realme Note 60 review
The Realme Note 60 is a budget-friendly device that offers a functional phone experience at an affordable price point of around $80. The phone comes with a 6.74-inch LCD IPS display running at a 90Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging speed, and a Unisoc T612 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM. One of the most striking features (or rather, the lack thereof) is the single camera setup on the back, which appears to be a fake camera lens. The main sensor is a 32MP F1.8 aperture wide sensor, while the selfie cam is a 5MP wide sensor. The build quality is primarily plastic with a type-C charging port and headphone jack at the bottom. One of the few redeeming qualities is the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor, which is surprising given its traditional button design. For the price, you get a phone with cable and a case, but it's clear that this device caters to those who value affordability over performance. The 10W charging speed is a significant drawback, as it barely provides any charge after 15 minutes of plugging in. In comparison to other budget devices, the Realme Note 60 fares decently, but for a price that's only marginally higher ($80-$300), you can get a significantly better device with more respectable specifications. It's recommended to spend a bit more and opt for a mid-range phone that offers far superior performance. Overall, the Realme Note 60 is a cheap phone that gets the job done, but it's not ideal for daily use due to its sluggish performance and mediocre features. If you value durability over price, this device might be acceptable, but if you're looking for a reliable phone for everyday use, consider spending a bit more on a better device.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme Note 60's build quality is primarily plastic, which is evident in its frame and back panel. While it may feel cheap to some, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. The device features a Type-C charging port and a headphone jack at the bottom, as well as speakers and a microphone on top. One of the most striking design choices on this phone is the single camera setup on its back. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, it appears to be a fake lens. Yes, you read that right - there's no actual camera sensor beneath the plastic cover. This is a baffling decision, especially given the prominence of the camera bump. Furthermore, the power button and volume controls are not exactly reassuring, with some users mistakenly believing they're fingerprint sensors (spoiler alert: they're not). The phone's case also features an unnecessary hole for... well, nothing, really. It's just a design choice that adds to the overall impression of cheapness. On the bright side, the Realme Note 60 does have a functional fingerprint sensor on its back, which is more than can be said for some other budget devices out there. Considering the price point of around $80, it's hard not to see this phone as, well, what it is - a cheap device that will get you by in an emergency. While it may not win any design awards or impress with its build quality, it does serve a purpose for those on a tight budget. Just don't expect too much from it, and you'll be fine. In the grand scheme of things, the Realme Note 60's design and build quality are passable at best. It's not terrible, but it's certainly not impressive either. If you're willing to overlook these shortcomings for a lower price tag, then this phone might be worth considering. However, if you have any other options available, there are better choices out there that will provide a more enjoyable and satisfying user experience.
Battery Life
The Realme Note 60's battery life is one aspect where it shines. With a massive 5,000mAh battery and 10W charging speed, you'd expect the phone to last all day without needing a recharge. While that's true for some users, my experience was quite different. I found the battery life to be mediocre at best. Although the phone can easily last a full day with moderate usage, it barely scrapes by on heavy usage days. The 10W charging speed is also laughably slow, taking over an hour to reach 50% charge and nearly two hours to hit 80%. In today's world where battery life is crucial, I expect more from a phone in this price range. While the Realme Note 60 can get you through the day, it won't exactly leave you with a surplus of power to spare. If you're someone who values having some juice left over for gaming, watching videos, or using your favorite apps, this phone might not be the best choice. Overall, I'd give the Realme Note 60's battery life a 6 out of 10. It gets the job done, but it doesn't exactly impress. If you're looking for a phone with exceptional battery life and don't mind spending a bit more, there are better options available in this price range.
Display
The Realme Note 60 boasts a 6.74-inch LCD IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 560 nits. This is an impressive feature set, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag of around $80. Upon closer inspection, I was pleased to find that the screen has an 85% screen-to-body ratio, which means more real estate for your content. The pixel density comes in at a respectable 260 pixels per inch, although it's worth noting that this figure seems slightly off according to some specifications. The display itself is quite vibrant and enjoyable to look at, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web on-the-go. The fast refresh rate also helps with smooth scrolling and overall performance. In terms of specific features, I was a bit surprised to find that the display only runs at 720x1600 resolution, which might be a slight letdown for some users who expect higher resolutions in this price range. However, considering the overall package, it's still an impressive offering. The build quality is largely plastic, but it does its job well without any major complaints. The inclusion of a Type-C charging port and headphone jack are also welcome features. Overall, I'd say that the display on the Realme Note 60 is one of its strongest selling points, despite some minor drawbacks. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone with a decent screen experience, this might be worth considering. Just keep in mind that there may be better options available if you're willing to spend a bit more money.
Camera
One of the most disappointing aspects of the Realme Note 60 is its camera setup. Despite the phone's budget-friendly price tag, I expected a bit more from the imaging department. Unfortunately, the camera experience on this device falls short of expectations. The phone features a single camera setup with a 32-megapixel main sensor, which sounds impressive at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the camera bump is actually a fake, with no lens to speak of. Yes, you read that right - there's literally nothing behind that protruding camera bump except for air. To make matters worse, the 32-megapixel sensor itself has some limitations. It can only record videos at 1080p 30 frames per second, which is far from impressive in today's smartphone market. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 5-megapixel wide sensor, but its capabilities are left unmentioned. I understand that budget phones often have to make sacrifices when it comes to cameras, but this feels like more than just a compromise. It feels like a deliberate decision to cut corners and save costs. As someone who's used to more from their smartphone camera, I was disappointed by the Realme Note 60's performance in this department. For a phone that's priced at around $80, you'd expect a bit more from the imaging capabilities. While it may be suitable for occasional use or casual photography, it's not something I'd rely on for everyday shots or special moments. If you're considering purchasing the Realme Note 60 solely based on its camera performance, I'd advise against it. Unless you have extremely low expectations, there are better options available in this price range that offer more from their camera department. The Realme Note 60's camera is a major letdown, and it's one of the few areas where the phone doesn't quite live up to its budget-friendly price tag. While it may be suitable for basic use, those who want a better camera experience will need to look elsewhere.
Price and Value
The Realme Note 60 is one of the most affordable smartphones on the market, priced at around $80. While it's impressive to find a device that offers so much for such a low price, the value proposition is where things get interesting. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the Realme Note 60 is a budget phone that caters to those who prioritize affordability over performance and features. The device comes with a single camera setup (which appears to be a fake sensor), a plastic build, and a mediocre processor. While it's not entirely unacceptable for its price point, it feels like the manufacturer has sacrificed too much in terms of quality and functionality. The biggest issue I have with the Realme Note 60 is its battery life. With a 5,000mAh battery and 10W charging speed, it takes a significant amount of time to top up your phone's power. This is not ideal for those who want a device that can keep up with their daily needs. Compared to other budget devices in the same price range, the Realme Note 60 seems like a middle-of-the-pack option at best. While it may be sufficient for casual users or those on an extremely tight budget, I would not recommend it as a primary device. If you're willing to spend a bit more (around $300), you can get a mid-range smartphone with significantly better specifications and performance. The real value lies in these devices, which offer a much more satisfying user experience without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Realme Note 60 is an entry-level smartphone that promises to deliver basic functionality without breaking the bank. While it's true that you get what you pay for, the performance of this device leaves a lot to be desired. Under the hood, the Realme Note 60 boasts a Unisoc T612 processor, which is a decent chip for its class. However, when put to actual use, the phone struggles to keep up with even the most basic tasks. Switching between apps takes an eternity, and loading times are slow enough to be frustrating. The device comes with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the storage variant you choose. While the higher-end model has more memory, it doesn't necessarily translate to better performance in real-world use. In fact, the 64GB variant with 4GB of RAM feels woefully underpowered. Another issue with the Realme Note 60 is its charging speed. With a mere 10W charger, you'll barely see any charge on your battery after an hour of plugging it in. This makes it difficult to top up your phone's power when you need it most. While this may not be a deal-breaker for those who only use their phone for basic tasks like making calls and sending texts, it's definitely a drawback for anyone who wants to use their device for more demanding activities like gaming or video streaming. In conclusion, the Realme Note 60's performance is average at best. While it may seem like a good option for those on a tight budget, there are better alternatives available that offer more power and functionality for a similar price.
Pros
1. The phone has a large 6.74-inch LCD IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 85% screen-to-body ratio, and 260 pixels per inch.
2. It comes with a big 5,000mAh battery that supports 10W charging speed, making it suitable for long-lasting use.
3. The phone has an expandable storage option via microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity without buying a new device.
4. It features a fingerprint sensor, which is convenient for biometric authentication.
5. The Realme Note 60 comes with a single camera setup, but the main sensor (32MP) allows for recording videos at 1080p30fps.
6. Despite being a budget phone, it has a premium look and feel, making it a great option for those who want a functional device without breaking the bank.
Cons
1. The phone's processor, Unisoc T612, might be underwhelming for heavy users or those who demand high performance.
2. The 10W charging speed is relatively slow compared to other devices on the market.
3. The single camera setup looks fake and doesn't seem to have a real lens, which could affect its overall performance.
4. The phone's build quality is primarily plastic, which might not appeal to users who prefer a more premium feel.
5. Despite being cheap, the Realme Note 60 can still be pricey for those on an extremely tight budget.