Realme is really packing the sub-20k segment with new models, which is great for consumers looking for options but it also means Realme might end up competing with itself.
Take the latest Realme P1 from the new P series for example- it sits right alongside the Realme 12+ and the Narzo 70 Pro.
They all sport the same MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G chipset, feature a 6.67-inch display, and come equipped with a 50MP main rear camera.
So, does the Realme P1 have enough unique features to stand out from its siblings?
Realme P1 Design
The Realme P1 5G is an interesting-looking phone! I've got the Phoenix Red colour that features a neat brushstroke finish — it's stylish but not too in-your-face.
The body is plastic but it doesn't look or feel cheap in the hand. There's a round camera module on the back which houses dual cameras.
You’ve got all your buttons in easy reach thanks to the phone’s flat sides and smooth corners. Up top, there’s a headphone jack and a speaker, while the bottom sports another speaker, a USB Type-C port, and the SIM tray.
Holding the Realme P1 feels good—it’s flat and not too bulky. But if you’re not a fan of big phones, you might find this one a bit challenging too, since it’s pretty long at nearly 163mm.
The fingerprint sensor is integrated right into the display and responds quickly to touch. It’s also built to last with an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, and it comes with a protective case that shields your ports.
Plus, it features rainwater smart touch, so you can unlock and use your phone even when the screen is a bit wet.
Realme P1 Display
The P1 gets a 6.67 inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, combining to deliver a pretty good viewing experience. With 2400 x 1080 pixels, the resolution is sharp enough for most users, and the high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling.
As expected from an AMOLED panel, you get deep blacks and vibrant colors that aren’t overly saturated. The screen brightness is another plus, peaking at 2000 nits, which makes it easy to view even in bright sunlight.
Overall, this phone is perfectly fine all types of content, and the addition of fairly loud stereo speakers—though not the best ever—definitely enhances the experience.
Realme P1 Performance & Software
Realme is making some strong claims about the performance of the P1, calling it the fastest in its segment thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset.
It delivered a decent score in the 600,000 range on Antutu, outperforming some competitors.
Additionally, it's equipped with up to 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage— a feature that is hard to find at this price point and typically seen in more expensive phones with only UFS 2.2 storage.
In day-to-day use, the Realme P1 offers strong performance, handling everyday tasks smoothly. It also did a decent job with gaming; I played Call of Duty: Mobile at medium graphic settings without any major hiccups.
Sure, there were a few jitters here and there, but nothing that really messed with my game. Plus, the phone stayed cool throughout the session, which is always a plus.
As for software, The Realme P1 runs on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, bringing the latest Android features to the table.
However, it comes with its share of bloatware. You can uninstall the extra apps you don’t want but Realme’s app store tends to send numerous notifications, which can get annoying.
Realme P1 Cameras
The Realme P1 sports a 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, delivering nice shots in daylight, packed with details and sharpness.
The colours are slightly enhanced, and while the dynamic range could improve, HDR mode helps by boosting the detail visibility in photos.
Portrait mode, on the other hand, is inconsistent—sometimes requiring multiple attempts to get a good shot, and occasionally resulting in a slight halo effect around subjects.
The camera lacks optical image stabilization, which means low-light photos tend to be softer and may show some lens flare around bright lights. Night mode does improve detail, but it can sometimes overexpose the sky.
Video performance is better in daylight, with the camera capable of shooting up to 4K at 30FPS and the overall results are quite good for the price point.
Besides the 50MP main sensor, the phone includes a 2MP black and white sensor intended to enhance depth and texture in photos.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t contribute significantly to the camera’s capabilities, so you're more or less stuck with the main sensor.
The 16MP selfie camera captures decent images in daylight with good details and skin texture reproduction. In low light, the images turn out softer, and the level of detail takes a hit.
Realme P1 Battery
The Realme P1 packs a 5000mAh battery, pretty standard for mid-range phones these days. But battery life can vary a lot from phone to phone.
So, how does the Realme P1 hold up, especially with its 120Hz screen and 5G?
Turns out, pretty well. After a typical day’s use, I usually had about 20% battery left—so, no worries about the phone dying before I could charge it.
Speaking of charging, the phone supports a 45W charger in the box and it will get you from 0 to 100 per cent in about an hour.
Realme P1 Review
The Realme P1 hits the market at a starting price of ₹15,999, offering a solid package that meets the basic expectations for its segment.
However, it also prompts questions about Realme's product strategy since the P1 seems to be in direct competition with its own recent releases like the Realme 12+ and Narzo 70 Pro
Nevertheless, the P1 remains a strong choice for anyone looking for a solid mid-range smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Also watch: Realme 12 Pro & 12 Pro+ review
