Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G (Global) review

Design, build quality, handling

The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G does not exactly shine in the design department. The camera island is rather memorable but not truly unique in any way. It has pretty soft shapes and curves and does not stick out too much, which we like.

There is, unfortunately, quite a bit of writing on the back of the phone, which we aren't a huge fan of. Still, at least it is symmetrical, which we can appreciate.

The phone's body is nicely curved on both sides, making for a nice and comfy in-hand feel.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G can be had with a standard plastic back or an eco-leather. Our plastic unit doesn't really have any particular texture or finish. It is just matte and a bit silky, but just a bit. It doesn't attract or retail dirt and fingerprints, which is nice. As expected, the leather Lavender Purple option is a bit thicker at 8.55mm compared to the 8.4mm of the plastic Midnight Black and Coral Green models.

There is no hollowness to the back, which is good to see. In fact, the entire body of the phone, despite incorporating a plastic frame, feels very solid. There is practically no flex to the chassis.

One new upgrade this year is the inclusion of a full proper ingress protection rating on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. In fact, thanks to new materials, processes, and better glues in particular, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G has an IP69K rating in some markets, and where that isn't available, it is still certified for IP68.

The front of the phone is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a nice little display protection upgrade since last year.

The plastic middle frame on the phone gives off a pretty convincing brushed metal look. It is quite thin, and so are the power and volume buttons. Still, these are easy enough to feel out and offer decent tactile feedback.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

There is nothing on the left-hand side of the phone. In contrast, the top and bottom are quite busy. We have to point out the symmetrical speakers on both sides. Also, the fact that there is still an IR blaster on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. One notable omission since last year's model is the 3.5mm audio jack. It is no more.

Speaking of controls, nothing is visible on the front of the phone. All the sensors are well hidden, most under the display. The display bezels aren't too large.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G uses an in-display fingerprint reader. It is quite fast and accurate. We have no complaints about it.