The realme company, which has been operating on the market for a long time, has introduced many lines of smartphones, both flagships and budget options. Today, we are going to review a device called realme C53. Let’s take this opportunity to check whether this affordable phone can also boast of good features and performance.
The device arrived for review in a branded yellow box. Despite the fact that this is an affordable smartphone, we received everything we needed for immediate use: the phone itself, a protective case, a user manual, and a 33W charger (unit and cable).
I liked the look of the set because it consisted of separate “floors” and the lid does not open, as is usually the case, but slides out.
There is a case in the package, but no protective film – and this is a bit disappointing, but do not forget that this is a fairly cheap model.
As for the case, it’s an accessory that you probably won’t use for very long. The plastic case gets dirty, it doesn’t look very good, but its main function is to protect against falls. It’s good that it’s grey – at least it won’t turn yellow.
Read also: Realme 11 Pro review: A mid-ranger that looks like a flagship
The C-series smartphone generation is for users who appreciate that the manufacturer still thinks about them, giving them a choice of devices without the outer-space price tag. Each of the C smartphones is made of good materials and offers adequate functionality for the money. The C53 model is visually no different from its “family brothers” – if we look at the realme C55 or realme C33 models, we will see that there are no fundamental differences.
You can compare the technical specifications of these models at this link. We have already tested the hit C55, which turned out to be a very good smartphone for its price. The C53 is supposed to be a cheaper hit, it has a weaker chipset and weaker cameras, but it still looks pretty good. We also tested the C33, which is currently available for around 5500 UAH. It’s not a fast smartphone, but it’s just right for undemanding users.
The hero of our review is available in two colours – gold and black. A green model is also available in some markets. We tested the most classic version – black. In my opinion, gold looks more interesting and brighter, while black attracts less attention.
I must say that the phone reminded me a lot of an iPhone. Why? Well, look, we have flat bezels and a distinctive camera placement. I’m not saying it’s a 100% copy, but there are similarities. And this proves that realme, even in its affordable gadgets, takes into account trends and creates device designs based on fashion trends.
The realme C53 is beautiful and stylish, I like its laconicism and the absence of strange design elements, such as a huge camera unit or straps that run across the entire back of the smartphone (I refer you to the realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ reviews). I prefer classic versions that will look aesthetically pleasing regardless of the weather, outfit, or occasion – and the realme is just that.
Let’s talk about the case materials. There is plastic everywhere, the back panel and the bezels around the display are plastic. However, I will not consider this a disadvantage, because if it were otherwise, we would have paid more.
The only nuance that is important to me is the active collection of fingerprints. This applies to the screen to a greater extent, but also to the back. Therefore, I immediately advise you to equip your phone with a good protective glass and a case, and this problem will partially disappear.
The screen bezels are narrow, but there is a significant “chin”. In addition, the teardrop-shaped notch for the front camera is a bit outdated.
The camera unit protrudes slightly above the body, but it’s nothing critical – just be careful when you put the phone upside down or use a case. There are 2 camera modules and a flash on this “island” – all these elements are the same size.
The bezels of the model are the same colour as the body, on the right side is the power button, which also has a built-in fingerprint scanner, and a little higher is the double volume button. On the left side, there is only a slot for two SIM cards and a memory card.
Read also: Realme 11 Pro+ review: Truly extraordinary
There are many ways to ensure the security of your information. For example, by using confidential sites and verifying your information. But online security actually starts from the first time you use your smartphone. That’s why realme introduces various ways to verify the identity of the owner to take care of privacy and block third parties if necessary.
The unlocking methods include: PIN, face, fingerprint, password and pattern. Of course, you can choose any of them, but I prefer the fingerprint – it’s more secure. It’s a real pleasure compared to having to wait for the phone to recognise you (not so long, but still, it doesn’t work in the dark). The fingerprint scanner mounted on the side button works quickly and reliably.
The screen of the realme C53, of course, is not AMOLED, but IPS, with a diagonal of 6.74 inches, which is also a good option. The display has a refresh rate of 90 Hz and supports up to 560 nits. It’s a pity that it has a big chin.
According to my observations, the screen is good and contrast is good in different positions of the body. The viewing angles are wide, and the screen content remains visible when tilted to the right or left.
In the sun, the screen is bright, the content is displayed clearly and everything is easy to read. However, there is a glare.
Fonts are visible and clear. However, you may notice some graininess, as the resolution is minimal – HD 1600×720.
As a modern user, I appreciate the speed of work and smooth gestures – the refresh rate is responsible for this. Not 120 Hz, but 90 Hz is also an acceptable result. It’s good that budget models no longer have 60 Hz, otherwise it would be a shame. When scrolling, everything works perfectly and without delay.
Read also: Realme GT Neo 3 review: a great smartphone with 150W charging
realme C53 is powered by an octa-core Spreadtrum Unisoc T612 processor. Mali-G57 is responsible for graphics. We also have 6/128 GB of RAM (other versions are not available in all markets), which should be enough for comfortable work. It is also possible to expand the RAM at the expense of fixed memory (Dynamic RAM Expansion, plus 6 GB additionally). The fixed memory can also be expanded using a microSD card up to 2 TB.
I could easily work with texts, graphic content, the browser, instant messaging, maps and I can assure you that the speed was at the proper level. In addition, the phone did not heat up, which is a plus, especially in the warm season.
realme C53 runs on the new Android 13 operating system. It’s nimble and fast, and the system didn’t slow down during the tests. The only point is the presence of some unnecessary applications: for example, games, Tiktok, Amazon, Linkedln – but they can be removed.
The smartphone runs on Android 13 with the realme UI T Edition shell (a slightly simplified version for budget models). There are many options that can be customised to suit your needs.
realme cares about user privacy and data protection, so it offers the ability to secure your data, track your phone’s location if necessary, as well as encrypt your data and activate the Smart Lock feature. There’s also a parental control option to keep your child safe from unwanted content.
You can also easily change the screen by adding a different wallpaper and icon style, font size, and dark mode. An interesting feature is the video quality improvement, which applies to various applications, including: Youtube, Meet, Photos.
The interface is organised and sorted into categories and functions, so it’s easy to use even for an older person or a child. Everything was clear and simple, without a complicated setup process and without digging through the settings. Even if you don’t look into the Settings at all, you won’t lose anything, the phone will still work perfectly.
Here we also have an interesting feature familiar from C55 – Mini Capsule. The front camera notch is effectively “illuminated” by software – it can expand and show information. Effects are currently available when the charger is connected, the data limit is exceeded, and the steps are completed. The developers promise other animations, but a little later. Nothing special, but a nice little thing.
realme also offers a 2-year major update cycle and 2-year security support for the C53.
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The photographic capabilities are as follows: the rear camera has 50 megapixels + 0.3 megapixel auxiliary module and an 8 megapixel front camera. So, we can say that there is only one main camera, which is not surprising for a budget smartphone. Can it take good photos?
You’ll be surprised, but I’m quite happy with the value for money. When I did the test, I didn’t expect a wow effect and was pleasantly surprised.
The 50 megapixel rear camera does a good job. Photos are great, with good detail. However, in bright sunlight, the screen let me down a bit, and I couldn’t see what shots were being taken because of the glare. To get adequate pictures, you need to be patient and stand still for a few seconds – otherwise they will be blurry (especially if the lighting is not ideal).
Night mode is… just there, nothing more. Noise and poor detail, and I won’t even talk about the shooting speed. You will, of course, take a few shots if you want, but they will not be very good.
The video quality (only 720p@30fps) is terribly low, as you will notice:
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Sound is a rather weak point of the realme C53. There is only one earpiece speaker, that is, mono. For example, in messengers, I had to turn the volume up to maximum to understand what was being said to me. And I was hard to hear. In addition, I would like to have more bass when listening to music or watching videos on Youtube. There is a super-loud speaker mode (volume up to 150%), but the sound becomes even more distorted. But the upside is that we have a 3.5 mm input. And here the sound should be a little better, even because the headphones, no matter what, will filter out ambient noise.
In addition to other accessories, we also include a 33W charger.
As for the battery, 5000 mAh is a standard capacity even for mid-range and budget devices, which is very good. Most of all, I wanted the available SuperVOOC 33W fast charging function to be really fast (50% in 31 minutes, according to the manufacturer). From 15% to 100%, the phone charges in an hour. After 10 minutes, I got 15% charge. So the realme does not disappoint.
During my tests, the phone usually lasted 1.5-2 days with active use. You can extend this result by using the appropriate features in the settings, but it’s still great.
Read also: Review of the budget smartphone realme C55: unusual in everything
The model has all the necessary functions except 5G (but not everyone needs it). There is tri-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, A-GPS, GLONAS. And, of course, the NFC option for contactless payments is relevant.
The realme C53 is a good phone and, most importantly, affordable. It has everything to satisfy an undemanding user: 90 Hz screen, 3.5 mm jack, beautiful design, NFC for contactless payments, flexible operating system and 5000 mAh battery.
Among the disadvantages of this device are the long charging time, not the best camera, and mediocre sound. But does it really matter? If so, look for another model, which, by the way, will cost more.
However, if you are ready to put up with these “disadvantages”, you will get a quite decent “friend” that will help you with basic tasks. realme C53 is suitable for both children and the elderly due to its ease of use and concise interface. I recommend it!
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