The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G is here to redefine the entry-level smartphone segment by offering a compelling package at a pocket-friendly price. Aimed at budget-conscious users seeking reliable 5G connectivity, a smooth display, and decent performance, this phone is ideal for casual users, students, and first-time smartphone buyers.
However, if you're looking for flagship-level cameras or top-tier build quality, you might need to explore higher-priced options.
Let's dive into the detailed specs and features to see what the Redmi 14C 5G brings to the table.
Note: Not to be confused with another model with a similar name, namely, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C (announced on 2024-08-30), which is a 4G phone.
Design and Build: Durable and Youthful
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G features a practical yet stylish design. Its dimensions of 171.9Γ77.8Γ8.2 mm and weight of 205 - 212 g make it slightly larger but manageable for one-handed use. The plastic frame ensures durability. Available in Stardust Purple, Stargaze Black, and Starlight Blue, the color choices add a fresh appeal for younger audiences. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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General |
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Dimensions | H: 171.9 mm (6.77β³), W: 77.8 mm (3.06β³), D: 8.2 mm (0.32β³) |
Mass |
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Material | Glass front; plastic frame |
Colors | Stardust Purple, Stargaze Black (glass back), Starlight Blue (glass back) |
With those dimensions, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G is on the larger side, and its 6.88-inch display ensures a substantial footprint. While the slim 8.2 mm thickness is a win for portability, the phone's height and width might make it a bit cumbersome for users with smaller hands, especially for extended one-handed use.
The weight discrepancy between the variants (205 g for the Stardust Purple and 212 g for the Stargaze Black and Starlight Blue variants) may not seem like much, but the heavier models can feel more robust and premium. Nonetheless, for prolonged usage or carrying it in pockets, 212 g might feel slightly bulky. When slipped into a bag, though, the difference is negligible.
The Stargaze Black and Starlight Blue color variants feature glass backs, adding a premium look and feel to the phone. Glass backs offer a smoother, more luxurious finish, and resist minor scratches but are prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Glass being heavier increases the phone's weight slightly, contributing to the 212 g weight in these models. It is also more fragile, making a protective case a must for clumsy users.
All variants feature a plastic frame, which is a common choice in this price range due to its cost-effectiveness. Plastic frames add flexibility and impact resistance, which can reduce damage during accidental drops.
Plastic frames are also lightweight, contributing to the overall ergonomics of the phone. However, they may lack the cold, metallic feel of aluminum or stainless steel, though they are much easier on the pocket when it comes to repair costs.
The Redmi 14C 5G is available in three color choices, each catering to different personalities and lifestyles:
- Stardust Purple: The playful option, purple radiates creativity and individuality. This is the variant for those who like standing out in a crowd, especially younger users or those who enjoy bold, trendy colors.
- Stargaze Black: A classic and versatile choice, black suits professionals and minimalists who prefer a clean, elegant look. It's timeless and appeals to users who dislike flashy aesthetics.
- Starlight Blue: This variant exudes calmness and sophistication, ideal for users who enjoy subtle vibrancy without being overwhelming. It's perfect for a younger demographic or anyone seeking a refreshing yet refined design.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G balances functionality and aesthetics with a well-thought-out design. While the weight and size might feel unwieldy for users seeking a compact device, the inclusion of glass-backed options provides a premium feel at a budget price.
The color variety caters to diverse personalities, making the phone appealing to a wide audience. For those concerned about durability, the Stardust Purple variant might be a safer bet, while style enthusiasts will gravitate toward the glass-backed models.
If we compare the Redmi 14C 5G with the predecessor Redmi 13C 5G, it's gotten slightly larger and heavier. The Redmi 13C 5G was 168.1Γ77.9Γ8.2 mm and 192 g or 195 g. Material-wise, it featured a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for display protection), and a plastic back and frame.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G's IP52 rating offers basic protection against splashes and dust. Let's understand what each digit signifies and how it compares to higher-rated devices.
The "IP" in IP52 stands for "Ingress Protection", with the first digit representing protection against solids and the second digit indicating protection against liquids. In the case of the Redmi 14C 5G:
- The first digit "5" signifies protection against solids. Specifically, it means the Redmi 14C 5G is protected against dust ingress to a limited extent. While it may not be completely dustproof, it offers a level of protection against dust particles that could potentially harm the device's internal components.
- The second digit "2" denotes protection against liquids. This indicates that the Redmi 14C 5G is protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees from its normal position. While it may withstand light splashes and rain, it's not fully waterproof or submersible.
Compared to the phones flaunting higher ratings like IP68 (which offers complete dust protection and allows for continuous immersion in water), the IP52 rating of the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G provides more modest protection against environmental elements. To protect your device from environmental elements, you can take several precautions:
- Use a Protective Case: A durable and shock-absorbent protective case can provide an additional layer of protection against drops, impacts, and scratches. Look for cases specifically designed for the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G's form factor to ensure a snug fit and access to ports and buttons.
- Apply a Screen Protector: A screen protector can help safeguard the display against scratches, smudges, and minor impacts. Choose a high-quality screen protector made from tempered glass or durable film for optimal protection.
- Avoid Exposure to Extreme Conditions: While the Redmi 14C 5G is designed to withstand everyday use, it's best to avoid exposing it to dusty environments and high humidity for extended periods. These conditions can potentially damage the device or affect its performance over time.
By taking these precautions and investing in protective accessories such as a case and screen protector, you can help prolong the life of your Redmi 14C 5G and reduce the likelihood of damage from environmental elements.
Display: Smooth and Bright
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The Redmi 14C 5G boasts a 6.88-inch IPS LCD panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth - a feature rarely seen in this price range. With a typical brightness of 450 nits and a peak of 600 nits in HBM, the display remains legible in most indoor settings. The 720Γ1640 pixels resolution might seem modest, but the screen's size and clarity ensure a decent multimedia experience, albeit with a 260 PPI density that could show some pixelation upon close inspection.
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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Size | 6.88β³ (175 mm) diagonal |
Type | IPS LCD, 120 Hz |
Resolution (px) | 720Γ1640, about 260 PPI |
Brightness | Typical: 450 nits; HBM: 600 nits |
Features | 240 Hz touch sampling rate |
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G is equipped with a 6.88-inch IPS LCD display that brings several practical features to the table, aimed at delivering a balanced viewing experience within its price range.
IPS LCD displays are known for their ability to provide accurate color reproduction, wide viewing angles, and decent performance in terms of brightness and contrast. This makes the Redmi 14C's display suitable for casual media consumption, gaming, and everyday usage. However, compared to OLED panels, IPS LCDs tend to lack deep blacks and vibrant colors, making them slightly less immersive for cinematic content.
IPS LCD panels are less prone to screen burn-in compared to OLED screens, which is a plus for long-term use. Colors remain accurate and vibrant even when viewed from off-angles, making them ideal for group viewing or sharing content with friends. IPS technology also keeps production costs low, making it a smart choice for budget-friendly devices like this one.
The display's 120 Hz refresh rate is a standout feature in this price segment. It ensures smoother scrolling, animations, and transitions, significantly enhancing the overall user experience.
This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers - fast-paced games feel more responsive and fluid. In daily use, scrolling through social media and web pages feels snappier compared to standard 60 Hz panels.
However, with a relatively low 720Γ1640 px resolution, the sharpness of fast-moving content might not match the fluidity provided by the refresh rate. This resolution (which translates to around 260 PPI density) is adequate for basic tasks such as reading text, watching videos, and casual gaming.
Here's what it works well for:
- Standard Definition Video: Streaming at 720p or even 1080p scales reasonably well on this resolution.
- Social Media and Messaging: Text and images appear clear enough for daily use.
However, it might fall short for:
- High-Detail Media: Content like 4K videos, professional photo editing, or immersive gaming with rich graphics may feel underwhelming due to the lack of sharpness.
- Large Display: On a screen as big as 6.88 inches, the lower pixel density can result in some visible pixelation, especially in fine details.
The display has a typical brightness of 450 nits and peaks at 600 nits in HBM (High Brightness Mode). While this brightness is decent for indoor usage and shaded outdoor environments, it falls short in extremely bright conditions.
Viewing the screen clearly under bright sunlight will likely be challenging, particularly when navigating maps or reading text. Although the phone doesn't officially support HDR, its brightness limitations mean HDR content wouldn't be as impactful as on higher-end devices.
For comparison, flagship devices often exceed 1000 nits, making this 600-nit level on the lower side, especially for outdoor usability.
Touch sampling refers to how quickly the screen updates and detects your touch inputs. A high touch sampling rate like 240 Hz is crucial for your smartphone's responsiveness, especially during gaming and fast-scrolling!
With a high touch sampling rate, your phone can detect and respond to your movements more quickly and accurately, which translates to faster response times, giving you a competitive edge. When scrolling, it means smoother and more responsive navigation, making your smartphone experience feel incredibly fluid.
In summary, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G's display delivers solid basics and some highlights, such as the 120 Hz refresh rate, at an affordable price. While it handles standard content like social media, YouTube videos, and casual games effortlessly, it may leave power users wanting more in terms of sharpness and brightness.
If you primarily use your phone indoors or in shaded environments, the brightness limitations won't bother you much. However, for users frequently outdoors, the screen's visibility in harsh sunlight could be a drawback. Similarly, if you consume high-resolution media or prioritize pixel density, you may feel the 720p resolution doesn't quite meet your expectations.
Overall, the display is functional and balanced for budget-conscious users, but those seeking outdoor visibility or sharper visuals should look elsewhere.
For comparison, the predecessor Redmi 13C 5G featured a 6.74-inch, 720Γ1600 px IPS LCD display, with a 90 Hz refresh rate and the same brightness levels as the Redmi 14C 5G.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
Equipped with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G capabilities, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G ensures you stay connected at all times.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G supports dual Nano-SIM.
Chipset - Performance: 4-nm Powerhouse
Under the hood, the Redmi 14C 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, the first 4-nm processor in its series. Its octa-core architecture (comprising two types of cores) and Adreno 613 GPU deliver smooth multitasking, efficient power usage, and decent gaming performance for casual titles. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
CPU | Octa-core (2Γ2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 + 6Γ1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
GPU | Adreno 613 |
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which is built on an advanced 4-nm process - a rarity in the entry-level segment. This chipset combines modern efficiency with decent performance, making it a standout choice for budget smartphones.
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a significant upgrade in Qualcomm's 4-series lineup. The 4-nm fabrication process improves power efficiency, thermals, and overall performance compared to older, less efficient nodes like 6-nm or 8-nm.
Key benefits of this chipset include energy efficiency, enhanced performance, and improved thermals. The smaller process node results in better battery life. The chipset supports smooth multitasking and day-to-day operations. It also runs cooler under load, which is especially beneficial for gaming and prolonged usage.
The octa-core CPU comprises a dual-cluster architecture:
- 2ΓCortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz: These are the performance cores, designed for demanding tasks. They handle app launches, gaming, heavy multitasking, and photo and video editing. The Cortex-A78 cores deliver snappy responsiveness and improved processing speeds for intensive operations.
- 6ΓCortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz: These are the efficiency cores, optimized for power-saving and background tasks. They manage basic app usage (e.g., messaging, browsing), background processes, and standby tasks. The Cortex-A55 cores ensure the phone remains power-efficient, extending battery life during less demanding usage.
The Adreno 613 GPU handles the graphical workload and supports casual gaming, video rendering, and UI animations. While not a powerhouse, it's capable of handling light to moderate gaming (e.g., games like Clash Royale, Candy Crush, and PUBG Mobile Lite), streaming HD videos without stutter, and smooth transitions and animations in the interface.
However, it may struggle with graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile on high settings. Advanced AR applications or professional 3D rendering are also beyond its comfort zone.
Given these components under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G's processing configuration is well-suited for casual tasks like:
- Daily Operations: Smooth navigation, social media scrolling, and web browsing.
- Multitasking: Switching between multiple apps without significant lag, thanks to the efficient core distribution.
- Streaming and Entertainment: Playing videos, music, and casual games without hiccups.
- Light Gaming: Popular titles that aren't graphically demanding run decently, especially with medium-to-low settings.
However, while the Redmi 14C 5G delivers adequate performance for its price, its chipset and GPU might fall short for more demanding tasks, such as:
- Heavy Gaming: High-end games with complex graphics will push the GPU to its limits, resulting in lower frame rates or reduced visual quality.
- Professional Applications: Tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and high-quality photo editing require stronger GPUs and faster CPUs.
- Future-Proofing: As apps and games become more demanding, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 may struggle to keep up with newer software.
In summary, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a capable device for everyday use. The dual-cluster CPU architecture ensures resource optimization, while the Adreno 613 GPU caters to casual gaming and multimedia.
However, power users or gamers looking for a high-performance device might find this configuration limiting. For those users, a midrange or flagship chipset with a more robust GPU is a better fit. Still, for its segment, the Redmi 14C 5G offers excellent value for the tasks it's designed to handle.
For comparison, the predecessor Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G featured the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2Γ2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6Γ2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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RAM Type | LPDDR4X |
Internal Storage Type | UFS 2.2 |
Memory Card Slot | microSDXC |
RAM / Internal Storage Variants | 4 GB / 64 GB, 4 GB / 128 GB, 6 GB / 128 GB |
All variants support UFS 2.2 storage for faster read/write speeds, and the dedicated microSDXC slot ensures expandable storage for users with heavy media needs.
For comparison, the predecessor Redmi 13C 5G came in four variants with 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB to 256 GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.
Cameras: A Mixed Bag
The dual-camera system on the Redmi 14C 5G features a 50 MP primary sensor for detailed shots, and an auxiliary lens (likely a depth or macro sensor). While the 50 MP sensor excels in daylight conditions with sharp details and accurate colors, the lack of ultra-wide or dedicated macro lenses might limit versatility.
The 8 MP front camera offers passable selfies in good lighting, though low-light results could be improved.
Rear Camera
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G comes with a dual-camera setup, centered around a 50 MP primary sensor and an auxiliary lens. This configuration aims to provide a capable photography experience in an entry-level 5G smartphone. Let's dive into the roles of each lens and the features that enhance the camera's performance. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) |
Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), N/A (auxiliary lens) |
Focal Length | 27 mm, N/A |
Aperture | f/1.8, N/A |
Autofocus | PDAF, N/A |
Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
Other Features | LED flash, HDR |
The 50 MP primary lens is the workhorse of the camera system. With a wide aperture of f/1.8, this sensor excels in capturing detailed photos, low-light shots, and portraits and landscapes. High resolution allows for better clarity and the ability to crop images without losing too much quality.
This is a versatile lens for capturing various subjects with decent depth and sharpness. The wide aperture lets in more light, improving results in dimly lit environments.
While the exact purpose of the auxiliary lens isn't specified (it could be a depth sensor, macro lens, or monochrome sensor), these lenses generally enhance specific photography aspects, such as depth information, close-up photography, or improved low-light shots.
However, in budget smartphones, the secondary lens is often limited in functionality and may not significantly impact day-to-day photography.
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) ensures quick and precise focusing by detecting the phase difference in incoming light.
PDAF is particularly beneficial when capturing fast-moving subjects, taking quick, spur-of-the-moment photos without focus lag, and ensuring sharp results in various lighting conditions.
The LED flash ensures proper lighting in dark environments or night photography.
It helps reduce motion blur and highlights subjects in dim settings, though it may create harsh shadows compared to natural light.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) balances exposure in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes and high-contrast scenarios.
It helps avoid overexposed highlights and underexposed shadows, and captures better detail in both the bright and dark areas of an image. HDR ensures photos appear more vibrant and realistic, making it ideal for landscapes, sunsets, and urban photography.
The main camera supports 1080p video at 30 fps, which is sufficient for casual videography, such as vlogs, social media posts, and personal recordings.
However, the absence of advanced stabilization means videos may appear shaky without a steady hand or tripod.
Given this combination of hardware and features, here are the strengths of the main camera:
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 50 MP sensor provides good detail, especially in well-lit environments.
- Fast Autofocus: PDAF ensures sharp results even in dynamic situations.
- HDR Capability: Useful for tricky lighting scenarios to achieve balanced exposures.
And here are its limitations:
- Secondary Lens Usage: Depending on its type, the auxiliary lens may not add substantial value to the overall photography experience.
- Low-Light Performance: While the wide aperture helps, budget sensors often struggle with noise and detail in very low-light conditions.
- Video Features: Lack of advanced stabilization or higher frame rates limits video versatility.
In conclusion, the main 50 MP sensor is the star of the show, providing sharp and detailed photos in favorable lighting conditions. Features like PDAF and HDR enhance the user experience, making it a solid performer for casual photography and everyday scenarios. However, the auxiliary lens feels secondary and may not deliver significant results beyond adding depth or other niche enhancements.
For users who prioritize social media-ready photos, this camera setup offers solid value. But if you're into professional-grade photography or advanced video recording, you'll need to look at more premium options.
For comparison, the older Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G featured a similar main camera setup.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered, waterdrop notch on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
---|---|
Resolution | 8 MP |
Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
For comparison, the predecessor Redmi 13C 5G featured a 5 MP (f/2.2) wide selfie shooter, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps. Its feature set included HDR.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
---|---|
Capacity | 5160 mAh |
Wired Charging | 18 W, PD |
A 5160 mAh battery powers the Redmi 14C 5G, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage or two days with moderate use. The 18 W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery) is a bit slow by today's standards but reasonable given the price.
For comparison, the older Redmi 13C 5G came with a 5000 mAh battery with 18 W wired charging.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Redmi 14C 5G |
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Loudspeaker | Yes |
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Yes |
The inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a win for audiophiles.
For comparison, the predecessor Redmi 13C 5G had a similar audio setup.
Connectivity
With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The Redmi 14C 5G features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G features GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.
The absence of NFC might be a downside for some, but it's not uncommon in this price segment.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Virtual Proximity Sensing: The basic principle behind virtual proximity sensing is similar to a traditional proximity sensor (which detects the presence or movement of an object without physically contacting it). The "virtual" part refers to the use of software algorithms and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance your device's proximity sensing capabilities. This can enable features like gesture controls, where your device responds to specific hand movements even before you touch the screen, creating a more intuitive and immersive user experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Redmi 14C 5G.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
Verdict: Does It Justify the Price?
For its price, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G delivers excellent value. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, 120 Hz display, 50 MP camera, and 5160 mAh battery make it a standout in the entry-level segment. While compromises like the 720p resolution and lack of ultra-wide and macro lenses are evident, they are reasonable given the price point.
This phone is perfect for budget-conscious users prioritizing 5G connectivity, solid performance, and battery life. Those seeking flagship-like photography or premium materials should look elsewhere.
Overall, the Redmi 14C 5G strikes a fine balance between cost and features, living up to Xiaomi's reputation for delivering great value.
Feature (top) image credit: Xiaomi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G release date?
The Xiaomi Redmi 14C 5G has been announced on the 6th January, 2025. It is expected to release on the 10th January, 2025.