Realme C11 Review

Main Image
  • Like
  • Comment
  • Share

Realme C11 is the latest in the brand’s C-line of budget phones. Over the years, we have witnessed Realme improving upon its “value for money” recipe. But times are changing and with it the consumer expectations. So, has Realme managed to pull it off again? Does the newcomer bring enough bang for the buck?

Let’s find out in this Smartprix review of Realme C11.

Starting off with the spec table:

Realme C11 Specs and Price in India

PhoneRealme C11
Display6.5 inches; 720 x 1600 px, 88.7% Screen-to-body ratio
Battery5000 mAh, 10W charger
ProcessorMediaTek Helio G35
Memory2GB + 32GB (dedicated expansion slot for up to 256GB microSD)
Rear Camera13MP main camera + 2MP portrait lens
Front Camera5MP within a waterdrop notch
Weight 196g
SoftwareRealme UI based on Android 10
ConnectivityDual SIM, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB OTG, micro USB socket
ColorRich Green and Rich Grey
Price₹7,499

Followed by,

Realme C11 Unboxing

These are the box contents:

  • realme C11
  • 5V2A Adapter
  • Micro USB Cable
  • Warranty and info booklets
  • SIM Card Tool
  • Screen Protection Film (pre-applied)

On with the review now —

Realme C11 Design and Display

Realme C11 sports a similar textured surface to the Realme C3 (review), but with some newness. There is a striking strip along the left side touching the squircle camera module and the Realme logo. This new “Geometric Design” is a charmer with subtle hints of glow.

Flip to the front, and you have a 6.5-inch HD+ panel with a waterdrop notch up top. Except for the prominent bezel by the bottom, the rest of the borders are pretty restrained. Thus, you get an 88.7% screen to body ratio. Although the display suffers under harsh sunlight, the visuals from it are consumable indoors. Also, the touch response can be annoying at times.

ALSO READ: Oppo A52 Review

Rest, the build quality instills confidence in its durability. And an equally good feeling is to see the dedicated card slot and headphone jack. Right next to it lie a micro-USB port (I’ll venture out to say this — it’s high time we see USB-C everywhere) and the solo speaker grille (more on its quality later).

One thing you must have noticed by now is the lack of fingerprint scanner on C11. So, it’s either the not-so-reliable face unlock or the primitive route of pattern/pin/password.

And so we get to the…

Realme C11 Software and Performance

Like presumably every other Realme phones in 2020, the new entrant also flaunts Android 10 based Realme UI. Now, I can’t pinpoint it, but something’s off here.

Well, don’t get me wrong. It’s all love for what the UI brings forth like dark mode, enhanced screenshot tools, gesture navigation, nifty privacy measures, a multitude of customizations, and a lot more. But, within the scope of C11’s hardware, the interface just isn’t as snappy as we see on other Realme phones. I surmise the software is heavy with features and perhaps some trimming and tuning could fix it. Then again, you can’t have it all for an entry-grade price.

As for the underlying machinery, the Realme C11 carries the fresh born MediaTek Helio G35 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM. The chip is said to deliver gaming in a budget. Well, I did the same by firing PUBG and Asphalt 9. The first person shooter pushed 25 FPS in smooth-medium and balanced-medium settings. The racing was also fine, albeit with low graphics and few frame drops.

Here are the benchmark results:

  • Geekbench 4 Single-core: 905
  • Geekbench 4 Multi-core: 4330
  • PCMark Work 2.0 Performance Score: 5948
  • 3DMark Slingshot Extreme OpenGL: 467
  • 3DMark Slingshot Extreme Vulkan: 615
  • Androbench Sequential R/W: 273.67/76.36 MB/s
  • Androbench Random R/W: 59.04/42.14 MB/s

The phone bears 32GB of internal storage which will stay vacant only for so long. So, when you find its insufficient, slot in a memory card and expand the space up to 256GB.

Let’s now switch the focus to the optics.

Realme C11 Cameras

By the back of the Realme C11, you’ve got a 13MP+2MP duo, while the front houses a 5MP selfie snapper. The setup is reminiscent of the C-forefathers and the photos are what you’d expect at this price.

Please your eyes —

The results, as you can see, are fine for the part, albeit with some muted colors and details. You can punch the saturation with the so-called Chroma Boost mode.

The software-based zoom uses cropping (2x/5x) to capture distant objects with some sacrifice on the quality front. Nonetheless, its good to have options. Speaking of which, you also get features like Panorama, Expert mode, videography (720p / 1080p, @30fps), Timelapse, slo-mo, and Super Nightscape.

The Nightscape faintly brightens up the photos but loses out to chromatic noise.

Lastly, here’s how the faces fare:

Selfies were suitable for share with an okay bokeh. Just keep your expectations in check.

Incidentally one area, you don’t have to limit is in C11’s battery life —

Realme C11 Audio, Battery, and Connectivity

Realme C11 really flexes in the battery department. It helms a massive 5000mAh cell that can easily stretch for a day (about 8hr screen on time). But, when the bar glows red, the supported 10W charger will take up slightly more than 3 hours to fill.

These stats are with a single SIM in play. The rest of the connectivity paraphernalia includes WiFi, VoLTE, Micro-USB, OTG, GPS, and Bluetooth 5.0. Thanks to the last one, you can enjoy wireless music. Else pull out audio from the 3.5mm jack. Stick to either of the two as speaker output is tiny and weak.

ALSO READ: Realme Buds Air Neo Review

And at last, it’s time to hit the gavel.

Realme C11 Review Verdict with Pros and Cons

Realme C11 is appealingly cheap and has a lot to offer. For ₹7,499, you get a large display, solid design, long-lasting battery life, feature-heavy software, and the new gaming-focused Helio G35 processor. Thus, it manages the general use cases of the phone and more.

But it does come with some compromises. The most obvious one being the performance, or the lack thereof. While we weren’t expecting a high-end action here, but the performance limits it as a phone for basic users. Perhaps a lighter software could do the trick. We will know for sure once we pit it against the Redmi 9C that boards identical hardware.

So, if you are looking for a budget buy, you may consider C11, provided you can live with its tradeoffs.

Pros

  • Sturdy and Stylish Design
  • Long Battery Life
  • Big Screen
  • Graphic-intensive games are playable

Cons

  • Sweeping slowness
  • Poor speaker output

Realme C11 FAQ

What is the price of Realme C11?

The Realme C11 2GB + 32GB storage variant is priced at ₹7,499.

Where to buy the Realme C11?

Realme C11’s first sale will be on 22nd July 2020 via Flipkart and Realme.com.

Is the Realme C11 available offline?

Yes, the phone will be sold via offline stores too in the coming weeks.

What is the SAR value of Realme C11?

Realme C11 SAR Value is 1.007W/Kg (Head) and 0.656W/Kg (Body).

Does Realme C11 offer Gorilla Glass protection?

No, the Realme C11 does not come with Gorilla Glass protection.

Is Realme C11 display an AMOLED or LCD?

Realme C11 has an HD+ LCD screen.

Is there a notification LED on the Realme C11?

No, the Realme C11 doesn’t have a notification LED light.

Is there an IR blaster on the Realme C11 that can be used to control TVs and other devices?

No, there is no IR blaster on the Realme C11.

Does Realme C11 support MicroSD card storage expansion? Is it a dedicated slot?

Yes, there is support for dedicated expandable storage (up to 256GB) on the Realme C11.

Does the Realme C11 support USB OTG?

Yes, you can connect the external pen drive to the Realme C11 using the USB OTG feature.

Does the Realme C11 support VoLTE?

Yes, Realme C11 does support the VoLTE. However, there is no VoWiFi here.

Do Realme C11 support Camera2API and Google camera app (GCam)?

Realme C11 comes with Full Camera2API support. However, if there’s a working GCam build available out there is doubtful.

Vasan G.S.Vasan G.S.
An inquisitive mind who spends a big chunk of the day keenly tracking every emerging detail and is responsible for quickly passing on important developments to Smartprix followers. He loves to stay in his bubble scripting his destiny involving amazing technology and people with good character, passion, and brilliance.

Related Articles

ImageGoogle Pixel 8a Roundup: Tensor G3 SoC, 120Hz Display, 64MP Primary Camera, And More

Google Pixel phones are known for providing next-level camera quality, a clean Android experience, and robust build quality. Last year, the California-based tech giant unveiled the Pixel 8 series, powered by the much-improved Tensor G3 SoC. Comprised of two smartphones—the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro—the series also provides many AI-based features.However, considering …

ImageRealme C11 gets a 2021 refresh and is priced at ₹6,999 in India

Realme C11 2021 has been launched in India without much pomp and show. The budget handset comes carrying a Unisoc processor, a 5000mAh battery, a 6.5-inch display, and a ‘geometric art’ design. The device had actually debuted last month in Russia. Now, that it’s here, let’s take a look at its Indian price, availability, and …

ImageRealme C11 and Realme Dart Charge Power Bank launched in India

Realme launched two new products in India on July 14 – Realme C11 and a 10000mAh power bank. The company took to an online event to unveil the devices. Earlier last month, Realme C11 went official in Malaysia and all details were hence known. Price and Availability Realme has set the price of its 2GB …

ImageRealme Narzo 70 Pro 5G Review: Power-packed performer inside a Premium Glass Body

Realme has introduced the latest addition to its Narzo Series in India with the launch of the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G. This new device comes with a Horizon Glass Design and innovative features such as air gestures, file dock, smart image matting, and kids mode. Intending to solidify its position in the mid-range smartphone …

ImageRealme 12+ 5G Quick Review: Decent Mid-ranger loaded with Specs & Style

Realme has recently expanded its 12 Number Series by introducing two new smartphones, the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G. These mid-range devices are designed to provide a premium experience and impressive specifications at an affordable price point for the average Indian consumer. The Realme 12+ 5G boasts a sleek and premium design, available …

Discuss

1 Comment
User
Asif
Anonymous
2 years ago

Please let know which one to buy. Realme c3 or realme C2.?

Reply