The Realme 14x 5G has recently made its way into the mid-range smartphone market. While it comes with a competitive price tag, the device has notable shortcomings that warrant a second thought before purchase. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications, along with the reasons it might not be the best choice for your next smartphone.
Detailed Specifications
Display
Size: 6.67-inch
Type: IPS LCD
Resolution: 1604 x 720 pixels (HD+)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Brightness: 600 nits (typical)
While the high refresh rate is a welcome addition, the HD+ resolution is a letdown in a segment where Full HD+ AMOLED displays are becoming the norm.
Processor
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
Fabrication: 6nm
CPU: Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz)
GPU: Mali-G68
The processor is capable of handling basic tasks efficiently but struggles with intensive gaming or multitasking, especially when compared to rivals like the Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 810.
RAM and Storage
Variants: 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB
Expandable Storage: Yes, via microSD card (up to 1TB)
The expandable storage is a bonus, but the base model’s RAM might limit performance during heavy usage.
Camera Setup
Rear Camera:
Primary: 50MP (f/1.8, PDAF)
Secondary: 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
The absence of ultra-wide and macro lenses limits the versatility of the camera. Night photography and low-light selfies also suffer from excessive noise.
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Charging: 33W wired fast charging
Charging Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes for a full charge
While the battery life is decent, the charging speed lags behind competitors offering 67W or even 120W fast charging in the same price range.
Operating System
Software: Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 13
The interface is smooth, but it comes with a significant amount of pre-installed bloatware, which might frustrate users.
Design and Build
Material: Plastic back with a glossy finish
Dimensions: 164.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm
Weight: 189g
Durability: IP69 rating for dust and water resistance
The design is visually appealing but lacks the premium feel of glass or metal back panels.
Connectivity
5G Bands: Supports multiple 5G bands
SIM Slots: Dual Nano-SIM
Other Features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB Type-C
Audio
Speakers: Single bottom-firing speaker
Audio Jack: Yes, 3.5mm
Reasons to Think Twice
1. Display Quality: The 720p resolution feels outdated, especially in a market where Full HD+ AMOLED screens are increasingly standard.
2. Processor Performance: The Dimensity 6300 struggles against competitors in delivering a seamless gaming or multitasking experience.
3. Camera Limitations: A lack of versatile camera options and subpar low-light performance hinder its appeal to photography enthusiasts.
4. Charging Speed: The 33W charging is
underwhelming when competitors offer faster options for similar or lower prices.
5. Build Material: The plastic back detracts from the overall premium feel, especially when compared to glass or metal-backed devices in the same range.
6. Software Bloat: The Realme UI comes loaded with unnecessary pre-installed apps, which can detract from the user experience.
Final Verdict
The Realme 14x 5G, despite its appealing design and affordability, falls short in several critical areas. With a subpar display, limited camera features, and average performance, it struggles to stand out in the fiercely competitive mid-range market. Potential buyers are
encouraged to explore alternatives like the Redmi Note 13, iQOO Z7, or Poco X5 Pro, which offer better overall value for money.
Here are some alternatives to the Realme 14x 5G in the mid-range smartphone category that offer better performance, displays, and features for a similar price:
https://youtu.be/GzuZg1EL07s?si=mE0iwXtCW5r-yFYr
Consider alternative
1. Redmi Note 13 Pro
Display: 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
Camera: 200MP (primary) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 16MP front
Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
Price: Around ₹17,999
Why Consider It: Superior display, better camera system, and faster charging.
2. iQOO Z7 5G
Display: 6.38-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120Hz
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920
Camera: 64MP (OIS) + 2MP, 16MP front
Battery: 4500mAh, 44W fast charging
Price: Around ₹16,999
Why Consider It: Strong performance, compact design, and optical image stabilization for better photos.
3. Poco X5 Pro 5G
Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
Camera: 108MP + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro), 16MP front
Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
Price: Around ₹20,999
Why Consider It: Excellent performance, great camera quality, and premium build.
4. Realme Narzo 60 5G
Display: 6.6-inch AMOLED, Full HD+, 120Hz
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020
Camera: 64MP + 2MP, 16MP front
Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
Price: Around ₹19,999
Why Consider It: Premium design and strong performance for daily tasks.
5. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
Display: 6.6-inch PLS LCD, Full HD+, 90Hz
Processor: Exynos 1330
Camera: 50MP + 2MP + 2MP, 13MP front
Battery: 6000mAh, 25W fast charging
Price: Around ₹13,999
Why Consider It: Massive battery and Samsung’s reliable ecosystem.
6. Motorola Edge 40 Neo
Display: 6.55-inch pOLED, Full HD+, 144Hz
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7030
Camera: 50MP + 13MP (ultrawide), 32MP front
Battery: 5000mAh, 68W TurboPower charging
Price: Around ₹22,999
Why Consider It: High refresh rate display, premium build, and excellent software experience.
Key Considerations
When choosing an alternative, think about your primary needs:
For Display Enthusiasts: Poco X5 Pro or Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
For Gaming: iQOO Z7 or Poco X5 Pro.
For Photography: Redmi Note 13 Pro or Motorola Edge 40 Neo.
For Budget Users: Samsung Galaxy M14 5G or Realme
Narzo 60.
Each of these options outperforms the Realme 14x 5G in several critical areas, making them better investments.
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