Realme has officially launched the Realme 15x, the newest member of its expanding Realme 15 series, and it’s making waves not just for its technical specifications, but also for some eyebrow-raising choices in design and marketing. 
With a 7,000 mAh battery, a screen that pushes a whopping 144Hz refresh rate, and an unusual new water-resistance branding, the 15x is positioned as a rugged, heavy-duty device in a segment where most smartphones play safe.
At the heart of the Realme 15x lies the Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, expandable up to a generous 2TB via microSD. The phone runs Realme UI 6 based on Android 15, promising a smoother software experience with the company’s latest AI and personalization tricks. On paper, these numbers put the phone firmly in the mid-range category, but Realme seems intent on delivering a blend of flagship-like durability and playful innovation.
The device’s display is a 6.8-inch HD+ LCD panel with 1,200 nits peak brightness and a 144Hz refresh rate. While some enthusiasts have already complained about the mismatch between the high refresh rate and the relatively modest HD+ resolution, Realme defends its choice by highlighting Smart Touch support. This technology allows users to operate the phone even with wet or greasy fingers, while wearing gloves, or through waterproof pouches – clearly a nod to outdoor use and extreme conditions.
On the camera front, the Realme 15x doesn’t shy away from showing ambition. It houses a 50MP Sony IMX852 sensor as its main shooter, paired with an additional secondary camera whose purpose Realme has yet to reveal. The front-facing camera also packs a punch, boasting a 50MP OmniVision sensor. Alongside the raw hardware, the brand has pushed a suite of AI features: AI Landscape for smarter scene detection, AI Eraser for photo cleanup, AI Ultra Clarity 2.0 for enhanced details, AI Glare Remover for low-light fixes, and even AI Motion Deblur. The intention is clear – Realme wants this to be a camera-centric phone without labeling it as such.
One of the standout quirks is the so-called “IP69 Pro” rating. While no global standard officially recognizes this, Realme has bundled together IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications and slapped on the “Pro” moniker. The company claims this means the phone can withstand 36 different types of liquids at temperatures from 0°C to 85°C, though the actual list of those liquids remains undisclosed. Critics may find this marketing strategy a bit gimmicky, yet it undeniably makes the device stand out in conversations. To further boost its toughness credentials, the 15x also meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards.
The Realme 15x also carries lifestyle-focused design elements. A rear-mounted Pulse Light acts as a colorful notification system, offering nine colors and five distinct glowing patterns, adding personality to the ruggedness. The phone is available in Aqua Blue, Marine Blue, and Maroon Red, with two configurations: 6GB RAM/128GB storage and 8GB RAM/128GB storage, priced at INR 16,999 ($190/€165) and INR 17,999 ($200/€175), respectively. It measures 8.2mm in thickness, weighs 212g, and uses a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for biometrics.
Battery life is another highlight. The 7,000 mAh cell comes bundled with an 80W charger, though charging speeds max out at 60W. While that decision might puzzle some users, Realme likely chose to balance speed with long-term battery health. There’s also 6.5W reverse wired charging, letting the 15x double as a power bank for smaller devices – a handy feature for travelers.
In essence, the Realme 15x is an unusual mix: a phone with practical durability features, oversized battery, and marketing buzzwords that both impress and confuse. While some of its specifications, like the HD+ screen, seem out of place in 2025, its bold positioning may appeal to those who prioritize longevity, ruggedness, and a bit of flashiness over pixel density. Whether it becomes a cult favorite or just another quirky entry in Realme’s lineup will depend on how much consumers buy into the “IP69 Pro” story.