Realme, powered by Oppo, launches its smartphone, targeting the market dominated by Redmi Note 5 Pro, especially the 6GB/128GB variant priced at ₹13,990. After several days of testing, we’ve scrutinized its day-to-day usage, gaming performance, and benchmark scores. Curious if Realme 1 surpasses Redmi Note 5 Pro? Here’s our performance test:
Note: Realme 1 starts at ₹8,990 for the 3GB/32GB variant, while we’ve tested the 6GB/128GB variant priced at ₹13,990. Both variants share identical specs, differing only in RAM and storage.
Realme 1 Specifications
Before delving into the tests conducted and the phone’s performance compared to competitors like the Redmi Note 5 Pro, let’s review the specifications:
| Display | 6.0-inch FullHD |
| Processor | Helio P60 |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| RAM | 3GB/6GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Primary Camera | 13MP with AI Shot |
| Secondary Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 3,410mAh |
| OS | ColorOS 5.0 based on Android 8.1 Oreo |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass |
| Connectivity | Dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth |
With that done, let’s dive into the performance tests of the Realme 1.
Benchmarks
We ran benchmarks on the Realme 1 smartphone to judge its handling of synthetic benchmarking situations. To compare, we also tested the Redmi Note 5 Pro and the ZenFone Max Pro M1 (starting at Rs 10,999) for their performance.
Geekbench Results
In Geekbench, the Realme 1, with its Helio P60 AI processor, outperforms the Snapdragon 636-powered Redmi Note 5 Pro and the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 in both single-core and multi-core results. The Realme 1 scored 1,488 in single-core and 5,668 in multi-core tests.
Comparatively, the Redmi Note 5 Pro scored 1,336 in single-core and 4,879 in multi-core tests. The ZenFone Max Pro M1 performed similarly, with scores of 1,330 and 4,796 respectively. However, neither phone comes close to the Realme 1. Evidently, the AI-powered Helio P60 is dominant in its price range.
AnTuTu Results
AnTuTu benchmarks, including 3D tests like Refinery, Coastline, and Marooned, were conducted on all these phones. The results further highlight the superiority of the Helio P60.
The Realme 1 achieved an AnTuTu score of 138,321 – impressive for its price range. In comparison, the Redmi Note 5 Pro scored 112,569, while the ZenFone Max Pro achieved a similar score of 112,595.
Real World Performance
While the Realme 1 with its Helio P60 surpasses competitors in synthetic benchmarks, these benchmarks do not always reveal the complete picture. Hence, we conducted various real-world performance tests on all three phones, starting with gaming.
Gaming Tests
Testing three games on each phone, starting with Asphalt 8, despite its age, remains beloved on smartphones. As anticipated, all phones performed equally on Asphalt 8 at High settings. The Realme 1 ran Asphalt 8 smoothly, without lag or frame drops. Racing on the Nevada track with the Dodge GT was thoroughly enjoyable. The Redmi Note 5 Pro and ZenFone Max Pro M1 also excelled on Asphalt.
Moving on to Marvel Future Fight, a captivating game, the three phones handled it effortlessly. The Realme 1 performed exceptionally well, with smooth gameplay matching that of the Redmi Note 5 Pro and the ZenFone Max Pro M1.
Finally, we tested PUBG Mobile. This game exposed some rough edges in the Realme 1. By default, the phone switched to Medium settings, and I expected decent performance. Sadly, the Realme 1 drops frames frequently in PUBG Mobile. Yes, it’s in beta, and it’s a detailed game with many draw-calls, but for smoother gameplay on the Realme 1, switch to ‘Low’ graphics.
Contrary to expectations, the Redmi Note 5 Pro excelled in PUBG Mobile. Equipped with a Snapdragon 636, it defaulted to Medium settings, which proved sufficient. Similarly, the ZenFone Max Pro M1 outperformed the Realme 1 in the same game, likely due to the latter’s less capable Mali GPU struggling with PUBG Mobile’s demanding graphics.
Usability in Daily Scenarios
After all the gaming action, we compared the day-to-day usage of the phones and how they feel in normal, everyday use. The Realme 1 excels in tasks like navigating, making calls, and launching apps. Quite often, it outperformed the Redmi Note 5 Pro and ZenFone Max Pro M1 in app launches.
One issue with the Realme 1’s day-to-day performance is the incredibly laggy keyboard, which disrupts the natural typing experience. This may be due to ColorOS 5.0.
Realme 1 Performance Test: A Smartphone Worth Your Attention
Initially skeptical about the Realme 1, I was pleasantly surprised by how it compares to the Redmi Note 5 Pro, often regarded as the best in its price range. With its Helio P60 processor and up to 6GB of RAM, the Realme 1 is definitely worth considering. If you seek a smartphone that performs well and looks good within this price bracket, give the Realme 1 a try before deciding.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
