The Realme 5G smartphone is being advertised for as low as ₹5,299 during India’s ongoing festive sales season. The sharp price drop has drawn strong interest from consumers but has also raised concerns over authenticity and market transparency. Analysts say the offer, if verified, could be one of the most aggressive pricing moves seen in India’s budget 5G smartphone segment.
A Record Price Drop on Realme 5G Smartphone Price
The Realme 5G smartphone typically sells in the range of ₹9,000 to ₹12,000, depending on the model and specifications. Offering it at ₹5,299 represents a price cut of nearly 50 percent.
The offer has appeared on multiple third-party shopping websites, though Realme India has not issued an official press statement confirming the details of this particular deal. Industry experts say such deep discounts are unusual even during festival sales.
“Price drops during festival sales are expected, but a cut this deep is rare and must be verified carefully,” said Dr. Rohan Menon, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research.
India’s Festive Sales: A Key Season for Smartphone Brands
India’s major festive sales coincide with Diwali and Dussehra, traditionally between October and November. E-commerce giants like Amazon India and Flipkart offer steep discounts across categories, from electronics to household goods.
For smartphone brands, this is the most important sales window of the year. According to IDC India, nearly 35 percent of annual smartphone sales occur during this period.
“Festive season pricing is crucial for capturing new customers, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” said Priya Sharma, Senior Director at IDC India. “Brands push entry-level models to increase their market share rapidly.”
Realme’s Strategy in India’s 5G Race
Realme entered the Indian market in 2018 and quickly positioned itself as a value-for-money brand. In the last three years, it has focused on affordable 5G smartphones to attract younger buyers and rural consumers.
India’s 5G rollout began in 2022, and Realme was one of the earliest brands to launch budget-friendly 5G phones. According to Canalys Research, Realme held about 12 percent of the Indian smartphone market in mid-2025.
The company’s pricing strategy has helped it compete directly with Xiaomi, Samsung, and Lava. Analysts say that a ₹5,299 deal, if legitimate, would undercut rivals by a wide margin.
Comparison With Rival Brands
Xiaomi’s most affordable 5G phone currently starts at around ₹9,499, while Samsung’s entry-level Galaxy 5G devices are priced closer to ₹12,000. Domestic manufacturer Lava also offers low-cost 5G options starting around ₹8,000.
“Realme’s strategy has always been aggressive. If this offer is genuine, it’s not just a sale — it’s a statement to competitors,” said Kunal Bhatia, an independent technology market researcher.
This competition could lead to a short-term price war, benefiting consumers but squeezing margins for brands.
Consumer Behavior and Festive Discounts
Festive discounts have a strong influence on buyer behavior in India. Many consumers plan big-ticket purchases around this period to take advantage of lower prices, cashback offers, and no-cost EMI plans.
Twenty-six-year-old Arjun Mehta from Lucknow said, “I wait for the Diwali sale every year. Last year I bought a smart TV at half price. This year, I was looking for a 5G phone, and the Realme offer caught my attention.”
Such seasonal buying behavior allows brands to clear inventory, launch new models, and attract new users to their ecosystem.
Warnings About Fake or Unofficial Deals
While the low price is tempting, experts caution against rushing into unverified purchases. Some third-party websites offer products without proper authorization. These may not include valid warranties or may even be refurbished or counterfeit.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued several consumer advisories about fraudulent online offers. Reputed e-commerce platforms have strengthened their seller verification processes, but scams still occur.
“Consumers should check the seller name, return policy, and warranty coverage before completing the payment,” said Anita D’Souza, spokesperson for the Consumer Electronics Retailers Association of India.
How to Verify a Smartphone Deal
Experts recommend a few practical steps to confirm the authenticity of such deals:
- Buy only from verified sellers on trusted platforms.
- Check for warranty details and ensure they are from Realme India.
- Match the IMEI number with Realme’s website for registration.
- Look for red flags such as unofficial payment links or unreasonably large discounts.
- Check customer reviews and ratings of the seller.
These steps can help buyers avoid losing money to fraudulent deals.
India’s 5G Growth Story
India is now one of the fastest-growing 5G smartphone markets in the world. According to a report from GSMA Intelligence, India is expected to have over 600 million 5G users by 2030.
Affordable smartphones are seen as the key to this growth. Aggressive pricing helps bring more people online, especially in rural areas where affordability is critical.
“Low-cost 5G phones are essential to close India’s digital divide,” said Dr. S. Natarajan, a telecom policy expert at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. “However, affordability should not come at the cost of consumer safety.”
Government Regulation and Consumer Protection
India’s e-commerce policy requires platforms to clearly display seller information and offer refund options for counterfeit or damaged products. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has made it mandatory for e-commerce companies to respond to consumer complaints promptly.
Buyers also have the right to file complaints with consumer forums if they receive fake or substandard products. Many companies also have dedicated grievance redressal officers for such cases.
International Context
India’s smartphone pricing is significantly lower than that of many countries. In markets like Brazil or South Africa, entry-level 5G phones often cost over ₹15,000. Realme’s ₹5,299 deal, if real, would make India one of the cheapest markets for 5G smartphones globally.
“India’s market is unique because of its scale,” said Professor Anjali Verma, a digital economy expert at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Brands use aggressive pricing here to build long-term customer bases.”
The Road Ahead
The Realme 5G smartphone price drop may signal the start of more competitive pricing strategies in the coming months. Other brands could launch similar flash sales or cashback offers to stay competitive.
While this is good news for consumers, experts say it’s important to balance price with quality and security.
Conclusion
The Realme 5G smartphone’s ₹5,299 offer has created a major buzz in India’s smartphone market. It reflects both the intense competition among brands and the growing demand for affordable 5G devices.
But experts and officials caution that buyers should remain careful, verify sellers, and understand their consumer rights. For India, where millions are still switching from 4G to 5G, deals like this could accelerate digital inclusion — if they are genuine and transparent.
