Realme P1 Pro Review: An Affordable Powerhouse with Premium Features

HomeReviewsRealme P1 Pro Review: An Affordable Powerhouse with Premium Features

Highlights

  • Realme P1 Pro features a 6.7-inch OLED display and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor.
  • Offers 50MP main camera with OIS and 8MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Equipped with a 5000mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging.
  • Comes with Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 and up to two years of software updates.

Realme has added a new series to its extensive range of smartphones, named the P-series, tailored specifically for the Indian market with an emphasis on ‘top-notch performance and an outstanding user experience.

I had the chance to test the Realme P1 Pro, the premier model of this series.

Priced under Rs 25,000, the phone boasts promising features, at least theoretically.

Here’s what I found when I put the Realme P1 Pro through its paces in everyday use.

Realme P1 Pro: Pros

Realme P1 5G: Design and Display
Realme P1 Pro: Pros

 

  • Vibrant display
  • Reliable battery
  • Smooth performance
  • Fast charging
  • Decent cameras

Realme P1 Pro: Cons

Realme P1 Pro: Performance and Features
Realme P1 Pro:Cons
  • Warm under load
  • Variable camera results
  • Limited updates

Realme P1 Pro: Unboxing

Realme P1 Pro: Unboxing
Realme P1 Pro Unboxing

Realme P1 Pro: Unboxing Video

Realme P1 Pro: Key Specs

Realme P1 Pro: Key Specs
Realme P1 Pro: Key Specs
  • Display: 6.7-inch Curved FHD+ OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 950 nits brightness.
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 5G.
  • Camera: 50MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 16MP front.
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 45W SUPERVOOC charging.
  • Software: Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14.
  • Design: Bird culture-inspired with options in Parrot Blue and Phoenix Red.
  • Additional Features: IP65 dust and water resistance, Hi-res dual speakers, In-display fingerprint scanner.

Realme P1 Pro: Design and display

Realme P1 Pro: Design and Display
Realme P1 Pro: Design

The design of the Realme P1 Pro bears a resemblance to the brand’s earlier 12 Pro series.

This time, though, instead of a vegan leather finish, it features a plastic back with a frosted matte texture.

I received the Parrot Blue version for this review, which leans towards a light aqua shade and has a gentle texture that effectively resists fingerprints and smudges.

The P1 Pro has an IP65 rating, ensuring it’s resistant to water and dust.

The phone’s design includes curved edges for a more comfortable grip.

On the practical side, the volume controls and power button are conveniently located on the right side, while the USB Type-C port sits at the bottom.

On the back, the Realme P1 Pro sports a prominent circular camera module that slightly protrudes from the frame.

It’s adorned with 475 fan-shaped, shimmering sections that cast an interesting pattern when they catch light from different angles.

Realme P1 Pro: Design and Display
Realme P1 Pro: Display

Although it appears to house four rings, there are actually only two cameras in the module.

The Realme P1 Pro is equipped with a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED screen that delivers a truly immersive viewing experience, especially noticeable when indoors.

The display’s brightness peaks at 950 nits, which can be a bit lacking for clear visibility under direct sunlight.

The panel boasts a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures fluid scrolling and responsiveness across the user interface and supported applications.

The Widevine L1 certification means you can enjoy full HD content from various streaming services without a hitch although you do not get any HDR capabilities.

Additionally, it has  Hi-res certified dual speakers that elevate the audio experience.

Realme P1 Pro: Cameras

Realme P1 Pro: Cameras
Realme P1 Pro: Cameras

In terms of optics, the Realme P1 Pro sports a 50MP Sony LYT-600 OIS primary camera paired with an 8MP portrait lens.

The latter also works as an ultra-wide camera, offering a wider field of view (FoV) than the main camera.

The portrait lens works effectively on both human and non-human subjects; however, thedg ee detection is less accurate for non-human subjects compared to humans.

There’s also minor warping around the edges.

The bokeh effect looks reasonably good, albiet a tad unnatural.

The ultra-wide camera on the Realme P1 Pro manages adequately but has its limitations.

Even in bright conditions, the images display noticeable graininess, and the colors seem less vibrant than expected.

As for the 50MP primary camera, it typically produces images at a 12.5MP resolution by default, delivering respectable clarity and sharpness.

I found the dynamic range quite impressive in both daylight and other well-lit settings, though it’s clear the colours are enhanced to appear more vivid.

However, the handset can be caught crushing details in shadowy areas, as seen in the attached camera results.

For selfies and video calls, the Realme P1 Pro features a 16MP shooter in a punch-hole setup.

This shooter captures likable images with decent facial detailing, although skin tones could be improved.

Realme P1 Pro: Day Camera Samples

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Realme P1 Pro: Night Camera Samples

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Realme P1 Pro: Day Video

Realme P1 Pro: Night Video

Realme P1 Pro: Performance and Features

Realme P1 Pro: Performance and Features
Realme P1 Pro: Performance and Features

At the heart of the Realme P1 Pro, you’ll find the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, complemented by 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB of expandable UFS 3.1 storage.

In terms of performance benchmarks, while the phone doesn’t top the charts, its scores are competitive with similar models in its segment.

Starting with the synthetic benchmarks, it performed well on AnTuTu and Geekbench, holding its own, particularly in multi-core tests.

Although not the leader, it holds up adequately against its peers.

In my experience, the Realme P1 Pro handled everyday tasks and multitasking with ease.

When it came to gaming, the sessions were enjoyable, though I did notice the phone got quite warm after extended play.

The P1 Pro is equipped with a 3D VC cooling system, yet there was still a significant temperature rise, particularly when using high graphics settings for prolonged periods.

This level of heating might not bother casual gamers, but those who use their devices more intensively might want to consider other options.

Realme P1 Pro: Software and Battery

Realme P1 Pro: Software and Battery
Realme P1 Pro: Software and Battery

The Realme P1 Pro comes with Realme UI 5.0 on top of Android 14 straight out of the box, and the user experience feels quite familiar, much like other Realme devices launched in India this year.

The phone does come with a handful of pre-installed third-party apps like social media and professional networking tools, which are handy but can be uninstalled if you prefer a cleaner setup.

On the support front, Realme has committed to providing two years of software updates and three years of security patches for the P1 Pro, although this is somewhat less generous compared to some other brands in this market segment.

The Realme P1 Pro packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, allowing it to recharge swiftly from 20% to full in under an hour with the included charger.

In my usage, the battery comfortably lasted through a day.

It performed impressively during continuous video streaming, like watching videos on YouTube.

Realme P1 Pro: Final verdict

Realme P1 Pro: Verdict
Realme P1 Pro: Verdict

The Realme P1 Pro is the new contender in the smartphone market, starting at Rs 21,999.

It shines with its vibrant 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display, useful dual camera setup, and solid battery life, supported by fast charging.

The device handles daily tasks and gaming with ease, thanks to its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC and ample RAM.

There are some tradeoffs of course.

It doesn’t lead to performance benchmarks, the thermal management is subpar, and the dynamic range in photography seems a bit inadequate.

Overall though, the P1 Pro is a worthy choice for casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.

5 Reasons to Buy

5 Reasons to Buy
5 Reasons to Buy
  • High-Performance Display: The Realme P1 Ultra’s 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a fluid and immersive viewing experience. 
  • Powerful Camera Capabilities: Equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring optical image stabilization, the Realme P1 Ultra captures sharp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. 
  • Fast Charging and Long Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides extended usage times, and with the 45W SUPERVOOC charging, you can recharge the phone quickly—up to 50% in just 30 minutes. 
  • Cutting-Edge Design: Inspired by bird culture, the Realme P1 Ultra is available in striking colors like Parrot Blue and Phoenix Red, offering a unique aesthetic appeal. 
  • Latest Software and Features: Running on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, the P1 Ultra offers a clean, user-friendly interface loaded with features. It also includes advanced options like an in-display fingerprint scanner and IP65 dust and water resistance

3 Reasons Not to Buy

  • Inconsistent Camera Performance: Struggles with detail in low light.
  • Limited Thermal Management: Can get noticeably warm during intensive tasks.
  • Less Generous Update Policy: Compared to some competitors, the update support could be more extensive.

    Top 3 Alternatives

    OnePlus Nord 3 5G

    OnePlus Nord 3 5G Display
    OnePlus Nord 3 5G
    • Price: Rs. 23,974
    • Display: 6.74-inch, 1240×2772 pixels
    • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000
    • RAM: 16GB
    • Storage: 256GB
    • Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
    • Rear Camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP

    OnePlus Nord CE 4

    OnePlus Nord CE 4: Pricing and Availability
    OnePlus Nord CE 4
    • Price: Rs. 24,984
    • Display: 6.70-inch, 1080×2412 pixels
    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    • RAM: 8GB
    • Storage: 256GB
    • Battery Capacity: 5500mAh
    • Rear Camera: 50MP + 8MP

    Nothing Phone 2a

    Nothing Phone (2a): A Closer Look at Design and Display
    Nothing Phone 2a
    • Price: Rs. 23,999
    • Display: 6.70-inch, 1080×2412 pixels
    • RAM: 8GB
    • Storage: 128GB
    • Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
    • Rear Camera: 50MP + 50MP
    • Front Camera: 32MP

    Realme P1 Pro 5G Specs

    GENERAL

    Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM (Hybrid Slot)
    Dual Sim Yes
    Sim Size Nano+Nano SIM
    Device Type Smartphone
    Release Date April 15, 2024 (Expected)

    DESIGN

    Bezel less No
    Colors Phoenix Red and Parrot Blue

    DISPLAY

    Type Color AMOLED Screen (16.7M)
    Touch Yes
    Size 6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120 Hz
    Aspect Ratio 20:9
    PPI ~ 395 PPI
    Screen to Body Ratio ~ 92.65%
    Features 2000 nits (peak), Pro-XDR, 2160Hz PWM, TUV Certified
    Notch Yes, Punch Hole
    Curved Display Yes

    MEMORY

    RAM 6 GB
    Expandable RAM Upto 6 GB Extra Virtual RAM
    Storage 128 GB
    Card Slot Yes, (Hybrid Slot), upto 1 TB

    CONNECTIVITY

    GPRS Yes
    EDGE Yes
    3G Yes
    4G Yes
    5G Yes
    5G Bands n1/n3/n5/n8/n28A/n40/n41/n77/n78
    VoLTE Yes, Dual Stand-By
    Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
    Wifi Version Wi-Fi 6
    Bluetooth Yes, v5.2, A2DP, LE
    USB Yes, USB-C v2.0
    USB Features USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging

    EXTRA

    GPS Yes, with AGPS, BEIDOU, GLONASS, QZSS, GALILEO
    Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
    Face Unlock Yes
    Sensors Magnetic Induction Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Gyrometer, Acceleration Sensor
    3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes
    Water Resistance Yes
    IP Rating IP65
    Dust Resistant Yes
    Extra Features 3D VC Cooling System, Rainwater Touch

    CAMERA

    Rear Camera 50 MP f/1.9 (Wide Angle)
    8 MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide)
    2 MP f/2.4 (Macro) with autofocus
    Features Night Mode, Photo Mode, Street Shooting Mode, Portrait Mode, High Pixel, Professional Mode, Panoramic View, Macro, Super Text, Super Group Portrait, Tilt Shift, Long Exposure Photo, Video Features: Video, Movie Mode, Slow Motion, Timelapse, Multi View Video, Tilt Shift
    Video Recording 4K @ 30 fps UHD, 1080p @ 60 fps FHD, 720p @ 60 fps HD
    Flash Yes, LED
    Front Camera Punch Hole 16 MP f/2.45 (Wide Angle)
    Front Video Recording 1080p @ 30 fps FHD

    TECHNICAL

    OS Android v14
    Custom UI Realme UI 5
    Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen1
    CPU 2.2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
    Core Details 4xCortex-A78@2.2 GHz & 4xCortex-A55@1.8 GHz
    GPU Adreno GPU
    Java No
    Browser Yes

    MULTIMEDIA

    Email Yes
    Music MP3, AAC, APE, AMR, WAV, OGG, FLAC, WMA
    Video AVI, 3GP, MP4, WMV, MKV, MOV, ASF, FLV
    FM Radio No
    Document Reader Yes

    BATTERY

    Type Non-Removable Battery
    Size 5000 mAh
    Fast Charging Yes, 45W SUPERVOOC Charge

FAQs

What are the key features of the Realme P1 Pro?

The Realme P1 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, and a dual camera setup including a 50MP main sensor. It also supports 45W fast charging for its 5000mAh battery.

How does the Realme P1 Pro perform in terms of camera quality?

The Realme P1 Pro’s 50MP main camera delivers enhanced colors and clarity in well-lit environments. It includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens that struggles slightly under bright conditions with graininess and less vibrant colors.

What is the battery life like on the Realme P1 Pro?

The 5000mAh battery in the Realme P1 Pro can comfortably last a full day on a single charge and supports fast charging that can recharge the phone quickly within an hour.

Are there any concerns with the Realme P1 Pro’s performance during gaming?

While the Realme P1 Pro handles gaming and multitasking well, it tends to warm up during extended gaming sessions, which might be a concern for heavy gamers.

What software updates does Realme offer for the P1 Pro?

Realme provides two years of software updates and three years of security patches for the P1 Pro, which is less than some competitors but adequate for most users.

What are the key features of Realme P1 Pro 5G ?

Best 120Hz Curved Vision Display in the segment

The Realme P1 Pro 5G boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED display. The stunning display offers a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing users with a seamless and smooth content-watching experience.

It also features an impressive 20000 levels of brightness adjustment and can reach a peak brightness of 950 Nits, ensuring optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.

In low-brightness conditions, Realme P1 Pro 5G employs high-frequency 2160Hz PWM dimming, offering a 4.5 times increase in dimming efficiency compared to conventional 480Hz methods.

The smartphone also comes with an Eye Protection Certificate by TÜV Rheinland, which will help the users to operate the device for a longer period while comforting and protecting their eyes.

Dynamic 50 MP Main Camera with Sony LYT 600

The Realme P1 Pro 5G is equipped with a superior camera system. The 50MP main camera features a Sony LYT-600 sensor that captures stunningly detailed and vibrant images.

In addition, there’s an 8MP Ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive landscapes and a 16 MP selfie camera for high-quality self-portraits.

The camera system also includes unique imaging functions like Auto-zoom Technology and HyperTone Image Engine for enhanced photography experiences.

Design Inspired by nature and birds

Inspired by the beauty of nature, the design of the Realme P1 Pro 5G incorporates elements from bird culture.

The device features a Micro-Crystal Sparrow Feather Texture and a Large Circular 3D LDI Texture Design, giving it a unique and sophisticated look. It is available in two eye-catching colors – Parrot Blue and Phoenix Red.

The intricate structure, designed through considerable data programming, preserves the essence of feather shafts and barbs, replicating their subtle swing in the breeze and conveying a sense of lightness and freedom.

Superfast 45W SUPERVOOC charger and massive 5000mAh battery

One of the standout features of the Realme P1 Pro 5G is its massive 5000mAh battery paired with a 45W SUPERVOOC charger.

This combination ensures extended usage time and superfast charging speeds. The device can be fully charged to 100% in just 67 minutes or reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

The massive 5000mAh battery capacity allows for up to 473.58 hours of standby time, 35 hours of phone calls, 20.14 hours of movie playing, 85 hours of music playback, and 12.62 hours of navigation, making it incredibly convenient for users who are always on the go.

Powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 5G Chipset

Powering the Realme P1 Pro 5G is the high-performance Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 5G Chipset processor.

This powerful chipset is based on Samsung’s 4nm-core process and includes a 64-bit 4+4 8-core architecture with a main frequency of 2.2GHz. This robust configuration ensures fast and efficient performance for all tasks.

Flagship level experience with 3D VC Cooling System

The Realme P1 Pro 5G features a 3394mm² stainless steel vapor chamber, which increases heat dissipation efficiency and offers a large surface for heat dissipation, leading to a more stable performance.

Also Read: Realme Unveils Brand New P1 Series in India With 50MP Camera, Powerful Processors: Pricing, Specs, Features

Also Read: Realme P1 Pro First Impressions: Packing in a Premium Budget Punch

Also Read: Comparing Realme P1 5G and P1 Pro 5G: Key Differences Unveiled

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