Realme 5

The Realme 5 was a part of Realme’s lineup, which is known for offering feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 was positioned as a budget to mid-range device, aiming to provide a solid smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5:

Overview:

The Realme 5 aimed to cater to users looking for a good balance between performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. With its quad-camera setup and a large battery, it targeted users wanting more features without spending a lot.

Features:

Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6.
Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665.
Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, 2 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured impressive battery life, allowing users to get through a day or even more with moderate usage.
Quad-Camera Setup: The versatile camera setup was a highlight, especially for its price segment.
Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 offered excellent value for money.
Decent Performance: The Snapdragon 665 chipset provided smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming.

Cons:

Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be a bit heavy and different from stock Android.
Micro USB Port: At a time when many devices were transitioning to USB Type-C, the Realme 5 still used the older micro USB port.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 5 faced competition from:

Redmi Note 7: Offering a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 660, and a dual-camera setup.
Samsung Galaxy M20: Featuring a 6.3-inch PLS TFT display, Exynos 7904, and a dual-camera setup.
Moto G7 Power: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a single 12 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Realme 5 was announced in August 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions or when using specific modes.
Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 was a commendable offering in the budget to mid-range segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its battery life and quad-camera setup were standout features, making it a popular choice among users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and the software experience, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.