realme C61 review
The realme realme C61 ranks as the #729 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 37. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #557-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the OnePlus Nord N20 SE or Motorola Moto G20, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
Realme C61 boasts a lightweight, plastic body with a 7.8mm slim profile and 187g weight, ensuring portability without sacrificing durability. Its 6.74-inch display features a 2.5D curved glass design and TUV Rheinland-certified low blue light for eye comfort. The rear houses a dual-camera setup with a non-functional sticker lens, blending practicality with minimalist aesthetics. Available in black and green, the phone’s 85% usable surface maximizes screen real estate while maintaining a compact frame. This balance of form and function caters to budget-conscious users seeking a stylish yet functional device for daily use. A better alternative might be realme Note 60, featuring a next-level design.
Battery Life
The Realme C61 features a 5000mAh non-removable Li-Polymer battery, promising extended usage between charges. Its 45W fast charging capability (charger not included) ensures rapid power replenishment, ideal for users on the go. While the battery’s capacity aligns with budget-friendly devices, its efficiency is bolstered by the phone’s power-optimized hardware and software. Compared to the CMF Phone 1’s 33W charging, the C61’s higher wattage offers faster recovery, though its LCD display and mid-tier processor may consume more energy than AMOLED alternatives. Overall, the battery delivers reliable performance for moderate to heavy use, balancing longevity with quick charging to minimize downtime. You may find OnePlus Nord CE 5G a better fit, thanks to its superior battery.
Display
The Realme C61’s 6.74-inch LCD display delivers vibrant visuals with a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. Its 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+) offers clear detail, while the 260 PPI pixel density ensures crisp text and imagery. The screen’s 400 cd/m² typical brightness and 560 cd/m² peak ensure visibility in sunlight, aided by a 2.5D curved glass design that enhances ergonomics. A Water Drop Notch and frameless layout maximize the 85% usable surface, blending modern aesthetics with practicality. TUV Rheinland-certified low blue light technology reduces eye strain during prolonged use. Though not AMOLED, the IPS panel balances energy efficiency with color accuracy, making it a reliable choice for multimedia and everyday tasks. If you’re after a better display, realme Note 60 could be the ideal option.
Camera
The Realme C61’s camera system combines a 32MP primary rear lens with f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP secondary depth sensor for portrait mode, though the latter is criticized as a non-functional "sticker camera" in reviews. The front 5MP selfie shooter with f/2.0 aperture offers basic clarity for video calls and selfies. While the primary sensor supports autofocus, phase detection autofocus (PDAF), digital zoom, and HDR, the lack of optical image stabilization and slow-motion video (30fps only) limits performance in low light or dynamic scenes. The dual-camera setup enables features like panorama, geotagging, and scene modes, but the absence of advanced hardware (e.g., CMF Phone 1’s 4K capabilities) positions the C61 as a budget option. Its LED flash and digital image stabilization suffice for casual photography, balancing affordability with modest versatility for everyday use. realme Note 60 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded camera.
Price and Value
Realme C61 offers competitive pricing with a 5000mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and a 90Hz display, making it ideal for budget-conscious users. Available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB variants, it balances essential features like dual cameras and a vibrant screen without premium costs, ensuring value-packed performance for everyday use.
Performance
The Realme C61 is powered by a mid-tier Unisoc Tiger T612/T7225 octa-core processor with 1.8GHz speeds and Mali-G57 GPU, paired with 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128/256GB UFS 2.2 storage. Its Antutu score of 252,597 places it in the lower mid-range, outperforming 59% of devices. While efficient for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and casual gaming, heavy multitasking or graphically intensive apps may strain its hardware. The 90Hz display enhances smoothness, but the lack of high-end silicon and cooling features limits sustained performance under load, making it a practical yet modest choice for budget users. You might want to check out realme Note 60, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Pros
1. 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging for extended usage and rapid power recovery.
2. 90Hz LCD display with 2.5D curved glass for smooth visuals and ergonomic design.
3. Budget-friendly pricing with storage options up to 256GB and 8GB RAM variants.
4. Antutu score of 252,597 ensures adequate performance for everyday tasks and casual use.
Cons
1. Non-functional 2MP secondary rear camera criticized as a 'sticker lens' with limited practicality.
2. LCD display lacks the energy efficiency and color depth of AMOLED panels in competing models.
3. Mid-tier Unisoc processor and Mali-G57 GPU may struggle with heavy multitasking or gaming.
4. Absence of optical image stabilization and 4K video capabilities limits photography versatility.
5. Non-removable battery and no microSD slot (discrepancy noted in source text) restrict customization.
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