The Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G, launched in India on April 9, 2025, enters the competitive sub-₹20,000 smartphone market with a bold promise: delivering premium features at an accessible price. Positioned as a successor to the Narzo 70 Pro, this device targets budget-conscious consumers, particularly young gamers and tech enthusiasts who crave 5G connectivity, robust performance, and durability without compromising affordability. Realme, a brand synonymous with value-driven innovation, has crafted the Narzo 80 Pro 5G to appeal to students, casual gamers, and professionals seeking a reliable daily driver.
The anticipation surrounding its release was fueled by teasers highlighting its MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging, and an IP69 rating—a rare feature in this segment. Announced alongside the Narzo 80x 5G, the Pro variant garnered attention for its gaming optimizations, including 90fps support for BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), positioning it as a contender in the budget gaming niche. This review explores every facet of the Narzo 80 Pro 5G, from its design to its real-world performance, to determine whether it lives up to its ambitious billing.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G features a practical construction with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. The glass front, likely tempered (though not specified as Gorilla Glass), provides a premium touch and reasonable scratch resistance, while the plastic components keep costs and weight in check. This combination is typical in the budget segment, balancing aesthetics with durability, though it lacks the luxurious feel of metal or higher-grade glass found in pricier devices.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Measuring 161.8 x 73.9 x 7.55 mm and weighing just 179g, the Narzo 80 Pro 5G is impressively slim and lightweight for a device packing a 6,000mAh battery. Its 7.55mm thickness ensures easy pocketability, while the curved edges enhance grip comfort during extended use. At 179g, it avoids the heft of some competitors, making it ideal for one-handed operation—a boon for gamers and casual users alike.
Durability: IP68/IP69 Ratings
A standout feature is its IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, offering exceptional protection against environmental hazards. IP68 ensures submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, while IP69 withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water jets—certifications rarely seen below ₹20,000. This durability, paired with military-grade shock resistance, makes it a rugged choice for students or outdoor enthusiasts.
Color Options
Available in Speed Silver and Racing Green, the Narzo 80 Pro 5G caters to varied tastes. Speed Silver offers a sleek, futuristic sheen, while Racing Green, inspired by motorsport aesthetics, appeals to those seeking a bold, dynamic look. Both finishes resist fingerprints well, though the plastic back may show minor scratches over time without a case.
Unique Design Elements
The “Racing Speed Design” features a circular camera module and subtle motorsport-inspired accents, setting it apart from generic budget designs. Its slim profile and lightweight build, despite the large battery, reflect thoughtful engineering, making it both functional and visually distinctive.
Display
Screen Specifications
The Narzo 80 Pro 5G boasts a 6.72-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels (~391 ppi). OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and superior contrast compared to LCDs common in this price range, elevating the visual experience for media and gaming.
120Hz Refresh Rate
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures silky-smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing usability in everyday tasks like browsing social media or navigating Realme UI. For gaming, it supports up to 90fps in titles like BGMI, offering a competitive edge with fluid visuals, though it falls short of the 120fps ceiling seen in premium devices.
Brightness and HDR Support
With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the display excels in outdoor visibility, cutting through direct sunlight effortlessly—a rare feat in this segment. HDR support enhances dynamic range in compatible content, making movies and games more immersive, though real-world HDR performance may depend on app optimization.
Screen-to-Body Ratio
A high screen-to-body ratio (exact figure unconfirmed but likely ~87%) minimizes bezels, providing an expansive view for videos and games. The punch-hole cutout for the front camera is discreet, preserving immersion without the bulk of a notch.
Additional Features
The HyperGlow Esports Display, with a 2,500Hz instant touch sampling rate and 3,840Hz PWM dimming, targets gamers with responsive touch input and reduced flicker for eye comfort. These features, combined with wet-hand touch control, make it a versatile panel for diverse scenarios.
Performance
Chipset Breakdown
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm), the Narzo 80 Pro 5G features an octa-core CPU and a capable Mali-G610 GPU. This chipset, touted as a gaming-focused SoC, delivers strong mid-range performance, balancing efficiency and power for its price point.
Everyday and Multitasking Performance
In daily tasks—web browsing, streaming, and app switching—the device performs smoothly, thanks to LPDDR4X RAM (8GB or 12GB) and UFS 3.1 storage (128GB or 256GB). Multitasking with 8GB RAM handles 10-15 apps well, while the 12GB variant excels under heavier loads, such as simultaneous gaming and media playback.
Gaming Capabilities
For gamers, the Dimensity 7400 shines, supporting 90fps in BGMI with stable frame rates on medium-high settings. An AnTuTu score of 780,000+ positions it ahead of rivals like the Dimensity 6020, though it trails flagship chips. Casual titles run flawlessly, while demanding games like Genshin Impact require optimized settings for smooth play.
Thermal Management
The Cyclone VC Cooling System, with a 6,050mm² vapor chamber, effectively dissipates heat during extended gaming or multitasking. Real-world tests show only mild warmth after 60 minutes of BGMI, ensuring sustained performance without throttling—a critical edge in this segment.
Software Experience
Android 15 and Realme UI 6.0
Launching with Android 15 and Realme UI 6.0, the Narzo 80 Pro 5G offers a modern, customizable interface. Realme UI 6.0 refines its predecessor with smoother animations, enhanced theming, and minimal bloatware, providing a clean yet feature-rich experience.
Unique Features
Gaming optimizations like 90fps BGMI support, alongside NEXT AI features (e.g., AI Snap Mode for photography), enhance usability. Pre-installed apps are limited, with most removable, catering to users who prefer a streamlined setup.
Update Commitment
Realme promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches, ensuring relevance through 2027. This commitment aligns with segment standards, offering decent longevity for a budget device.
Camera System
Rear Camera Setup
The dual-camera system features a 50 MP Sony IMX882 main sensor (f/1.8) with OIS and a 2 MP depth sensor. OIS stabilizes shots, while AI Night Mode and 20x digital zoom add versatility, though the lack of an ultra-wide lens limits creative options.
Performance in Various Conditions
In daylight, the 50 MP sensor captures sharp, vibrant images with good dynamic range. Low-light performance benefits from OIS and AI enhancements, reducing noise, though it lags behind rivals with dedicated night modes. The 2 MP depth sensor aids portrait shots but offers minimal standalone utility.
Video Recording
Video capabilities include 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps with stabilization, delivering smooth footage for casual use, though it lacks the polish of premium devices.
Front Camera
The 16 MP selfie camera produces natural, detailed shots in good light, with software enhancements improving skin tones. Low-light selfies are average, and 1080p@30fps video suits video calls but not vlogging.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity
The 6,000mAh battery offers exceptional endurance, lasting 1.5-2 days with moderate use (e.g., browsing, calls, light gaming). Heavy users can expect a full day with surplus capacity.
Charging Speed
80W SuperVOOC charging refills 50% in ~20 minutes and 100% in ~45 minutes—blazing fast for the segment. Bypass charging powers the system directly during gaming, reducing heat and preserving battery health.
Battery Optimization
Software features like smart power management extend longevity, making it a reliable companion for extended use.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Network and Connectivity
Supporting 5G across multiple bands, alongside 4G, 3G, and 2G, the device ensures future-ready connectivity. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and NFC provide versatile options, though USB-C is version 2.0.
Sensors and Extras
An under-display optical fingerprint sensor offers quick unlocks, complemented by an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. Dual stereo speakers deliver loud, clear audio, though bass is modest. The absence of a 3.5mm jack pushes users toward USB-C or Bluetooth audio.
Gaming Performance
Hardware Suitability
The Dimensity 7400 and Mali-G610 GPU handle BGMI at 90fps with ease, offering a competitive edge in fast-paced titles. Casual games run flawlessly, while intensive ones require balanced settings.
Gaming Features
A 2,500Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive inputs, and the 120Hz display enhances fluidity. The Cyclone VC Cooling System maintains performance during long sessions, a key advantage for gamers.
Storage Options and Expandability
Variants
Options include 8GB+128GB (₹19,999), 8GB+256GB (₹21,499), and 12GB+256GB (₹23,499). The lack of a microSD slot limits expansion, so power users may prefer the 256GB models for media and apps.
Pricing and Availability
Price Points
Starting at ₹19,999 in India, the Narzo 80 Pro 5G offers exceptional value, with early bird sales on April 9, 2025, via Amazon and Realme’s site. Globally, prices hover around $240-$280.
Availability
Available in Speed Silver and Racing Green, it targets India primarily, with limited region-specific promotions like student discounts worth ₹1,299.
Comparative Analysis
Competitors
Against the Poco X6 5G and iQOO Z9, the Narzo 80 Pro 5G excels with its IP69 rating, battery life, and display brightness. However, its camera lacks the versatility of the Poco’s ultra-wide lens, and the iQOO edges out in raw performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros: IP69 durability, 90fps gaming, long battery life, bright display.
Cons: No microSD slot, basic secondary camera, no 3.5mm jack.
User Feedback and Reception
Early posts on X praise its gaming performance and battery, though some note the camera’s limitations in low light. Overall, it’s hailed as a budget gaming champ.
Conclusion
The Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G blends durability, performance, and value, excelling as a budget gaming phone with its 90fps support, 6,000mAh battery, and IP69 rating. While its camera and storage options have drawbacks, it’s a top pick for gamers, students, and cost-conscious buyers seeking a future-proof 5G device.