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I'm not intentionally putting myself through this discomfort as I type with fingers that are nearly numb, while my weather app indicates it “feels like -1 degrees Celsius.” In reality, I'm putting the Realme 14 Pro Plus' standout feature to the test.

As the temperature drops, the back of my phone shifts in hue, transforming from a soft off-white adorned with golden specks to a chilling white streaked with blue tones since I stepped out of my cozy car. It's fascinating to witness the color-changing effects of Realme's phone in the cold, but I can't wait to see it revert to its warm state once more.

A smartphone that alters its color.

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Indeed, the back of the Realme 14 Pro Plus features a color-changing design. The Pearl White variant is equipped with a “thermochromic fusion fiber” rear cover that transitions from its standard white hue to a stunning pearl blue when temperatures dip to minus-8 degrees Celsius (16 degrees Fahrenheit), reverting to its original color as temperatures rise again. While this feature may be seen as a novelty, it undeniably adds an eye-catching element to the device.

Since the arrival of the Realme 14 Pro Plus, the weather in the U.K. has turned quite chilly, and I've witnessed its remarkable ability to adapt and transform in response to the conditions. In warmer temperatures, the device boasts a stunning matte finish enhanced by a gold pearl effect that complements the gold chassis and the border of the camera module beautifully.

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As the surrounding temperature drops, the gold hue begins to fade, making way for a striking blue. This transformation occurs gradually, but you can accelerate it by submerging the phone in cold water or warming it with your hands. I find it fascinating how the change is so subtle; it feels almost like a creature that is alive and breathing.

I wouldn’t claim that the color-shifting rear panel is anything beyond a playful design feature, but it undeniably sparks conversation when you mention it. I can't recall any other phone on the market that features such a color-changing capability, and it’s impressive to see it in action. All you need is to be in a cooler environment for it to transform. However, if you reside in a consistently warm location (consider yourself fortunate), you might not experience the blue hues too frequently.

An unexpectedly impressive camera

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Realme has incorporated its innovative color-changing technology into the Realme 14 Pro Plus, making it a unique option in the smartphone market. Additionally, the brand is focusing on enhancing the camera capabilities, a decision that appears to be well-founded. The device features a 50-megapixel main camera powered by the Sony IMX896 sensor, complemented by a 50MP periscope zoom camera utilizing the Sony IMX882 sensor. Both cameras come equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), alongside an 8MP wide-angle lens. Users can capture images with 3x optical zoom, as well as 2x and 6x “lossless” zoom options.

The camera module features three flash units as part of Realme's innovative "MagicGlow" flash system, allowing users to manually tweak the warmth and brightness levels. Additionally, it includes a set of unique filters designed to harmonize environmental lighting with various skin tones.

A color-changing rear panel is going to grab headlines, but the camera is the Realme 14 Pro Plus’ true standout feature. In the few dozen photos I’ve taken with it, the main camera shows considerable promise due to its lovely tones and color balance, while the 3x and even the 6倍变焦 modes take good pictures. I’m less taken with the 2倍变焦, and as expected, the wide-angle camera’s photos are hazy and lack detail. That aside, the 14 Pro Plus seems to have one of the best Realme cameras in a while.

What can you tell me about the other features of the phone?

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The Realme 14 Pro Plus exceeds expectations, especially considering its seemingly humble specifications. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, paired with 12GB of RAM and a generous storage capacity of up to 512GB. Despite being equipped with a robust 6,000mAh battery, the phone remains surprisingly lightweight at 194 grams and maintains a slim profile of just 7.99mm in thickness.

Realme has chosen to use a quad-curve 6.83-inch, 120Hz screen for the Realme 14 Pro Plus, meaning it has curved corners and sides, just like the OnePlus 13 and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus. I like the screen’s curves, which feel great in the palm of your hand, and appreciate the slim 1.6mm bezels that give it a modern look. Overall, this is a really comfortable, lightweight phone, and it has slipped almost unnoticed into my pocket.

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Additional features comprise stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, a 32MP front-facing camera with autofocus, 80-watt wired charging, and the Android 15 operating system paired with the Realme 6.0 interface. For those who prefer not to opt for the color-shifting Pearl White variant, a Suede Grey option is available, featuring a rear cover made from vegan leather. Realme also assures military-grade shock resistance, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water protection.

Is the unique color-changing ability sufficient on its own?

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A color-changing phone that responds to temperature is certainly an interesting feature, and I must admit I find it appealing. It adds a certain charm to the Realme 14 Pro Plus and definitely sets it apart from other devices. However, I wouldn’t say that this alone justifies purchasing the phone.

From my brief experience with the device, the camera appears to be a key selling point for the Realme 14 Pro Plus. Additionally, the color-changing back panel adds an exciting touch that will impress your friends and distinguish your smartphone from the competition.

At the time of writing, Realme has not stated where the Realme 14 Pro Plus will be released or how much it will cost. Realme is now deep into its renewed international release efforts, so it may arrive in Europe and the U.K. in the near future. We’ll update this article when we know more.