Realme 14x 5G, The Realme 14x 5G has stormed into the budget smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of durability, performance, and affordability. Launched in December 2024, this device stands out as the first smartphone under ₹15,000 in India to boast an IP69 rating, a feature typically reserved for premium flagships. With a robust MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a massive 6,000mAh battery, and a sleek design inspired by the elegance of diamonds, the Realme 14x 5G is poised to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. In this article, we dive deep into what makes this phone a game-changer, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, and unique features that set it apart in the crowded mid-range segment.
Design and Build: Rugged Yet Refined
A Diamond-Inspired Aesthetic
Unmatched Durability
What truly sets the Realme 14x 5G apart is its durability. It’s the first in its price segment to feature an IP69 rating, offering protection against high-pressure water jets and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, as per IP68 standards. Additionally, it has passed the MIL-STD 810H military-grade shock resistance test, ensuring it can withstand drops, impacts, and extreme temperatures. The inclusion of ArmorShell™ Protection, with reinforced corners and internal airbags, further enhances its resilience, making it an ideal choice for outdoor adventurers or those prone to accidental drops. The SonicWave Water Ejection technology is a standout feature, expelling water from the speaker to maintain functionality even after exposure to moisture.
Performance: Powering Through with 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6300 Chipset
At the heart of the Realme 14x 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, a 6nm octa-core chipset clocked at 2.4 GHz. This processor delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks, from social media browsing to casual gaming. With an AnTuTu benchmark score exceeding 420,000, it handles popular games like BGMI and Asphalt 9 with ease, though heavy gaming sessions may experience slight lag due to the eMMC 5.1 storage. The chipset’s 5G capabilities ensure lightning-fast connectivity, with a downlink speed of up to 3.3Gb/s, offering 40% faster performance in urban areas compared to competitors.
Multitasking and Storage
The Realme 14x 5G comes in two variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, with the option to expand storage up to 2TB via a microSD card. Additionally, it supports up to 10GB of virtual RAM, allowing seamless multitasking with up to 17 apps running in the background. Whether you’re juggling work apps or binge-watching videos, this phone ensures a smooth experience without storage constraints.
Display: Smooth and Eye-Friendly
120Hz HD+ Display
The Realme 14x 5G sports a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 1604x720 pixels. While the resolution may not compete with AMOLED panels in higher-end models, the 120Hz refresh rate delivers buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and navigation. With a peak brightness of 625 nits, the display remains visible in moderate outdoor conditions, though it may struggle under direct sunlight. The inclusion of 10 eye-care features, such as flicker reduction and adaptive brightness, ensures comfortable viewing during extended use.
Areas for Improvement
One drawback is the absence of an AMOLED display, which is becoming standard in the budget segment by 2025. The HD+ resolution may also disappoint users who prioritize crisp visuals for media consumption. However, for everyday tasks like browsing or casual gaming, the display performs admirably, striking a balance between power efficiency and smoothness.
Camera: Functional but Not Flawless
Rear and Front Cameras
The Realme 14x 5G features a 50MP primary rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, paired with a 2MP macro sensor. In bright daylight, the camera captures vibrant and detailed images, making it suitable for social media enthusiasts. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) results in shutter lag, and low-light performance is average, with noticeable noise in darker conditions. The 8MP front camera delivers decent selfies, though the AI-driven beauty mode can sometimes overprocess images, leading to unnatural results.
Video and AI Features
Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps, which is sufficient for casual use but lacks the 4K capabilities found in some competitors. The phone compensates with AI-driven features like portrait mode and post-processing tools, allowing users to enhance blurry or old photos. While not a photography powerhouse, the camera setup is adequate for budget-conscious users who prioritize durability and performance over imaging prowess.
Battery Life: A Marathon Runner
6,000mAh Battery with 45W Fast Charging
The Realme 14x 5G is equipped with a massive 6,000mAh battery, ensuring up to two days of usage on a single charge for moderate users. Whether you’re streaming videos, gaming, or browsing, this battery keeps up with demanding tasks. The 45W SuperVOOC charging technology charges the phone to 50% in just 38 minutes, and the intelligent charging algorithm maintains battery health, retaining over 80% capacity even after 1,600 cycles. This makes the Realme 14x 5G a reliable companion for work trips or outdoor adventures.
Additional Features
The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is a welcome addition for users who prefer wired headphones, offering better audio quality than Bluetooth alternatives. The mono speaker, enhanced by a 200% Ultra Volume Mode, delivers surprisingly loud output, though it lacks the depth of stereo speakers found in higher-end models.
Software: Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14
Running on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, the Realme 14x 5G offers a customizable and feature-rich experience. Features like Rainwater Smart Touch ensure usability in wet conditions, while the side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick and secure unlocking. However, the software comes with some bloatware, including pre-installed apps like TikTok and Shopee, which may require manual removal. Realme promises future updates, including the “Circle to Search” feature via an OTA update in late January 2025, enhancing the phone’s AI capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at ₹14,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and ₹15,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, the Realme 14x 5G is available on Flipkart, Realme’s India e-store, and offline retail stores. Launch offers include a ₹1,000 discount on select credit and debit cards and an extended one-year warranty, making it an even more attractive deal.
Why Choose the Realme 14x 5G?
The Realme 14x 5G redefines what a budget smartphone can achieve, blending top-tier durability with solid performance. Its IP69 rating, military-grade shock resistance, and massive battery make it a standout for users who need a reliable device for rugged environments. While the camera and display have room for improvement, the phone’s value proposition is hard to beat, especially for those prioritizing 5G connectivity and longevity. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an outdoor enthusiast, the Realme 14x 5G offers a compelling package at an unbeatable price.
FAQ
What is the IP69 rating on the Realme 14x 5G?
The IP69 rating indicates that the Realme 14x 5G is resistant to high-pressure water jets and dust, making it highly durable in challenging environments. It can also withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, as per its IP68 rating.
How long does the battery last on the Realme 14x 5G?
The 6,000mAh battery can last up to two days with moderate usage, including browsing, gaming, and video streaming. Heavy users can expect a full day of usage on a single charge.
Does the Realme 14x 5G support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Realme 14x 5G supports 5G connectivity, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, offering fast internet speeds and future-proofing for upcoming networks.
Is the Realme 14x 5G good for gaming?
The phone handles casual gaming well, thanks to its 120Hz display and Dimensity 6300 chipset. However, heavy gamers may experience slight lag during extended sessions due to the eMMC 5.1 storage.
What are the color options for the Realme 14x 5G?
The Realme 14x 5G is available in three colors: Crystal Black, Golden Glow, and Jewel Red.
Does the Realme 14x 5G have a good camera?
The 50MP rear camera performs well in bright conditions, capturing vibrant images. However, low-light performance is average, and the lack of OIS may result in shutter lag.