CAMERAS either make or break today’s smartphones. In the case of the realme 14 Pro+ 5G, it’s the former.
realme’s latest offering has done it again, and that is to deliver a topnotch phone that doesn’t disappoint as far as its photography or shooting capabilities are concerned, which should be enough reason to consider the realme 14 Pro+ 5G at the top of your list.
The rest of its features? Consider them as a bonus.
Camera System
As stated in our first impressions last week, the camera system is where the magic happens for the realme 14 Pro+ 5G. The triple-lens setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, offers a versatile range of photographic capabilities at even flagship levels.
In good lighting conditions, the main camera shines as you get vibrant colors, excellent detail, and a good dynamic range as shown in our photos from a recent Nature Escape Camp in Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. Photos are generally ready to share without much editing. The 50MP resolution allows for cropping in later if needed.
On the other hand, the 3x optical zoom is a game-changer. Unlike the grainy digital zoom you often find, the shots from the telephoto lens retain a lot of detail and clarity. Even at 6x hybrid zoom, the results are still quite usable. The 120x superzoom is more of a novelty, and image quality degrades significantly at those extreme levels, but it can be fun for trying to see distant objects.
Meanwhile, the 8MP ultrawide is decent in good light, providing that wider perspective without too much distortion at the edges. However, as expected with lower-resolution ultrawide lenses, the detail isn’t as rich as the main sensor, and it does struggle more in low-light scenarios.
Low-light performance is where the OIS on both the main and telephoto lenses really helps. The main camera captures bright and detailed images even in challenging low-light conditions. The dedicated Night Mode further improves this by brightening the scene and reducing noise, although sometimes it can make the images look a bit artificial. The telephoto lens also performs surprisingly well in low light for zoomed shots, which is a big plus.
The 32MP front camera produces high-quality selfies with natural skin tones and good detail. Those that were taken indoors and outdoors had good clarity, and the portrait mode offered a nice bokeh effect.
Even the video recording in the realme 14 Pro+ 5G is solid as it can record up to 4K video at 30fps on the rear cameras, with the OIS helping to keep the footage stable. Details are sharp, and the dynamic range in videos is decent. The front camera also supports 4K at 30fps, which is great for vloggers.
As I’ve said, the rest of the realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s features are a bonus, but are still an integral part of what make this phone a standout in the midrange market.
Design and build quality
Our review unit, the “Pearl White” variant, impresses with its temperature-activated color-changing back The subtle shift in hue, a gentle response to environmental changes, elevates the device from a mere gadget to a piece of interactive art. The curved front and back panels, meticulously crafted, provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip, while the slim profile ensures that the phone feels light and manageable in hand.
Beyond aesthetics, Realme has prioritized durability. The device boasts TÜV Rheinland Rugged Smartphone Certification, a testament to its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. Additionally, the IP68/IP69 rating ensures protection against water and dust, providing users with peace of mind in various environments. This blend of elegance and resilience sets the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G apart from its competitors.
Display
The 6.83-inch quad-curved OLED display is a visual masterpiece. With a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers stunning clarity and fluid motion. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and the high brightness levels ensure excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The thin bezels maximize the screen-to-body ratio, creating an immersive viewing experience that elevates everything from browsing social media to watching high-definition videos.
Performance and Battery
The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which strikes a balance between performance and efficiency.
I’m not a gamer myself, so I wasn’t able to test its limits. But I can confidently say that it handles everyday tasks with ease. Whether binging your favorite series, listening to your Spotify playlists for hours, or generally surfing the net, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G ensures a smooth and seamless experience.
You can set aside those bulky powerbanks with the realme 14 Pro+ 5G as its 6000mAh battery is a standout feature, while the 80W fast charging support allows for rapid replenishment, saving precious time for the busy folks.
Conclusion
As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G is a proof that flagship-level features are no longer the exclusive domain of high-end devices.
Thanks to realme, “fancy and pricey” are now accessible to a wider Filipino audience.