Realme P4 Pro review: The no-nonsense performer under ₹25,000

In India's competitive smartphone market, particularly under the ₹25,000 segment, Realme is making waves with its latest offering, the Realme P4 Pro. This device boasts impressive specifications, including a massive 7000mAh battery, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, and a vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display. After several days of testing—ranging from gaming and benchmarking to binge-watching and everyday tasks—here's how it fared. **Design and Build** Realme takes a bold step with its design, featuring a unique Birch Wood finish on the back, while my review unit showcased the elegant Midnight Ivy color. At just 7.69mm thick and approximately 189g, the P4 Pro is one of the lighter options in its category, making it easy to handle with one hand. It also carries an IP65 and IP66 rating, ensuring it can withstand splashes and light rain, though it doesn't match the more robust IP68 rating found in pricier models. **Display and Audio** The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the P4 Pro. With a 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, along with a claimed peak brightness of 6500 nits, it performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions. While it may not consistently reach 6500 nits, the screen remains bright enough for comfortable outdoor viewing. Colors are vivid, and HDR10+ support enhances the streaming experience on platforms like Netflix. The additional HyperVision AI chip aims to improve clarity and upscaling but has a minimal impact in real-world usage. The stereo speakers further enhance the multimedia experience, providing clear and immersive sound. **Performance and Gaming** Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, the P4 Pro offers up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Daily tasks are handled with ease, showcasing smooth multitasking and solid benchmark results across CPU and GPU tests. Gaming is where Realme aims to shine. In BGMI, players can expect a smooth 90fps experience at Smooth + Extreme+ settings, with stable performance and decent heat management. However, the AI frame interpolation feature, which claims to push gameplay to 144fps, fell short in practical tests, rarely exceeding 90fps despite on-screen readings. **Camera Capabilities** The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens on the back, alongside a 50MP front-facing camera. In daylight, the primary sensor captures detailed images with good dynamic range, though color consistency can vary. The ultra-wide lens is suitable for casual shots but lacks the sharpness of the main camera. Low-light performance is surprisingly good for this price range, aided by OIS for stable shots. Night mode effectively brightens images while controlling noise, and the selfie camera offers impressive detail, albeit sometimes struggling with skin tone accuracy. **Software Experience** Running on Realme UI 6 based on Android 15, the interface is fluid with plenty of customization options. Features like AI Edit Genie for photo editing through text or voice prompts add a fun touch, despite some bloatware that can be uninstalled. Realme also commits to providing three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, aligning with current mid-range expectations. **Battery Life and Charging** The highlight of the P4 Pro is undoubtedly its robust 7000mAh battery. Even with intensive use, including gaming and streaming, it comfortably lasts over a day. The included 80W charger allows for quick charging, reaching nearly 50% in just 15 minutes, which is ideal for on-the-go users. Additionally, reverse charging capability adds convenience for powering accessories. **Conclusion** The Realme P4 Pro excels in performance, display quality, and battery longevity. However, the touted HyperVision AI chip feels more like a novelty rather than a game changer. While the ultra-wide camera might leave some wanting more, and the IP rating falls short of higher-end competitors, the P4 Pro is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable smartphone under ₹25,000. With a starting price of ₹24,999, it stands out as one of Realme's most balanced offerings to date, proving that a large battery doesn't necessitate bulky design compromises.