Realme C53 Review

Today, we’re diving into the world of budget-friendly smartphones with the Realme C53. This little powerhouse aims to stand out from the crowd by boasting the segment’s first-ever 108MP camera. But is it all flash and no substance? Let’s take a closer look at what this device brings to the table.

Design that Strikes a Familiar Chord

If you’ve been keeping tabs on Realme’s smartphone lineup, the C53’s design might give you a sense of déjà vu. Crafted from plastic, it features a dual-tone back design – glossy at the top and matte at the bottom. This design choice not only makes the phone fingerprint and smudge-resistant but also adds a touch of style. However, there’s a slight quirk with those massive camera rings housing the 108MP+B&W sensors and an LED flash. They protrude quite a bit from the surface, causing a bit of wobble when typing on a flat surface. Despite that, the C53 is comfortable to hold thanks to its flat edges and a manageable weight of 189 grams. On the connectivity front, you’ll find a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a speaker grille at the bottom. The fingerprint scanner? Well, it’s right where your thumb naturally lands – embedded in the power button on the right spine. It might not be the fastest, but it’s pretty accurate at unlocking the device.

Display: A Budget Marvel

The C53 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the display. Sporting a 6.74-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution and a snappy 90Hz refresh rate, it delivers a satisfying viewing experience. While it’s not entirely bezel-less, it boasts an impressive 90 percent screen-to-body ratio for a budget smartphone. Whether you’re watching your favorite shows or scrolling through your social media feed, the display quality won’t let you down. Sunlight legibility is decent, and while it might not be the best for multimedia, it’s perfect for reading text. Plus, those default settings give you punchy colors and sharp icons. The 90Hz refresh rate adds a smooth touch to the user interface and supported apps. However, one downside is the absence of Widevine L1 certification, which means you won’t be able to stream HD content from your favorite platforms.

Camera: 108MP Goodness, but With Some Caveats

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the C53’s 108MP primary camera. While it produces 12MP images by default, you can also snap high-res 108MP shots. In well-lit conditions, it focuses quickly and snaps shots with ease. However, it does have a couple of quirks. While it excels in capturing details in bright sunlight, it struggles with maintaining proper contrast ratios, resulting in oversaturated colors. Even with HDR mode enabled, the dynamic range leaves something to be desired. Indoors and low-light shots don’t fare as well. Noise creeps in, drowning out details, and even the dedicated night mode can’t entirely fix it. Switching to the 8MP front-facing camera, it gets the job done but falls short on facial detail and natural skin tones. Portraits in daylight look good, but there’s room for improvement in edge detection.

Performance and Software: Entry-Level, but User-Friendly

Under the hood, the C53 packs an entry-level Unisoc T612 SoC paired with 4GB or 6GB RAM. Interestingly, the 6GB RAM variant gets 64GB of storage, while the 4GB RAM option offers 128GB. Both variants support microSD card expansion via a dedicated slot. The device handles basic tasks like communication, social media browsing, and streaming with ease. Multitasking and light gaming are manageable, but don’t expect top-tier performance. On the software front, the C53 runs on Realme UI T edition, based on Android 13. The UI has received a facelift, with redesigned app icons, quick settings, and menus that mimic stock Android. The dynamic mini-capsule feature, introduced earlier with the C55, is here, albeit with limited functionality related to charging and battery information. Realme has also trimmed down the number of pre-installed apps, though some bloatware still lingers. The good news? Most of them can be removed, letting you customize your app selection according to your preferences.

Battery and Charging: The Long Haul

A budget champion wouldn’t be complete without long battery life, and the C53 delivers. It houses a hefty 5,000mAh battery, easily lasting through a day of light usage. However, heavy navigation and gaming can chip away at its endurance. When it’s time to refuel, the included 18W charger takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to juice up the battery fully.

The Verdict: Budget-Friendly, but Not Without Flaws

In the realm of budget smartphones, the Realme C53 is a solid contender, thanks in part to its impressive 108MP camera. But, like any device, it has its drawbacks. While the battery life and display quality stand out, its performance can feel a tad sluggish with demanding tasks. Ultimately, recommending the 6GB RAM variant at its price point in Kenya (Ksh 25,000) can be a tough call. For a similar budget, there are superior options available, including Realme’s own C55 smartphone, boasting double the storage, a better chipset, and a speedy 33W charging solution. However, if you’re a die-hard Realme fan on a tight budget, the 4GB RAM variant of the C55 (priced at Ksh. 28,500 in Kenya) might be a reasonable choice, offering decent performance and features within its price range. So, there you have it – the Realme C53, a budget marvel with a twist of 108MP allure. It’s not perfect, but it certainly packs a punch for the price. Check out more Realme smartphones in Kenya.