Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi Note 14S, a new smartphone targeted at Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Czechia and Ukraine. While it may appear as a fresh addition to the Redmi Note 14 series, the 14S is essentially a Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G with a slightly redesigned camera module.
This move follows Xiaomi’s strategy of rebranding and repackaging existing models for different markets. Let’s take a closer look at what the Redmi Note 14S has to offer.
Familiar Hardware, Minimal Upgrades
The Redmi Note 14S retains nearly every spec from the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G, meaning no major hardware changes. Key highlights include:
- Display:
- 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate
- Full HD+ resolution (2400 × 1080 pixels)
- Punch-hole cutout for the front camera
- Processor:
- MediaTek Helio G99 chipset (4G-only)
- Built on 6nm process, providing power efficiency and decent performance
- No 5G connectivity, as this remains a budget 4G model
- Cameras:
- 200 MP main camera with Samsung ISOCELL HP3 sensor
- 8 MP ultra-wide camera
- 2 MP macro sensor
- 16 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls
- Battery & Charging:
- 5,000 mAh battery
- 67W fast charging, allowing full charge in under 50 minutes
- Software Concerns:
- While Xiaomi hasn’t explicitly mentioned the OS version, there are concerns that HyperOS might still be based on Android 13, rather than the latest Android 14.
- If this is true, buyers could be getting a two-year-old software experience, which might affect long-term software support.
Price & Availability
The Redmi Note 14S is currently available in three colors:
- Blue
- Purple
- Black
Pricing
- Ukraine: UAH 10,999 (~$270)
- Czechia: CZK 5,999 (~€240/$260)
These prices match the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G launch price, reinforcing the fact that the Note 14S is simply a rebranded device.
Final Thoughts: A Rebrand Rather Than an Upgrade
The Redmi Note 14S is not a true successor but rather a rebranded Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G with minor design changes. While the hardware remains solid, the lack of new features, 5G support, or an updated OS makes this launch underwhelming.
If you already own the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G, there is no reason to upgrade. However, if you’re in Czechia or Ukraine and looking for a budget-friendly 200 MP camera phone, the Redmi Note 14S still offers decent performance and a competitive price.
Would you buy a rebranded phone like the Redmi Note 14S, or would you rather wait for a true upgrade? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀
