Price and specifications of Realme 5i advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Realme 5i features an elegant design with a durable build. The device measures 164.4 x 75 x 9.3 mm and weighs 195 grams, ensuring a solid feel in hand without being overly cumbersome. It combines a glass front protected by Gorilla Glass with a sturdy plastic frame and back, making it both stylish and resilient. The phone includes a dual SIM capability, accommodating two Nano-SIM cards in a dual stand-by mode, which is useful for users who manage multiple phone lines.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. This results in a screen density of approximately 269 ppi, which ensures clear and vibrant visuals. The large display size contributes to an immersive viewing experience, with a screen-to-body ratio of about 83.2%. This ensures a broader view for multimedia consumption and gaming. The addition of unspecified Corning Gorilla Glass adds a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Powering the Realme 5i is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset built on an 11nm process, promising efficient performance for everyday tasks. The octa-core processor, with a combination of 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, coupled with the Adreno 610 GPU, provides smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. This setup is more than adequate for handling day-to-day applications, social media, and light to moderate gaming sessions.

Operating System

The device initially launches with Android 9.0 Pie and is upgradeable to Android 10, featuring the Realme UI. This user interface offers a neat and intuitive experience, enhancing user interaction with key features like digital wellbeing controls, and customizable themes to personalize the device’s appearance. Realme UI aims to provide a smooth user experience with minimal bloatware, allowing for an optimized performance.

Storage and Memory

Realme 5i delivers multiple storage options: 32GB with 3GB RAM, 64GB with 4GB RAM, and 128GB with 4GB RAM. These configurations cater to different user needs and budgets. Additionally, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC card slot allows for further storage expansion, enhancing its flexibility for users who need extra space for their apps, media, and files.

Camera

The Realme 5i boasts a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for good quality photos even in low light. The 8 MP ultrawide lens enables capture of expansive scenes, while the 2 MP macro and 2 MP depth sensors offer added creativity for close-up and portrait photography. For video recording, the rear camera supports up to 4K at 30fps, as well as 1080p at 30 fps with gyro-EIS for stable footage. The selfie camera houses an 8 MP sensor, capable of recording 1080p videos and equipped with HDR and panorama features for enhanced selfies.

Battery Life

The Realme 5i is powered by a robust 5000 mAh non-removable battery. This substantial battery capacity guarantees extended usage time, able to last through a full day of heavy use or even more under lighter demands. It supports 10W charging, which may not be the fastest in the market, but considering its price segment, it is satisfactory for daily use.

Connectivity

The device supports multiple connectivity options, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It offers a comprehensive range of network bands, ensuring good connectivity worldwide. Particularly useful features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct for robust wireless internet connections; Bluetooth 5.0 for fast data transfer and smart device connectivity; and GPS support through GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for precise location services. Unfortunately, while NFC is not included, the phone does feature FM radio and OTG support via a microUSB 2.0 port.

Other Features

Among the notable additional features of the Realme 5i are the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and quick unlocking. It also includes basic sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. The phone provides a satisfactory audio experience, featuring a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring widespread compatibility with audio accessories.

Pricing and Availability

Announced in January 2020 and subsequently released the same month, the Realme 5i became widely available across various markets. Priced at approximately 170 EUR, it is positioned as a budget-friendly option that delivers substantial value for the price. The device comes in distinct color options of Blue and Green, offering a modern aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

The Realme 5i stands as a compelling option in the budget smartphone segment, balancing design, performance, and functionality proficiently. With its expansive display, reliable Snapdragon 665 chipset, durable battery life, and versatile camera system, it successfully caters to users seeking a robust and affordable smartphone experience. While it lacks some high-end features like fast charging and NFC, the overall package is robust enough to meet the needs of everyday users effectively.