The sub-Rs 20,000 price segment is literally a battleground with multiple options for a buyer. With the introduction of Realme’s new ‘P’ series, this has widened the horizon of choices. Priced just under Rs 20,000, the Realme P1 has an eye-catching design, a full day’s worth of battery, and a stunning display. But can it truly assert itself at the top of the entry-level smartphone market in India, especially when contenders like the Vivo T3, Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G, and Motorola G64 exist in the same realm? I’ll answer that and many more queries in this review.
Realme P1
Rs 15,999
What Is Good?
- Bright AMOLED display
- Good battery life
- Amazing performance
- Can handle heavy games
- Attractive design
What Is Bad?
- Bloatware
- Room for improvement in low-light photography
Realme P1 5G Review: Pricing and Availability in India
The Realme P1 will be available in two different variants on Amazon and Flipkart.
| Variants | Pricing |
| 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage | Rs 15,999 |
| 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage | Rs 18,999 |
Realme P1 5G Review: Design and Build Quality
The camera module on the Realme P1 closely resembles that of its distant cousin, the Realme 12. The Realme P1 offers two colour options: Phoenix Red and Peacock Green. The former colourway is very outgoing and looks stunning, attracting the eyes of the public easily. It’s not just the colour, but the minute details on the back panel, such as the brushstroke pattern, which surrounds the camera module in a circular pattern. The phone’s back looks exceptionally stylish when exposed to direct sunlight. With this design approach, Realme seems to be targeting the college-going youth.
| Design | Specifications |
| Weight | 188 grams |
| Thickness | 7.97mm |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Port and button placements | Bottom: SIM tray, Speaker Grille, Primary Microphone, USB Type-C
Top: 3.5mm headphone jack and secondary microphone Right Side: Power button and volume buttons |
The phone is comfortable to hold until you remove the back cover; then, it becomes less comfortable due to the marks it leaves on my palms. My thumb naturally lands on the power button, but I struggle with one-handed use because of my clumsiness. I’ve had a few slips using it this way. However, the unintentional drop tests have shown it has a solid build. Additionally, the inclusion of an IP54 rating at this price point is a welcome touch. However, it’s suggested to keep the phone away from water bodies.
Realme P1 5G Review: Display and Audio
The Realme P1 boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. The display offers punchy colours making it enjoyable for watching videos and playing games.
| Display | Specifications |
| Size | 6.67-inch |
| Type | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080×2400 Pixels |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz |
| Peak brightness | Claimed: 2000 nits, Tested:1621 |
| Minimum brightness | 06 nits |
Even under direct sunlight, the display remains bright and legible, allowing for comfortable usage outdoors. Including an AMOLED display at this price point adds significant value, although some users may find the slightly thick chin intrusive, especially when using the phone in light mode.
The Realme P1 features loud stereo speakers. The sound remains clear and audible even at higher volumes, making it suitable for listening to music or watching videos from a distance.
Realme P1 5G Review: Performance and Software
The Realme P1 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, effortlessly managing daily tasks like calling, messaging, browsing, and scrolling on social media. The same chipset can be found on the previously launched Lava Agni 2.
| Hardware | Specifications |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 |
| RAM | Up to 8GB of LPDDR4X |
| Storage | Up to 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Storage Test | 568006 |
| CPU Throttling Test | |
| Software Version | Realme UI based on Android 14 |
| Connectivity Details | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 |
BGMI ran smoothly in Smooth graphics and Extreme framerate settings, with no noticeable lags or stutters during gameplay. A slight delay of a second or two when using the gun occasionally led to a few in-game deaths. However, this only occurred once or twice. The phone did warm up slightly after 35-40 minutes of gameplay, but it didn’t cause any major issues.
The Realme P1 runs on Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14. It handles app switching without any noticeable lag. Whenever you close apps on this phone, it doesn’t return to the location of the app. Instead, it closes randomly. Therefore, the absence of app closing animations could enhance the user experience. The software is good, but it comes with many pre-installed apps. Fortunately, these apps can be deleted, and you can also disable hot apps and games.
Realme P1 5G Review: Cameras
In daylight, the 50-megapixel primary camera produces good photos with pleasing colours. However, it lacks detail when zoomed in using the 2x mode, and the resulting images may appear slightly hazy. Overall, considering its price segment, the main camera performs reasonably well. While the Realme P1 takes good portraits, the edge detection can be a bit inconsistent in some scenarios. Unfortunately, it also tends to excessively smooth the skin when capturing portraits of people.
| Camera | Specifications |
| Primary Camera | 50-megapixel, Samsung JN1 |
| Secondary Camera | 2-megapixel B&W, f/2.4 |
| Selfie Camera | 16-megapixel, f/2.45 |
| Video Recording Capabilities | Up to 4K at 30fps |
In low-light settings, photos often display noticeable noise, grain and lack of detail. Moreover, there’s a frustrating delay of a second or two in processing images, hindering immediate capture of the moment. However, with some editing, these images can be effectively refined.
The 16-megapixel selfie camera on the Realme P1 produces social media-ready pictures, smoothing out all the pores on my face because it is set to a filter by default. Fortunately, you can disable the filter to get closer to reality photos. The images have good details and the skin tones are natural.
Realme P1 5G Review: Battery and Charging
The Realme P1 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging. In our testing, it reached 52 per cent from the dead in just 30 minutes and fully charged in 1 hour and 12 minutes, which is reasonable. The phone can last 6-7 hours with moderate to heavy usage. The PCMark battery test lasted 13 hours and 29 minutes.
Realme P1 5G Review: Verdict
The Realme P1 is a solid choice within the sub-Rs 20,000 price bracket. While it doesn’t excel in every aspect, it strives to cover all essential bases. This device emphasises design, display, performance, and battery life. The back panel exudes a premium feel, complemented by a camera module resembling a traditional watch face. Notably, the AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate at this price point is impressive.
For users seeking a smartphone capable of handling everyday tasks and light gaming, the Realme P1 is a reliable option. Its performance is complemented by a battery that can last well. The cameras offer satisfactory results in terms of price, but there is room for improvement.
As for alternatives, consider exploring options like the Motorola G64, Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G, and the Vivo T3 5G. Each of these phones has its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, if you prioritise performance, battery life, and a high-quality display, the Realme P1 is a fantastic option for your daily use.
