Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G Camera Review: Stunning Quality, Features, and Limitations
When it comes to smartphone photography, Xiaomi has steadily raised the bar, and with the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G, the brand is making a bold statement. Boasting a massive 200MP main camera, this device aims to bring flagship-level imaging to a mid-range price point.
But does it truly deliver stunning photos that rival industry leaders like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro? Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
The Power of 200MP: Marketing Gimmick or Real Deal?
Let’s be honest—smartphone megapixels have long been a battleground for marketing. While most flagship devices hover around 50MP or even 108MP, Xiaomi has gone all in with a whopping 200MP sensor. In terms of megapixels, Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is only rivaled by flagship phones such as Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra—which is also boosts 200MP. But does that actually translate to better photos? The short answer is: it depends.
Equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a large f/1.65 aperture, and a 1/1.4” sensor, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is built to capture an incredible amount of detail. In well-lit conditions, the photos are sharp, colors are vibrant, and dynamic range is impressive. However, megapixels alone don’t define image quality—sensor size, AI processing, and software optimizations play crucial roles.
Take Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, which also features a 200MP sensor. The difference? Samsung pairs it with superior AI-driven post-processing, resulting in better HDR, improved color accuracy, and a more refined output. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro sticks to a more modest 50MP sensor but uses its computational photography wizardry to outperform even higher-megapixel rivals in real-world scenarios.
Night Photography: Can Xiaomi Compete with the Big Players?
One of the biggest promises of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is its night photography capabilities. Xiaomi has refined its RAW processing algorithms to retain more details in low-light conditions. Combined with Super Pixel technology (which merges 16 pixels into one large 2.24μm pixel), the device aims to capture brighter and clearer night shots.
Compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro, which relies on Deep Fusion technology, and Google’s Night Sight, Xiaomi’s results hold up well but still show room for improvement. While the OIS helps reduce motion blur, some noise creeps into the darker areas, particularly when compared to the Pixel’s AI-powered noise reduction. That said, if you’re upgrading from an older mid-range device, you’ll be impressed with the improvement in nighttime photography.
Zoom Capabilities: Optical-Level vs. True Optical Zoom
Xiaomi highlights its 4X lossless zoom, but let’s clarify one thing—this isn’t true optical zoom. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s periscope lens, which offers up to 10X true optical zoom, Xiaomi’s approach relies on software-driven cropping from the 200MP sensor. While this method retains impressive detail, it can’t match a dedicated telephoto lens when it comes to clarity at higher zoom levels.
However, if you mostly zoom within 2X to 4X ranges, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G delivers crisp and usable results, making it a solid choice for casual users who want versatility without paying flagship prices.
AI-Powered Features: A Photographer’s Playground
Xiaomi has packed the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G with AI-enhanced tools that cater to both casual photographers and content creators.
- AI Erase Pro: If you’ve ever taken a near-perfect shot ruined by an unexpected photobomber, this feature is a lifesaver. Similar to Google’s Magic Eraser, it lets you remove unwanted elements with just a tap.
- AI Image Expansion: Ever taken a picture and wished you had captured a little more background? Xiaomi’s AI can extend your image beyond its original frame—though, like any AI-generated edits, results can sometimes be hit-or-miss.
- AI Bokeh & Beautify: For those who love portrait photography, AI Bokeh creates a creamy, DSLR-like background blur, while AI Beautify enhances facial features without making you look unrealistically smooth.
Compared to Samsung’s and Apple’s portrait modes, Xiaomi’s processing is competitive but occasionally inconsistent, especially with edge detection in complex backgrounds.
Video Recording: A Contender or Still Behind the Curve?
For videographers, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G offers 4K recording at 30fps, with support for 1080p at up to 60fps. It also features slow-motion recording at 120fps in 1080p and up to 240fps in 720p.
While this is impressive for a mid-range phone, it’s still a step behind flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Apple iPhone 16 Pro offers an excellent 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, 100 fps (Fusion) or 120 fps (Fusion).
Additionally, while stabilization is decent thanks to OIS, Xiaomi’s electronic stabilization (EIS) could use some refinements to reduce jitters when walking and filming.
Selfie Camera: Can It Keep Up?
The 20MP front-facing camera (f/2.2) comes with AI Beautify, Night Mode, and Portrait Mode, making it a solid choice for selfies and vlogging. The dual video mode (recording from both front and rear cameras simultaneously) is a great addition for content creators who want to engage their audience dynamically. However, compared to the 42MP front camera (f/2.2) on Google Pixel 9 Pro, Xiaomi’s selfie shooter produces good—not great—results, especially in low-light conditions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G Camera Specifications
| Camera Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 200MP, OIS, f/1.65, 16-in-1 binning into one large 2.24μm pixel, 1/1.4” sensor size, 7P lens |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 |
| Rear Camera Video Recording | 4K at 24/30fps, 1080p at 30/60fps, 720p at 30fps, Slow motion: 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 120/240fps |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, Soft-light ring, AI beautify, Night mode, Portrait mode, Palm Shutter, Selfie timer |
| Front Camera Video Recording | 1080p at 30/60fps, 720p at 30fps |
Verdict: Should You Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G for Photography?
If you’re a photography enthusiast on a budget and want flagship-level hardware at a fraction of the price, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G is a compelling option. The 200MP main camera, solid low-light performance, and AI-powered features give you plenty of creative tools to work with.
However, if you prioritize refined image processing, superior zoom capabilities, and pro-level video features, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, or even Apple’s iPhone 16 Series might be better choices—albeit at a significantly higher cost.
Ultimately, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G strikes a fine balance between affordability and premium camera features, making it one of the best mid-range smartphone cameras on the market today. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or experimenting with creative photography, this device ensures you’ll never miss a shot.
FAQs: Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G
