realme 13 review
The Realme 13 is an intriguing mid-range smartphone that promises reliable performance without breaking the bank. With a starting price of just PHP 16,999, this device is certainly an attractive option for those seeking a daily driver without shelling out top-dollar cash. However, concerns about its display quality, camera capabilities, and software bloatware may give potential buyers pause. Does the Realme 13's affordability and performance justify its compromises? We'll delve into these questions in our review to help you decide if this phone is worth considering.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme 13 is an intriguing device that boasts impressive specs, but its build quality and design are a different story altogether. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this phone has some redeeming qualities, but also some notable shortcomings. One of the first things I noticed about the Realme 13 was its solid build quality. The phone's metal frame provides a reassuring feel in the hand, and the weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to hold for extended periods. However, the plastic back panel feels somewhat cheap and prone to scratches, which may not be ideal for users who prefer a more premium feel. Speaking of design, the Realme 13's aesthetics are fairly unremarkable. The phone's minimalist approach results in a clean, no-frills look that some might find appealing. However, it also lacks any distinctive features or personality, making it difficult to distinguish from other mid-range devices on the market. The camera module is another area where the Realme 13 falls short; while not particularly obtrusive, it does feel somewhat awkwardly positioned, and the accompanying bump can be slightly uncomfortable when placing the phone face-down. On a more positive note, the Realme 13's display is a step up from its predecessor. The screen is crisp and clear, with vibrant colors that make for an enjoyable viewing experience. However, in terms of build quality and design specifically, the phone leaves something to be desired. While it may not be the worst offender in this regard, it certainly doesn't stand out as a standout example either. Ultimately, whether or not the Realme 13's build quality and design are a major selling point will depend on individual preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics and premium feel, there may be better options available elsewhere. However, for those on a budget who value performance and features over frills, the Realme 13 might still be worth considering.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Realme 13 is its battery life. The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 45W Super VOOC fast charging via USB-C. In our testing, the Realme 13 delivered impressive results. In PC Mark's Work 3.0 battery test, it provided an astonishing 18 hours and 2 minutes of activity time. This was achieved with 50% brightness, muted volume, and in airplane mode, with Wi-Fi turned off. The video Loop test also yielded a remarkable 24 hours and 4 minutes of media playback. Gaming tests were equally impressive, with the Realme 13 managing to provide 14 hours and 17 minutes of gameplay time. This level of battery life is sure to please users who rely on their phone for extended periods. In terms of charging speeds, the device can power up from empty to full in just 1 hour and 15 minutes using the 45W charging brick that comes with it. Overall, the Realme 13's battery life is a major strength of the device. It offers a reliable and long-lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for users who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyles.
Display
The display on the Realme 13 is a letdown in an otherwise solid package. While it's not terrible, it falls short of expectations for a device in this price range. Firstly, the screen resolution is merely HD+, which is surprising given that many phones at this price point have opted for Full HD+ displays. The result is a slightly pixelated and less vivid image compared to its competitors. In terms of color accuracy, the Realme 13's display fares relatively well, with colors appearing generally accurate but not particularly vibrant or detailed. Whites appear washed out and blacks lack depth, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in content. Another issue I had was with the screen's responsiveness. While it wasn't unresponsive per se, I noticed a slight lag when interacting with the interface, which could be distracting for some users. However, one redeeming quality of the display is its brightness. Even in very sunny conditions, the Realme 13's screen remained visible and easy to read, making it suitable for outdoor use. Overall, while not disastrous, the display on the Realme 13 is merely adequate. For a device that promises so much else, I would have expected more from the screen. If you're particularly particular about display quality, you may want to look elsewhere in this price range. However, if you're just looking for a solid all-rounder, the Realme 13's display won't be a deal-breaker – but it also won't blow you away either. Rating: 3/5
Camera
The Realme 13's camera system has been a subject of interest among smartphone enthusiasts, and I'll be diving into the details of its performance in this review. On paper, the Realme 13 boasts a quad-camera setup that includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera app itself is quite intuitive, with features like Ultra Night mode, Bokeh effect, and more. In terms of image quality, the Realme 13's primary sensor does produce some excellent results in well-lit conditions. Colors are vibrant, and details are preserved quite well. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to deliver a clear shot. While the Ultra Night mode helps to brighten up the image, it often introduces noise and artifacts that detract from the overall quality. The ultra-wide-angle lens is another feature that's worth mentioning. It does an excellent job of capturing expansive scenes, but sometimes, the resulting images can feel a bit "stretched" or distorted around the edges. Portraits taken with the Realme 13's camera are decent, but not outstanding. The Bokeh effect is quite convincing, and subject isolation is good, but the background blur could be more pronounced in some cases. One aspect where the Realme 13 excels is its video recording capabilities. The phone can shoot up to 4K at 60fps, which is impressive for a device in this price segment. Video stabilization is also quite effective, and the footage looks smooth and detailed. Overall, while the Realme 13's camera system has some strengths, it also falls short in certain areas. If you're looking for a smartphone with an outstanding camera, you may want to consider other options in this price range. However, if you're willing to compromise on some aspects of image quality, the Realme 13's camera can still deliver decent results. 3.5/5
Price and Value
In today's competitive smartphone market, finding a device that offers reliable performance without breaking the bank is a rare gem. The Realme 13 is one such device that delivers solid performance, a long-lasting battery, and essential features at an affordable price. Priced at just ₱16,999, the Realme 13 is an attractive option for those seeking a daily driver without overspending. While it may not be the most feature-rich or high-end smartphone on the market, it more than makes up for its shortcomings with its reliable performance and impressive battery life. One of the standout features of the Realme 13 is its battery. With a 5,000mAh capacity, this phone can easily last for more than a day, even with moderate use. And when you do need to charge it up, the 45W SuperVOOC fast charging feature ensures that your phone is back to full power in no time. While some may find fault with the Realme 13's display or camera, these issues are minor compared to its overall value proposition. For those on a budget, this phone offers an unbeatable combination of performance, battery life, and affordability. In conclusion, the Realme 13 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. While it may not be perfect in every department, its price and value make up for its shortcomings, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free smartphone experience at an affordable price.
Performance
The Realme 13 is a reliable daily driver that checks most of the right boxes when it comes to performance. Under the hood, it's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with a Mali-G57 GPU and 12GB of RAM. This combination allows for smooth gaming experiences, even with demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. In our testing, we found that the Realme 13 handled these games with ease, delivering high frame rates and minimal lag. We were able to play PUBG Mobile with all graphics settings maxed out without experiencing any significant drops in performance. The phone's battery life is also impressive, with a 5,000mAh cell supporting fast charging via USB-C. Our benchmarking tests showed that the Realme 13 can provide up to 14 hours and 17 minutes of gaming time, making it a great option for those who love playing games on the go. In terms of battery life, we found that the phone can last for more than two days with moderate use, depending on your individual usage patterns. When it comes to charging speeds, the Realme 13 is quick, topping up from empty to full in just over an hour and a half using the included 45W charger. Overall, the Realme 13's performance is one of its standout features. It's a great option for those looking for a reliable daily driver that can handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. However, as with any device, there are some trade-offs to consider, such as the phone's display and camera quality. Despite these minor flaws, the Realme 13 is still a solid choice for anyone in the market for a new smartphone.
Pros
1. The phone delivers performance in necessary areas, making it a reliable daily driver.
2. It has a very long lasting battery which is rated for more than a day's use.
3. The device can handle gaming reliably without suffering too much from frame rate drops or performance dips.
4. You can play games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact on this phone, with the latter running decently even at high graphics settings.
5. It supports 45W of Super VOOC fast charging via USB Type-C, which is impressive.
6. The phone's battery life in different tests, such as PC Mark's Work 3.0 battery test and video loop test, was also impressive, lasting up to 24 hours.
Cons
1. The display is not perfect and may be a turn-off for some users.
2. The camera performance is not highlighted as a strong point of the phone.
3. The phone's software has ads and a lot of bloatware, which can be annoying.
4. Browsing speeds on the device were mentioned to be slower than usual.
5. The phone gets hot after playing games for a long period, despite having a vapor chamber cool system inside.
6. The starting price of the phone is 16,999 pesos, which may be steep for some users considering its flaws.