Realme 5 Pro

The Realme 5 Pro is part of Realme’s lineup, which has been known for offering competitive specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 Pro was positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a particular emphasis on camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5 Pro:

Overview:

The Realme 5 Pro aimed to cater to users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. With a quad-camera setup and a powerful processor for its segment, it was targeted at both photography enthusiasts and general users.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6, later upgradable.
2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
4. Memory: Options ranging from 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
6. Battery: 4035 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging support (20W).
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and splash resistance.

Pros:

1. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup, especially the 48 MP primary sensor, allowed for versatile and detailed photography.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 712 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
3. Fast Charging: The VOOC 3.0 fast charging could charge the device quickly, a significant advantage for users on the go.
4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 Pro offered a compelling value proposition.

Cons:

1. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
2. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass counterparts.
3. No AMOLED Display: The device used an IPS LCD, which, while decent, couldn’t match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED display.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

• Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
• Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
• Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

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

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with ColorOS’s aggressive RAM management.
2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally praised, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.
3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, providing a balanced mix of features and performance. Its camera capabilities, fast charging, and overall value made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 Pro was a strong contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.