The back of this phone changes color, but there is another aspect that makes it exceptional.
The back of the Realme 14 Pro Plus changes color according to the temperature. While it's a fun feature, I found another aspect that makes it an appealing purchase.
I'm not suffering deliberately as I write these lines with almost frozen fingers; my weather app tells me the feels-like temperature is 1 degree Celsius. In fact, I'm testing one of the most striking features of the Realme 14 Pro Plus. When the temperature drops, the back of the phone changes color, and it has shifted from a muted white with golden glimmers to an icy white with blue waves. I’m glad to have witnessed how the color change works on this smartphone, although I’m looking forward to it warming up again.
The Pearl White model of the Realme 14 Pro Plus features a "thermochromic fusion fiber" back that changes from its normal white to a pearl blue when the temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsius (16 degrees Fahrenheit), and returns to its original shade as the temperature rises. This effect is unusual, and although it is an aesthetic gimmick, it is genuinely appealing. Since the device arrived in the UK, I have been able to observe its dramatic transformation. In warm weather, the Realme 14 Pro Plus showcases a matte finish with a golden pearl effect, complemented by the golden chassis and the camera module's edge.
As the ambient temperature decreases, the gold takes a back seat to a vibrant blue. This transition is subtle, but it can be accelerated by submerging the phone in cold water or rubbing it between warm hands. I find it fascinating how it changes almost imperceptibly, as though the phone has a life of its own. While I don't think this colorful back panel is more than a curiosity, it certainly sparks conversation among those who hear about it. I can’t think of any other current smartphone with this feature, and it’s nice to see that it works without any special action needed.
Regarding photography, Realme has managed to highlight its color-changing technology while also enhancing the camera, and it seems to have hit the mark. The device includes a 50-megapixel Sony IMX896 main sensor, accompanied by a 50 MP periscopic telephoto lens (Sony IMX882), both with optical image stabilization, along with an 8 MP ultra-wide camera. It allows for optical zoom photos at 3x, as well as "lossless" shots at 2x and 6x. The camera module also boasts three flash units using "MagicGlow" technology, which allow for manual adjustment of warmth and brightness, as well as special filters to balance ambient lighting according to different skin tones. While the color-changing panel draws more attention, the real jewel of the Realme 14 Pro Plus is its camera, which has shown great potential in the few dozen photos I’ve taken, thanks to its beautiful tones and color balance.
As for the rest of the specifications, the Realme 14 Pro Plus offers more than one might expect given its modest technical sheet. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and up to 512 GB of storage. Its 6,000 mAh battery does not compromise its weight or dimensions, as the phone weighs 194 grams and has a thickness of 7.99 mm. The 6.83-inch curved display at 120 Hz feels nice in hand, and the thin 1.6 mm borders give it a modern look. Overall, it’s a comfortable and light device that easily slips into a pocket.
Other features include stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint sensor, a 32 MP front camera with autofocus, 80-watt wired charging, and it operates on Android 15 with the Realme 6.0 interface. For those who prefer a different design, there is a Suede Grey version with a vegan leather back. Additionally, Realme promises military-grade shock resistance, as well as water and dust resistance with IP68 and IP69 certifications.
The special color-changing feature, although it may seem trivial, truly gives character to the Realme 14 Pro Plus and makes it unique, though it is not a definitive reason to purchase it. Based on my brief experience with this smartphone, the camera appears to be the main reason to buy it, while the changing back panel is an additional appeal that will surprise those who see it. So far, Realme has not announced where the Realme 14 Pro Plus will be sold or its price. However, the company is in the midst of a renewed international launch effort, so it may soon arrive in Europe and the UK. We will update this information as soon as we have more details.
