If you had told me a couple of years ago that we’d witness the emergence of curved AMOLED displays, 108MP cameras, and flagship-style designs in mid-range smartphones priced under ₹25,000, I would have smiled politely and scrolled past. Fast forward to 2024, and the Realme 10 Pro Plus has taken its rightful place, proving that mid-range phones are not just competitors but serious players in the market.
The Realme 10 Pro Plus isn’t just a catchy name; it holds its ground impressively in various ways. Whether you’re in the market for a capable gaming phone or seeking great value for money, this device is a formidable contender. Let’s break it down in detail.
First Impressions Matter – And This One Stuns
Let’s begin with what stands out—the Realme 10 Pro Plus looks like it belongs in a more expensive league. The curved glass display exudes premium vibes reminiscent of the Galaxy S series, yet without the eye-watering price tag.
It’s slim, lightweight, and features an almost bezel-less front screen that’s simply stunning. However, Realme did cut back on a few must-have features—there’s no headphone jack, no wireless charging, and no microSD slot. If those features are essential to you, this might be a dealbreaker.
Nevertheless, if you can overlook these omissions, the design and feel of this phone are likely to win you over in under 30 seconds.
That AMOLED Curve That Everyone’s Talking About
A 6.7-inch AMOLED screen boasting a 120Hz refresh rate isn’t just mid-range talk; it’s flirting with flagship territory. The panel is vibrant, saturated, and bright enough to withstand the Indian summer.
When scrolling through Instagram or gaming on BGMI, everything feels smooth and responsive. For purists who dislike curved edges due to accidental touches, the good news is that realme’s palm rejection technology works decently—unless you’re gripping the phone like it’s a lifeline.
Media enthusiasts will also be pleased, as the Full HD+ resolution ensures crisp Netflix and Hotstar sessions. The stereo speakers enhance media consumption, providing sufficient volume for an enjoyable experience without needing to connect earbuds.
Let’s Talk Power – Is the Dimensity 1080 Up for the Game?
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset is at the heart of this device. While it’s not a powerhouse designed specifically for gaming, it excels at everyday multitasking.
Switching between apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, and YouTube? Expect no lags. Casual gaming on titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Asphalt 9 is pleasant. However, those seeking peak performance on high-demand games like Genshin Impact might find it lacking in the long run.
In GPU-intensive scenarios, performance drops can be noticeable during extended play sessions. So, while heavy gamers may feel settled with this device, average users and casual gamers will find it competent without overly draining the battery.
The 108MP Camera That Flexes (Mostly)
Realme’s decision to integrate a 108MP camera sensor is bold and attention-grabbing. In daylight, the main sensor captures beautifully, creating crisp and well-saturated images with a dynamic range that makes sunset shots pop.
Peeling back the excitement reveals that the 8MP ultra-wide lens is only serviceable. It functions adequately, but users will likely notice a dip in clarity and detail. The 2MP macro lens is more of an accessory than a significant contributor to your photography needs.
Low-light performance is commendable, thanks in part to Realme’s software enhancements and a functional night mode. Though it won’t rival flagship devices, it produces bright, usable images without overly washing out night scenes.
Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps; however, stabilization is much more effective at 1080p. So, if vlogging is your goal, gentle pans and tilts are essential. On the front, the 16MP camera delivers solid selfies and video calls—adequate but not groundbreaking.
Battery Life That’s Actually Worth Talking About
At 5000mAh with 67W fast charging, the Realme 10 Pro Plus strikes a winning combination.
Under moderate use—scrolling, texting, watching reels, and light gaming—you can easily stretch this phone’s life to two days. Intensive tasks like continuous gaming or binge-watching will yield around 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
And when it’s time to recharge, the 67W charger does its job efficiently, going from empty to nearly full in about 45 minutes. This is especially handy if you’re someone who often forgets to plug in overnight.
Software – Snappy, But Maybe Not For Purists
Running Realme UI 4.0 on top of Android 13, the experience is as polished as it’s ever been. While it might not match the minimalism of stock Android, the interface is responsive, organized, and filled with practical tweaks.
Customization enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of options, although some pre-installed apps remain fixed. Many can be uninstalled, but not all, which can be an annoyance for some users.
Overall stability is commendable, with timely updates as a bonus. However, transitioning from One UI or OxygenOS might leave you longing for a more refined interface.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Now we arrive at the crux of the matter.
Pricing around ₹24,999 (depending on available offers), the realme 10 Pro Plus combines flagship aesthetics, a vibrant AMOLED display, decent cameras for daily use, and reliable battery life. It’s a substantial offering packed into sleek hardware.
That said, trade-offs exist. It’s not the choice for avid gamers looking for raw power, and the lack of expandable storage or a headphone jack might deter some users. If you prioritize an all-rounded polish across hardware and software, you could feel the absence of these features.
However, for its price point, it achieves an impressive balance that budget-savvy consumers in India are likely to appreciate.
Who Should Consider Buying It?
If you find yourself agreeing with any of the following points, the Realme 10 Pro Plus could be your next smartphone:
- You appreciate sleek, modern designs with flagship-like displays.
- You want a phone under ₹25,000 that feels premium.
- You enjoy taking pictures in good lighting, scrolling through social media, and engaging in casual gaming.
- Battery life is more critical to you than peak gaming performance.
In contrast, if you’re considering gaming-centric devices like the iQOO Neo 7 or Poco X5 Pro, weigh how crucial GPU power is for your daily use. The realme 10 Pro Plus offers greater style and versatility, though it may not have the raw gaming power.
So, What’s the Verdict?
The Realme 10 Pro Plus manages to do something few devices in its segment can accomplish—it feels more expensive than it is. There are corners trimmed, sure, but not enough to compromise the overall experience, especially if you’re not an absolute specs junkie. For users replacing a two-year-old budget phone, this device represents a significant leap into the future.
It’s the kind of phone that prompts friends to exclaim, “Wait, that’s a Realme?”
And to that, your response will likely be a satisfied smile, a display of that curvy AMOLED screen, and the proud declaration, “Yup. Cost me under 25k.”
Is it a smart choice? Definitely.
FAQs
1. Is the Realme 10 Pro Plus good for gaming?
The device handles casual gaming effectively. Light titles such as Subway Surfers, Clash of Clans, and occasional Battle Royale matches run smoothly. For sustained heavy gaming with high-end graphics, however, consider a phone with a stronger GPU.
2. Can I expand storage on the Realme 10 Pro Plus?
Unfortunately, no. The absence of a microSD card slot means you’ll need to choose wisely between the 128GB or 256GB storage models at the time of purchase.
3. Is wireless charging supported?
No, Realme opted not to include this feature, which is a notable omission for some users.
4. How’s the camera in low light?
The 108MP sensor performs reasonably well in low light, especially with the help of Realme’s software for enhancing shadows and highlights. However, don’t expect flagship-level performance for night photography.
5. What Android version does it run?
It ships with Android 13 along with Realme UI 4.0 layered on top.
Looking for a smartphone that delivers high-end design, a rich display experience, and reliable daily performance without breaking the bank? The realme 10 Pro Plus says, “Why not?”
