Introduction
India’s budget 5G segment is on fire, and Realme P3 is one of the hottest contenders for 2025. Packed with a 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50MP triple camera, 5G support, and a massive 5000mAh battery, it promises more than you’d expect under ₹15,000.
But is this the best value 5G phone for the price? Or does it cut corners where it matters?
I spent two weeks using the Realme P3 as my daily driver. This in-depth, real-world review will help you decide if it’s the right choice. Let’s dive in!
✅ Realme P3 Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1100 nits |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G (6nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X + 128/256GB UFS 2.2 (expandable) |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 16MP punch-hole selfie |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 45W SuperVOOC fast charging |
| OS | Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 |
| Extras | In-display fingerprint, dual 5G SIM, stereo speakers |
🎨 Design and Build Quality: Premium Looks Without the Premium Price
If you’re tired of dull plastic finishes in budget phones, the Realme P3 is a breath of fresh air.
📌 Highlights:
- Glass-like finish with subtle gradient color shifts.
- Slim 7.8mm profile and 179g weight make it easy to hold.
- Rounded edges for comfortable grip.
- In-display fingerprint scanner—rare at this price.
✅ Color Options:
- Aurora Blue
- Midnight Black
- Sunrise Gold
Despite its low price, it doesn’t feel cheap. Buttons have solid tactile feedback, the camera module looks modern, and the frame feels sturdy enough for daily knocks.
Verdict: Among the best-designed budget 5G phones under ₹15,000.
🌈 Display Quality: AMOLED Brilliance with 120Hz Smoothness
This is easily the standout feature of the Realme P3.
✅ Display Specs:
- 6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+ (2400×1080)
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- 1100 nits peak brightness
- HDR10+ certified
✅ Real-world Impressions:
- Blacks are inky and contrast is fantastic for Netflix and YouTube HDR.
- Brightness is sufficient even under harsh Indian sunlight.
- 120Hz scrolling is buttery smooth in the UI and apps.
- Colors pop without looking oversaturated.
Reading, gaming, watching movies—everything feels flagship-like. Even pricier competitors often skip 120Hz AMOLED at this price.
Verdict: Easily class-leading. This screen alone justifies the price.
Check out our review on Samsung Galaxy S24 in 2025 and find out if its still worth the price in this year.
⚡ Performance: Dimensity 7050 Delivers Reliable Speed
Performance can make or break a budget phone. Realme chose the MediaTek Dimensity 7050—a 6nm, octa-core 5G chip.
✅ Daily Usage:
- Apps open quickly, with no lag in typical social media or banking apps.
- Multitasking between Instagram, WhatsApp, and Chrome is seamless.
- No bloatware-induced stutter—a cleaner Realme UI experience.
✅ Gaming:
- BGMI, COD Mobile run at Medium to High settings without overheating.
- Occasional frame drops in extreme graphics settings but very playable.
- Game Mode in Realme UI helps block calls and notifications for focus.
✅ 5G Experience:
- Supports dual 5G SIMs.
- Testing on Airtel 5G in Mumbai delivered 250–300Mbps consistently.
Verdict: It’s not a gaming flagship, but for ₹15,000, it’s impressively smooth and future-proof with 5G.
📸 Cameras: Surprisingly Good for the Price
Budget phones often sacrifice camera quality. But the Realme P3’s 50MP triple-lens system impresses in most conditions.
✅ Rear Camera System:
- 50MP Main Sensor: Crisp, detailed daylight photos.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide: Acceptable quality for landscapes and groups, though some edge softness.
- 2MP Macro: Decent close-up fun, though more of a gimmick.
✅ Front Camera:
- 16MP punch-hole selfie shooter with AI beautification.
- Delivers clear, well-exposed selfies even in tricky lighting.
✅ Low-Light Performance:
- Night Mode kicks in automatically.
- Shots are usable with good light gathering, though detail drops slightly.
✅ Video Recording:
- 1080p@30fps with EIS.
- Smooth enough for social sharing, though not flagship-level.
✅ My Testing:
- Bright outdoor photos have excellent dynamic range and color balance.
- Indoor shots retain detail with minimal noise.
- Ultra-wide is handy but softer than the main lens.
- Selfies look natural without overdone AI smoothing.
Verdict: For under ₹15,000, this is among the better camera setups—suitable for social media, travel, and daily use.
Check out our review on CMF Phone 2 Pro and compare it with Realme P3 now.
🔋 Battery Life: Long-Lasting with Fast 45W Charging
Realme P3 has a 5000 mAh battery—the gold standard for budget phones.
✅ My Usage:
- Easily 7+ hours of screen-on time with mixed use.
- Light users can push it to 1.5–2 days.
- Streaming, browsing, gaming—all drain predictably without sudden drops.
✅ Charging:
- 45W SuperVOOC included in the box.
- 0 to 50% in ~25 minutes.
- Full charge in ~1 hour.
Even with 120Hz and 5G on, I never worried about midday recharges.
Verdict: Reliable all-day battery that charges super quickly—a must-have for Indian users on the go.
🛠️ Software Experience: Realme UI 5.0 on Android 14
Realme UI often got criticism for bloat, but this time it’s cleaner.
✅ Highlights:
- Based on Android 14, with Material You theming.
- Fewer pre-installed apps, and most can be uninstalled.
- Game Mode, App Cloner, Floating Windows, Smart Sidebar.
- Smooth gestures and animations thanks to 120Hz.
- Regular security updates promised for 2 years.
✅ Real-world Impressions:
- No spammy notifications or pop-ups.
- Google Discover integration feels polished.
- Dark Mode, Always-On Display customization options.
- Excellent one-handed mode for the big screen.
Verdict: A well-optimized, user-friendly skin with useful features—not just gimmicks.
🎧 Extras: Connectivity and Practical Features
Realme didn’t skimp on user-friendly details.
✅ Fingerprint & Security:
- In-display scanner is fast and accurate.
- Face Unlock works reliably in good light.
✅ Audio:
- Stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio support.
- 3.5mm headphone jack remains (rare these days).
- Dirac audio tuning makes it decent for music.
✅ Storage & Expansion:
- Dual 5G SIM + dedicated microSD slot.
- Expandable up to 1TB—ideal for media hoarders.
✅ Build Quality:
- Solid frame with IP54 splash resistance (great for this price).
- Reinforced corners for mild drop protection.
Verdict: Packs the essentials most budget buyers want without cutting corners.
✅ Pros and Cons at a Glance
✅ Pros
- Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display
- Capable Dimensity 7050 5G performance
- 50MP main camera shines in daylight
- Excellent battery with 45W fast charging
- Clean, feature-rich Realme UI 5.0
- Stereo speakers and headphone jack
- Dual 5G and dedicated microSD support
❌ Cons
- Ultra-wide camera lacks flagship sharpness
- Video recording capped at 1080p@30fps
- Macro camera is more of a gimmick
- Plastic frame (though solid)
🧲 Who Should Buy the Realme P3?
✅ Buy it if you want:
- A bright, smooth 120Hz AMOLED display on a budget.
- Reliable 5G performance that won’t slow down.
- Good daylight photos with 50MP quality.
- Long battery life with fast charging included.
- Clean software experience with fewer ads.
❌ Avoid it if:
- You want pro-grade video or photography.
- You’re a heavy gamer needing flagship graphics.
- You want IP68-level waterproofing.
🌟 Final Verdict: Best Budget 5G Phone Under ₹15,000 in 2025?
The Realme P3 nails what budget buyers truly want. A class-leading AMOLED display, smooth 5G performance, reliable cameras, and massive battery life all under ₹15,000. It’s a phone that doesn’t just check boxes—it actually delivers them well.
If you’re shopping for an affordable 5G phone that feels more premium than its price suggests, the Realme P3 is one of the best picks of 2025.
