Realme has maintained a methodical approach in the Indian smartphone market, which has yielded favorable results. By offering a diverse range of products, the brand has provided consumers with more choices, leading to an increased market share and steady revenue growth. According to IDC, Realme holds a 10.6 percent share of the Indian smartphone market in Q1 2025 and has seen a 2.2 percent year-on-year growth.
Following the January launch of the Realme 14 Pro series, the company has released the Realme 14T 5G in the mid-range segment. This marks the first introduction of the T series in India.
Retailing at Rs. 17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, the Realme 14T 5G competes against the likes of the CMF Phone 2 Pro and its sibling, the Realme P3 5G. The question remains: does it bring any significant differentiation to the table, or will it simply blend into the sea of competition? After spending some time with the device, here are my impressions.
Realme 14T 5G: The Package
Upon unboxing, the Realme 14T 5G bears a resemblance to the Realme P3, with only the repositioned LED flash hinting at its identity. The brand has been focusing on distinctive designs across its offerings, and the 14T 5G is no exception. I received the device in Surf Green, which stands out without being overly flashy. Additionally, it is available in Lightning Purple and Obsidian Black, featuring a unique back panel with a silky, wave-like texture that adds a touch of sophistication.
The Realme 14T 5G is showcased in Surf Green (as shown), Lightning Purple, and Obsidian Black colorways.
Durability is a key feature of the Realme 14T 5G, which comes with an impressive triple IP rating: IP66 + IP68 + IP69. This provides protection against dust, water submersion, and high-pressure water jets, an unusual offering in this price segment. Recent flagship devices have begun to incorporate an IP69 rating, and it’s commendable to see such features becoming available in the under-Rs. 20,000 category.
Despite housing a sizable 6,000mAh battery, the phone maintains a slim profile at just 7.97mm and weighs 196 grams, distributing weight reasonably well. However, the ergonomics could be improved, as the sharply defined edges can dig into the palm during prolonged use. Additionally, the device includes a USB Type-C port, a hybrid SIM slot, and stereo speakers.
Realme 14T 5G: Performance Overview
The Realme 14T 5G features a 6.67-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness reaching 2,100 nits. The screen is bright, vibrant, and delivers a fluid performance, boasting a 92.7 percent screen-to-body ratio. Although the asymmetrical bezels could detract slightly from the overall experience, the display is impressive.
The device is equipped with a 6.67-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display supporting a 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the Realme 14T 5G runs on a 6nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, boasting an impressive AnTuTu score of over 460,000, which I will verify through further benchmarking. It is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, supporting virtual RAM expansion up to 18GB. The device also allows for expansion via microSD card, accommodating up to 1TB. It ships with Android 15, layered with Realme UI 6, and is backed by a commitment to provide two years of software updates and three years of security patches.
Emphasizing AI capabilities, the Realme 14T 5G includes various features, particularly those focusing on photography. AI Clear Face enhances image clarity, while AI Eraser selectively removes unwanted objects from photos. The device also employs the AI HyperRAW Algorithm to optimize light and shadow balance in images.
The camera system on the Realme 14T 5G features a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
In the camera department, the Realme 14T 5G features a dual rear camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel main camera alongside a 2-megapixel depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, it boasts a 16-megapixel front camera. Initial assessments reveal good detail in daylight shots, though some oversaturation may occur. Nighttime performance could use improvements, even with Night Mode engaged.
A notable camera feature is the Live Photo function, akin to Apple’s Live Photos, which captures a few seconds before and after the shutter is pressed, allowing users to preserve moments as they unfold. This feature proved to be quite useful during my testing.
The device maintains a sleek profile while accommodating a 6,000mAh battery.
The Realme 14T 5G is powered by a substantial 6,000mAh battery, consistent with the recent trends seen in Realme’s device lineup. It supports 45W fast charging and incorporates “Advanced AI Battery Health Management” to enhance battery longevity. However, it does not feature wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.
Realme 14T 5G: Concluding Impressions
In summary, the Realme 14T 5G presents itself as a solid contender at its price of Rs. 17,999. Its striking design and improved display technology contribute positively to its market positioning in the competitive mid-range smartphone sector. While it stands out in durability and aesthetics, the camera performance leaves room for enhancement. A thorough performance validation will be carried out to assess the company’s claims regarding its features.
