Last March, we reviewed the realme C3 and we considered it to be the best entry-level smartphone in the market this year. It’s a smartphone that posses mid-range features but with a price for under P6,000. I always recommend this phone but there are some people who find P6,000 a bit too pricey (it’s the pandemic folks, not everybody got a stable job when the Philippine government implemented the lockdown.) Since the new school year is about to start and students need devices for their online learning, realme has a new smartphone that’s even more affordable that doesn’t compromise its performance. The realme C11 was loaned to us a week before and after this review, we will be donating this review unit to Young Focus Organization.
REALME C11 SPECS:
| OS: | Android 10 with Realme UI |
|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.3 GHz MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-Core processor | PowerVR GE8320 |
| Display: | 720 x 1600 6.5" HD+ IPS LCD Display |
| Wireless Connections: | LTE-A, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Memory: | 32 GB Internal Storage expandable with a MicroSD Card, 2 GB RAM |
| Connectors: | Micro USB 2.0, OTG Support |
| Cameras: | 13 Megapixels f/2.2 + 2 Megapixels f/2.4 + 2 Megapixels f/2.4 (Main Cameras), 5 Megapixels (Front) |
| SIM Card Slots: | 2x Nano SIM Cards required |
| Battery: | 5,000 mAh |
| SRP: | P4,990 |
THE UNBOXING
If there is a yellow-colored box, it means it’s a realme phone waiting to be unboxed! As always, the model number is printed in the package cover.
Unboxing shows the realme C11, USB cable, USB charger, SIM card ejector and user manuals. I’m not sure if a silicon case is not really included unlike in other realme phones.
THE LOOKS AND FEEL
Removing the C11 from the box felt like deja vu. It’s very similar to the realme C3 I reviewed back in March in terms of dimensions and weight. Nobody would notice the difference when placed beside each other.
The volume control buttons were moved to the right side along with the power button. This adjustment would benefit right-handed users while lefties can still press these buttons with their left pointing finger. The SIM Card slots are still found on the left side of the phone.
Just like in the C3, the 3.5mm headphone jack, Micro USB port and speaker grille are found at the bottom.
The back panel has the same mirror-polished case of the C3 but with a different design this time. It has a bigger realme logo inside a thick line aligned with the cameras which are now arranged in a more modern 2020 square design. I prefer having this type of textured case because it’s easier to grip and less susceptible to fingerprints. The Mint Green and Pepper Grey colors aren’t as flashy as the C3’s but the C11 still looks trendy and vibrant compared to other entry-level phones in its price range.
THE DISPLAY
What I like about the C11’s screen is its size. It has a 6.5″ IPS Screen display with HD+ resolution, big enough to watch streaming videos or play the latest mobile games. The big screen is the C11’s advantage over its competitors in its price range. If I am not mistaken, it’s the only one to have a screen larger than 6-inches for less than 5k.
THE PERFORMANCE
This is the part I’m really interested in. The realme C11 has a MediaTek Helio G35 processor under its hood, a feature that the brand is harping to be the best in the entry-level segment. This is my first time to touch on this chipset so I did the usual benchmark tests to find out what it can offer.
These scores are very high and possibly the best I’ve seen in years. I haven’t reviewed any phone that produced this score for less than 5k. They do not come close to the C11. Now before you guys get excited, the evaluation unit I have with me has a 32GB+3GB configuration, and not 32GB+2GB that will be sold to the Philippine market. The benchmark results I shared might be different from the latter.
So far I was able to game play a couple of games properly on the C11. Asphalt 9: Legends at normal video settings is playable and the same can be said for Call of Duty Mobile at low graphic settings with high frame rate. Multi-tasking is good and I’m able to switch to different apps without much of a problem. The thing here is, I’m using an evaluation unit with 3GB of RAM so I’m not sure if having a lesser 2GB of RAM would still make me feel contented.
realme UI software on the C11 is just like any other previously released realme phones, except for this new feature. Focus mode lets C11 users avoid distractions from the phone’s notifications and apps. It has a timer to block all these distractions and even has some ambient music to help keep your mind focused on whatever task you need to work on.
THE CAMERAS
The main cameras of the C11 consists of 13 Megapixels and 2 Megapixels while the front camera has 5 Megapixels. Images are, quite surprisingly for its price, pretty good! I honestly did not expect this kind of quality from a phone for its price. It even has night mode which the C3 doesn’t have. Combined with Chroma Boost and you’ll have better night shots.
Here are my sample photos:
THE BATTERY LIFE
As if it’s already a standard, the C11 comes with a 5,000 mAh battery capacity. During the course of my review, I didn’t bother bringing a powerbank anymore since the large battery capacity can assure me that it will last for at least one whole day. My PCMark battery score even shows that it can run really long battery uptimes. Leave your chargers and powerbanks at home and you’ll be fine with the realme C11’s long battery life.
DR’S CONCLUSION
With all these features, the realme C11 offers really good value for only P4,990! For this price, students will be able to take advantage of its large screen and reliable performance for their online classes.
You can purchase the realme C11 from realme’s Shopee Online Store and get a 8% discount by using Shopee’s code GADGETZONE8. The voucher is valid until August 8, 2020.
PROS:
- Mirror polish design is also fingerprint resistant
- Large screen
- Offers best performance in its price range
- Good cameras with night mode
- Large battery capacity
CONS:
- No Fingerprint Scanner
