs are minor when you consider the overall package.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is easily one of the best choices today. It even brushes up against Xiaomi’s own flagship lineup — and that says a lot.
Final Verdict:
A flagship experience on a midrange budget. Highly recommended.
