It’s been a while since we got our hands on a mid-range smartphone that checks almost all the boxes – trendy design, clear cameras, powerful internals, AI features, slim body, and more that are typically seen in a flagship device. All that are in the newly launched realme 14 Pro+ 5G with a slim, color-changing body, MagicGlow Triple Flash and Triple Sony Cameras that promise “triple clarity in every shot”, AI features that make photos worth sharing even without edits, and the ability to take photos underwater. Plus, with its 6000mAh battery, it easily lasts an entire day! It’s a mid-range smartphone that delivers a premium vibes and I’m here to give you a closer look at what we found out after our 3-week test run:

INSIDE THE BOX

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G comes with everything you need to get started: the smartphone itself, an 80W SUPERVOOC fast charger, a USB-C cable, a protective case, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual paperwork. It’s always nice to see brands include a fast charger in the box, especially when some flagship devices now ship without one.

The only downside for me is that instead of the usual clear protective case, realme decided to change it to black. Quite anti-climactic since the realme 14 Pro+ 5G has a beautiful pearl-like color-changing body. Eitherway, I think I’ll just skip putting a case on it for now and get myself a clear version.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY

One of the realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s standout features is the world’s first cold-sensitive color-changing back panel, available in Pearl White. The shifting hues give it a premium feel, making it look and feel more expensive than its mid-range price tag suggests. It only seemed like a fun add-on at first, but I realized how helpful it can be when you go to colder countries. During my trip to Japan, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G became my temperature checker. If the blue streaks can still be seen, it means it’s less than 16 degrees but if it goes all white, then it means the cold would be bearable for me. The blue streaks eventually disappear but it fades slower when it’s freezing cold outside. However, if this feature doesn’t entice you, you can always get the Suede Grey version.

It’s not just beautiful, though! Aside from the military-grade shock resistance tests and TÜV Rheinland certification, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G comes with triple IP ratings – IP69, IP68, and IP66 for water and dust resistance. This makes underwater photography possible even if you go as deep as 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

The buttons are also in its usual spots – volume rocker and power button on the right, USB Type-C port at the bottom, along with dual stereo speakers with dual-mic noise cancellation. At the back, you’ll find a huge circular camera module which has triple flash and triple cameras. While it looks pretty, note that the placement may not be suitable for landscape gaming as it would definitely get in the way. However, it’s not much of an issue for me as it’s easy to wipe the cameras after.

In front, the 6.7-inch Quad Curve OLED display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming, the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp details with minimal bezels for an immersive experience.

Another thing I loved about this smartphone is how light it is, even lighter than one of the flagship smartphones that I’m using. It only weighs 194g and is only 7.9mm thick, enough to comfortably fit my small hand.

CAMERAS

I brought the realme 14 Pro+ 5G with me during a trip to Japan, and it did not disappoint. The Triple Sony Camera system — a 50MP Sony IMX890 Periscope Camera, 50MP Sony IMX896 with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera captured vivid colors, great detail, and an impressive dynamic range. Whether it was Mt. Fuji on a sunny day or neon-lit Shibuya cityscapes, the phone handled almost every shooting scenario with ease.

My favorite part about the cameras are its Smart Scenes – Stage for concerts, Silhouette for shadow shots, and Fireworks for capturing bright lights in the sky. This is on top of the five Soft Light options and 16 filters.

Night shots were clear as well, with the phone preserving details and minimizing noise. The MagicGlow Triple Flash system came in handy for low-light portraits, adding a bit of lighting without overexposing the subject. t’s a neat addition that makes a difference in challenging lighting conditions! You can also tinker with the light temperature from cold to warm so photos won’t come out looking too blue or too yellow. For the ladies, I also discovered how useful this is in checking whether or not your makeup has a white cast!

In front, you have a 32MP selfie camera that also has a 0.8 mode for wider “wefie” shots with friends. Aside from the usual filters, soft light effects are also available for you to mix and match via selfie camera.

For video enthusiasts, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G supports 4K video recording at 30fps with OIS, a huge bonus for capturing stable, crisp footage. Whether you’re vlogging, recording memories, or creating content, this phone has got you covered for sure.

Lastly, this device’s AI features are at par (if not better) than the one in the flagship device that I’m currently using. In just a tap, its AI Erase easily detects all the people in the background, removes everyone and patches up the photo so it looks natural. Shadows need to be removed one by one using the Paint Over or Smart Lasso options, though.

STORAGE AND PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 5G processor, paired with 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. As if this isn’t enough, the device also comes with Dynamic RAM Expansion, good for up to 14GB more space. This combination ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and multitasking.

It runs on realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, which is quick and responsive, good enough for an impatient person like me. Features include air gestures, split notifications, quick settings, Smart Sidebar, and gesture controls that are also present in previous realme mid-range devices. I also appreciate how it has a Gemini AI assistant shortcut from the lock screen, making it easier to search for things in just a swipe.

Usual sensors are also present – proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, color temperature sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and e-compass; as well as support for dual 5G nano-SIMs, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC.

In terms of entertainment, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G’s Hi-Res Dual Stereo Speakers give off balanced and clear audio even after you dip it in the pool. There’s a Water Eject function that you need to enable in order to clear the speakers of any liquid inside prior to blasting sounds.

While it must be said that this isn’t a gaming smartphone, it’s worth noting that it can run typical games that you would want to play like Roblox, Mobile Legends, and Pokemon Unite, although not at the highest settings. Still, it’s quite fluid enough for a mid-range device, thanks to features such as a Vapor Chamber Cooling System for prolonged gaming or binge-watching your favorite series.

Overall, I’d still recommend this smartphone more for photography rather than gaming. After all, it’s a must to make the most out of its AI features such as AI Ultra Clarity 2.0, AI Snap Mode, and AI Eraser 2.0 which makes photos look cleaner and blurs look more natural.

BATTERY

With a 6000mAh battery, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G easily lasts an entire day on a single charge, even with heavy use. On WiFi and while running my usual apps for work (Gmail, Teams, Docs, Viber) and entertainment (Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, Roblox, YouTube), taking photos and videos, and checking Google Maps and Translate from time to time, it was still up and running even after over 18 hours of traveling and it still had some juice before I reached the hotel! I wasn’t super worried because the device also comes with battery saving features that can be enabled to make it last even longer.

Its 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging can quickly top up the battery, going from 0 to 50% in just 20 minutes. No need to worry about running out of juice when you’re on the go.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is priced at P27,999 (12GB+512GB) and is available in realme physical stores, online platforms, and partner retailers nationwide. As an introductory offer, early buyers can score exclusive freebies like the realme Watch S2.

Overall, I’d say that this is a solid choice for millennials who are looking for a stylish, feature-packed smartphone that delivers flagship-level features, especially in the photography department, without the hefty price. With its Triple Sony Cameras, MagicGlow Triple Flash, and AI photography features, I can already do away with my mirrorless camera when covering events! It’s something that aspiring content creators would appreciate.

From its eye-catching design to its versatile cameras and long-lasting battery, it’s a well-rounded device that balances aesthetics, power, and photography.

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