Realme 14 Pro Plus Review: Redefining Midrange Smartphone Luxury?

Realme 14 Pro Plus Suede Grey
(Last Updated On: January 16, 2025)

Key Highlights

  • Dual 50MP Sony OIS Cameras
  • Sony 3X Periscope OIS Camera
  • 120Hz Quad Curve AMOLED Display
  • 6,000mAh Battery, 80W Ultra Charge
  • Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 5G Chipset
  • IP69 Water Resistance, Drop Resistance

The Realme 14 Pro Plus is here. And it’s clear that Realme is shaking things up in the midrange segment. Over the years, the Realme number series has been the same with delivering stellar performance at an unbeatable price. But with the 14 Pro Plus, the brand seems to be testing new waters, aiming for a balance between performance, design, and flagship-level features. As someone who values a premium smartphone experience without burning a hole in my wallet, I was curious to see if Realme has managed to hit the sweet spot with this one. Here’s my experience with the device.

Also Read | Realme 13 Pro+ 5G Long Term User Review: AI Camera Steals The Limelight

What’s Inside The Box?

  • Realme 14 Pro Plus (Suede Grey)
  • Charger
  • USB data cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick guide
  • Protective case

Design: Suede Grey Steals The Show

As soon I opened the box of the Realme 14 Pro Plus, the Suede Grey variant instantly gave off a sophisticated vibe. The company has introduced vegan suede leather in this model, which is a first in its segment. The texture is soft yet sturdy, thanks to the added fleece layer, making it both durable and luxurious.

Realme 14 Pro Plus Review

What stood out for me was how comfortable the phone felt in hand. Despite packing a massive 6,000mAh battery, the phone remains slim at just 7.99mm. The curved frame fits snugly in your palm, making extended use comfortable.

While the Suede Grey variant is stunning, Realme also offers three other color options. This includes Pearl White that features a unique thermochromic fiber that changes color when the temperature drops below 16-degree C. It’s a fun party trick but not something you’ll see often in India’s warm climate. The other variant is Bikaner Purple. It’s an India-exclusive shade inspired by Bikaner’s iconic architecture. This rich purple hue is bold and elegant. Each variant offers a unique identity, but I found the Suede Grey’s subtle and refined look the most versatile.

The Realme 14 Pro Plus not only looks good but feels durable. The IP68/69 rating ensures the phone can handle water splashes and even freshwater dips, a feature I rarely see in this price range. While the Suede Grey finish adds grip and minimizes fingerprints, the glossy frame around the edges is prone to scratches. A case is recommended to keep it looking pristine.

Realme has also paid attention to the finer details. The buttons have good tactile feedback, and the phone comes with a pre-installed screen protector, so you can start using it right out of the box. The dual SIM tray, USB-C port, and main speaker are neatly placed at the bottom, while the secondary speaker and mic sit on top. It’s a well-thought-out design that prioritizes user convenience.

Overall, the design of the Realme 14 Pro Plus is a testament to how far midrange smartphones have come in terms of aesthetics.

Display: Great Visuals With Minor Hiccups

The 6.83-inch AMOLED display on the Realme 14 Pro Plus is easily one of the best in its segment. Features a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1500 nits, it offers vibrant colors and sharp details that make everything from streaming shows to casual browsing a visual treat. Even outdoors under direct sunlight, visibility wasn’t an issue. It’s a major plus for users on the go.

Adding to the experience is the Gorilla Glass 7i protection, which provides extra durability and the centered punch-hole camera that blends seamlessly into the screen. Realme has also included 3840Hz PWM dimming, which helps reduce eye strain during prolonged use. This is undoubtedly a thoughtful touch for binge-watchers and late-night scrollers like me.

However, it’s not all perfect. While the colors are vibrant and the natural color profile is pleasing, I did notice minor lags during fast scrolling. This is an area where Realme could improve to make the experience flawless. Additionally, the lack of HDR support for streaming services was a bit of a letdown, especially for someone who enjoys high-quality content.

Despite these hiccups, the sharp 1.5K resolution and overall quality of the display ensure it stands out as one of the better offerings in its price range.

Performance: Smooth Operator, But Not For Hardcore Gamers

Powering the Realme 14 Pro Plus is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. The processor is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In my daily use, scrolling through Instagram, streaming content, and light gaming, the phone never broke a sweat. The Realme UI 6 based on Android 15 felt snappy and fluid, with smooth animations enhancing the user experience.

Gaming performance, however, was a mixed bag. While games like BGMI and Call of Duty ran well at 60fps, competitors in this price range offer higher fps for a more immersive experience. For casual gamers, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but if gaming is your top priority, you might want to explore other options.

Also Read | Realme 14x 5G Review: Solid Build, Impressive Performance All In Budget

Cameras: A Versatile Performer With Room For Improvement

The Realme 14 Pro Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens offering 3X optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera.

For casual photography, the primary sensor delivered impressive results with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. Though colors like browns and greens sometimes lack vibrancy.

  • Realme 14 Pro Plus Camera Sample
  • Realme 14 Pro Plus Camera Sample

The telephoto lens is a standout, offering excellent 3X zoom and sharp portraits with natural blur. Beyond 3X, digital zoom up to 120X is fun but not very practical.

In low light, the primary and telephoto cameras held their ground but required a steady hand due to slower shutter speeds.

The ultrawide camera performs well in daylight with sharp center details but struggles in low light, showing softness and distortion at the edges.

  • Realme 14 Pro Plus Camera Sample
  • Realme 14 Pro Plus Camera Sample
  • Realme 14 Pro Plus Camera Sample

Selfies from the 32MP front camera are sharp and well-lit, making them ideal for social media. Portrait selfies are impressive but occasionally hazy in backlit conditions.

For videos, the primary and telephoto cameras support 4K30, while the ultrawide is capped at 1080p30. Stabilization is decent, though Ultra Steady mode at 1080p60 offers smoother results.

The Realme 14 Pro Plus’ cameras excel in portraits and zoom, making it great for casual photography. However, ultrawide and low-light performance could use refinement. It’s a solid choice for users looking for a dependable all-rounder in its price range.

Battery Life: All-Day Power, Fast Charging Included

The Realme 14 Pro Plus houses a massive 6,000mAh battery, and it shows. On a typical day filled with chatting, streaming, and casual gaming, I ended the day with around 20 percent battery left. The 80W fast charger included in the box juiced up the phone from 40 to 100 percent in less than an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy days.

Where It Shines And Falls Short

Realme 14 Pro Plus Smartphone Review

What I Loved:

  • Stunning design that feels premium
  • Great display with vibrant colors and great brightness
  • Reliable cameras, especially the telephoto lens
  • Long-lasting battery with fast charging

Where It Could Improve:

  • Lack of HDR support for streaming services
  • Limited gaming performance compared to competitors
  • Realme UI’s pre-installed bloatware detracts from an otherwise smooth experience
  • Only two years of software updates, less than what rivals offer.

Also Read | Realme 12+ 5G Review: Your Gateway To Flagship-level Features At An Affordable Price

Giznext’s Final Verdict

Realme 14 Pro Plus Phone Back Panel

The Realme 14 Pro Plus is available in three variants:

8GB + 128GBRs. 29,999
8GB + 256GBRs. 31,999
12GB + 256GBRs. 34,999

Overall, the Realme 14 Pro Plus delivers a great price-to-performance ratio while adding a touch of luxury to its design. If you’re looking for a smartphone with dependable cameras, a gorgeous display, and a long-lasting battery, this one’s worth considering. However, if gaming or a clean software experience is your priority, you might want to explore its alternatives.

For me, the Realme 14 Pro Plus feels like a significant step forward in Realme’s number series, offering flagship-like features at a midrange price. It’s not perfect, but it certainly holds its own in a competitive segment.

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About Shweta Srivastava

Say hello to Shweta, a tech fan who's hooked on keeping up with all things tech. When she's not exploring the latest gadgets, she's diving into a good book, clicking photos as an amateur photographer, or enjoying classic movies and music. With her love for both tech and creativity, Shweta adds her own touch to tech news in a way that's easy to understand and enjoy.

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