When you think “budget smartphone,” what comes to mind? Usually, it’s a device that skimpily offers just enough features to get by, right? But every so often, a phone like the Realme 5i bursts onto the scene, challenging that notion and saying, “Here, hold my charger.”
Fast forward to 2025, and the Realme 5i, which debuted in India in early 2020, is still making waves. Why? Because it consistently defies expectations with its performance, battery life, and gaming capabilities. Let’s dissect this aging warrior and see if it still deserves a spot in your pocket.
Design: Simple Yet Effective
Upon first glance, the Realme 5i may not turn heads, but it also won’t make you cringe. The textured, matte back provides a secure grip and resists fingerprints—goodbye, greasy smudges!
Offering color options like Forest Green and Aqua Blue, the design strikes a balance between youthful appeal and understated elegance. Yes, it has a noticeable chin, but at this price point, that’s a compromise we’re willing to make.
Display: Perfect for Binge-Watching and Casual Gaming
The Realme 5i boasts a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display. While it may not feature a Full HD resolution, the color accuracy is impressive. Sunlight legibility is decent, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows or test your gaming prowess without squinting.
For gamers, the ample screen size creates an immersive experience. However, those accustomed to sharper visuals may find the resolution a downside. Ultimately, when you balance price and battery efficiency, this display holds solid ground.
Performance: Snapdragon 665 as Your Silent Workhorse
The Realme 5i packs the Snapdragon 665 chipset, which comes with Android 9 and Realme UI. It’s not the latest software, but it gets the job done. Here are some performance highlights:
Smooth Regular Usage: Daily tasks are handled seamlessly, while multitasking remains manageable for most casual users.
Gaming: Frame rates remain respectable across titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, hitting around 50fps on the latter and achieving 60fps on Mobile Legends.
While it is classified as an entry-level phone, its AnTuTu score of around 172,000 proves it can still compete with more recent devices within its price range.
Battery Life: A Powerhouse That Never Quits
Undoubtedly, one of the Realme 5i’s strongest features is its astonishing 5,000mAh battery. Here’s what you can expect:
All-Day Longevity: Users report screen-on times exceeding 8 hours. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or gaming late into the night, this phone won’t let you down.
Charging Speed: Unfortunately, it offers only standard 10W charging. So, while it boasts impressive battery life, you may need to plan for longer charging times.
Camera: Surprisingly Good for its Class
While no one anticipates DSLR-quality images from a budget device, the Realme 5i manages to surprise.
Camera Specifications:
In daylight conditions, the camera delivers sharp, vibrant shots that are well-suited for sharing on social media. Low-light performance may present challenges, but it holds up better than expected given its budget classification. The ultra-wide option adds versatility, while the macro lens serves as a fun extra.
Selfie Camera:
Don’t underestimate the selfie shooter, either! It does a fine job capturing your best angles, although the beauty filters can.
