Realme 14 Pro: A Stylish Performer with Incredible Durability
The Realme 14 Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in design, durability, battery life, and display quality, all while offering decent performance. Priced starting at ₹24,999 (~$300 USD), it makes a compelling case for users who value aesthetics and reliability. However, it does come with some drawbacks, particularly the absence of an ultra-wide camera and underwhelming speaker performance. Here’s a closer look at its features.
Verdict
The Realme 14 Pro impresses with its slim, lightweight design, industry-leading durability, vibrant display, and solid battery performance. Its custom Realme UI 6 adds innovative features like “Circle to Search,” and the 50MP primary camera delivers impressive results in most scenarios. However, the lack of an ultra-wide camera and mediocre speaker quality leave room for improvement in this price range.
Design and Build
The Realme 14 Pro redefines portability with its ultra-slim and lightweight profile, especially considering its massive 6,000mAh battery.
- Slim and Light: At 7.5mm thick and 179 grams, it’s lighter and thinner than rivals like the OnePlus Nord 4 and POCO X7 Pro.
- Durability: Offers IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for dust and water resistance, along with military-grade shock protection.
- Colors and Materials: Available in Jaipur Pink, Suede Grey, and Pearl White (with color-changing technology). Despite its plastic build, the finish feels premium and elegant.
The phone’s Panda Glass-protected display and ergonomic design ensure durability and comfort. It also features a clean rear design with a large circular camera module that minimizes wobble when placed on a flat surface.
Display
The Realme 14 Pro features an outstanding 6.77-inch AMOLED curved display that rivals flagship devices.
- Specs: Full HD+ resolution (2392 x 1080 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 3,840Hz PWM dimming.
- Brightness: 4,000 nits peak brightness, surpassing competitors like the POCO X7 Pro (3,200 nits) and OnePlus Nord 4 (2,150 nits).
While the display excels in sharpness, brightness, and color reproduction, the stereo speakers leave something to be desired, lacking balance and punchy bass.
Performance
The Realme 14 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, delivering smooth performance for daily productivity and entertainment.
- Variants and Pricing:
- 8GB + 128GB: ₹24,999 (~$300 USD).
- 8GB + 256GB: ₹26,999 (~$325 USD).
- Performance: Handles everyday tasks and multitasking efficiently. Combined with the 120Hz refresh rate, the UI feels responsive and fluid.
- Drawbacks: Struggles slightly with heavy gaming and graphics-intensive tasks compared to competitors like the POCO X7 Pro.
Software
The phone runs on Android 15-based Realme UI 6, which introduces practical features like:
- Anti-Theft Features: Includes “Verify for Power-Off” and location tracking.
- AI Features: AI Clear Voice for noise isolation during calls and AI gestures for added convenience.
- Drawbacks: Comes with 64 pre-installed apps, which may frustrate users.
Cameras
While the Realme 14 Pro’s 50MP primary camera delivers excellent results, the absence of an ultra-wide lens is a significant drawback in this segment.
- Primary Camera:
- 50MP IMX882 sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS.
- Captures vibrant, detailed images with balanced contrast.
- Performs well in low light with the new “MagicGlow Triple Flash” for adjustable lighting.
- Selfie Camera:
- 16MP sensor with decent details but struggles with edge detection.
- AI Features: Includes an “Underwater” mode for unique photo opportunities.
While the primary camera shines, edge detection and color accuracy for human subjects could use refinement.
Battery and Charging
The Realme 14 Pro features an impressive 6,000mAh battery, making it one of the longest-lasting smartphones in its segment.
- Battery Life: Lasts over a day with heavy usage and up to two days with moderate use.
- Charging Speed:
- 45W fast charging: Full charge in 57 minutes.
- Competitors like the OnePlus Nord 4 (100W, 23 minutes) and POCO X7 Pro (90W, 34 minutes) offer faster charging but smaller or comparable batteries.
Comparison Table
Feature | Realme 14 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | POCO X7 Pro |
---|---|---|---|
Thickness | 7.5mm | 8mm | 8.45mm |
Weight | 179g | 199g | 203.5g |
IP Rating | IP66 + IP68 + IP69 | IP65 | IP66 + IP68 + IP69 |
Display | 6.77-inch AMOLED, 4,000 nits | 6.74-inch AMOLED, 2,150 nits | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 3,200 nits |
Battery | 6,000mAh, 45W charging | 5,500mAh, 100W charging | 6,550mAh, 90W charging |
Final Verdict
The Realme 14 Pro is a great choice for users who value design, durability, display quality, and battery life. It offers a stylish yet rugged build, a stunning AMOLED display, and reliable performance for everyday use.
However, for gamers or those who need an ultra-wide camera, the POCO X7 Pro is a better alternative. Realme could also improve speaker quality and reduce pre-installed apps to enhance the overall experience.
For looks-conscious users seeking a rugged, high-performing smartphone under ₹30,000 (~$350 USD), the Realme 14 Pro stands out as an excellent option.