realme C61 review
In this review, I'll be diving into the Realme C61, a budget-friendly smartphone that promises to deliver on performance without breaking the bank. With its mid-range specs and affordable price tag, I'll be putting it head-to-head against another impressive contender, the CMF Phone 1, which boasts a flagship-grade display and processor at a similar cost. My goal is to provide an honest assessment of both devices, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision when considering your next smartphone purchase.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme C61 is an intriguing smartphone that promises to deliver excellent performance at an affordable price point. However, as I delved deeper into its design and build quality, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the C61's build quality is anything but premium. The device feels flimsy in the hand, with a plastic body that lacks any real sense of solidity or sturdiness. The lack of attention to detail is noticeable, with visible seams and an overall cheap feel to the entire package. One would expect, at the very least, some semblance of aesthetic appeal from a device at this price point. Unfortunately, the C61's design does little to impress. The boxy shape and bland color options make it blend into the background rather than stand out as a style icon. Even the buttons and ports seem uninspired, lacking any real flair or sophistication. The only redeeming quality I could find was in the phone's ability to be easily disassembled for repairs or modifications. However, this is more of a nod to its potential modularity rather than an actual strength of the device itself. In conclusion, while the Realme C61 may excel in other areas such as performance and display quality, its build quality and design are decidedly subpar. For those seeking a phone that feels premium and looks the part, there are far better options available on the market.
Battery Life
The battery life is one of the most crucial aspects of any smartphone, and unfortunately, the Realme C61 falls short in this department. Despite its large 5000mAh battery, I found myself needing to recharge the phone more often than I would have liked. My usage patterns are pretty standard - casual browsing, social media, streaming music, and the occasional gaming session. However, even with moderate use, the Realme C61 struggled to last a full day on a single charge. The battery life is nowhere near the promised 5-day juice, as per Realme's claims. In my experience, the phone would easily drop below 20% by evening, requiring an urgent top-up before bed. This wasn't due to any specific power-hungry apps or features; just normal usage. I'm not sure what Realme was thinking when they claimed this phone could last five days on a single charge. The battery life is the most disappointing aspect of the Realme C61, making it difficult for me to recommend this phone to anyone who values a long-lasting battery. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and are looking for a device with excellent battery life, I'd suggest exploring other options.
Display
The Realme C61's display is a major letdown. With a 6.5-inch screen size, one would expect a decent viewing experience, but unfortunately, that's not the case here. The display resolution is just HD+ (720x1600 pixels), which is outdated and inferior to what many other smartphones in this price segment offer. Furthermore, the Realme C61's display lacks any notable features or improvements. There's no higher refresh rate, no HDR support, and no advanced display protection like Gorilla Glass. The screen itself feels dull and uninspired, making it a chore to watch videos or browse content on this device. In comparison, many other budget smartphones offer better displays with higher resolutions (FHD+ or even 4K), faster refresh rates, and advanced features like HDR support. Even the Realme C series' own predecessors had more impressive displays. The lack of a good display is especially disappointing given that the phone's performance and camera capabilities are somewhat decent. It's clear that Realme prioritized other aspects over the display, but this decision ultimately hurts the overall user experience. If you're in the market for a budget smartphone with a great display, I would recommend looking elsewhere. The Realme C61's display is a major turn-off, and it's not something I can easily overlook.
Camera
The Realme C61's camera system is one of its most underwhelming features. Despite the phone's impressive specifications, the camera experience falls short of expectations. The primary sensor is a 50-megapixel unit that struggles to deliver high-quality images in various lighting conditions. Photos taken indoors often appear washed out, with a noticeable lack of detail and vibrancy. Outdoor shots are slightly better, but still plagued by excessive noise and poor dynamic range. The camera's inability to handle low-light scenarios is particularly disappointing, resulting in grainy and soft photos. The 8-megapixel front camera fares no better, producing subpar selfies with a noticeable pixelation effect. The lack of advanced features such as night mode or improved portrait mode makes the camera experience feel dated compared to other mid-range offerings. One of the most egregious issues with the Realme C61's camera is the presence of a fake camera sensor on the back. This deliberate inclusion of a non-functional camera module is a clear attempt to mislead consumers into thinking they're getting more bang for their buck. In reality, it only serves as a minor aesthetic addition that does nothing to enhance the overall camera experience. In comparison, other mid-range devices like the Cmf Phone 1 offer significantly better camera experiences at similar price points. With its improved image quality, additional features, and absence of fake cameras, the Cmf Phone 1 is a more compelling choice for those seeking a solid camera experience. The Realme C61's subpar camera system is a major letdown considering the phone's promising specifications. While it may not be a deal-breaker for some users, it's certainly a factor to consider when evaluating this device.
Price and Value
The Realme C61 is a mid-range smartphone that fails to deliver on its price promise. With a price tag of around $180, it's expected to offer more than what this device provides. Firstly, the C61's design and build quality are unimpressive. The plastic body feels cheap and lacks premium feel. While it may appeal to budget-conscious buyers, others will find it underwhelming. Moreover, the camera setup is questionable, with a fake camera sticker on the back that adds no value to the device. In terms of specs, the C61 has a 6GB RAM and 256GB storage, which is average for its price range. However, the display resolution could be higher, and the charging speed is also disappointing. The biggest issue with the Realme C61 is its overpriced nature. Considering what it offers, it's hard to justify spending $180 on this device. The camera, battery life, and overall performance are not commensurate with the price tag. In contrast, the Cmf Phone 1, a budget device priced around $200, offers far better value for money. With a higher-resolution display, improved cameras, faster charging, and more storage options, it's hard to ignore its merits. The Realme C61 may have some advantages in terms of battery life and charging speed, but overall, the Cmf Phone 1 is the better choice. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that won't break the bank, there are better options available than the Realme C61. Its price point demands more, but unfortunately, this device falls short of expectations.
Performance
The Realme C61 is an entry-level smartphone that promises decent performance at an affordable price. However, does it live up to its promise? In this review, we'll focus on the device's performance and compare it with another budget-friendly option, the Cmf Phone 1. In our daily use of the Realme C61, we found that it performed adequately, but not exceptionally. The device handled basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and messaging without any issues. However, when it came to more demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, the phone started to show its limitations. When compared with the Cmf Phone 1, a budget-friendly option from another manufacturer, the Realme C61 falls short in performance. The Cmf Phone 1, with its MediaTek Helio G83 processor, outperforms the Realme C61's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip. While both devices may not be flagship-grade performers, the Cmf Phone 1 is noticeably better at handling demanding tasks. We tested both devices in popular mobile games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile. The Cmf Phone 1 handled these games with ease, while the Realme C61 struggled to maintain a smooth performance. This highlights the difference in processing power between the two devices. In terms of battery life, both devices performed similarly. They lasted around a day with moderate use, but didn't have any standout features that set them apart. Overall, while the Realme C61 is an adequate performer for its price point, it falls short when compared to more powerful budget options like the Cmf Phone 1. If you're looking for a device that can handle demanding tasks and games with ease, we'd recommend considering other options in this price range.
Pros
1. It has a fantastic display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness
2. The battery life is very good with 5,000 milliamps capacity
3. It comes with fast charging (33 w) despite not including a charger in the box
4. The processor is a Mediatech G70300, which is comparable to Flagship-grade processors from a couple years back
5. It has expendable storage up to 2 TB
6. The camera can record at 4K 30 and 1080p 30
Cons
1. It's overpriced for what it offers, especially compared to the CMF phone
2. It comes with a lower-end processor than some mid-range phones on the market
3. The build quality is made of plastic all around, which might not be as premium as other devices
4. It doesn't come with a charger in the box, despite fast charging capability
5. The fake camera at the back is a major minus for me
6. The device feels like a mid-range phone with a higher price tag