Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has always been a crowd-pleaser, offering flagship-level features at a mid-range price. The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G continues this legacy, delivering a compelling package that excels in design, performance, and innovation.

Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that feels premium despite its affordable price tag. The phone features a glass back with a matte finish, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints. The phone also features high-strength aluminium composite frame, giving it a sturdy and premium feel.

The device is surprisingly lightweight at 190 grams and has a slim profile, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The IP68 rating ensures protection against dust and splashes, adding to its durability. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, ensuring ease of use.

Display
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. The screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.

With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the display remains visible even under direct sunlight. The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, adding to the overall premium experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing, the display is one of the standout features of this device.

Camera
The camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is impressive for its price range. The device features a 200MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.65 aperture, utilising 16-in-1 binning to create one large 2.24μm pixel. It has a 1/1.4” sensor size and a 7P lens. Additionally, it includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera capabilities include dynamic shots, motion tracking focus, lightning burst, film frame, portraits, document mode, night mode, dual video, and steady video.

The primary camera captures stunning, detailed photos with accurate colours and excellent dynamic range, even in low-light conditions, thanks to Xiaomi’s advanced Night Mode. The ultra-wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes, while the macro lens adds versatility for close-up shots.

The device also boasts a 20MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, featuring a soft-light ring, AI beautify, night mode, portrait mode, palm shutter, and selfie timer. For front camera video recording, it supports 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 30fps. The front camera does a good job in both the photography and videography department.

Internal Specs and Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G delivers flagship-level performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra is built on a 4nm manufacturing process. It features an octa-core CPU with a clock speed of up to 2.5GHz, and it is paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.

Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the device handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. The 5G connectivity ensures future-proofing, while the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 support add to the device’s versatility. Gaming performance is quite food, with the device handling titles such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without breaking a sweat.

AI Features
Xiaomi has integrated several AI-powered features into the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, enhancing the user experience. These features make the device smarter and more intuitive, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

AI Erase Pro lets you easily remove unwanted clutter from your photos with just a tap, making it magically disappear. AI Image Expansion allows you to extend your image beyond its original frame seamlessly, while AI Bokeh adds a beautiful background blur to make your image subject stand out. With AI Cutout, you can identify and separate image subjects from the background, and AI Film helps you create short vlogs and videos by recommending tailored templates and soundtracks based on your chosen photos and videos.

AI Beautify enhances your photos with gender recognition and pro-level beauty features for richer and more natural effects. AI Ultra-Clear Portrait provides sharp and detailed portraits with improved face clarity. Gemini Extensions connect Gemini to other Google apps and services, while Image Generation lets you create stunning images. The Gemini Overlay offers quick access to context-aware help with what’s on your screen, enabling you to easily search and get information with just a click or circle around an image.

Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5110mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. The device supports 45W turbo charging, allowing you to quickly top up the device without any hassle.

Overall Performance
The combination of the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra, ample RAM, and optimised Xiaomi HyperOS ensures a smooth and lag-free experience. The device handles everything from everyday tasks to intensive gaming with ease. The 120Hz display and 5G connectivity further enhance the overall performance, making it a future-ready device.

Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a stellar offering in the mid-range segment, delivering flagship-level features at an affordable price. Its premium design, stunning display, versatile camera system, and powerful performance make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone.

The inclusion of AI features and 5G connectivity ensures that the device remains relevant for years to come. If you’re in the market for a mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is an excellent choice.

Price: AED 1200

The Huawei Nova series has always been known for offering premium features at a mid-range price point, and the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is no exception. With its sleek design, impressive camera system, and solid performance, the Nova 13 Pro aims to compete with flagship devices while remaining accessible to a broader audience.

Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro continues the brand’s tradition of delivering stylish and modern designs. The phone features a glass back with a matte finish that not only looks premium but also resists fingerprints. The frame is made of aluminium, adding durability without compromising aesthetics. The device is available in several eye-catching colours, including Loden Green, White, and Black, catering to different tastes.

The Nova 13 Pro is surprisingly lightweight at 209 grams, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The curved edges on the back panel enhance grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, with the power button and volume rocker easily accessible on the right side.

One notable design feature is the punch-hole display, which houses the front-facing camera. This design choice maximises screen real estate while maintaining a sleek and modern look. Overall, the Nova 13 Pro’s design is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, making it a head-turner in its price segment.

Display
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro boasts a 6.76-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The screen resolution of 2776-by-1224 pixels ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing social media.

The OLED panel delivers deep blacks and vivid colours, making it ideal for media consumption. The display is also bright enough to remain visible under direct sunlight, which is a significant advantage for outdoor use. The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, offering buttery-smooth animations and transitions. While it does consume more battery, the Nova 13 Pro allows you to switch to a 60Hz mode to conserve power when needed. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint scanner adds to the phone’s modern appeal, and it’s both fast and accurate.

Performance
Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is powered by the Kirin 8000 chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor. While it may not match the performance of flagship chips, it handles everyday tasks with ease. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for most users.

In terms of real-world performance, the Nova 13 Pro excels in multitasking, app launches, and casual gaming. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly on medium to high settings. The phone also handles graphic-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering reasonably well, thanks to its Mali-G610 GPU.

Camera
The camera system is where the Huawei Nova 13 Pro truly shines. The device features a triple-camera setup on the back. This includes a 50MP Adjustable Aperture Camera (F1.4~F4.0 aperture, OIS), a 12MP Telephoto Portrait Camera (F2.4 aperture, OIS), and an 8MP Ultra-Wide Macro Camera (F2.2 aperture).

The primary camera delivers stunning photos with excellent detail, accurate colours, and good dynamic range. The OIS ensures that images remain sharp even in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for group photos and scenic shots. The telephoto lens performs admirably, allowing you to get closer to your subject without losing quality.

On the front, you get a dual-camera setup, which includes a 60 MP Ultra-Wide Autofocus Front Camera (F2.4 aperture), and an 8 MP Close-Up Portrait Front Camera (F2.2 aperture). The front camera supports 4K video recording, making it ideal for vloggers and content creators. The camera app is feature-rich, with modes such as Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode giving users plenty of creative control.

Battery Life
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life under moderate usage. During our tests, the device lasted a little more than a day’s worth of typical phone usage. The device supports 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, which can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in just 9 minutes.

Software
The Nova 13 Pro runs on EMUI 14.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. While it lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS), Huawei has made significant strides in building its ecosystem with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. Popular apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are available, and there’s also a workaround to install Google apps such as YouTube and Gmail, using the GBox app.

EMUI 14.2 is smooth and intuitive, with a user interface that resembles Android. It offers features like multi-screen collaboration, dark mode, and customisable themes.

Verdict
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro is a compelling mid-range smartphone that offers flagship-level features at an affordable price. Its stunning design, excellent camera system, and smooth display make it a great choice for photography enthusiasts and media consumers. If you’re looking for a stylish and capable smartphone without breaking the bank, the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is worth considering.

Price: AED 2399

The Lenovo M14t Gen2 Mobile Monitor is a portable, touch-enabled display designed for professionals and creatives who need a second screen on the go. With its sleek design, robust build quality, and impressive features, it aims to enhance productivity and flexibility.

Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 boasts a minimalist and professional design, making it suitable for both office and creative environments. The monitor features a slim profile, measuring just a few millimetres thick, and weighs approximately 590 grams, making it highly portable. The build quality is solid, with a durable aluminium finish that feels premium and resistant to everyday wear and tear.

The stand is integrated into the monitor, allowing for easy setup and adjustment. It supports tilt functionality, enabling users to find the perfect viewing angle. Additionally, the monitor is compatible with VESA mounts, offering flexibility for those who prefer a more permanent setup.

Specifications
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 features a 14-inch display with a Full HD resolution of 1920-by-1080 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. With 300 nits of brightness and support for a 72% NTSC colour gamut, the monitor ensures vivid and accurate colours, making it suitable for both work and creative tasks. In terms of connectivity, it offers versatile options, including USB-C with power delivery, HDMI, and USB-A ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Features
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 stands out with its 10-point multi-touch screen, offering a hands-on experience that’s perfect for designers, artists, or anyone who values direct interaction with their display. Its USB-C connectivity with power delivery simplifies setup by combining video and power into a single cable, while additional HDMI and USB-A ports ensure broad compatibility with various devices.

Featuring a compact design, this monitor is highly portable, making it an excellent choice for remote workers, digital nomads, or frequent travellers. To enhance user comfort, it includes eye care technology such as low blue light emission and flicker-free features, reducing eye strain during extended use. Additionally, the plug-and-play setup eliminates the need for extra drivers or software, allowing seamless connectivity with laptops, smartphones, and tablets for effortless productivity on the go.

Use Case
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 is tailored for professionals seeking a secondary display to boost productivity, whether for multitasking, presentations, or creative projects. It’s an ideal tool for remote workers who need to extend their workspace at home or on the move, as well as for designers and artists who can leverage the touchscreen for sketching, editing, or annotating directly on the display.

Gamers will appreciate its portability as a second screen for gaming setups or streaming, while students and educators can enhance productivity during study sessions or online classes. With its versatile features and compact design, the M14t Gen2 caters to a wide range of users, making it a valuable addition to any workflow.

Performance
The monitor delivers excellent performance for its size and purpose. The Full HD resolution ensures sharp and clear visuals, while the IPS panel provides wide viewing angles (178 degrees) and accurate colour reproduction. The 300 nits brightness is sufficient for indoor use, though it may struggle in very bright environments.

The touchscreen is responsive and smooth, making it a joy to use for creative tasks or navigation. The USB-C connectivity ensures fast data transfer and seamless integration with modern devices. The monitor also performs well as a secondary display for video editing, coding, or multitasking, thanks to its vibrant colours and crisp details.

Verdict
The Lenovo M14t Gen2 Mobile Monitor is a versatile and high-performing portable display that excels in both design and functionality. Its lightweight build, touchscreen capabilities, and robust connectivity options make it a valuable tool for professionals, creatives, and anyone in need of a secondary screen. While it may not replace a high-end desktop monitor for colour-critical work, it more than makes up for it with its portability and ease of use. The inclusion of eye care technology and a plug-and-play setup further enhances its appeal.

The Lenovo M14t Gen2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable, touch-enabled monitor that balances performance, portability, and affordability. Whether you’re working remotely, creating art, or simply expanding your screen real estate, this monitor delivers on its promises.

Price: AED 1465 approx.