Realme P4 Pro Review

Smartphones under ₹30,000 are crowded, yet brands keep finding ways to stand out. Realme has tried to do exactly that with its latest P4 series. The Realme P4 Pro, priced at ₹28,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB variant, takes a different approach. Instead of shiny glass or flashy accents, it brings a Birch Wood finish and a massive 7000mAh battery in a slim body. On paper, the phone looks ready to shake the mid-range space with a 144Hz HyperGlow AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, and a 50MP Sony camera. But specs rarely tell the full story. Having used the device, I wanted to see if it truly redefines expectations or if it leaves room for improvement.

Design

Realme has taken a refreshing turn in design. Unlike the glossy glass-backed P3 Pro, the P4 Pro introduces a Birch Wood finish. It feels warm and earthy rather than cold and slick. The texture also helps with grip and hides fingerprints better than glass. At just 7.69mm thick and weighing around 189g, the phone is surprisingly slim for one that houses a 7000mAh battery.

Practicality is also addressed with IP65 and IP66 resistance, making it more dust and splash ready than many rivals. While it avoids being loud or flashy, it still feels premium in hand. However, users who prefer shiny, high-gloss designs might find it less striking at first glance.

Display Built for Gamers and Streamers

The 144Hz HyperGlow AMOLED display is the real showpiece here. With 1.5K resolution, HDR10+ support, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, the panel comes close to flagship quality. Realme claims a staggering 6500-nit peak brightness, which is unusually high. Outdoors, the screen remains readable, and indoors, colors look vivid without oversaturation.

Bezels are ultra-thin, giving it a near edge-to-edge feel. The high-frequency dimming makes long viewing sessions easier on the eyes. Compared to rivals like the Nothing 3a Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 5, the P4 Pro’s display feels far smoother and brighter. Still, at times, the colors can appear a bit too punchy, which might not please users who prefer natural tones.

Software With Real AI Touches

Realme’s latest OS skin adds some meaningful AI tools instead of gimmicks. Circle to Search and Smart Loop feel useful in daily life. Edit Genie allows quick voice-guided photo edits, something creators will appreciate. AI Recording Summary and desktop-like productivity options also give the phone a premium touch.

The interface is smooth, and the integration of these AI features makes the experience more engaging. Still, Realme’s OS can feel slightly heavy compared to the clean software you get on stock Android phones. Regular updates will be key to keeping these AI features relevant.

Performance That Matches the Claims

Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, the P4 Pro delivers the speed you expect in this segment. The 12GB RAM variant handled multitasking easily, with no visible stutters. Realme claims an Antutu score above one million, and in practice, it shows.

Gaming benefits from the Hyper Vision AI chip and the vapor chamber cooling system. Titles like BGMI ran smoothly at high frame rates, and heating remained under control. Geekbench results back up its position above many mid-range rivals. Still, heavy gamers may find devices like the iQOO Neo 10R slightly better tuned for pure gaming performance.

Camera Setup

Realme upgraded the P4 Pro’s camera hardware with a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor and OIS. Daytime shots deliver sharp detail and controlled contrast. Colours look natural, not oversaturated. The 50MP front camera captures crisp selfies with realistic skin tones. Group selfies work well thanks to the wider field of view.

Low-light performance shows clear gains over the P3 Pro. The IMX890 and OIS reduce blur and retain shadow detail. Night mode brightens scenes while holding highlights. Still, extreme low light can introduce noise and softer edges. For the best results, brace the phone or use a short tripod.

The ultrawide handles landscapes and groups fine but lags the main sensor in detail. Portrait mode separates subjects reliably with pleasing background blur. Video benefits from OIS and steady software, though exposure can shift in harsh lighting. Overall, the main camera leads the package, but the ultrawide remains the weaker link.

Battery

The 7000mAh “Titan” battery is one of the highlights. In daily use, it easily lasts beyond a full day, and with light use, it stretches into two days. The 80W charging fills it to 50% in about 25 minutes, which is handy. Reverse charging adds extra utility.

The trade-off here is subtle. The slim body does well to hide the massive battery, but the phone still feels a little heavier than slimmer mid-range rivals. That said, the combination of long life and fast charging is difficult to complain about.

Verdict: A Balanced Mid-Range Contender

The Realme P4 Pro offers a different personality compared to most smartphones under ₹30,000. Its Birch Wood finish, durable build, and powerful display give it character. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, paired with AI features and a strong camera setup, makes it competitive. The massive battery and fast charging only add to its appeal.

However, it is not flawless. The ultrawide camera is weaker, and the OS skin may not please stock Android fans. Also, while the display is bright and smooth, some might find it overly saturated. But these are small trade-offs in a device that tries to strike balance across design, performance, imaging, and battery.

For users upgrading from the P3 Pro, this phone feels like a logical step up. Against rivals, it stands as one of the most well-rounded picks in this price range. If you value design, display, and dependable performance in a phone under ₹30,000, the Realme P4 Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist.