Realme 5i in 2025: A Solid Budget Option with Great Value
Released in early 2020, the Realme 5i quickly became one of the most popular budget smartphones thanks to its solid performance, impressive battery life, and capable cameras. In 2025, while the phone is no longer the latest in Realme’s lineup, it still remains a reliable choice for those on a tight budget or those who need a simple phone for everyday tasks.
The Realme 5i is designed for users who want a smartphone that can handle basic activities like browsing, social media, and light gaming while still offering a great value proposition. Let’s take a deeper look at the Realme 5i’s price and its features in 2025.
Realme 5i Price in 2025
| Condition | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| New (Retail/Stock) | $130 – $160 |
| Refurbished | $100 – $130 |
| Used (Good Condition) | $80 – $100 |
Pricing may vary depending on region, availability, and whether the phone is new or used. The Realme 5i remains a budget-friendly choice in 2025.
Realme 5i Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.52-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (1600 × 720), 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB) |
| Rear Camera | Quad: 12MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 10W fast charging (Micro-USB) |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme UI |
| Build | Plastic body, Gorilla Glass 3 front |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
| 5G Support | No |
| Audio | Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Colors Available | Aqua Blue, Forest Green |
Why Choose the Realme 5i in 2025?
- Big Display and Comfortable Design: The 6.52-inch HD+ display provides ample screen space for content consumption, web browsing, and light gaming. The 60Hz refresh rate offers smooth enough scrolling for basic tasks. The phone’s ergonomic design ensures it fits comfortably in the hand.
- Reliable Performance: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 paired with 4GB of RAM is still capable of handling basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light gaming. While not a powerhouse for heavy multitasking or high-end gaming, it offers good performance for its price.
- Quad Camera Setup: The 12MP main camera is complemented by ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors, making it versatile for casual photography. While not as impressive as flagship camera systems, it captures decent shots in well-lit conditions.
- Large Battery: The 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day use, even with moderate use. While the 10W charging isn’t the fastest, it gets the job done, and the large battery means it doesn’t need frequent recharging.
- Expandable Storage: With 64GB of internal storage and the option to expand up to 256GB via microSD, there’s plenty of room for your apps, photos, and videos.
Potential Drawbacks
- No 5G Support: The Realme 5i only supports 4G LTE and does not have 5G capabilities. If you’re looking for future-proofing with faster data speeds, this could be a limitation.
- Basic Camera Performance: While the 12MP main camera is decent for a budget phone, the camera setup struggles in low-light conditions, and the additional sensors (macro, depth) are not as useful as those found on higher-end models.
- Old Software: The Android 9.0 Pie with Realme UI is outdated by 2025 standards. While the phone may still be usable, it may not receive updates for the latest features or security patches.
- Slow Charging: 10W charging is slower compared to more modern budget smartphones that feature faster charging speeds like 18W or 30W.
Final Thoughts
The Realme 5i remains a strong contender in the budget smartphone market in 2025, especially for users who need a phone that can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light photography. It offers a large screen, impressive battery life, and a reliable camera setup for its price, making it a good option for first-time smartphone buyers, students, or anyone who needs a straightforward phone.
While it may not have the latest software or the fastest charging speeds, the Realme 5i offers great value for those looking for a functional and affordable smartphone. If you don’t need 5G or high-end specs, this phone can still serve you well for everyday use.
