The budget smartphone market is flooded with choices, but every now and then, a device comes along that offers something genuinely unique. The Realme 14X 5G is one such contender, boasting an IP69 certification for dust and water resistance—a feature rarely seen, even in flagship devices. I had the chance to use the Realme 14X 5G extensively over two weeks, and here’s my personal take on this promising device.
Realme 14X 5G Review in Detail
PROS
- Best-in-class IP69 dust and water resistance.
- Long-lasting 6,000mAh battery.
- Stylish and sturdy design.
CONS
- Subpar LCD display.
- Bloated software experience.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. For users looking for a no-nonsense, durable phone under ₹15,000, the Realme 14X 5G is a solid choice.
First Impressions: Built to Last
From the moment I unboxed the Realme 14X 5G, its diamond-inspired design caught my attention. I reviewed the Jewel Red variant, which looked vibrant and youthful. Despite its plastic body, the phone didn’t feel cheap, thanks to its robust build and textured back. The IP69 rating is a standout, ensuring protection from dust and water.
The flat edges, inspired by the iPhone, made the phone easy to grip, though its slightly bulky frame felt cumbersome during prolonged use. Realme also included a textured silicone case, which complemented the design and provided extra protection—a thoughtful touch.
Display: A Mixed Bag
The 6.67-inch LCD display was a bit of a letdown. With HD+ resolution, colors appeared muted and less vibrant compared to AMOLED screens in competing devices like the POCO M7 Pro. Watching YouTube videos or Netflix wasn’t particularly immersive, especially with the lack of stereo speakers. However, the 120Hz refresh rate was a redeeming feature, ensuring smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience.
Performance: Smooth for Daily Tasks
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, the Realme 14X 5G handled everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and streaming effortlessly. Switching between apps was generally smooth, although I noticed occasional stutters when running heavier applications.
Gaming performance was decent for a budget phone. Titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile ran well on medium settings, though extended sessions caused the device to heat slightly. The 6GB RAM variant I tested felt adequate, but users looking for seamless multitasking might prefer the 8GB RAM option.
Cameras: Hits and Misses
The Realme 14X 5G’s 50MP primary camera delivered surprisingly good results in daylight. Photos had vibrant colors, decent sharpness, and good dynamic range. Portrait shots were aesthetically pleasing, with balanced exposure and soft background blur. However, low-light performance left much to be desired, with noticeable grain and noise.
Selfies with the 8MP front camera were clear and well-exposed, capturing natural skin tones. That said, the absence of an ultra-wide lens felt limiting when capturing landscapes or group shots.
Software: A Room for Improvement
The Realme 14X 5G runs on Android 14 with Realme’s custom UI. While the interface is visually appealing and packed with features, the pre-installed bloatware dampened the experience. Apps I didn’t need were cluttering the home screen, and disabling or uninstalling them took time. I hope Realme addresses this in future updates.
Battery Life: A Clear Winner
The phone’s 6,000mAh battery was a star performer. Even with heavy use—gaming, social media, and streaming—it comfortably lasted a full day. On lighter usage days, I managed to stretch it to nearly two days on a single charge.
The bundled 45W charger was another highlight. It took around 70 minutes to fully charge the phone, which felt reasonable given the large battery size.
My Experience with 5G Connectivity
Living in a city with emerging 5G networks, I was eager to test the phone’s connectivity. The Realme 14X 5G didn’t disappoint, delivering stable speeds for streaming and downloads. However, the limited number of supported 5G bands might be an issue in areas with varied network setups.
Verdict: Is the Realme 14X 5G for You?
The Realme 14X 5G is a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking durability and reliability. Its IP69 certification sets it apart, and the combination of a long-lasting battery and decent performance makes it a practical daily driver.
However, the average display and bloated software hold it back from being the perfect all-rounder. If you prioritize multimedia consumption or gaming, alternatives like the POCO M7 Pro might be better options. But if durability and battery life top your priority list, the Realme 14X 5G is hard to beat in its price range.
