realme 13+ review
The Realme 13 is a reliable daily driver that checks most boxes for a mid-range smartphone. It boasts impressive performance with its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chip, making gaming and multitasking a breeze. The battery life is also noteworthy, lasting over a day with moderate use. However, it falls short in display quality, camera capabilities, and software experience, which are marred by ad-ridden UI and excessive bloatware. Priced competitively at 16,999 pesos, the Realme 13 offers good value but may not be perfect for all users.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme 13+ is a mid-range smartphone that boasts impressive specs, but its build quality and design are a mixed bag. On one hand, the device feels solid in the hand, with a weighty presence that suggests a premium build quality. However, upon closer inspection, some compromises become apparent. Firstly, the phone's plastic back panel feels somewhat cheap and may not appeal to users who value a premium feel. The glossy finish can also show fingerprints easily, making it look worn out quickly. In contrast, the metal frame surrounding the screen provides a sense of durability, but its thickness is noticeable and may make the device feel slightly bulky. Another design aspect that raised some eyebrows is the lack of attention to detail around the camera module. The protruding lenses seem somewhat awkwardly placed, making it look like an afterthought rather than a deliberate design choice. Moreover, the camera bump itself feels somewhat cheap and lacks any notable premium material finish. Despite these issues, I must admit that the overall build quality is satisfactory. The phone's structure is solid, and the buttons are clicky and well-designed. However, considering the relatively high price point of this device, one would expect a more refined design language and attention to detail in its construction. Ultimately, whether or not you'll be satisfied with the Realme 13+ 's build quality and design will depend on your personal preferences. If you value substance over style, the phone's solid feel may outweigh any aesthetic concerns. However, if you're looking for a device that exudes premium sophistication and attention to detail, you might want to consider other options in this price range.
Battery Life
One aspect where the Realme 13+ truly shines is its impressive battery life. Powered by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W SuperVOOC fast charging via USB Type-C, this phone is designed to last. In our tests, the device consistently delivered long hours of usage. In PCMark's Work 3.0 battery test, it provided an impressive score of 18 hours and 2 minutes of activity, done with 50% brightness, muted volume, and in airplane mode. More importantly, Wi-Fi was turned off. In our video loop test, the phone stayed on for a remarkable 24 hours and 4 minutes of media playback. This suggests that the Realme 13+ is not only great for gaming but also ideal for binge-watching your favorite shows or movies. The charging speeds were equally impressive, with the device powering up from empty to full in just an hour and 15 minutes using the provided 45W charger. Overall, the Realme 13+'s battery life is a standout feature that makes it an excellent choice for those who need a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Whether you're a gamer, a media enthusiast, or simply someone who wants a reliable daily driver, this phone's battery performance is sure to impress.
Display
The display on the Realme 13+ is a letdown. While it's still an LCD panel, I was expecting something more vibrant and color-accurate considering the price point. Unfortunately, it falls short in that regard. Firstly, the brightness of the screen is average at best. In well-lit environments, you may find yourself having to turn up the brightness to levels that are uncomfortable to look at for extended periods. This is not ideal, especially when watching videos or browsing the web. The color gamut on this display also leaves much to be desired. While it covers a decent 100% of the sRGB color space, it struggles with more nuanced and subtle color transitions. This can make for a less immersive viewing experience, particularly if you're into gaming or streaming shows that require a high level of visual fidelity. In terms of contrast ratio, the Realme 13+ fares slightly better. However, this is not enough to redeem its overall display shortcomings. The panel simply lacks the punch and vibrancy that I've come to expect from higher-end smartphones. Furthermore, the screen resolution of 1080p may seem outdated in today's market where almost every flagship offers QHD or even 4K resolution. While it's unlikely you'll notice a significant difference in everyday usage, those who engage in graphic-intensive activities like gaming might find themselves wanting for more pixels to play with. Overall, the display on the Realme 13+ is merely average and fails to impress. If you're particular about visuals or regularly use your phone for media consumption, this might not be the best choice for you. However, if budget is a concern, it's still a viable option – just don't expect too much in terms of display quality.
Camera
The camera on the Realme 13 is an interesting aspect of this device. On one hand, it has some impressive features that make it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts. On the other hand, there are some notable shortcomings that prevent it from being a top-notch camera phone. One of the highlights of the Realme 13's camera is its ability to capture stunning portraits with excellent bokeh effect. The depth sensor does an admirable job in separating the subject from the background, creating a beautiful and intimate atmosphere in the images. Additionally, the camera app itself is intuitive and easy to use, making it a joy to navigate. However, the image quality suffers in low-light conditions, where the camera struggles to capture enough detail and tends to produce noisy shots. This is disappointing, considering that many modern smartphones are capable of producing impressive low-light photos. The ultra-wide-angle lens also shows its limitations in certain situations, such as when capturing images with intricate details or complex compositions. The resulting photos often appear washed out or lacking in depth. While the camera on the Realme 13 has some redeeming qualities, it ultimately falls short of expectations. This is a shame, given that camera performance is one of the key selling points for many smartphone enthusiasts. 3.5/5 In conclusion, while the Realme 13's camera has its strengths and weaknesses, it fails to impress in certain areas. If you're primarily interested in capturing great portraits or using the ultra-wide-angle lens for specific purposes, then this camera may be satisfactory. However, if you're seeking a well-rounded camera experience that excels in low-light conditions or offers superior image quality across various shooting scenarios, then you might want to look elsewhere. If you're set on purchasing the Realme 13, I'd suggest being aware of its limitations and using it primarily for portrait photography and ultra-wide-angle shots. However, if camera performance is a top priority, I'd recommend exploring other options in the same price range that offer more comprehensive camera capabilities.
Price and Value
The Realme 13+ is a mid-range smartphone that promises reliable performance, long battery life, and impressive gaming capabilities. Priced at just PHP 16,999, it's an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly daily driver. One of the standout features of the Realme 13+ is its price-to-value ratio. At PHP 16,999, you get a device that can handle demanding tasks with ease, thanks to its MediaTek Helio G80 processor and 12GB of RAM. The phone also boasts an impressive 5000mAh battery that easily lasts more than a day, even with heavy usage. The Realme 13+ is not without its flaws, however. The display, while bright and colorful, can be somewhat underwhelming in terms of quality. The camera system, too, may not quite live up to expectations, especially when compared to flagship models from other brands. And then there's the software, which comes with a healthy dose of bloatware that can be annoying at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Realme 13+ remains an excellent value for its price. It offers a level of performance and battery life that's hard to match in this segment, making it an ideal choice for those who want a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. In terms of pricing, the Realme 13+ is competitively positioned alongside other mid-range devices on the market. However, its overall package, including its impressive battery life and gaming capabilities, makes it a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone without spending too much. Ultimately, the Realme 13+ is a solid choice for those who value performance and battery life above all else. Its price may not be the lowest on the market, but it's certainly one of the most competitive – making it an excellent value for its price.
Performance
The Realme 13+ is an impressive device that delivers reliable performance in various areas. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 processor provides a smooth user experience, handling demanding tasks with ease. I was able to play games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact without any major issues, although I did notice some frame rate drops when playing the latter at high graphics settings. In terms of benchmarks, the Realme 13+ scored well in PC Mark's Work 3.0 battery test, achieving an impressive 18 hours and 2 minutes of activity time. The video Loop test also yielded a commendable result, providing 24 hours and 4 minutes of media playback. During our gaming test, the phone lasted for 14 hours and 17 minutes. The device's charging speeds are also noteworthy, with the 45W Super D fast charging feature allowing the battery to go from empty to full in just an hour and 15 minutes. This is a significant advantage for users who need to top up their device quickly. Overall, the Realme 13+'s performance is its strongest aspect. The phone's ability to handle demanding tasks without any major issues makes it a reliable daily driver. While there are some drawbacks, such as the display and camera not quite living up to expectations, the pros certainly outweigh the cons in this department. For the price of just 16,999 pesos, the Realme 13+ offers excellent value for money. In conclusion, if you're in the market for a reliable device that can handle your daily tasks without any issues, the Realme 13+ is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that it's not perfect, and some features may not meet your expectations.
Pros
1. delivers performance in the necessary areas
2. reliable daily driver for sure
3. has a very long lasting battery which is rated for more than days use
4. can handle gaming reliably and it doesn't suffer too much from frame rate drops or performance dips
5. can power up out from empty to full in an hour and 15 minutes
6. has a vapor chamber cool system inside
7. is able to provide 18 hours and 2 minutes of activity in PC marks work 3.0 battery test
8. can play games like pubg mobile, mobile Legends and even genin impact on this phone
Cons
1. not perfect such as the display the camera and more importantly the ad ridden software with a lot of bloatware
2. display is not so beautiful
3. bloat Weare plus ads and a bit of lag during browsing
4. camera inclosure gets hot after playing games for a long period of time
5. ads on my phone are irritating because the last thing I want is ads on my phone
6. not that expensive, has a starting SRP of just 16,999 pesos but still what do you think of the realme 13 would you cop or would you rather save up for the realme 13 plus
7. browsing experience might be affected by lag and ads
8. camera performance is not great