The realme 14 5G shows off a 4th generation Snapdragon 6 chipset that makes the old, new again

The realme 14 5G shines because of the 4th generation Snapdragon 6 chipset. We are floored.

The realme 14 5G is the latest addition to the 14 number line,following the realme 14 Pro+ 5G. As this belongs to the same family of devices, the mid-range 14 is a great sweet spot in terms of features vis a vis price.

As I’ve reviewed the number series since the 11 came out just after the pandemic, this series has always been a reliable contender in the mid-range space, being just affordable enough for people who can stretch their budget just little, but still below the P20,000 line. 

Let’s sum it up: the realme 14 shoots decent photos and performs well as a mid-range gaming phone thanks to gaming optimizations it inherited from the GT series as well as other previous models than ran GT Mode and its gaming software optimizer called HyperBoost. 

At a starting SRP of ₱17,999, the realme 14 5G directly appeals to young professionals, students, and casual gamers who need fast, dependable performance in a stylish package. Under the hood, it runs on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 5G chipset — which is like a huge refresh to the Snapdragon 6 lineup, making the old seem new again. Many might think that a Gen 4 chip would be a “stepped down 7 or 7s” but I have been reading a bit about this new chipset (Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU) and it seems that the definition of “midrange” has been redefined once more. Imagine a “budget” Snap 6 chipset with better power efficiency and a built-in NPU for generative AI tasks and performance efficiency. This new-generation chip also supports 144Hz FullHD+ but the realme 14 has toned it down to 120Hz adaptive refresh. No biggie. Additionally, the chip also allows for 4k quality video capture at 30 fps. At this point, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t support 60fps capture given that this is a mid-ranger.

Paired with up to 26GB RAM (12GB physical + 14GB Dynamic RAM Expansion) and a generous 256GB of storage, it handles heavy multitasking, gaming, and social media surfing with ease.

The boon of GT Boost

What makes the realme 14 5G stand out for mobile gamers is the inclusion of GT Boost. This feature suite — combining Motion Assist, Improved Touch Control, and AI-driven performance enhancements — keeps frame rates stable and touch inputs sharp even during intensive gaming sessions. You get up to 90 FPS for shooters and 120 FPS for MOBA titles, meaning you stay competitive without lag ruining your rhythm. Again, I cannot help but stress the importance of the Gen 4 Snap 6 processor doing this miraculous heavy lifting.The AI Motion Assist allows for gyroscope functions to be mapped in gaming. It’s quite similar to the gyro functions of other flagship phone brands, but now on a “budget” chipset.

Another thing I appreciated was how well the realme 14 5G managed heat. Thanks to its large vapor chamber cooling system, the phone stayed cool even during longer gaming marathons — something that earlier mid-range phones used to struggle with.

As mentioned earlier, on the display front, the realme 14 5G sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright, vibrant, and smooth — perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows, casual gaming, and everything in between. The 1500Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate is a major plus for players who need quick reflexes.

Well-equipped photography toolkit

Photography-wise, the realme 14 5G is equipped with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor and a 2MP portrait lens. In good lighting, it captures vibrant, detailed shots that punch above its price class. Look, it probably won’t win awards for best in show, but the camera is quite a toolkit. I was able to take good photos at my Easter Coffee Club’s opening in Antipolo. To add, realme’s AI enhancements help with scene recognition and color tuning, keeping photos Instagram-ready without needing a lot of post-processing. Low light performance is serviceable with Night Mode on, although it’s clear that the camera shines brightest during the day. The 16MP front camera also delivers clear selfies and decent video for calls and content creation. The watermark features of the realme 14 adds a fun touch where you can edit the camera doodad and choose from classic cameras such as rangefinders to twin lens reflex cameras.

Battery life is another huge win. With a 6000mAh battery, the realme 14 5G easily powers through more than a full day of heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging fills the tank in under an hour and a half. realme even promises that after 1,400 charging cycles — about four years of daily charging — the battery will retain 80% of its original health. Not bad for a mid-range device.

Aesthetically, the realme 14 5G brings a playful but polished design with colors like Warrior Pink, Storm Titanium, and Mecha Silver. The signature “Victory Halo” around the camera module adds just enough personality without feeling over the top — a subtle flex for those who love their tech with a bit of flair.

For early adopters, realme is bundling the TechLife Headphones G1 with initial purchases, adding extra value to an already solid proposition. 

The G1 headphones are plug and play via USB and Bluetooth. My son had an easy time connecting it to his PC for gaming and he’s been using it ever since. It does scream “gamer!” though with the flashy RGB lighting. But hey, a flipping microphone that stores within the frame of the headset makes up for it.

Pricing and promos

Ultimately, the realme 14 5G continues what the number series has done best since its early days: offering the right balance of power, style, and affordability. It’s a phone that’s built to play, but ready to do so much more — whether you’re gaming, working, or capturing everyday memories. If you’re looking for a mid-ranger that feels a step above the rest without crossing the ₱20,000 line, the realme 14 5G deserves a serious look.

The realme 14 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, GT Boost and Vapor Chamber Cooling System, all working together to ensure seamless gameplay and multitasking. It also features a 6000mAh Massive Battery and up to 26GB (12GB+14GB DRE) RAM and 256GB Massive Storage. Available in bold finishes: Mecha Silver, Storm Titanium, and Warrior Pink, the realme 14 5G is priced at P17,999 SRP.

Meanwhile, the realme 14T 5G offers immersive visuals with its 120Hz AMOLED Display, complemented by the same GT Boost, Vapor Chamber Cooling System, and 6000mAh battery, making it ideal for marathon gaming sessions. It comes in electrifying Lightning Purple and sleek Obsidian Black, with a retail price of P14,999 SRP.

The Series will also be available online, beginning with an exclusive first drop on realme’s TikTok Shop. For those who were able to claim exclusive discount vouchers given out last April 11 to 28, now’s the time to check out to get the lowest price possible. Don’t wait too long, as the discount vouchers expire on May 5.

For those who missed the initial drop on TikTok Shop, the first selling period will continue from May 5 to 15 on both TikTok and Shopee, offering even more flexibility for online shoppers. The Squad can still get either device with huge discounts, including 800 MLBB Diamonds and 500 MLBB Diamonds as freebies for realme 14 5G and realme 14T 5G, respectively.