Redmi 14C Review
| Price | $130 (Global, 128GB/4GB) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xiaomi |
| Display | 6.88" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720x1640 pixels (+HD), 600 nits |
| Processor | Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 4/6/8GB RAM (LPDDR4x) / 128/256GB Storage (eMMC 5.1), MicroSD support |
| Cameras | Rear: 50MP (main) + 0.3MP / Front: 13MP (1080p@30fps video) |
| Battery | 5160 mAh, 18W Fast Charging (33W charger in box) |
| Operating System | Android 14, HyperOS 1.0 |
| Dimensions & Weight | 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm, 204-211g |
| Materials | Plastic frame, Glass or Faux Leather back |
| Connectivity | 4G, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.4, GPS, NFC (market dependent), USB-C 2.0 |
| Sensors | Side Fingerprint, Face Unlock, Accelerometer, Compass, Software Proximity |
| Audio | Mono Speaker, 3.5mm Jack, FM Radio |
The Redmi 14C emerges as a compelling budget-friendly smartphone, boasting a large 6.88-inch 120Hz display and a substantial 5160 mAh battery with 18W fast charging. Powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra, it aims to deliver a balanced experience for everyday tasks and casual photography with its 50MP main camera. This device is positioned to attract users seeking strong fundamentals and a modern aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Verdict
The Redmi 14C is a strong contender in the entry-level smartphone market, offering a well-rounded package for its price point. It prioritizes a large, fluid display and excellent battery life, making it ideal for media consumption and users who need their phone to last all day. While its performance is adequate for daily tasks and light gaming, and the camera system is respectable for the segment, the software-based proximity sensor and lack of stereo speakers are notable compromises. For those on a tight budget seeking a reliable device with a big screen and enduring power, the Redmi 14C presents a very attractive option, especially considering its competitive global pricing.
Design & Build
Xiaomi has opted for a contemporary design with the Redmi 14C, featuring a plastic frame that keeps the device lightweight. The back panel offers a choice between a sleek glass finish or a more tactile faux leather, adding a touch of premium feel often absent in this price bracket. Available in vibrant Green, classic Black, elegant Purple, and refreshing Blue, it offers aesthetic versatility. With dimensions of 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm and a weight ranging from 204 to 211 grams, it's a substantial device, emphasizing its large display. A welcome feature is the triple slot for dual Nano SIMs and a dedicated MicroSD card, ensuring users don't have to sacrifice storage for connectivity.
Display Quality
The Redmi 14C truly shines with its expansive 6.88-inch IPS LCD display. Its 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature for this price category, promising buttery-smooth scrolling and a more responsive user experience. While the HD+ resolution (720x1640 pixels) might not be the sharpest at 260 PPI, the large screen size makes it excellent for consuming multimedia content. A peak brightness of 600 nits ensures decent outdoor visibility, and features like eye protection mode and night mode enhance viewing comfort across various lighting conditions.
Performance
Under the hood, the Redmi 14C is equipped with the Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra processor, built on a 12nm process. This octa-core chipset, with two cores clocked at 2.0GHz and six at 1.8GHz, coupled with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, delivers a respectable performance for its class. Daily tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging are handled smoothly. While it won't be a gaming powerhouse, it can manage casual games and some graphically less demanding titles without significant hiccups. The LPDDR4x RAM options (4GB, 6GB, 8GB) and eMMC 5.1 storage (128GB, 256GB) provide adequate speed and capacity, further boosted by MicroSD expansion. Running Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS 1.0 ensures a modern and feature-rich software experience.
Camera System
The Redmi 14C features a dual-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor with an F/1.8 aperture. This primary camera is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions, offering features like autofocus, AI enhancements, HDR, and a dedicated night mode. The secondary 0.3-megapixel camera is largely for aesthetic purposes or basic depth sensing. For video recording, the rear camera supports 1080P FHD at 30 frames per second. On the front, a 13-megapixel camera with an F/2.0 aperture handles selfies and video calls, also supporting 1080P FHD video at 30fps, complete with beauty modes and HDR. While not groundbreaking, the camera system is competent for social media sharing and everyday photography needs.
Battery Life
One of the Redmi 14C's most compelling attributes is its robust 5160 mAh battery. This large capacity, combined with the efficient Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra processor and HD+ display, promises excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day or even two for moderate users. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which, while not the fastest on the market, is a welcome addition that helps top up the battery in a reasonable amount of time. The included charger in the box is a 33W unit, which is a nice bonus, though the phone itself caps at 18W.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Very large 6.88-inch display
- ✓ Smooth 120Hz screen refresh rate
- ✓ Good and acceptable processor performance for its class
- ✓ Capable 50MP main rear camera
- ✓ Massive 5160 mAh battery
- ✓ Supports 18W fast charging (33W charger included)
- ✓ Convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- ✓ Ample storage options (128GB or 256GB)
- ✓ Dedicated slot for dual SIMs and MicroSD card
Cons
- ✕ Lacks a gyroscope sensor
- ✕ Features only a single (mono) external speaker
- ✕ Does not support 4K video recording
- ✕ Proximity sensor is software-based and may not be consistently efficient