Hands-On with the realme 14 Pro+ 5G: A Surprisingly Solid Daily Driver

When a phone promises flagship-level features at a mid-range price, I’m usually a little skeptical. But after spending a few days with the realme 14 Pro+ 5G, I can honestly say—it’s the real deal. From the moment I unboxed it to actually using it as my everyday phone, this device made an impression in all the right ways.

First Look: That Design Tho

Let’s start with the design. I got the Pearl White variant, and it’s not your usual glossy white slab. What’s unique is how the back actually changes color when exposed to cold temperatures. I found that out on a late-night coffee run—suddenly, the phone shifted to this cool, bluish hue. It’s a small detail, but it feels premium and kind of fun. It’s not just a phone—it reacts, subtly, like it has a mood.

The curved display also adds to the whole premium feel. It’s not just about looks, though—the quad-curved OLED display is smooth, responsive, and makes scrolling and swiping feel incredibly fluid.

Built to Survive Real Life

Here’s where I really started appreciating this phone: durability. I’ve had phones die after getting caught in the rain or slipping off a table. But this one? It’s rated IP69, IP68, and IP66, which basically means it's highly resistant to water, dust, and even shock. It even survived a drop on the gym floor without a scratch—which is more than I can say for my old phone.

I wouldn’t normally put water resistance high on my must-have list, but after using a phone that just works no matter the conditions, it’s hard to go back.

Daily Grind Performance

Performance-wise, it hasn’t flinched yet. I’ve used it for messaging, social media, email, YouTube, Spotify, Google Maps, mobile games—you name it. With a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, everything runs fast and smooth. There’s no lag when switching between apps, and even some heavier games run without issues.

I also noticed how cool the phone stays even during extended use, which says a lot about its internal optimization.

The Camera: Not Just for Show

The 50MP main sensor delivers great results in both daylight and low light. I’ve taken it on errands, weekend hangouts, and even used it to shoot some quick product photos. The 3x periscope zoom actually surprised me—shots came out clear, not blurry or grainy like I expected from a mid-range phone.

Selfies on the 32MP front cam also come out sharp, and the built-in beauty mode is subtle enough to enhance without overdoing it. Eye-tracking autofocus makes a big difference for quick snaps, especially when you’re on the go.

Battery Life and Charging: No Stress Here

The battery is another highlight. With a 6,000mAh capacity, I easily get through a full day—even with heavy use. Sometimes, I forget when I last charged it. And when I do need to plug in, the 80W SUPERVOOC charger gives me a 50% charge in under 30 minutes. It’s just one less thing to worry about during a busy day.

Final Thoughts: It Just Makes Sense

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G doesn’t try too hard to be flashy—but it nails the basics and then some. What stood out for me wasn’t just the color-changing back or the curved screen (though both are cool). It’s how this phone handles real, everyday life—without breaking a sweat.

For anyone looking for a solid, all-around smartphone that looks good, performs reliably, and actually holds up to daily wear and tear, this one deserves a serious look.