The Realme Q5 Pro is one of those mid-range smartphones that manages to punch well above its weight class. Packed with features typically reserved for more expensive devices, it offers a compelling blend of performance, design, and battery life. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly phone that doesn't feel like a compromise, the Q5 Pro deserves a closer look.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Realme Q5 Pro could easily be mistaken for a flagship device. The sleek, matte-finished back panel resists fingerprints while providing a secure grip. The rectangular camera module gives it a modern aesthetic, and the overall build feels sturdy despite the plastic frame. Available in striking color options like Racing Yellow and Snowdrift White, the phone stands out in a sea of monotonous designs. The 6.62-inch display dominates the front, with slim bezels and a discreet punch-hole camera that doesn’t distract from the viewing experience.

Display Performance

The Q5 Pro boasts a 6.62-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a rarity in this price segment. Colors pop with vibrancy, and blacks are deep and true, thanks to the AMOLED technology. Scrolling through social media or playing games feels buttery smooth, and the 720Hz touch sampling rate ensures near-instant response to inputs. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent, though direct sunlight can still pose a challenge. HDR10+ support means streaming high-quality video content is a treat, though the lack of Dolby Vision is a minor letdown.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 870 chipset powers the Q5 Pro, delivering flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM (with virtual expansion), multitasking is a breeze, and demanding apps run without a hitch. Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12, is clean and responsive, though it comes with a fair amount of bloatware. Thankfully, most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled. Gaming performance is stellar—titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at high settings, though extended sessions will cause some thermal throttling.

Battery and Charging

One of the Q5 Pro’s standout features is its massive 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use. Even power users will struggle to drain it before bedtime. When it does run low, the 80W SuperDart charging is nothing short of revolutionary for a mid-range phone. A 0-100% charge takes just over 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging devices in its class. The absence of wireless charging is disappointing, but at this price point, it’s hardly a dealbreaker.

Camera Capabilities

The triple-camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Daylight shots are crisp with good dynamic range, though colors can sometimes appear oversaturated. Low-light performance is decent with Night Mode enabled, but noise becomes noticeable in darker scenes. The 16MP front camera captures detailed selfies, though beauty modes are overly aggressive by default. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps, with electronic stabilization that works well for casual clips but isn’t as smooth as optical stabilization found in pricier phones.

Final Verdict

The Realme Q5 Pro is a near-perfect balance of affordability and premium features. It excels in areas that matter most—display, performance, and battery life—while keeping compromises to a minimum. If you can live with the mediocre low-light camera performance and lack of wireless charging, this phone offers incredible value for money. It’s a strong contender for anyone seeking a high-performance device without breaking the bank.

Realme Q5 Pro Full Specifications:

Display: 6.62-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 720Hz touch sampling rate, 1300 nits peak brightness, HDR10+

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm)

RAM: 6GB/8GB/12GB (with up to 7GB virtual RAM expansion)

Storage: 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 64MP main (f/1.8), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.3), 2MP macro (f/2.4)

Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.1)

Battery: 5000mAh with 80W SuperDart charging

OS: Realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC

Dimensions: 162.9 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm

Weight: 194.5g

Colors: Racing Yellow, Snowdrift White, Aurora