Realme Phones You Shouldn’t Buy (Avoid): A Detailed Guide
Realme has rapidly gained popularity in markets like Kenya by offering smartphones with aggressive pricing and impressive specifications, often targeting the budget and mid-range segments. However, with a constantly expanding lineup, not every Realme phone represents the best value or meets modern requirements in 2025. Some older models, those with specific limitations, or those priced incorrectly might be worth avoiding. This guide will navigate the Realme landscape and pinpoint the types and specific examples of Realme phones you might want to avoid in 2025, ensuring you make a smart purchase in Kenya.
I. The Case Against Very Old Realme Smartphones (Pre-2020)
Like any brand, older Realme phones have reached their end-of-life in terms of software support:
* End of Software Updates: Realme’s software update policy typically offers 2 major Android updates for most of its phones and security updates for around 3 years. Budget-oriented C series might receive only one major update or none. Phones released before 2020 are highly unlikely to receive any further updates in 2025.
* Examples: Realme 1, Realme 2/2 Pro, Realme C1/C2, Realme U1, Realme 3/3 Pro, Realme 5/5i/5s, Realme X (original).
* Outdated Hardware: Older Realme phones will have slower processors, less RAM, inferior cameras and degraded batteries compared to modern offerings.
II. Specific Realme Models With Historically Known Limitations or Issues
Some Realme models might have faced specific criticisms:
* Models With Underwhelming Performance for Their Price: Some older mid-range Realme phones might have used processors that didn’t offer the best performance compared to competitors at the same price point. Research specific model chipsets.
* Cameras That Don’t Live Up to the Hype: While Realme often boasts about camera capabilities, some models might have had inconsistencies or not performed as well as advertised in independent reviews.
* Build Quality Concerns on Specific Budget Models: While generally offering good value, some very entry-level Realme C series phones might have a less premium build.
III. Realme Phones With Outdated Specs for Their Price in 2025
Some older Realme models might still be available at prices that don’t reflect their outdated specifications compared to newer Realme or competitor options:
* How to identify: Compare the specifications (processor, RAM, screen resolution, camera megapixels, battery capacity, charging speed) of the phone you’re considering with newer Realme models or similarly priced phones from brands like Xiaomi (Redmi/Poco), Oppo, or Samsung.
IV. Realme Phones With Poor User Reviews (Beyond Update Issues)
Look for consistent negative feedback regarding aspects like performance (even for their class), camera quality, battery life, display quality, or software stability (bugs or glitches in Realme UI). While Realme UI has improved, some users have preferences for other Android skins.
V. The Risks of Counterfeit or Unverified Imported Realme Phones in Kenya
Be cautious of very cheap Realme phones, especially from unofficial sources, as they could be counterfeit or have undisclosed issues. Purchasing from trusted retailers like Yes Gadgets (yesgadgetske.com) in Kenya helps mitigate this risk.
VI. Specific Realme Series or Tiers to Approach With Caution in Kenya (2025)
* Very old Realme C series and number series (1-5): Their outdated hardware and likely lack of updates make them poor choices in 2025. Examples: Realme C1, Realme 3, Realme 5i.
* Realme phones with very limited RAM (e.g., 2GB or less) in 2025: These will struggle significantly with modern apps and multitasking.
* Realme phones with very low internal storage (e.g., 16GB or 32GB) without a microSD card slot (though most Realme phones do have this).
* Any Realme phone where the seller doesn’t provide clear information about software update status.
VII. Realme Phones Lacking Essential Features (Depending on Your Needs)
* Lack of NFC: For contactless payments, which is becoming increasingly important. While more common on mid-range and higher Realme phones, some budget models might lack it.
* No Ultra-Wide Camera (on some mid-range or older models): If versatile photography is important.
* Slower Charging Speeds on Budget Models: While Realme is known for fast charging (“Dart Charge”), this might not be available on their most budget-oriented devices.
VIII. Overpriced Realme Phones Compared to Competitors
While Realme often offers competitive pricing, some specific models, especially in the mid-range, might be priced similarly to or even higher than comparable offerings from Xiaomi (Redmi/Poco) or Oppo in the Kenyan market. Always compare specifications and prices across brands.
IX. Buying Safely in Kenya – The Role of Trusted Retailers
When purchasing Realme phones in Kenya, especially to ensure you are getting a genuine device with warranty support and clarity on software updates, it’s crucial to buy from reputable sellers. Yes Gadgets (yesgadgetske.com) is a trusted retailer where you can find genuine Realme phones with more assurance of quality and after-sales service.
Conclusion
While Realme offers compelling smartphones with aggressive pricing, it’s important to be discerning and avoid very old or ultra-budget models with outdated specifications in 2025. Pay attention to the specific model’s update promise and compare specifications and prices with competitors in the Kenyan market, especially Xiaomi and Oppo. Prioritize purchasing from trusted retailers like Yes Gadgets (yesgadgetske.com) to ensure you get a genuine device and understand its long-term support prospects. By doing your research, you can find a Realme phone that offers a good balance of features, performance, and value without regrets.
YES Gadgets Ke. Visit us at Moi Avenue, HH TOWERS, Fifth floor, SHOP 505, (LAST OFFICE), directly opposite NAIVAS SUPERMARKET situated at Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue Junction, Nairobi CBD near IMENTI HOUSE. HH Towers is the New Cream Tall Building. Follow the (YES Gadgets Ke) SIGNAGES to the shop upon exiting the Elevator/Lift at 5th Floor. Regards, Papa Kelli. Our contacts: 0746152231/0724749105. (Papa Kelli)
