Realme C85

Realme C85 Price in Kenya and Full Specifications

The Realme C85 price in Kenya is expected to start at KSh 29,999, positioning it as one of the most affordable smartphones in its performance class. Officially released on November 2, 2025, the C85 blends durability, power, and modern aesthetics to cater to users who need a long-lasting and responsive daily driver.

The Realme C85 stands out with its IP68/IP69K-certified design, making it resistant to dust, high-pressure water jets, and even submersion up to six meters for 30 minutes. It’s also MIL-STD-810H compliant, meaning it can withstand occasional drops and harsh environments. The back features a subtle RGB notification light, adding a modern visual touch. The phone weighs 215 grams and measures 8.4 mm in thickness, giving it a substantial yet comfortable hand feel, available in two bold colorways — Green and Purple.

It boasts a 6.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate, ensuring fast and fluid animations whether you’re scrolling, gaming, or streaming. The display achieves 1200 nits of brightness (HBM), providing great visibility outdoors, though its 720 × 1570 pixel resolution (254 ppi density) is modest compared to AMOLED rivals. Even so, the high refresh rate gives it an edge in responsiveness.

Performance-wise, the Realme C85 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) chipset — an efficient octa-core processor featuring 2× 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores for performance and 6× 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 for efficiency. The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles gaming and graphics processing, making it well-suited for mid-range performance users. Paired with 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, this setup ensures smooth multitasking and generous internal capacity. The hybrid slot allows microSDXC expansion, offering flexibility for extra storage. Out of the box, it runs on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0, bringing updated customization, improved battery optimization, and enhanced privacy features.

For photography, the Realme C85 packs a triple-camera setup at the rear, headlined by a 50 MP (f/1.8, 28 mm) main sensor with PDAF for fast autofocus. Though Realme has not detailed the secondary sensors, the setup promises balanced daylight shots, improved HDR, and AI Scene Enhancement. The camera can record up to 1080p videos at 30/120 fps, offering flexibility between quality and frame rate. On the front, there’s an 8 MP selfie camera that supports panorama and 1080p video recording, delivering clear results for social media and video calls.

Battery life is a major highlight — the Realme C85 comes equipped with a 7,000 mAh Si/C Li-Ion battery, offering multi-day endurance for calls, gaming, and streaming. Charging is handled via 45 W wired fast charging, and the phone also supports reverse wired and bypass charging, which helps reduce heat during intensive use.

In terms of connectivity, the device supports dual SIM 4G and 5G networks (SA/NSA), ensuring strong data performance in supported regions. Additional features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS with GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS, and a USB-C 2.0 port with OTG support. Unfortunately, there’s no 3.5 mm headphone jack or NFC, but stereo loudspeakers deliver good audio clarity for entertainment.

The Realme C85 offers a unique blend of rugged durability, a huge battery, and solid performance — all wrapped in a visually appealing design. Its high-refresh display, water resistance, and efficient chipset make it ideal for users who prioritize battery life and toughness without breaking the bank. Available at Phones stores Kenya

Realme C85 Specifications

Design — Rugged Yet Modern

The Realme C85 makes a strong impression with its robust 166.1 x 77.9 x 8.4 mm frame, weighing 215 g. While the back material is unspecified, the phone’s IP68/IP69K rating guarantees dust-tight protection and resistance against high-pressure water jets, making it capable of surviving immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. MIL-STD-810H compliance adds another layer of confidence for users seeking a durable daily driver, though extreme conditions still require caution.

The RGB notification light on the rear provides a practical and modern touch for alerts, complementing its vibrant Green and Purple color options. Despite its durability-focused construction, the device maintains a balanced and ergonomic design, with rounded edges and a slightly thick frame for a secure grip. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures fast and secure unlocking while keeping the front display uncluttered.

Display — Smooth and Bright

Realme has equipped the C85 with a 6.8-inch IPS LCD screen featuring a 144Hz refresh rate. While the 720 x 1570 resolution yields 254 ppi density, it prioritizes battery efficiency and smooth animations over ultra-high-definition clarity. The 1200 nits high-brightness mode ensures decent outdoor readability, even in bright sunlight. The 19.5:9 aspect ratio provides a comfortable viewing experience for social media, video streaming, and casual gaming, while multi-touch support ensures responsive navigation and control.

Camera — AI-Powered Practicality

The rear triple camera system is led by a 50 MP f/1.8 wide sensor with PDAF for fast autofocus, enhanced by LED flash, HDR, panorama, and AI scene optimization. This combination allows users to capture detailed and color-accurate photos in varied lighting conditions. Video recording is supported at 1080p with 30 and 120fps options, enabling smooth motion capture for everyday use.

On the front, an 8 MP f/2.0 wide lens caters to selfies, video calls, and casual content creation. Panorama mode and 1080p recording add versatility, though it’s best suited for well-lit environments rather than low-light scenarios.

Performance & Hardware — Mid-Range Efficiency

The Realme C85 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) chipset, paired with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, offering efficient multitasking and gaming performance for mid-range users. Its octa-core CPU (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) ensures smooth navigation, app launches, and light to moderate gaming.

With 6GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, the C85 accommodates heavy media usage and app installations, while a microSDXC slot (shared SIM) provides additional storage flexibility. Running Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0, the interface is responsive, feature-rich, and optimized for battery efficiency, giving users a smooth and intuitive experience.

Connectivity — Reliable Everyday Links

The C85 supports 5G SA/NSA networks, providing future-proof connectivity for high-speed mobile data in compatible regions. LTE, 3G, and 2G bands ensure broad compatibility across Kenya. Wi-Fi dual-band, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C OTG support enhance connectivity with peripherals, wireless audio devices, and external storage. GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS provide accurate positioning for navigation apps, fitness tracking, and location-based services, though the absence of NFC may limit contactless payment capabilities.

Battery Life & Charging — Marathon Performance

One of the C85’s standout features is its 7000 mAh battery, capable of multi-day usage under typical workloads. The device supports 45W wired fast charging, enabling quick top-ups, while reverse wired charging allows the phone to power smaller devices in emergencies. Bypass charging ensures seamless energy management, making it an ideal companion for heavy users, commuters, and travelers who prioritize uninterrupted usage.

Audio & Sensors — Functional Everyday Enhancements

Audio is delivered via stereo loudspeakers, providing immersive sound for media consumption, calls, and casual gaming. While the 3.5mm headphone jack is absent, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity supports high-quality wireless audio solutions. Sensors include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass for comprehensive functionality in navigation, fitness tracking, and gaming.

Verdict — Balanced Performance with Endurance

The Realme C85 offers a balanced combination of durability, smooth performance, and exceptional battery life. Its 144Hz display, capable MediaTek chipset, AI-enhanced camera, and rugged IP68/IP69K body make it a strong mid-range contender. It is ideal for users who need a reliable phone for work, media, and outdoor usage without compromising on longevity or performance.

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