Realme P4 Lite: Realme’s new entry-level smartphone debuts with 90 Hz display and 6,300 mAh battery

Realme has expanded its P-series lineup with the P4 Lite, positioning it as an aggressively priced entry-level contender in India's competitive budget segment. Unlike typical budget devices that compromise heavily on core features, the P4 Lite brings two standout specs to its ₹9,999 ($110) starting price: a 6.74-inch 90Hz display and a colossal 6,300 mAh battery. This launch follows Realme's recent P4 series introductions, including the P4, P4 Pro, P4x, and P4 Power, creating a tiered portfolio targeting different price-sensitive buyers.

Core Specifications and Hardware Choices

Powering the device is the Unisoc T7250 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM across both storage variants (64GB and 128GB). While sufficient for basic tasks like social media and light apps, this entry-level silicon trails MediaTek's Helio G-series or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen chips found in competing devices. Storage is expandable via microSD, maintaining flexibility for media-heavy users. The phone's physical profile impresses at just 7.94mm thickness despite the huge battery, weighing 201 grams—lighter than many peers with similar capacities.

The 90Hz HD+ LCD display represents a clear upgrade over standard 60Hz panels in this segment, offering smoother scrolling and animations. However, the 720x1600 resolution falls short of the Full HD+ standard seen in rivals like Redmi's Note series near this price bracket. Durability enhancements stand out: MIL-STD-810H certification suggests improved shock resistance, while IP54 rating provides basic dust and splash protection—rare at this price.

Battery and Charging: Strength with Compromises

The 6,300 mAh battery is among the largest in any smartphone under ₹12,000, promising multi-day usage for light users. Realme pairs this with only 15W wired charging, meaning full recharges will take over 2 hours. Interestingly, it includes 6W reverse wired charging, effectively turning the device into a power bank—a practical feature for travelers. This contrasts sharply with competitors like Samsung's Galaxy M15 (25W charging) or Poco's faster-charging implementations.

Camera capabilities remain basic: a 13MP primary sensor with an unspecified auxiliary lens handles rear duties, while a 5MP front camera covers selfies. The inclusion of a multi-color LED pulse light adds novelty for notifications, but imaging performance will likely trail devices emphasizing camera quality in this segment.

Positioning Against Competitors

Compared to Realme's own P4 Power (which focuses on 45W charging) and P4 Pro (higher-resolution cameras), the Lite variant prioritizes screen smoothness and battery endurance. Against external rivals, it undercuts the Redmi 13C's pricing while matching its 90Hz display but loses in processor performance (MediaTek Helio G85 vs Unisoc T7250). Samsung's Galaxy A05s offers superior software support near this price but lacks high refresh rates and has a smaller battery.

The dated Android 15 OS at launch raises update concerns—Realme hasn't clarified software support duration, whereas brands like Nokia or Samsung typically guarantee 2-3 years of updates even for budget devices. This could impact long-term usability for security-conscious buyers.

Target Audience and Value Proposition

The P4 Lite clearly targets:

• Battery-centric users: Those prioritizing endurance over speed, especially with limited charging access
• Media consumers: The 90Hz display enhances video and social media scrolling
• Durability seekers: MIL-STD-810H and IP54 suit outdoor or accident-prone environments
• Budget-first shoppers: Needing core smartphone functions below ₹12,000

Available in Obsidian Black, Beach Gold, and Sea Blue, the P4 Lite launches February 24 in India. The 4GB+64GB model costs ₹9,999 ($110), while the 4GB+128GB variant is ₹11,999 ($130). Both will sell via Realme's online store and Flipkart.

For buyers valuing screen fluidity and battery life above processing power or camera performance, the P4 Lite delivers uncommon hardware at aggressive pricing. However, the aging OS, modest charging speeds, and uncertain software support warrant consideration against slightly pricier alternatives with stronger ecosystems.