Realme has made a name for itself by delivering feature-rich smartphones at competitive prices. The Realme P1 5G, the newest addition to the company’s lineup, is no exception. Positioned in the crowded sub-Rs. 20,000 price segment, the Realme P1 5G comes with an attractive AMOLED display, a competent chipset, and a focus on providing a smooth user experience. But is this enough to make it stand out among its peers? Let’s dive into the details to find out if this midrange device is worth your investment.
Realme P1 5G Review: Not Your Average Midrange Performer
Realme P1 5G Price in India
The Realme P1 5G is priced competitively in India, starting at Rs. 14,999 for the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The higher-end variant, which boasts 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is available for Rs. 16,999. For this review, we tested the latter configuration.
Included in the box are the usual accessories: a transparent TPU case, a SIM ejector tool, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a 45W fast-charging brick. Realme offers the P1 5G in two color options: Peacock Green and Phoenix Red, catering to both those who prefer subtlety and those who want a bold, vibrant look.
Design: A Subtle, Mature Aesthetic
The Realme P1 5G takes a more mature approach to design compared to its predecessors. The Phoenix Red variant, which we reviewed, features delicate brush-like strokes across the rear panel, giving it a refined look without being overly flashy. This subtle design is reminiscent of the iQoo Z9, but the P1 5G’s execution feels more polished and understated.
The rear camera module follows a similar design language to the Realme 12+, with a ridge-like finish that extends from the camera island. This design choice adds a touch of sophistication to the phone’s appearance.
Ergonomically, the P1 5G is a pleasure to hold, thanks to its flat edges and slightly rounded corners. The placement of the power button and volume rocker on the right side is intuitive, while the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top edge is a nod to users who still prefer wired audio. The dual-speaker setup, along with the USB Type-C port and SIM tray, is neatly arranged on the bottom edge.
The phone’s flat design makes it comfortable to use, though its tall screen may require two-handed operation for some tasks. Thankfully, Realme’s UI includes a one-handed mode that brings the interface within easier reach. The IP54 rating, which offers protection against dust and splashes, adds an extra layer of durability, while the TPU case’s flaps ensure that the 3.5mm port and USB Type-C port remain protected from the elements.
Specifications and Software: A Balanced Package
Under the hood, the Realme P1 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, an octa-core processor that strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. With two Arm Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz, this chipset is capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.
The device comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and we recommend opting for the higher RAM variant for smoother multitasking. The Realme P1 5G runs on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0 on top, offering a clean and user-friendly experience. Realme has committed to two years of Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates for this device, which is on par with most competitors in this price range.
Connectivity-wise, the P1 5G covers all the essentials, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, 4G LTE, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. However, it lacks NFC support, which means you won’t be able to use it for contactless payments. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, and the included 45W charger ensures that you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
The MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset delivers consistent performance across a variety of tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or engaging in casual gaming, the P1 5G handles it all with minimal lag.
We tested the P1 5G with popular games such as Asphalt 9, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Mobile, and Sky: Children of the Light. While the phone required manual adjustments to switch to high-quality graphics in some games, the overall gaming experience was smooth, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. The phone also remained cool during extended gaming sessions, thanks to its efficient thermal management.
In benchmark tests, the Realme P1 5G performed admirably for its price segment. It scored 570,926 points on AnTuTu v10, 956 points in Geekbench’s single-core test, and 2,369 points in the multi-core test. The PCMark Work 3.0 test yielded a score of 13,319, indicating that the phone is well-suited for productivity tasks.
The P1 5G’s GFXBench scores were also respectable, with 21fps in the Car Chase test, 39fps in the Manhattan 3.1 test, and 60fps in the T-Rex test. On 3DMark’s Wild Life and Wild Life Unlimited benchmarks, the handset scored 2,292 and 2,253 points, respectively, showcasing its capability to handle demanding graphics tasks.
Realme UI 5.0 appears to be well-optimized for the P1 5G, with smooth animations and efficient RAM management. Even with multiple apps open, the phone effortlessly switched between them without reloading, thanks to the ample 8GB of RAM in our review unit.
However, the phone does come with a few preinstalled apps that may not be to everyone’s liking. Fortunately, these can be uninstalled, though Realme’s built-in app store can be a bit intrusive, occasionally pushing notifications about app recommendations and scanning apps installed from the Play Store.
Display: A Highlight of the Device
One of the standout features of the Realme P1 5G is its 6.7-inch AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, this screen is not only smooth but also highly responsive, making it a delight for gaming and everyday use.
Realme claims that the display can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits in high brightness mode, which is adequate for most conditions. However, visibility can be slightly challenging in direct sunlight. The AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos or playing games.
The P1 5G’s display also includes an innovative algorithm that allows it to function effectively even when wet, a feature that’s particularly useful during rainy weather or after a workout. I tested this feature by using the phone with damp hands, and the touch response remained consistent, just as Realme promised.
Additionally, the Mini Capsule 2.0 feature has been upgraded to offer more functionality, such as music playback controls and calendar alerts. It can even display step counts when you’re using the phone, adding a layer of convenience for fitness enthusiasts.
Battery Life: Dependable and Efficient
The Realme P1 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that provides solid endurance. In our testing, the phone managed about 6 hours and 17 minutes of screen-on time before needing a recharge. This is more than enough to get through a full day of moderate usage, including browsing, social media, and some gaming.
On our HD video loop test, the P1 5G lasted an impressive 18 hours and 36 minutes, which is a testament to its power efficiency. When it’s time to recharge, the included 45W fast charger can bring the battery from 0% to 52% in just 30 minutes and up to 95% in about an hour.
Camera Performance: A Mixed Bag
The Realme P1 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor. On the front, there’s a 16-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls.
The primary camera is the star of the show, delivering good results in well-lit conditions. Whether you’re capturing close-up shots of flowers or your pets, the camera produces images with good color accuracy and detail. The 2x mode is particularly useful for capturing more detailed shots without significant loss in quality.
The camera app also includes a Street mode, which allows you to take images at 27mm and 54mm focal lengths. This mode works well in bright conditions but struggles in low-light environments, where noise and grain become more noticeable. The dedicated Pro mode offers manual controls and the ability to save RAW images, making it a valuable tool for photography enthusiasts.
Low-light performance, however, is where the P1 5G’s camera setup falls short. Despite the presence of a night mode, photos captured in dark environments often suffer from excessive noise reduction and a lack of detail. The 16-megapixel front camera does a decent job for selfies, though the default beauty mode may smoothen your skin more than you’d like. Fortunately, this feature can be disabled for more natural results.
Video recording on the P1 5G is capped at 4K/30fps on the primary rear camera. The Ultra Steady mode, which offers stabilization for videos, is only available when recording at 1080p/30fps, which might be limiting for those who prefer higher resolution videos.
Verdict: A Solid Contender in the Midrange Segment
The Realme P1 5G phone is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a compelling package at an affordable price. Its standout features include the 120Hz AMOLED display, solid performance from the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, and reliable battery life. The design is sleek and modern, and Realme UI 5.0 provides a smooth and user-friendly experience.
However, the phone does have its drawbacks, particularly in the camera department, where low-light performance is underwhelming. The absence of NFC may also be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, the Realme P1 5G is a solid choice for those looking for a feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. It offers good value for money, and while it may not be perfect, it certainly stands out in its price segment. If you’re in the market for a new midrange device, the Realme P1 5G deserves a spot on your shortlist.
