A Bezel-Less Budget Contender
The Realme 10 Pro 5G, launched in India in December 2022, is a mid-range smartphone aiming to impress with its near bezel-less display, high-resolution camera, and 5G connectivity. Priced starting at ₹18,999 (~$225), it targets budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish device for daily tasks, media consumption, and casual photography. This review dives into its design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software, and value proposition, comparing it to competitors like the Redmi Note 12 5G, iQOO Z9x, and Google Pixel 6a.
Design and Build: Sleek but Sharp-Edged


The Realme 10 Pro 5G sports a modern, boxy design reminiscent of premium smartphones like the iPhone 14. Its polycarbonate back and frame feature a matte finish, which feels premium and resists fingerprints effectively.
  • Materials and Ergonomics: Available in Nebula Blue, Dark Matter, and Hyperspace Gold, the phone weighs 190-192g (depending on the variant) and measures 8.1-8.3mm thick, making it lightweight but slightly bulky. The flat edges enhance its modern aesthetic but can dig into the palm during prolonged use, reducing comfort compared to curved designs like the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G.
  • Build Quality: The phone lacks an official IP rating, a drawback in a segment where competitors like the Redmi Note 12 5G (IP53) and iQOO Z9x (IP64) offer splash resistance. The glass front (unspecified, likely not Gorilla Glass) is durable but prone to scratches without a pre-installed screen protector, which Realme includes.
  • Features: A side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a bonus for audio enthusiasts. The stereo speakers (bottom-firing and earpiece) deliver decent sound but lack bass depth.
Limitations: The sharp edges and lack of IP rating are notable compromises. The polycarbonate back, while practical, feels less premium than glass-backed alternatives like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Verdict: The Realme 10 Pro 5G offers a stylish, lightweight design with a premium matte finish, but its ergonomics and lack of water resistance hold it back.
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Display: Impressive LCD with Bezel-Less Appeal


The Realme 10 Pro 5G features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD with a Full HD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, boasting an industry-leading 93.7% screen-to-body ratio due to its ultra-thin 1mm bezels.
  • Brightness and Color: The display reaches a peak brightness of 680 nits (typical 600 nits), sufficient for indoor use but struggling in direct sunlight compared to AMOLED panels like the Redmi Note 12 5G (1200 nits). Colors are vibrant for an LCD, but blacks lack the depth of OLED, and viewing angles are slightly limited. It’s TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free certified, reducing eye strain.
  • Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, with options for 60Hz or auto-select to balance battery life. However, it lacks adaptive refresh rate technology, unlike higher-end devices.
  • Drawbacks: The LCD panel trails AMOLED displays in contrast and power efficiency, and the noticeable chin at the bottom slightly disrupts the bezel-less aesthetic. Competitors like the Redmi Note 12 5G and Realme 10 Pro+ 5G offer superior AMOLED screens.
Verdict: The near bezel-less LCD is a standout for its price, offering smooth performance and vibrant visuals, but it’s outclassed by AMOLED competitors in brightness and color depth.
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Performance: Reliable but Not Exceptional


Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset (6nm), the Realme 10 Pro 5G is paired with 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD.
  • Chipset and Real-World Performance: The Snapdragon 695 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold + 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) handles daily tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media with ease. Multitasking is smooth with 8GB RAM, but the 6GB variant may lag with heavy apps. It maintains 91% peak performance under sustained load, indicating good thermal management.
  • Gaming: Casual games like Mobile Legends run smoothly on high settings, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact require low settings due to the Adreno 619 GPU. The phone throttles slightly during extended gaming, with minor heating after prolonged sessions.
  • Benchmarks (based on similar Snapdragon 695 devices):
    • AnTuTu: ~400,000, comparable to iQOO Z7x, slightly below Dimensity 1080 in Realme 10 Pro+.
    • Geekbench 6: ~900 single-core, ~2100 multi-core, on par with Redmi Note 11 Pro.
    • 3DMark Wild Life: ~1200, indicating modest graphics performance.
  • Connectivity: Supports 7 5G bands (n1, n5, n8, n28A, n41, n77, n78), ensuring future-proof connectivity. It also includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS.
Verdict: The Realme 10 Pro 5G delivers reliable performance for everyday use and light gaming but isn’t a top choice for power users or competitive gamers.
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Cameras: High-Resolution Main Sensor, Limited Versatility
The Realme 10 Pro 5G features a dual rear camera setup: a 108MP primary sensor (Samsung HM6, f/1.8, 1/1.67") and a 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4), alongside a 16MP front camera (f/2.45).
  • Daylight Photography: The 108MP primary sensor (12MP binned by default) captures sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors, strong contrast, and a wide dynamic range in bright conditions. The 108MP mode adds marginal detail but increases file size significantly, making it less practical.
  • Low-Light Performance: Night mode improves low-light shots, but images exhibit noise and reduced sharpness compared to competitors like the Redmi Note 12 5G or Pixel 6a. The lack of an ultrawide lens limits creative flexibility, a downgrade from the Realme 9 Pro’s triple-camera setup.
  • Depth and Portrait: The 2MP depth sensor aids portrait shots, but edge detection is inconsistent, especially in complex backgrounds. Portraits require good lighting for optimal results.
  • Video Recording: The rear camera supports 1080p at 30fps without OIS, resulting in shaky footage during movement. Video quality is decent in daylight but softens in low light. The 16MP front camera delivers social media-ready selfies in good lighting but struggles in dim conditions.
  • User Feedback: Some users on X praise the 108MP camera with GCam mods, claiming near-flagship quality, though the stock camera app is sufficient for most.
Verdict: The 108MP main camera excels in daylight, but the lack of an ultrawide lens and average low-light performance limit its versatility.
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Battery Life: Solid Endurance, Decent Charging
The Realme 10 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W SuperVOOC charging.
  • Real-Life Usage: The battery lasts 1-1.5 days with moderate use (social media, calls, streaming), offering 5-6 hours of screen-on time with 5G and Wi-Fi. Heavy users can expect a full day’s usage. In PCMark’s battery test, it scores 18 hours and 52 minutes, outperforming the Redmi Note 12 5G (~12-13 hours).
  • Charging Speed: The included 33W charger takes ~65-70 minutes to charge from 0-100%, with 50% in ~30 minutes. This is respectable but slower than the iQOO Z9x (44W) or Realme 10 Pro+ 5G (67W).
  • Comparison: The battery endurance is a strength, but the charging speed is a step down from the Realme 9 Pro’s 60W, which some users note as a downgrade.
Verdict: The Realme 10 Pro 5G offers excellent battery life for daily use, but its charging speed is average compared to segment leaders.
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Software: Modern but Bloated
The Realme 10 Pro 5G runs Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, with an update to Android 14 and Realme UI 5.0 available as of 2024. Realme promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security updates, aligning with competitors.
  • User Interface: Realme UI 4.0 is feature-rich, offering customization options like themes, icon packs, and Dynamic Widgets. Features like pop-up windows, Game Focus mode, and touch optimization enhance gaming and multitasking. The 120Hz refresh rate is well-optimized for smooth navigation.
  • Bloatware: The phone comes with pre-installed apps (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, and Realme’s own apps), some of which can be uninstalled. This bloatware detracts from the clean experience offered by devices like the Pixel 6a.
  • Limitations: Some users report issues with bootloader unlocking and a desire to rollback updates, indicating mixed feelings about software updates. The UI, while functional, isn’t as polished as stock Android.
Verdict: Realme UI 4.0 is modern and customizable, but bloatware and minor update concerns may frustrate users seeking a streamlined experience.
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Pricing and Variants
The Realme 10 Pro 5G is available in India at:
  • 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹18,999 (~$225)
  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹19,999 (~$240)
Discounts during sales (e.g., Flipkart Big Billion Days) can lower the price to ~₹16,999, making it highly competitive.
Comparison to Competitors
Feature
Realme 10 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 12 5G
iQOO Z9x
Google Pixel 6a
Price (Base)
₹18,999 (~$225)
₹17,999 (~$215)
₹12,999 (~$155)
₹22,999 (
$275)
Display
6.72" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits
6.67" AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits
6.72" LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits
6.1" OLED, 60Hz, 800 nits
Chipset
Snapdragon 695
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Google Tensor
RAM/Storage
6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB
4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB
4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB
6GB/128GB
Rear Camera
108MP + 2MP
48MP + 8MP + 2MP
50MP + 2MP
12.2MP + 12MP
Front Camera
16MP
13MP
8MP
8MP
Battery/Charging
5000mAh, 33W
5000mAh, 33W
6000mAh, 44W
4410mAh, 18W
Software
Realme UI 4.0 (Android 13)
MIUI 14 (Android 12)
Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14)
Stock Android 13
IP Rating
None
IP53
IP64
IP67
Key Advantage
Bezel-less LCD, 108MP camera
AMOLED display, ultrawide camera
Larger battery, faster charging
Clean software, premium camera
Key Drawback
No ultrawide, no IP rating
Dated software, average low-light
LCD display, average selfies
Smaller battery, no microSD
Analysis: The Realme 10 Pro 5G excels with its bezel-less display and high-resolution camera but lacks an ultrawide lens and IP rating. The Redmi Note 12 5G offers a superior AMOLED display and ultrawide camera, while the iQOO Z9x provides faster charging and a larger battery. The Pixel 6a, though pricier, delivers unmatched software and camera quality.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Near bezel-less 6.72-inch LCD with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Stylish matte design with 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Excellent battery life with 5000mAh capacity
  • Strong daylight photography with 108MP camera
  • Android 13 with expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons
  • No ultrawide or macro camera
  • LCD display lags behind AMOLED competitors
  • No IP rating for water/dust resistance
  • Bloatware in Realme UI
  • Average low-light camera and video performance
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Conclusion and Recommendation
The Realme 10 Pro 5G is a compelling budget smartphone for users prioritizing a large, near bezel-less display and strong daylight photography. Priced starting at ₹18,999, it offers solid battery life, reliable performance, and modern software, making it suitable for casual users, students, and media consumers. However, the lack of an ultrawide camera, absence of an IP rating, and LCD panel make it less competitive against the Redmi Note 12 5G (AMOLED, ultrawide) or iQOO Z9x (faster charging, larger battery). Photography enthusiasts or those seeking a cleaner software experience may prefer the Google Pixel 6a, despite its higher price.
Target Audience: Ideal for budget buyers who value screen real estate and basic 5G performance for streaming, social media, and casual gaming. Users needing versatile cameras or premium displays should explore alternatives.
Recommendation: The Realme 10 Pro 5G is a good buy during sales (~₹16,999), especially for its unique design and camera. For a more well-rounded package, consider the Redmi Note 12 5G or iQOO Z9x.
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