In 2025, mid-range smartphones are looking more premium than ever, and two devices are leading the charge under the $500 price segment: the Oppo Reno13 F 5G and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G. Both brands are no strangers to delivering impressive value, but this year’s models push the envelope with higher refresh rate displays, large batteries, strong performance, and surprisingly capable cameras.
The Reno13 F takes a bold step with an IP69 rating, color-shifting back panel, and a lightweight, boxy design. On the other hand, Redmi’s contender packs a flagship-grade 200MP camera, blazing fast 120W charging, and a smooth, vibrant display with curved edges.
If you’re choosing between these two, it’s clear both offer strong features. But which one actually gives more bang for your buck in real-world usage—whether it’s photography, gaming, battery life, or just everyday smoothness?
We’ve tested both phones thoroughly across multiple categories to help you decide. From design aesthetics and software quirks to camera comparisons and charging speeds, this detailed review covers it all.
Let’s jump in and find out which one deserves your hard-earned cash.
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Design and Build Quality:
The Oppo Reno13 F 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G approach design with distinctly different philosophies, yet both reflect a shift toward more premium aesthetics in the mid-range space. The Reno13 F adopts a sleek, flat-edged boxy look reminiscent of earlier Pro models in the Oppo lineup.
It ditches the curved screen of its predecessor in favor of a more angular and structured design that feels modern and minimal. Meanwhile, the Note 14 Pro Plus embraces curves with its front and back panel seamlessly blending into the frame, giving it a more elegant and comfortable feel in hand.
Both devices come with aluminum frames and glass backs, making them feel more upscale than many of their competitors. However, the back panel of the Reno13 F is uniquely playful—crafted from a special material that changes color in low temperatures. While a fun touch, this feature may go unnoticed in tropical climates where temperature drops are rare.
The Reno13 F also adds a glossy shimmer around the camera module, offering a bit of visual flair, whereas the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus goes for a more understated and mature look. The triple-camera modules are neatly aligned on both devices, but Oppo wins a few design points for symmetry.
When it comes to durability, the Reno13 F slightly edges out with an IP69 rating, offering protection against high-pressure water sprays—an upgrade over the Redmi’s IP68, which still supports immersion but lacks the added pressure resistance.
Despite the differences in style, both phones are impressively well-built and lightweight. The Reno13 F weighs slightly less, making it ideal for one-handed use, but the curved edges of the Note 14 Pro Plus give it a more ergonomic grip.
In terms of tactile feedback and button placement, both phones perform well, but Redmi’s volume and power buttons feel more robust. Overall, if you prefer a flashy, modern aesthetic with added durability, the Reno13 F will appeal more. If you’re after a refined, flagship-like experience, the Note 14 Pro Plus delivers beautifully.
Display Specs and Features:
The Oppo Reno13 F 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G both sport 6.67-inch AMOLED displays with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and responsive touch experiences. However, the similarities largely end there. The Reno13 F features a Full HD+ resolution, while the Note 14 Pro Plus steps things up with a sharper 1.5K resolution, offering crisper text and more detailed visuals.
When it comes to brightness, the difference is even more noticeable. The Reno13 F peaks at 1,200 nits, which is decent for most outdoor usage, but the Note 14 Pro Plus impressively reaches up to 3,000 nits. This makes it much easier to view under direct sunlight, especially for video playback or gaming outside.
Another standout feature of the Redmi display is its curved edges, giving it a more immersive and premium look—especially when consuming content or gaming. It also supports Dolby Vision for better HDR playback, while Oppo’s panel leans more toward standard HDR quality.
Colors on the Note 14 Pro Plus appear more vivid and punchy, with deeper blacks, making it a better choice for media consumption. On the audio side, both phones have stereo speakers, but Redmi wins again with fuller sound and Dolby Atmos support.
While the Reno13 F delivers a solid viewing experience for its price, the Note 14 Pro Plus clearly takes the lead in sharpness, brightness, and audio-visual immersion.
Software and Updates:
The Oppo Reno13 F 5G runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, offering a modern interface with customizable features and clean animations. Oppo’s software has matured well over the years, and ColorOS 15 brings refined multitasking features, smoother transitions, and added AI enhancements in the system apps like the gallery, notes, and recorder.
Meanwhile, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus ships with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS based on Android 14. HyperOS introduces a redesigned user interface, improved performance, and battery management tweaks. It’s a significant departure from MIUI, aiming for a cleaner and more fluid Android experience with a more lightweight feel.
In terms of bloatware, both devices come with a fair share of pre-installed apps, but most can be uninstalled. The real difference comes in software support. Xiaomi promises 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for the Note 14 Pro Plus—a very transparent and competitive policy in this price range.
Oppo, on the other hand, hasn’t officially disclosed the update policy for the Reno13 F, which could raise concerns for long-term users who prioritize future-proofing. Without clear update timelines, users may miss out on timely new features and security improvements.
Overall, while both software experiences are capable, Xiaomi edges ahead with a clearer long-term update commitment and a fresh UI approach through HyperOS.
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Performance and Chipsets:
Under the hood, the Oppo Reno13 F 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, clocked up to 2.2GHz. It’s a decent chipset for everyday use, delivering smooth performance for casual apps, multitasking, and light gaming. It pairs well with 12GB of RAM, ensuring ample memory for running multiple apps simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.
On the flip side, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus takes things further with the newer Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, which clocks up to 2.5GHz. This chipset is not only more recent but also more capable in handling intensive workloads, thanks to its improved GPU and CPU architecture. It provides a noticeable edge in speed and graphics rendering.
In benchmark comparisons, the Note 14 Pro Plus consistently outperforms the Reno13 F in CPU and GPU tests. However, the Reno13 F surprisingly delivers better storage performance in AnTuTu’s storage tests, possibly due to better optimization in data read/write speeds.
That said, the real-world experience on both phones is generally smooth. For most users, the difference may only be felt in heavier games or when pushing the phones with intense multitasking. Ultimately, the Redmi takes this round with a more future-ready chipset that gives it extra headroom for demanding apps.
Gaming:
When it comes to gaming, both the Oppo Reno13 F and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ can handle popular mobile titles quite well—but with some differences in performance. The Reno13 F, with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, runs games like Mobile Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG at medium to high settings without much trouble. However, once you push to more graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal, you’ll need to drop the settings to maintain smooth frame rates.
On the other hand, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and its more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 handles gaming noticeably better. It allows smoother frame rates and faster loading times in games like Genshin Impact, even on medium to high settings. While it still can’t max out graphics like a flagship device, it’s clearly better optimized for gaming scenarios.
Thermals are also better managed on the Redmi. After 30 minutes of gameplay, it remained cooler compared to the Reno, which warmed up more noticeably. Both phones have Game Boost modes in their settings, but Redmi’s HyperOS seemed to offer better frame stability.
For serious mobile gamers on a budget, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is a safer bet—it delivers smoother gameplay, more consistent performance, and better heat control.
Camera Comparison
Main Camera:
Both the Oppo Reno13 F and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ come equipped with capable main cameras, but the differences are immediately noticeable. The Reno13 F features a 50MP primary shooter that captures vibrant colors and decent dynamic range in well-lit settings. It handles everyday shots fairly well, though image sharpness can sometimes feel a bit inconsistent, especially at the edges.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+, on the other hand, flexes a massive 200MP main sensor. This results in highly detailed photos with excellent clarity and depth, especially when using the full-resolution mode. Colors are punchy yet natural, and dynamic range is handled more confidently than on the Reno. In daytime photography, Redmi consistently pulls ahead in retaining finer textures and balance across highlights and shadows.
Ultrawide Lens:
Each phone offers an 8MP ultrawide lens, which provides a broader field of view for landscape and group shots. On the Reno13 F, the ultrawide lens gets the job done but struggles with corner sharpness and noise in low light. The images tend to appear flat and lack the vibrancy seen on the main sensor.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ does slightly better in this regard, producing wider and more detailed shots. It still suffers from distortion at the edges and loses clarity under poor lighting, but dynamic range and overall sharpness are better tuned. While neither phone delivers flagship-level ultrawide results, Redmi takes a slight lead in this department too.
Zoom Comparison:
Both devices rely heavily on digital zoom rather than dedicated telephoto lenses. Up to 2x zoom, image quality remains usable on both, but things start to fall apart around 5x and beyond.
The Note 14 Pro Plus, thanks to its high-res 200MP sensor, has the upper hand here by cropping into the image with better retention of detail. The Reno13 F shows more noise and artificial sharpening at higher zoom levels.
For casual zoom shots, Redmi’s sensor gives you more flexibility and cleaner output overall.
Selfie Camera:
The Oppo Reno13 F comes with a 32MP front camera, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ offers a 20MP sensor. Surprisingly, Oppo holds its ground well in this category. The Reno delivers selfies with accurate skin tones and better contrast, even in tricky lighting conditions. Details are crisp, and it handles background separation in portrait selfies quite effectively.
Redmi’s selfies are good but sometimes overly smoothened, especially in low light. The detail level is a bit lower compared to Oppo, and HDR performance is slightly less consistent. For content creators or selfie lovers, the Reno13 F might be the better choice.
Macro:
Both phones include a 2MP macro camera, but as expected in this price range, the results are underwhelming. On the Reno13 F, macro shots often come out soft and require perfect lighting and distance to get a usable result.
The Note 14 Pro Plus shares a similar story—it’s difficult to get detailed shots unless conditions are ideal. Focus tends to hunt, and colors can be muted or off-balance. In most cases, users will find better results using the main sensor and cropping in. These macro lenses feel more like marketing add-ons than practical tools.
Night Performance:
In night photography, both phones try to impress, but the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ clearly stands out. Its 200MP sensor performs admirably in low light, producing cleaner shots with less noise, and its night mode boosts shadow detail while maintaining natural-looking highlights.
The Reno13 F does decently in bright night scenes with artificial lighting but quickly falls short in darker environments. Its night mode often over-processes images, leading to artificial brightness and some loss of detail.
Selfies at night are another story—Reno’s front camera maintains color and sharpness better, while Redmi’s output can look soft and overexposed.
For video, both support 4K recording on the rear camera, and footage looks stable and crisp in daylight. However, Redmi has the edge in night video, with better clarity and color retention in low-light clips.
Final Verdict on Cameras:
Overall, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ takes the win for rear camera performance, thanks to its 200MP sensor, better zoom quality, and stronger night photography. The Oppo Reno13 F fights back with more pleasing selfie performance and consistent skin tones but doesn’t quite close the gap in versatility.
- Check out our full review of: Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Full Review
Battery Life and Charging Speed
When it comes to battery life, the Oppo Reno13 F clearly has the upper hand with its massive 5,800mAh battery. This larger cell translates into impressive endurance, capable of lasting well over a full day of mixed usage. In benchmark tests like PCMark’s Work 3.0, the Reno13 F achieved up to 17 hours and 13 minutes of screen time—outpacing many rivals in its class.
In comparison, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ features a slightly smaller 5,100mAh battery, which delivered around 11 hours and 49 minutes in the same test. While this is still respectable, it does suggest the Redmi is more power-hungry—likely due to its higher-resolution display and more powerful chipset.
However, Redmi claws back the advantage with charging speed. With its 120W HyperCharge technology, the Note 14 Pro Plus can charge from 20% to full in under 30 minutes, which is incredibly convenient for users in a rush. Oppo’s 45W SuperVOOC fast charging is decent but slower, taking around an hour for a full charge.
In essence, Oppo wins on endurance, while Redmi dominates in recharging speed. Your preference depends on whether you value all-day battery life or rapid top-ups.
Price & Availability
Both the Oppo Reno13 F 5G and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G are priced to compete in the crowded under-$500 mid-range segment. The Reno13 F 5G starts at $400, offering 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. There’s also a higher-tier 512GB variant available for $450, giving more headroom for those who want expanded storage without relying on cloud solutions.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G also starts at $400 with the same 12GB + 256GB configuration, making it a direct pricing rival. However, Redmi undercuts Oppo on the top-end model: the 512GB version of the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is slightly cheaper at $440, offering more value for less money.
Considering that both phones offer competitive specs, the slight edge in pricing for higher storage goes to Redmi, especially when you factor in its stronger chipset and faster charging. Both models are now available across authorized retailers in online stores.
In terms of value proposition, Redmi provides a better spec-to-price ratio, while Oppo banks on its stronger battery life and higher water resistance. Ultimately, your choice may come down to what you prioritize more—charging speed and power, or endurance and durability.
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Oppo Reno13 F 5G vs. Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G “Pros And Cons”:
Pros:
- Reno13 F offers longer battery life — Lasts over 17 hours in PCMark tests, outperforming the Note 14 Pro Plus in endurance.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus features a 200MP main camera — Delivers better detail and dynamic range in most lighting conditions.
- Both phones come with AMOLED 120Hz displays — Smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals on both devices.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro+ supports 120W fast charging — Charges fully in under 30 minutes, a big win for heavy users.
- Reno13 F has a higher IP69 rating — Better protection against dust and high-pressure water compared to the IP68 of Redmi.
- Competitive pricing for both — Starts at PHP 22,999, making both phones excellent value options under 25K.
Cons:
- Reno13 F lacks the performance edge — Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 lags behind Redmi’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, especially in gaming.
- Both phones include a 2MP macro lens — Generally low-quality and often seen as filler specs.
- Reno13 F’s charging is slower — 45W vs. Redmi’s 120W might feel dated for fast-charging fans.
Verdict
The Oppo Reno13 F 5G and the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G both bring solid value to the mid-range segment, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The Reno13 F stands out with its longer battery life, clean design with IP69 rating, and surprisingly good selfie performance. Its software is lightweight, and it maintains smooth performance for everyday tasks thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
On the flip side, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ takes the lead in areas like display quality, audio experience, overall performance, and especially camera hardware—thanks to that 200MP main sensor. It also charges significantly faster, which helps make up for its shorter battery life.
While the Reno13 F impresses with endurance and reliability, the Note 14 Pro Plus feels like a more complete package, offering flagship-like features in a mid-range price bracket. Both are good buys depending on what you value most, but if you’re after better performance and multimedia experience, the Redmi edges ahead.
Overall, for its better display, faster chipset, superior charging, and more premium feel, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ wins this comparison—but the Reno13 F remains a solid alternative.
(FAQ) About Oppo Reno13 F 5G vs. Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G
Q: Which phone is better for gaming: Oppo Reno13 F or Redmi Note 14 Pro+?
- A: The Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus is better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and smoother performance in graphic-intensive tasks.
Q: Does the Oppo Reno13 F have better battery life than the Redmi Note 14 Pro+?
- A: Yes, the Reno13 F lasts significantly longer, scoring over 17 hours in battery tests compared to just under 12 hours on the Redmi.
Q: Which has the better camera: Reno13 F 5G vs Redmi Note 14 Pro+?
- A: The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ features a superior 200MP main sensor with better detail and dynamic range. However, the Reno13 F performs better for selfies, especially in low light.
Q: Which charges faster: Redmi Note 14 Pro+ or Reno13 F?
- A: The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ charges faster with its 120W HyperCharge, reaching full battery in less than 30 minutes. The Reno13 F takes about an hour with 45W charging.
Q: Which phone should I buy under $500 in 2025?
- A: If you prioritize display, charging speed, and camera power, go for the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. If you want better battery life and durability, the Reno13 F is a solid alternative.