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Xiaomi is generating excitement for the launch of its Redmi Note 14 SE 5G in India, scheduled for July 28. The company is promoting it as a “special edition” that offers premium features at an affordable price. However, upon closer inspection, the phone appears to be a revised version of a Redmi Note model we’ve seen before.
The budget 5G phone appears to have some impressive specs as well. A 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh, Gorilla Glass 5, up to 2,100nits of brightness, a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chip, and a big 5,110mAh battery.
The Redmi model also features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 cam with OIS and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. Buyers have what appears to be a solid bundle, until they remember that it’s nearly the same as the regular Redmi Note 14.
The only notable change in this model is the addition of a burgundy-red color option. This is the sole cosmetic update that Xiaomi has announced. Everything else about the phone mirrors the design of the Redmi Note 14, with the design language appearing nearly identical.
This approach is not new. In 2022, the Redmi Note 11 SE was simply a rebranded version of the Note 10S, and it was sold without a charger. At that time, Xiaomi was launching phones at a rapid pace, which led to confusion among customers. Eventually, the brand acknowledged the clutter in its lineup and promised to streamline its offerings.
Redmi Note 14 SE is expected to have a price of less than Rs. 18,999, which is the starting price of the standard Note 14. This pricing could make it an appealing option for consumers seeking value. The Redmi Note Series phone is anticipated to be particularly popular among students and first-time smartphone users.
Additionally, the Note 14 SE is part of Xiaomi's 11-year celebration in India, marking a significant return to the affordable segment while still promoting flagship phones equipped with Leica-branded cameras in the premium market.
Also Read: Best Redmi Mobile Phone Under Rs 25,000
If you're exploring recent phone releases in search of something "new," the Redmi Note 14 SE might catch your eye. For those who closely follow Xiaomi, this release feels like déjà vu. The hardware is already available, the design has been established, and the concept has been addressed.
This smartphone could serve as a budget-friendly option if the price hits that sweet spot. Xiaomi may have some surprises in store for launch day, but beyond that, this device seems to lack true innovation and feels more like a repackaging of a previously released model.
Let’s wait until July 28 to see if the SE has any hidden features left to unveil.
