The Realme 14 Pro Series, launched on January 16, 2025, has created quite a buzz in the Indian smartphone market. Known for delivering high-end features at affordable prices, Realme’s Number Series has consistently been a favorite among budget-conscious buyers. The Realme 14 Pro+, the star of the series, takes things up a notch with its unique design, improved cameras, and solid performance. But does it live up to the hype? Is it worth your money in the competitive mid-range segment? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into every aspect of the Realme 14 Pro+, focusing on its design, display, camera, performance, and more, to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
I’ve always looked for smartphones that offer a balance of style, performance, and affordability. The Realme 14 Pro+ seems to check many boxes, but let’s break it down to see if it’s a worthy upgrade over its predecessors like the Realme 13 Pro+ or a strong contender against rivals like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ and Vivo T3 Ultra.
Design: A Premium Look with a Unique Twist
The Realme 14 Pro+ stands out with its stunning design, which is arguably one of the best in the mid-range segment. Realme has collaborated with Nordic design studio Valeur Designers to create a phone that not only looks premium but also introduces a world-first feature: a temperature-sensitive, color-changing back panel. When the temperature drops below 16°C, the back shifts from Pearl White to a vibrant blue, adding a playful and futuristic vibe. This feature, made possible by thermochromic pigments and natural micro-crystal shell powder, gives the phone a pearlescent shine that screams sophistication.
Available in three colors—Pearl White, Suede Grey, and the India-exclusive Bikaner Purple and Jaipur Pink—the Realme 14 Pro+ caters to diverse tastes. The Bikaner Purple and Jaipur Pink variants reflect Indian heritage, making the phone feel tailored for the local market. Weighing 194.6 grams, the phone feels substantial but not bulky, and its 8mm thickness makes it one of the slimmest smartphones with a 6000mAh battery.
The phone features a plastic frame, but the front and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, adding durability. Realme has also upgraded the IP rating to IP66, IP68, and IP69, making the phone dust- and water-resistant, even capable of underwater photography for up to 30–45 minutes. I tested its durability by dropping it from a low height, and both the front and back remained unscathed, which is reassuring for clumsy users like me.
The micro-quad-curved design gives the phone a premium, flagship-like feel, with smooth transitions between the camera module and the body. The vegan leather option in some variants adds a skin-friendly texture, while the organosilicon-based material ensures the back is anti-fouling and durable. Overall, the Realme 14 Pro+ is a head-turner, and its unique color-changing feature makes it a conversation starter.
Display: Vibrant and Immersive
The Realme 14 Pro+ sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth animations. The quad-curved design enhances the immersive experience, making it ideal for watching videos and gaming. With a screen-to-body ratio of around 93–94%, the bezels are ultra-thin, giving the phone a near-borderless look.
The display supports a high brightness mode of 1200 nits and a peak brightness of 1500 nits, though the Realme 14 Pro claims a higher peak brightness of 4500 nits. In real-world usage, the display is bright enough for outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. The 3840Hz PWM dimming ensures minimal eye strain in low-light conditions, and Realme’s AI eye protection algorithm adjusts the screen’s color temperature to reduce fatigue.
While it’s not an LTPO panel (which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to save battery), the 120Hz refresh rate feels buttery smooth for scrolling and gaming. The display supports HDR10 for enhanced contrast on platforms like YouTube, with Netflix HDR support promised via a future update. Compared to the Realme 14 Pro’s 6.77-inch FHD+ 3D curved display, the Pro+ offers a slight edge in resolution and curvature, making it the better choice for multimedia enthusiasts.
Camera: A Legacy of Excellence with Notable Improvements
Realme’s Number Series has always been known for its reliable cameras, and the 14 Pro+ carries this legacy forward with significant upgrades. The triple-camera setup includes:
- 50MP Sony IMX896 Primary Sensor (f/1.8, OIS): Delivers sharp, detailed photos with excellent dynamic range, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- 50MP Sony IMX882 Periscope Telephoto (f/2.65, 3x optical zoom): Offers up to 6x lossless zoom and 120x digital zoom with AI enhancement, perfect for capturing distant subjects.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 112° FOV): Suitable for landscapes but struggles with softness and detail in close-up shots.
- 32MP Selfie Camera (f/2.0): Produces vibrant selfies with accurate skin tones and good edge detection in portrait mode.
The primary camera excels in daylight, capturing crisp images with slightly oversaturated colors that pop on social media. A recent 200MB software update has addressed earlier issues like color shifts and warm tones, resulting in more natural skin tones and minimal sharpening. The 3x periscope lens is a standout, offering excellent portrait shots with creamy bokeh and precise edge cutouts. I particularly enjoyed using the MagicGlow Triple Flash, which allows you to adjust the flash’s color temperature in five steps for warm or cool low-light shots.
In low-light conditions, the primary sensor performs admirably, retaining details with minimal noise. The telephoto lens, however, lags slightly in low light compared to the primary sensor. The ultra-wide camera is the weakest link, producing soft images that lack detail, especially in close-up scenarios. Realme could improve this in future iterations by using a higher-resolution ultra-wide sensor.
Videography is solid, with the primary, telephoto, and selfie cameras supporting 4K at 30FPS with EIS/OIS stabilization. Features like underwater mode (thanks to the IP69 rating), starry mode, tilt-shift, and long exposure add versatility for creative users. The AI HyperRAW algorithm enhances image clarity and dynamic range, making the Realme 14 Pro+ one of the best camera phones under ₹30,000.
Compared to the Realme 14 Pro, which has a 50MP primary sensor, a monochrome depth sensor, and a 16MP selfie camera, the Pro+ offers a more versatile setup with its periscope telephoto and higher-resolution front camera. If photography is your priority, the Pro+ is the clear winner.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable for Everyday Use
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, paired with an Adreno GPU, the Realme 14 Pro+ delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. With an AnTuTu score of around 8.5 lakhs, it’s a step up from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 13 Pro+. The phone comes in three variants:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
The LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage ensure fast app launches and multitasking. I played games like BGMI and Genshin Impact to test its gaming prowess. BGMI ran smoothly at 60FPS, with Realme promising 90FPS support via a future update. Genshin Impact delivered a consistent 52FPS on the highest settings after 30–45 minutes of gameplay, with no significant throttling thanks to the 6000mm² vapor cooling chamber.
The phone runs Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, offering a smooth and customizable experience. However, the UI comes with pre-installed third-party apps, which can be uninstalled or disabled. Realme promises two years of major OS updates (up to Android 17) and three years of security updates, which is decent but falls short of competitors like Samsung, which offer longer software support.
For connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 15 5G bands with dual 5G SIM capability. The USB 2.0 port is a minor drawback, as USB 3.2 would have offered faster data transfer speeds. Sensors include an optical in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock, both of which work reliably.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power with Fast Charging
The Realme 14 Pro+ packs a massive 6000mAh battery, a significant upgrade from the 5200mAh battery in the Realme 13 Pro+. This ensures all-day battery life, even with heavy usage like gaming, streaming, and photography. The 80W SuperVOOC charger can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 24 minutes, which is impressive for a battery this large.
The Realme 14 Pro also has a 6000mAh battery but supports slower 45W charging. Both phones lack wireless charging, which is understandable at this price point. The increased battery capacity, combined with efficient power management from the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, makes the Pro+ a reliable companion for users who need long-lasting performance.
Multimedia and Audio: An Immersive Experience
The Realme 14 Pro+ features stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio support, delivering loud and clear sound. Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the audio quality is immersive and satisfying. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a bummer, but this is a common trend in 2025 smartphones. The phone’s dual nano-SIM tray lacks a microSD card slot, so you’ll need to choose a higher storage variant if you store a lot of media.
The 6.83-inch AMOLED display, combined with HDR10 support, makes the Pro+ a great device for binge-watching Netflix or YouTube. The quad-curved design and thin bezels enhance the viewing experience, making every video feel cinematic.
Realme 14 Pro+ Specifications
| Feature | Realme 14 Pro+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, Adreno GPU |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB (LPDDR4X) |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1), no microSD slot |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP Sony IMX896 (f/1.8, OIS) + 50MP Sony IMX882 Periscope (f/2.65, 3x) + 8MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 80W SuperVOOC charging |
| Operating System | Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 2.0, 15 5G bands, dual 5G SIM |
| IP Rating | IP66, IP68, IP69 |
| Weight | 194.6g |
| Colors | Pearl White, Suede Grey, Bikaner Purple, Jaipur Pink |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, no 3.5mm jack |
Should You Buy the Realme 14 Pro+?
Priced starting at ₹29,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, the Realme 14 Pro+ is a compelling option in the mid-range segment. With bank offers, you can grab it for as low as ₹27,997, making it excellent value for money. Its key strengths include:
- Stunning Design: The color-changing back and premium build make it stand out.
- Impressive Cameras: The 50MP primary and periscope telephoto lenses deliver versatile photography.
- Vibrant Display: The 6.83-inch AMOLED with quad-curved design is perfect for media consumption.
- Long Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery with 80W charging ensures all-day power.
However, there are a few drawbacks:
- Ultra-Wide Camera: The 8MP sensor is underwhelming compared to the primary and telephoto lenses.
- Software Support: Two years of OS updates are decent but lag behind competitors.
- Bloatware: Pre-installed third-party apps can clutter the UI.
Compared to alternatives like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (₹29,599) and Vivo T3 Ultra (₹26,999), the Realme 14 Pro+ holds its own with its unique design and superior camera system. However, if you prioritize long-term software support or raw performance, the Poco F6 or Motorola Edge 50 Pro might be worth considering.
Is It Worth It?
For Indian buyers looking for a stylish, feature-packed smartphone under ₹30,000, the Realme 14 Pro+ is a fantastic choice. It builds on the strengths of the Realme Number Series, particularly in design and cameras, while addressing past issues like color shifts. The phone is ideal for photography enthusiasts, casual gamers, and those who value a premium look without breaking the bank. While it’s not perfect, its combination of a vibrant display, long battery life, and unique features makes it a worthy upgrade over the Realme 13 Pro+ and a strong contender in its segment.
If you’re a Realme fan or someone who wants a phone that looks and feels like a flagship without the hefty price tag, the Realme 14 Pro+ won’t disappoint. Let me know in the comments what you think about this phone.
