In this Realme 5s hands-on review, we dive deep into the device that stirred excitement in the budget smartphone segment upon its October 2019 launch. Drawing on first-hand testing, benchmark figures, and sample photographs, this article examines every feature from design through daily performance. If you’re weighing options around the 1,500 kn (~€200) price point in 2020, our detailed Realme 5s hands-on review will guide your decision with clarity and data-driven insights.
Introduction to the Realme 5s Hands-On Review
The smartphone market saw a roughly 23% growth in budget device shipments during 2019 compared to the previous year, according to IDC. Realme emerged as a fast-rising brand by offering two compelling models—Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro—that captured consumer interest with their balanced blend of power and affordability. In October 2019, Realme introduced the Realme 5s as an “s” variant positioned between the base model and the Pro, targeting users seeking a bit more firepower without breaking the bank. This Realme 5s hands-on review unpacks why this handset remains noteworthy in the sub-2,000 kn range, and where it still falls short of perfection.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Box Contents in the Realme 5s Hands-On Review
Upon opening the signature white Realme box, you’ll find the following essentials neatly packed:
- Realme 5s smartphone with factory-applied screen protector
- 10W USB-A charger
- USB-A to microUSB cable
- Clear silicone protective case
- User manual and warranty card
- SIM tray ejector tool
This straightforward bundle emphasises Realme’s focus on delivering value straight out of the box without unnecessary extras or hidden costs.
Initial Handling and Design Thoughts
In-hand, the Realme 5s conveys a reassuring heft of 198 grams, a byproduct of its sizeable 5,000 mAh battery. The 9.3 mm thick body feels robust rather than unwieldy, and the subtle edge chamfering prevents sharp pressure points on your palm. A protective plastic film hugs the 6.5-inch IPS LCD display until you swap in the included case, safeguarding the screen during real-world testing. Notably, the new Crystal Red finish glints under room lighting, while Crystal Green and Crystal Blue options remain available for those with more classic taste.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Ergonomics in the Realme 5s Hands-On Review
Measuring 164.4 × 75.6 × 9.3 mm, the Realme 5s strikes a practical compromise between screen size and grip comfort. Although the 6.5-inch display pushes the boundaries of one-handed use, the handset’s 75.6 mm width and gently curved back allow thumbs to reach most corners without extensive stretching. In our extended handheld sessions, the phone never felt excessively top-heavy despite its large battery, thanks largely to balanced weight distribution.
Material Quality and Color Variants
The Realme 5s employs a plastic unibody chassis that resists everyday shocks and accidental drops, though it tends to attract fingerprints on its glossier surfaces. To mitigate this, Realme includes a transparent TPU case that enhances grip and shields the back from scuffs. A subtle wave pattern engraved beneath the glossy finish increases friction against smooth surfaces, reducing skid-off incidents. Color choices follow 2019’s gradient trend with Crystal Red, Crystal Blue, and Crystal Green, each offering a tasteful shimmer under direct light.
Hardware Performance
Processor, GPU, and Memory Options
At the heart of the Realme 5s lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11 nm process. Four Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at 2.0 GHz handle demanding tasks, while four Kryo 260 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz manage background processes more efficiently. Graphical duties fall to the Adreno 610 GPU, which copes admirably with casual gaming and UI animations. In AnTuTu benchmark runs, the phone achieved around 155,000 points—about 30% higher than older Snapdragon 450-powered rivals like the Realme 5. Realme 5s ships in 4/64 GB and 4/128 GB RAM/storage configurations, plus a microSD slot supporting up to 256 GB expansions. By skipping the lower 3/32 GB tier found in the original Realme 5, the brand underscores the 5s’s appeal to multitaskers and media enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging
Boasting a hefty 5,000 mAh battery teamed with a power-lean chipset and 720p IPS LCD display, the Realme 5s excels in autonomy. During a continuous video loop test combining YouTube streams and playlist rotations at 50% brightness, the phone ran for 16 straight hours before tapping out. In balanced daily use—mixing calls, social media browsing, navigation, and occasional gaming—it consistently delivers at least 36 hours on a single charge. The included 10 W charger, while modest by today’s 18–25 W fast-charge standards, fills the battery from 0% to 100% in roughly 2.5 hours, which remains acceptable within its price tier.
Connectivity and Extras
- Dual nano-SIM plus microSD hybrid slot
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
- Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless audio
- GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou satellite support
- 3.5 mm headphone jack—a welcome feature in the budget segment
- Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor with quick, accurate recognition
- Absence of NFC limiting contactless payments
This connectivity suite covers most user needs, though microUSB and the lack of NFC represent the main compromises for a budget-oriented release.
Camera System and Imaging
Main 48MP Sensor in the Realme 5s Hands-On Review
The Realme 5s employs a Samsung GM1 48 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF. In bright daylight conditions, the 48 MP mode captures fine details and a broad dynamic range. By default, the camera merges four pixels into one via 4-in-1 binning to produce crisp 12 MP shots with reduced noise. In well-lit scenarios, colors appear natural, and contrast stays in check without excessive post-processing. During evenings, the Nightscape algorithm lengthens exposure to bring out shadows without overblowing highlights, though longer shutter times can lead to minor motion blur if handheld.
Ultra-Wide, Macro, and Depth Sensors
Complementing the primary shooter, the Realme 5s features an 8 MP 119° ultra-wide lens (f/2.3), a 2 MP macro sensor (f/2.4), and a 2 MP depth sensor. The ultra-wide perspective delivers interesting architectural and landscape compositions, albeit with edge softness typical at this price. Macro mode unlocks close-up detail down to 4 cm, ideal for textured subjects like leaves or fabrics, though resolution remains modest. Depth-assisted portrait shots exhibit pleasing background blur, and edge detection performs reliably in well-lit environments.
Video Recording Capabilities
Video capture tops out at 1080p@30fps with electronic stabilization active by default. Footage recorded in daylight appears steady and well-exposed, though low-light clips can show grain. Slow-motion mode enables 720p@120fps capture, offering creative flair, and Time-Lapse recording lets you condense lengthy scenes into short, engaging clips. Lack of 4K recording is a limitation, but acceptable within a budget context.
Software Experience and User Interface
Operating System and Updates
Out of the box, Realme 5s runs ColorOS 6.0 based on Android 9 Pie, layered with Realme UI’s visual refreshes. The interface feels snappy thanks to thoughtful animations and minimal lag. Realme committed to Android 10 updates in early 2020, and our test unit received its upgrade within months—an encouraging sign for long-term support.
Pre-installed Apps and Bloatware
While the phone includes a few pre-installed apps—such as Facebook, PhonePe, and several Realme utilities—most can be uninstalled if unwanted. The overall bloatware footprint remains lighter than on many competing budget devices, ensuring that storage remains available for user content.
Customization and Unique Features
Realme UI brings several value-adding features that enhance day-to-day use. The Game Space dashboard optimises performance and mutes notifications during gameplay, while Quick Gestures let you draw shortcuts on the locked screen to launch apps instantly. A built-in screen recorder captures on-screen activity in up to 1080p, and Digital Wellbeing tools help you monitor device usage with break reminders and app timers.
Comparisons and Alternatives
Realme 5 vs Realme 5s
Compared to the base Realme 5, the 5s steps up the main camera resolution from 12 MP to 48 MP and upgrades the chipset from Snapdragon 636 to Snapdragon 665. The Realme 5s also starts at 4 GB RAM for all configurations and offers a slight performance edge in gaming and AI-driven tasks. Pricing sits just above the original 5, reflecting those enhanced features.
Realme 5s vs Realme 5 Pro
Against the Realme 5 Pro, the 5s loses out on the Pro’s faster charging (20 W vs 10 W), higher-resolution AMOLED display, and slightly superior Snapdragon 712 performance. However, the 5s undercuts it in price by roughly 10–15%, making it a strong pick for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life and camera versatility over premium features.
Other Budget Competitors in 2020
Alternative models like the Redmi Note 8, Motorola G8 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy M20 all vie for consumer attention around €180–€220. The Redmi Note 8 often leads with a 48 MP shooter and USB-C port, while the G8 Plus offers near-stock Android and dedicated Google Assistant button. The Galaxy M20 boasts Samsung’s brand name along with a 5,000 mAh battery, but may lag behind in camera performance compared to the Realme 5s hands-on review target phone.
Pros and Cons of the Realme 5s
- Pros: Exceptional battery life, versatile quad-camera setup, solid mid-range performance, attractive gradient design, highly competitive price-to-performance ratio.
- Cons: Slow 10 W charging, outdated microUSB interface, 720p IPS LCD instead of Full HD, absence of NFC limiting digital payments.
Conclusion
Our Realme 5s hands-on review confirms that this device holds its own in the crowded budget smartphone segment. Its standout battery life and adaptable camera array deliver real-world advantages for users who demand endurance and imaging flexibility. While compromises such as microUSB, 720p resolution, and slower charging are present, the overall package remains compelling for anyone seeking an affordable daily driver under 2,000 kn. If your priority list includes long-lasting battery, reliable performance, and versatile photography at an entry-level price, the Realme 5s deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
FAQ
Is the Realme 5s still worth buying in 2020?
Yes—especially for users focused on battery life and camera versatility at a budget-friendly price, the Realme 5s remains a strong contender in late 2020.
How does the camera perform in low light?
Low-light images benefit from pixel binning and Nightscape mode, yielding brighter, clearer photos, though longer exposures can introduce minor motion blur without a tripod.
Can the battery last two days of moderate use?
Absolutely. With typical browsing, call, and social-media use, you can easily reach 36–40 hours on a single charge, and sometimes push toward two full days.
Does the Realme 5s support NFC?
No, the handset omits NFC hardware, so contactless payments and quick pairing via NFC tags aren’t available.
What is the main difference between Realme 5s and Realme 5 Pro?
The Realme 5 Pro offers faster charging, an AMOLED display, and a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 712 chip, while the 5s focuses on a bigger battery and price-to-performance value in the budget segment.
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