The budget smartphone arena in India is a relentless battleground, where manufacturers constantly strive to deliver the ultimate blend of features and value. Realme entered this fray with its P-series, targeting the new generation with promises of solid performance at an accessible price point. The latest contender from this lineup is the Realme P4x 5G, launched earlier this month with a starting price of Rs 15,999. Positioned below the standard P4 model, this device aims to carve its own niche. But in a market flooded with options, does it succeed? Let's dive into the details.
Design, Build, and Display: Practicality Over Premium
The Realme P4x 5G features a tall, ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable grip, even for users with smaller hands. Constructed from polycarbonate, it is offered in three colour options: Matte Silver, Elegant Pink, and Lake Green. The finish, reminiscent of Realme's flagship GT series Aston Martin Edition, provides a refined look with a soft metallic sheen and subtle colour shifts under different lights.
On the rear, a vertical camera module sits on a slightly raised strip. This design, however, causes the phone to wobble when placed on flat surfaces without a case, which can be inconvenient for one-handed typing or hands-free viewing. A notable practical feature is its IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, offering basic protection against everyday mishaps like light rain or accidental spills.
For display, the phone sports a 6.72-inch LCD panel with Full HD+ resolution. While some competitors in this segment have started adopting AMOLED screens, Realme counters by offering a higher 144Hz refresh rate. The screen delivers vibrant colours and satisfactory sharpness for daily tasks like streaming videos or browsing social media. Outdoor visibility is average, and some colour combinations might pose readability challenges, but overall, it's a competent display for the price.
Performance, Software, and Gaming Prowess
At the heart of the Realme P4x 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra chipset, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This combination ensures snappy performance for routine activities—calls, messaging, photography, and social media scrolling are all handled smoothly without lag.
Gaming performance is impressive. In titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the device maintained gameplay close to 90fps. Effective thermal management is provided by a large 5,300 sq. mm vapor chamber cooling system, keeping temperatures in check during extended sessions.
The phone runs on Android 15-based Realme UI 6.0, with a focus on AI-enhanced experiences. Features like AI Eraser, AI Recorder, and AI Glare Remover are integrated, particularly within the camera app. While the phone comes with some pre-installed apps (bloatware) like App Market and Finshell Pay, some can be uninstalled and others disabled. Realme promises two major OS updates and three years of security patches.
Camera Capabilities and Battery Champion
The camera system on the Realme P4x 5G is a dual-sensor setup, headlined by a 50MP primary sensor accompanied by a 2MP secondary sensor. For selfies, there's an 8MP front-facing camera.
In good lighting, the main camera captures photos with vibrant, punchy colours that are perfectly adequate for social media sharing. However, the performance has some inconsistencies, including variable detail rendering and occasional over-sharpening. Dynamic range is acceptable, but hazy conditions can introduce noticeable digital noise.
Where the Realme P4x 5G truly shines is its battery life. It packs a colossal 7,000mAh battery, which is a standout feature in this segment. In real-world use, it can easily last over a day and a half for casual users who make calls, browse social media, and watch occasional videos. When used as a secondary device, it can even stretch to two days on a single charge. The phone supports 45W fast charging, but due to the massive battery capacity, a full charge still takes around 45 minutes.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the Realme P4x 5G?
Priced starting at Rs 15,999, the Realme P4x 5G presents a strong case in the hyper-competitive budget segment. It forces buyers to prioritize: if you value extended battery life, smooth day-to-day performance, and capable gaming above all else, this phone makes excellent sense.
You compromise on an AMOLED display but gain a high 144Hz refresh rate LCD. The cameras are acceptable for the price, and you get a suite of useful AI features. It isn't perfect, but for performance-hungry users on a strict budget, the Realme P4x 5G, with its marathon battery, represents a smart and value-driven purchase.
