Realme has entered the budget tablet space with a 10.4-inch slate packing a WUXGA+ display, an aluminum chassis, and the option of LTE. Priced at Rs 17,999, this is the brand's first tablet—and it earns a 4/5 rating.
Tablets in this bracket tend to be workhorse screens for video calls, streaming, and online classes. That makes the Realme Pad a candidate for anyone who wants a second screen at home without spending laptop money.
What the review covers
The Realme Pad ships with a slim aluminum frame available in champagne gold or metallic grey. The front camera sits centered on the longer edge—clearly designed for landscape use during video calls. The quad speakers carry Dolby Atmos certification and deliver surprisingly loud output.
The 10.4-inch IPS screen runs at 2000×1200 resolution, which sits just above Full HD. At roughly 360 nits, it reads well indoors and holds up outdoors. Widevine L1 certification means Netflix and other major OTT platforms deliver Full HD rather than downgrading to standard definition. The panel skips HDR support and a 60Hz refresh rate, both modest compromises at this price.
Storage maxes out at 1TB via microSD—generous for a budget slate. The LTE variant accepts a 4G SIM for calls and data; the WiFi-only model does not. Neither variant includes a fingerprint scanner.
Why this matters
The Helio G80 handles browsing, streaming, and video calls without complaint. It stumbles when pushed—too many apps open at once will cause lag, and demanding games like Asphalt 9 won't run smoothly at high settings. This is not a productivity device; Realme has not announced a keyboard accessory, leaving typing awkward.
The lack of a fingerprint scanner is the most tangible omission. Face unlock and PINs work, but neither matches the speed and reliability of a scanner—especially for a device that may pass between family members or sit in a classroom. For households with kids, this is worth factoring into your setup routine.
Who should care
| Use case | Verdict |
|---|---|
| HD streaming on Netflix/OTT | Strong choice—Widevine L1 + vibrant colors |
| Kids' online classes | Good option; Kids Space and YouTube Kids included |
| Video calls for work or school | Ultra-wide front camera is practical in landscape |
| Light gaming | Acceptable for casual titles, not graphically intense games |
| Writing or productivity work | Limited—no keyboard accessory available |
Bottom line
The Realme Pad gets the basics right for the price: a sharp display, loud speakers, LTE flexibility, and clean software. The missing fingerprint scanner is a daily inconvenience rather than a dealbreaker. If you need a budget tablet for streaming and video calls, it belongs on your shortlist.
Key takeaways
- Widevine L1 makes this a strong streaming tablet for the price.
- Internal storage is modest—plan to add a microSD card.
- Set a strong PIN and enable device tracking before handing it to kids.
- Skip this if you need a keyboard for regular typing work.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Realme Pad support HD streaming on Netflix?
Yes. Widevine L1 certification means Netflix and other major OTT apps deliver Full HD rather than SD.
Can the LTE variant make phone calls?
The LTE model accepts a 4G SIM and supports calling and mobile data. The WiFi-only version does not.
Is there a fingerprint reader?
No. The tablet relies on face unlock, PIN, or pattern for authentication.
Is the screen usable outdoors?
The display is rated around 360 nits, which works outdoors in shade or overcast conditions but struggles in direct sunlight.
What storage configurations are available?
You can choose between 3GB RAM with 32GB storage or 4GB RAM with 64GB storage. Both support expansion up to 1TB via microSD card.