realme 14 5G Review: Getting the Most Gaming Performance for Less
Finally, the realme 14 5G is now available! Last time, we shared an unboxing and first impressions of the realme 14 5G, where we also received a gift set for pre-ordering. It came with TechLife Headphones G1, a realmeow phone holder, and a keychain.
Our initial impressions of the realme 14 5G were quite positive — the design alone is already impressive, and the on-paper specs look promising. This time, we are now allowed to fully dive into the phone itself. Let’s find out if it’s a worthy smartphone for you.
Table of Contents
realme 14 5G Specifications
| OS: | Android 15, realme UI 6.0 |
|---|---|
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 |
| Display: | 6.7″ 120Hz AMOLED |
| Wireless Connections: | 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Memory: | 12GB+256GB |
| Connectors: | USB Type-C 2.0 , OTG |
| Cameras: | Rear Camera: (Main) 50 MP, f/1.8 Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| SIM Card Slots: | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Battery: | 6000mAh 45W wired |
| Price: | 12GB+256GB: Php 17,999 |
The Design
The realme 14 5G has an impressive design as we got the Mecha Silver which really stand on its name with its mecha design. Bringing a gaming smartphone vibes with it. However if you want to step down its design to be minimalistic there are Storm Titanium and Warrior Pink.
This time around they changed its rear camera layout as they didn’t have the same layout design with its Pro version brother. The realme 14 5G has now a box type design on the upper left side of the phone and placed on it are two cameras and one small ring light which they are calling the Victory Halo Light. It luminates when you are playing games or charging your smartphone.
The button and port placement of the realme 14 5G are standard, having the power button which has a color orange accent. The volume rocker is positioned on the right side. On the bottom are the speaker grill, USB Type-C port, microphone hole, and SIM tray slot where you can insert two nano SIM cards. Sadly no microSD card slot. On the top are another microphone hole and speaker hole.
For the durability, it has IP69, IP68, and IP66 ratings, making it highly resistant to dust, water, and even high-pressure water jets. Whether you accidentally drop it in water or use it in tough outdoor conditions, the phone is designed to withstand harsh environments and continue performing reliably.
The Display and Speakers
The realme 14 5G features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. On the box, it’s marketed as an “Esports Display,” and we believe that’s mainly because of its impressive touch sampling rates. It runs at a default 120Hz refresh rate with a touch sampling rate that peaks at 180Hz, and when gaming, it can instantly spike up to 1,500Hz. That’s insanely high compared to most gaming smartphones, which usually top out around 720Hz.
The display’s color output is solid, as expected. Thanks to the AMOLED panel, you get deep, inky blacks and vibrant, punchy colors. Watching your favorite online content or gaming on it feels immersive and highly enjoyable.
The speakers are also decent, featuring a stereo setup that delivers clear, loud, and well-balanced sound.
The Performance
Under the hood of the realme 14 5G is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. They are advertising that this smartphone is the world’s first to have this kind of chipset. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Here are the benchmark scores we got with the realme 14 5G:
The realme 14 5G is already Android 15 that has realme UI 6.0 on top. If you know already realme UI you can expect the same with its pre-installed bloatware which you can easily uninstall it if you don’t need it.
When it comes to day-to-day use, the realme 14 5G delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Navigating through apps, scrolling on social media, browsing the web, and multitasking all feel quick and seamless. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the overall fluidity, making every swipe and animation look buttery-smooth. Whether you’re casually using it for messaging and video streaming or pushing it a bit harder with gaming and multitasking, the phone handles everything with ease and minimal lag.
Diving deeper into the gaming performance of the realme 14 5G, even on its Balanced Mode, it can easily handle casual and esports titles without any issues. For more demanding games like Genshin Impact, the phone automatically switches to GT Mode, where the CPU overclocks to boost performance for a smoother gaming experience.
However, when playing Genshin Impact, the phone performs best at medium graphic settings. We were able to maintain a consistent frame rate of around 30 FPS when setting the graphics to the medium options, the phone struggles to hit a stable 60 FPS. While it’s not ideal for ultra-smooth high-end gaming, the gameplay remains stable and playable, especially considering the phone’s price and positioning.
When it comes to temperature management, realme claims that the 14 5G has an excellent cooling system, thanks to its VC (Vapor Chamber) and HyperTherm Graphite technology. This setup helps keep the chipset running on the cooler side. In our CPU stress test, the phone managed to maintain 88% of its maximum performance even after 15 minutes.
Moving to real-world usage, while playing Honor of Kings for a couple of hours, the phone remained cool to the touch. However, when playing Genshin Impact or other more demanding games, the device did warm up after a few minutes, but not to the point where it became uncomfortable to hold.
The Camera
The realme 14 5G still comes with only one truly usable camera on the rear, which might be a disappointment if you are a fan of using an ultrawide lens. The main rear camera is equipped with a 50-megapixel sensor, while the front camera offers a 16-megapixel sensor for selfies.
realme 14 5G – Rear Main Camera Sample
In daytime conditions, the photos we captured were quite good, showing impressive details, accurate exposure, and vibrant colors. The camera also does a good job of focusing on subjects even in slightly challenging lighting. In low-light environments, the image quality tends to become more contrast-heavy, and color accuracy can sometimes be inconsistent. However, the overall results are still acceptable and good enough for casual photography and social media sharing.
realme 14 5G – Seflie Camera Sample
On the flip side, the 16 megapixels front camera does and excellent job of capturing sharp and detailed selfies. It consistently produces nature-looking skin tones, which ensures that your photos appear lifelike and not overly processed.
Video recording on the realme 14 5G is quite capable, offering up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps with the rear camera. It also comes with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to help reduce shake during video capture. However, without enabling the Ultra Steady mode, the footage can appear shaky, especially during actions like walking or panning across scenes. For smoother, more stable video, it’s recommended to turn on Ultra Steady to ensure a more professional and fluid result.
On the front, the realme 14 5G supports video recording up to 1080p at 30 fps. While it doesn’t have the option for 60 fps recording, the front camera still offers decent stabilization, even without the Ultra Steady mode. This makes it a solid choice for casual vlogging or video calls, providing stable footage with good quality overall.
The Battery
The realme 14 5G is equipped with a large 6000 mAh battery that provides exceptional endurance. It’s more than capable of lasting through a busy day of regular use, whether you’re browsing, streaming, or gaming, and still has enough charge left to get you through the evening. For those days when you need to recharge, the phone supports 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, allowing you to power up quickly. In fact, the battery can be charged to a significant level in under an hour, making it perfect for users who are always on the go and need to get back to full power fast.
The TechLife Headphones G1
The TechLife Headphones G1 offers both wired and wireless connectivity, with up to 30 hours of battery life. In terms of sound quality, it delivers good bass, which is decent for gaming, but it lacks a bit in the low and mid ranges. While the build quality features plastic ear cups and a cloth-covered headband with minimal padding, the headphones remain comfortable for extended use, especially with the thick cloth ear cup cushions. They can be folded for easy storage, but lack a tilt feature, which might feel a bit awkward when resting around the neck.
The adjustable headband offers a decent range, making it comfortable even for larger heads. The microphone is flexible and can be tucked into the ear cup when not in use, keeping it discreet. All the controls, including the power button, volume rocker, mic mute, and USB Type-C port, are located on the left ear cup. While the included USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio cable is short for desktop use, it’s perfectly fine for mobile gaming or phone use.
realme 14 5G Verdict
The realme 14 5G is finally a solid choice for gamers looking for a smartphone that delivers great value for its price. With this model, realme has returned to its roots by focusing on gaming, a space they became well-known for early on. This time, they’ve delivered a well-rounded performance that truly stands out. The device features a responsive display that excels in gaming, with smooth visuals and quick refresh rates. Beyond gaming, it also performs well for media consumption, delivering vibrant colors that make watching your favorite shows a truly enjoyable experience.
One slight disappointment is the absence of an ultrawide camera, which would have been a great addition for more versatile photography. However, aside from that, the realme 14 5G impresses with its great design, long-lasting battery, responsive screen, and solid performance. Even the cameras, while not groundbreaking, offer good quality for both casual shots and everyday use. Whether you’re gaming or just using it for day-to-day tasks, the realme 14 5G provides a satisfying experience across the board.
The realme 14 5G is priced at Php 17,999 and from April 29 to May 11, every purchase of the realme 14 Series 5G at any realme Concept Store includes a premium audio accessory, the TechLife Headphones G1 worth Php 2,199, for FREE until supplies last.
