Realme 15T Review: Built to last

Rating: 3.5/5Realme has been steadily building its reputation in the mid-range smartphone market by focusing on value-driven features that matter to everyday users. The new Realme 15T promises to continue this philosophy, claiming itself as a battery-focused device that doesn't compromise on other essentials.

Under Rs 25,000, this phone features an AMOLED display, a MediaTek chipset, a large 7,000mAh battery, advanced cooling systems and multiple IP ratings. With this model, the company aims to appeal to students, gamers, and heavy users. We spent a few days with the device and used it for various tasks, including streaming, gaming, photography, and day-to-day activities, to check if it stands up to its claims. Here’s how it performed:

Design and Build

The first thing you notice is the weight and its wide stance.

The 7,000mAh battery makes this phone noticeably heavier than most others. It's also thicker, which makes one-handed use uncomfortable but only after a while.

The build feels sturdy enough, and the IP66/IP68/IP69 ratings indicate that it can withstand water and dust better than most phones. We tested it around water without issues, though we wouldn't recommend taking it swimming.

The back has a decent finish that doesn't pick up fingerprints too badly.

The Flowing Silver variant we used looks clean, thanks to its minimalist aesthetics and has a decent in-hand feel. Button placement is standard, though the extra thickness makes reaching the power button slightly awkward.

Display

The 120Hz 6.57-inch AMOLED screen feels smooth. Colours look good while the Full-HD+ display produces decently deep blacks. The 4,000 nits peak brightness helps when using the phone outdoors.

We didn’t face any issues while using the phone in direct sunlight.

Whether browsing, streaming, or gaming, the panel handled content well without being uncomfortable on the eyes. The 4R Comfort+ certified display didn’t strain our eyes too much during long gaming or binge-watching sessions. This feature is beneficial if you spend a significant amount of time on your phone.However, some phones offer higher-resolution and higher-refresh-rate displays at this price range.

However, overall, the Realme 15T’s display was satisfactory for everyday usage.

Performance and Software

Realme 15T comes powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Max chipset. Built on the 6nm process and paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, the procesor handles daily tasks fine.

The phone felt snappy as apps opened quickly, and switching between them mostly worked smoothly. Gaming performance is adequate; casual games run smoothly, while heavier games work but may occasionally exhibit frame drops at higher settings.

We tested BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Asphalt 9, and all ran with stable frame rates at medium settings.The 6,050 sq mm vapour chamber cooling system, which is complemented by a 13,774 sq mm graphite sheet, does its job. The phone’s heat management was decent and helped keep thermals under control even during extended gaming sessions. We also didn’t face multitasking or scrolling social media.

Realme UI 6 feels user-friendly as it is closer to stock Android than previous versions.

There's less bloatware, and the interface is straightforward to navigate. The promise of 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates is a significant plus in terms of longevity. The interface felt clean, fluid, and user-friendly, with beneficial AI features like AI Edit Genie for photo editing and AI Snap Mode for capturing better photos, which were seamlessly integrated into the system.

Camera

The Realme 15T features a 50MP primary camera, accompanied by a 2MP secondary sensor, on the rear.

The 50MP primary camera captured sharp and detailed images in daylight, with balanced colours and decent dynamic range.

The details are suitable for social media sharing, and the AI features also work without any issues. Low-light shots were passable, though some noise crept in. That said, the absence of an ultra-wide or telephoto lens limits versatility, which may be a concern for photography enthusiasts.The 50MP front camera is surprisingly strong, producing detailed selfies with accurate skin tones.

It's fine for selfies and video calls as it gets the job done.

Both the front and rear setups support 4K video recording, making it versatile for vloggers or casual creators. AI features, such as AI Landscape, added an extra layer of refinement for casual photography.

Battery and Charging

This is where the phone shines. The 7,000mAh battery is the Realme 15T’s biggest highlight, as the phone easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and moderate users can expect about two days between charges.

For people who hate charging their phone daily, this solves that problem.The 60W charging takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the battery, which is reasonable given the capacity. It's not the fastest charging around, but it's fast enough to be practical. If you travel frequently or work long hours away from chargers, the genuinely helpful battery life is a great benefit.

Verdict

The Realme 15T is a durability-focused smartphone that delivers on its promise.

With a massive 7,000mAh battery, rugged IP certifications, and a bright AMOLED screen, it is built for heavy users who prioritise longevity and reliability. The performance holds up well, and the cameras are quite capable for everyday use.Starting at Rs 20,999, it isn’t the sleekest or lightest phone, but it boasts IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for dust and water resistance, which is a rarity at this price segment. Budget-conscious users who require reliability without the need for constant charging or paying a considerable price can explore this option.