The Realme 14x positions itself as an appealing option in the midrange smartphone market, with an attractive price tag. With its robust set of features, including 5G connectivity, a high-refresh-rate display, a sizable battery, and rugged durability, this device is aimed at budget-conscious users who don't want to compromise on modern essentials.
It's particularly well-suited for students, professionals, and casual users who seek a reliable daily driver for tasks like social media, streaming, light gaming, and photography. However, those looking for ultra-premium features like AMOLED displays, flagship-grade processors, or cutting-edge cameras may want to explore higher-end options.
Let's dive into the Realme 14x and see if it delivers on its promises.
Note: Not to be confused with another model with a similar name, namely, the Realme 14x (India) (announced on 2024-12-18).
Body: Rugged Durability in a Sleek Form
The Realme 14x is both stylish and practical. Measuring 165.7×76.2×7.94 mm and weighing 197 g, it strikes a fine balance between portability and sturdiness. Available in two colors, Carbon Black and Peridot Green, it has a clean, modern look that appeals to a wide audience. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
General |
|
Dimensions | H: 165.7 mm (6.52″), W: 76.2 mm (3″), D: 7.94 mm (0.31″) |
Mass | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
Colors | Carbon Black, Peridot Green |
The Realme 14x strikes a great balance in terms of size and weight, making it comfortable for extended use and easy to carry. Its dimensions and weight hit a sweet spot for most users.
It's slim enough to slip easily into a pocket or a small bag, yet sturdy enough to give you confidence in its durability. The weight distribution feels balanced, ensuring that it doesn't feel top-heavy or unwieldy during long scrolling and gaming sessions.
For users with smaller hands, the 6.67-inch display might stretch their thumb reach, but the slim 7.94 mm thickness and manageable weight make one-handed use less of a strain than bulkier devices. The phone feels solid in the hand, thanks to its MIL-STD-810H compliance, without tipping into the "brick-like" territory that some rugged devices do.
Realme has opted for Carbon Black and Peridot Green for the 14x, two distinct choices that cater to different personalities:
- Carbon Black: Classic and understated, this shade is perfect for users who value elegance and minimalism. It suits professionals, people who prefer a clean, no-nonsense aesthetic, and those who like their gadgets to blend seamlessly with any outfit or setting.
- Peridot Green: This vibrant and refreshing color adds a touch of flair to the phone. It's ideal for individuals with bold and lively personalities, students, or anyone who wants one's device to stand out. The green hue radiates a youthful vibe, making it appealing for those who love trendy and unique designs.
Both colors have a finish that not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also helps in minimizing fingerprints and smudges, keeping the phone looking sleek for longer.
Overall, the Realme 14x is comfortable to hold and carry, whether you're out for a quick errand or spending hours gaming or reading. Its slim, lightweight build ensures portability, while the choice of colors lets you pick a version that reflects your personality. The added ruggedness means you can toss it in a bag or pocket without worrying too much about minor bumps or accidental drops.
IP Rating and MIL-STD Compliance
(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)
With an IP64 rating, the Realme 14x is resistant to dust and water splashes, making it ideal for daily use in unpredictable environments. Additionally, its MIL-STD-810H compliance for shock resistance ensures protection against shocks and drops, which is a rare offering in this price range.
The "IP" in IP64 stands for Ingress Protection, and those two numbers are like the phone's superhero stats. The first digit is for solid particle protection. Its value 6 here means your Realme 14x is a fortress against dust. It's like having a tiny shield that says, "No, dust, you shall not pass!"
The second digit is for liquid ingress protection. With a value of 4, it tells you that the phone can withstand splashes of water from any direction. So, rain or accidental spills won't turn your Realme 14x into a paperweight. However, immersion in water is not recommended. So, if you're planning deep-sea adventures for your phone, you might want to reconsider.
Now, to the million-dollar question: How to keep your Realme 14x safe and sound?
- Get a Protective Case: A rugged case is like a suit of armor for your phone. It adds an extra layer of defense against accidental drops and bumps. Plus, it can shield your Realme 14x from dust, keeping it in superhero mode.
- Embrace the Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is the unsung hero of smartphone longevity. It guards your display against scratches and minor impacts, ensuring your viewing experience stays crystal clear.
- Water-Resistant Pouch for Adventures: If you're venturing into the great outdoors or anticipating encounters with water beyond splashes, consider a water-resistant pouch. It's like a spa day for your Realme 14x - protected and pampered.
Next, here are the key tests under MIL-STD-810H for shock resistance:
- Shock Testing (Method 516.8): This test involves subjecting the device to sudden impacts and drops from various heights onto different surfaces. The device is dropped multiple times in various orientations to assess how well it can survive real-world accidents, such as falling off a table or slipping out of a bag.
- Vibration Testing (Method 514.8): This test simulates the vibrations a device might experience during transport or use, such as when it's carried in a bag while walking or in a car. The device is exposed to continuous vibrations over an extended period to see if any components become loose or damaged.
- Drop Testing: In addition to shock and vibration tests, drop tests are performed to assess the device ability to endure drops from typical heights (often around 1.2 to 1.5 meters) onto hard surfaces like concrete. This is crucial for assessing the durability of the device's build and materials.
While the Realme 14x is MIL-STD-810H compliant for shock resistance, it's important to note that this does not equate to full MIL-STD-810H compliance found in typical rugged devices, which undergo the full suite of MIL-STD-810H tests, which can include resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, salt fog, sand, and dust, as well as immersion in water.
In contrast, the Realme 14x's compliance is limited to specific shock and vibration tests relevant to everyday usage scenarios. This partial compliance means that while the device can handle occasional drops and minor shocks better than most non-rugged phones, it is not designed to endure the same level of environmental extremes that fully rugged phones can.
Display: Smooth and Immersive
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The 6.67-inch IPS LCD display of the Realme 14x offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. With a resolution of 720×1604 pixels (around 264 PPI), it is adequate for casual viewing but falls short of the crispness seen in Full HD+ panels. The brightness peaks at 625 nits, ensuring decent visibility under sunlight. While it lacks AMOLED-level contrast and vibrancy, the display's fluidity and immersive size make it an excellent choice for video streaming and casual gaming.
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Size | 6.67″ (169 mm) diagonal |
Type | IPS LCD, 120 Hz |
Resolution (px) | 720×1604, about 264 PPI |
Brightness | 625 nits |
The Realme 14x's display doesn't pack flagship-grade screen tech, but it delivers a satisfying experience for most users at its price point. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD panels are well-known for their wide viewing angles, accurate color reproduction, and better visibility in bright light.
Colors remain consistent even when viewed from the side, making the phone great for sharing content with friends and family. The display produces natural colors, ideal for browsing photos, watching videos, and scrolling through apps. While not as punchy as OLED screens, IPS panels typically avoid over-saturation, maintaining a realistic color profile.
However, IPS LCDs tend to lag behind AMOLED displays in terms of contrast and deep blacks, as they don't achieve the same level of pixel-level lighting control.
The standout feature of the Realme 14x's display is its high refresh rate. At 120 Hz, the screen refreshes twice as fast as standard 60 Hz displays, delivering silky-smooth scrolling, animations, and transitions.
This makes everyday activities like navigating social media, reading articles, and gaming feel more responsive and fluid. It's particularly appealing to mobile gamers, as supported titles look and play noticeably smoother.
With a 264 PPI pixel density, the display offers a 720×1604 px (HD+) resolution, which is passable for this price range. Text is sharp enough for casual reading, and videos look fine for streaming at 720p.
However, this resolution shows its limitations when viewing highly detailed images or graphics; watching videos at 1080p or higher, where downscaling might affect clarity; and using the phone for productivity apps like photo editing, where crisper details are essential.
For everyday use, such as streaming Netflix, browsing Instagram, or gaming at moderate graphics settings, the resolution is adequate. But if you're used to Full HD or higher displays, you may notice a difference in sharpness.
The 625 nits brightness is sufficient for most scenarios, including indoor and shaded outdoor use. Under direct sunlight, however, visibility might take a slight hit, requiring some adjustment.
While it doesn't match flagship brightness levels, it still outperforms many competitors in the budget-midrange category, ensuring content remains legible in varied lighting conditions.
Overall, here are the types of content this display is best for:
- Social Media and Browsing: The smooth 120 Hz refresh rate and decent brightness make scrolling through apps like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok enjoyable.
- Video Streaming: While limited to 720p resolution, the wide viewing angles and accurate colors make this display well-suited for platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
- Gaming: Casual gamers will appreciate the fluidity provided by the high refresh rate, though graphically intensive titles may expose the limits of the HD+ resolution.
- Basic Productivity Tasks: The screen is fine for typing emails, attending video calls, and reading documents, though high-resolution productivity apps may not shine as much.
And here are some types of content that might demand a higher resolution:
- High-Quality Video Streaming: Full HD (1080p) or 4K content on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video won't look as sharp as they could.
- Photo Editing and Graphics Work: Apps like Lightroom or Canva may feel constrained due to the lack of finer details in the HD+ resolution.
- Detailed Gaming: Gamers accustomed to Full HD or higher resolutions may find textures and fine elements less defined.
In conclusion, while the Realme 14x's display has some trade-offs, it hits the mark for smoothness, size, and brightness in its price segment. The 120 Hz refresh rate and 625 nits brightness elevate the experience for everyday tasks, while the HD+ resolution keeps things cost-effective.
For users seeking a device for casual content consumption, gaming, and daily browsing, this display delivers good value. Those needing finer visual details, however, may feel the need to step up to a higher-resolution option.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
Equipped with comprehensive network technology, the Realme 14x supports GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring versatile cellular connectivity options.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The Realme 14x supports dual Nano-SIM.
Chipset - Performance: Solid Power with Dimensity 6300
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset (6 nm), the Realme 14x offers a reliable midrange performance. Its octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handle multitasking and moderate gaming with ease. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
CPU | Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 strikes a balance between efficiency and performance in the midrange segment. Paired with an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, this setup is well-suited for day-to-day activities, casual gaming, and multitasking.
Built on an efficient 6-nm process, the Dimensity 6300 chipset ensures lower power consumption, resulting in better battery life. It brings 5G support, enabling fast and stable connectivity for browsing, streaming, and online gaming. This chipset is designed to cater to users who want a reliable mid-tier device that can handle modern apps without breaking the bank.
The CPU in the Dimensity 6300 is divided into two types of cores:
- Performance Cores (2×Cortex-A76 at 2.4 GHz): These two cores are designed to handle intensive tasks that require high computational power, such as gaming at higher settings, running demanding apps like video editors or 3D rendering software, and multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously. The Cortex-A76 architecture is known for its speed and efficiency in delivering quick responses during bursts of activity, ensuring smooth performance when the phone is under heavy load.
- Efficiency Cores (6×Cortex-A55 at 2.0 GHz): These six cores are optimized for low-power tasks, such as browsing the web, social media scrolling, and streaming music or videos in the background. By offloading less demanding tasks to these cores, the CPU conserves energy and extends battery life, making it ideal for long usage sessions without overheating.
The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU powers the graphics performance of the Realme 14x. While it's not a powerhouse for heavy gaming, it is capable of delivering a decent experience for casual and mid-tier games.
Games like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Asphalt 9 run well on medium settings. However, graphically intensive games may need to tone down settings for smoother frame rates. The GPU also supports high-efficiency video decoding, ensuring seamless video playback, even for high-resolution videos.
The Dimensity 6300 chipset, with its combination of performance and efficiency cores, provides enough power for everyday tasks, including:
- App Multitasking: Switching between apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Chrome is snappy.
- Productivity Tasks: Apps like Microsoft Office and Google Drive perform well without significant slowdowns.
- Gaming: Light to moderate gaming is enjoyable, although those who prioritize gaming at ultra settings may find the GPU limits.
In summary, the Realme 14x's chipset, CPU, and GPU work together to deliver a capable performance that fits the needs of its target audience. The dual-cluster setup ensures that the phone can handle both demanding tasks and energy-efficient everyday use without compromising on battery life.
For users looking for a phone that handles casual gaming, multitasking, and general media consumption without breaking a sweat, this configuration delivers great value. Power users or heavy gamers, however, may feel the need for a more powerful chipset.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
RAM | 8 GB |
Internal Storage | 256 GB |
Memory Card Slot | microSDXC (shares with SIM) |
Paired with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, the device ensures smooth operation across apps and ample room for media files. The shared microSDXC slot offers additional expandability, albeit at the cost of dual-SIM functionality.
Cameras: Basic but Dependable
The 50 MP main camera on the Realme 14x, equipped with PDAF, delivers decent shots in good lighting. It records 1080p videos at 30 fps, sufficient for social media content.
The 8 MP selfie camera produces serviceable images and videos, but it won't wow photography enthusiasts seeking ultra-detailed results.
Rear Camera
The Realme 14x is equipped with a 50 MP main camera with a wide f/1.8 aperture, designed to cater to users who want good image quality in a midrange smartphone. While it doesn't boast a multi-lens setup like higher-end models, the single high-resolution sensor ensures versatility for most casual photography needs. Let's break down its features and how they contribute to the camera experience. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Number of Cameras | 1 (Single) |
Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide) |
Focal Length | 27 mm |
Aperture | f/1.8 |
Sensor Size | 1/2.88″ |
Pixel Size | 0.61 μm |
Autofocus | PDAF |
Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The 50 MP sensor captures plenty of detail, especially in good lighting conditions. Whether you're photographing landscapes, buildings, or portraits, the high resolution ensures sharpness and clarity.
The wide 27 mm lens ensures a good field of view, making it suitable for group photos or capturing scenic vistas. The f/1.8 aperture allows the camera to gather more light, which improves low-light performance and produces pleasing background blur (bokeh) in portrait shots.
PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) enables faster and more accurate focusing by quickly detecting the phase difference between incoming light rays.
This means your subjects stay sharp, even in fast-paced situations like capturing kids playing or pets in motion. It also improves focus reliability in challenging lighting conditions, such as low light or high-contrast scenes.
The built-in LED flash is essential for low-light or nighttime photography. It illuminates the subject effectively, ensuring better exposure and reducing noise in dimly lit environments.
The flash is also useful for fill lighting in situations where shadows may obscure the subject's details, such as backlit photos.
Panorama mode is ideal for capturing wide, sweeping scenes like cityscapes, landscapes, and group photos.
By stitching multiple shots together, this mode creates a single, seamless wide-angle image, perfect for situations where a regular frame can't capture the full view.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode balances exposure in high-contrast scenes, ensuring that bright areas aren't overexposed and dark areas retain detail.
This is particularly useful when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as against a bright sky or in dim interiors. For example, a sunset shot will retain the details in the sky while keeping the foreground well-lit.
The Realme 14x records video at 1080p resolution and 30 fps, ensuring smooth and clear video quality.
While it lacks 4K recording, the Full HD resolution is sufficient for social media uploads, vlogging, and casual video shooting. This makes it great for capturing everyday moments.
Given this combination of hardware and features, here are the strengths of this camera setup:
- High Resolution: The 50 MP sensor delivers sharp and detailed photos in daylight.
- Low-Light Capabilities: The wide aperture and LED flash enhance nighttime or dimly lit photography.
- Versatility: Features like HDR and panorama add flexibility for creative shots.
- Quick Focus: PDAF ensures minimal delays in capturing your subject, reducing missed moments.
And here are its limitations:
- Lack of Secondary Lenses: The absence of ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors means it's less versatile compared to phones with multi-camera setups.
- Video Recording: While 1080p is sufficient for casual use, users expecting 4K or higher frame rates might feel limited.
Overall, the Realme 14x's camera is well-suited for:
- Daylight Photography: Capturing landscapes, portraits, or close-ups with sharpness and accurate colors.
- Everyday Moments: Casual shots of family, friends, and pets.
- Creative Shots: HDR for high-contrast scenes and panorama mode for wide landscapes or large groups.
In conclusion, the Realme 14x's main camera delivers dependable performance for everyday use. The 50 MP sensor, combined with features like PDAF, HDR, and panorama mode, ensures that you can capture detailed, vibrant photos in most conditions.
While it may not cater to advanced photography enthusiasts due to its single-lens design, it's an excellent choice for users seeking a solid, no-nonsense camera for casual photography. For the price, the camera setup is more than adequate, balancing practicality with simplicity.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Resolution | 8 MP (wide) |
Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
Battery Life: All-Day Power
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Capacity | 5000 mAh |
Wired Charging | 15 W |
With a 5000 mAh battery, the Realme 14x can easily last through a full day of regular use. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or simply browsing, the large battery ensures you won't be left scrambling for a charger.
However, the 15 W wired charging is a bit underwhelming in 2025, where fast charging has become the norm even in budget devices.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
Specification | Realme 14x |
---|---|
Loudspeaker | Yes |
Audio | Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz |
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Yes |
For audiophiles, the phone retains the beloved 3.5 mm headphone jack and supports Hi-Res audio with 24-bit, 192 kHz playback, delivering an excellent wired audio experience.
Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Realme 14x supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Realme 14x leaves little to be desired. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The Realme 14x boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Plus, with GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, and BDS, you'll never lose your way, whether you're navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten path.
The Realme 14x features NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to share files and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The Realme 14x comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Realme 14x.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
Final Thoughts: Value or Compromise?
For its price, the Realme 14x offers a solid value proposition. Its standout features, like a 120 Hz display, 5G support, rugged build, and large battery, make it a competitive option in the budget-midrange segment.
However, compromises like the 720p display resolution and slow 15 W charging may deter some buyers. If you're seeking a durable, reliable smartphone with a smooth user experience and a touch of ruggedness, the Realme 14x is a compelling choice. But power users or mobile photographers may find more satisfaction in pricier alternatives.
Verdict: The Realme 14x is a practical midrange device that punches above its weight in durability and performance, making it well worth its price for the right audience.
Feature (top) image credit: Realme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Realme 14x release date?
The Realme 14x has been announced and released on the 24th January, 2025.
What is Realme 14x price?
The Realme 14x is priced at MYR 1099 (about USD 251) for the 8 GB / 256 GB variant.