In the ever-evolving landscape of budget smartphones, Realme has consistently pushed the envelope with its Narzo series.
The latest entrant, the Realme Narzo 60x 5G, continues this tradition by offering 5G connectivity and impressive specifications at an accessible price point.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the device, exploring its strengths and potential drawbacks.
Design and Build Quality
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag.
With dimensions of 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm, the phone strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics. The device weighs in at a comfortable 190 grams, making it neither too light nor overly cumbersome.
Available in two eye-catching colors – Stellar Green and Nebula Purple – the Narzo 60x 5G caters to different aesthetic preferences.
The rear panel features a subtle texture that not only enhances grip but also resists fingerprints and smudges effectively.
The phone’s build quality is commendable for its price range.
While it doesn’t feature a premium glass or metal construction, the high-quality polycarbonate used feels durable and well-put-together. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, offering quick and reliable unlocking.
Display
At the heart of the visual experience is a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This Full HD+ panel boasts a 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of about 392 PPI, ensuring crisp and clear visuals.
One of the standout features of this display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which is quite impressive for a budget device.
This high refresh rate translates to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The display also offers a touch sampling rate of up to 180Hz, which is particularly beneficial for gaming enthusiasts.
With a peak brightness of 550 nits (typical) and 680 nits (HBM), the Narzo 60x 5G’s display performs adequately in most lighting conditions, though it may struggle slightly under direct sunlight.
Performance
Under the hood, the Realme Narzo 60x 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset.
This octa-core processor is built on a 6nm process and features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The GPU duties are handled by the Mali-G57 MC2.
This configuration provides a balanced mix of performance and energy efficiency, capable of handling day-to-day tasks with ease. While it may not be a powerhouse for intense gaming or heavy multitasking, it offers smooth performance for most users’ needs.
The device comes in two RAM configurations – 4GB and 6GB – paired with 128GB of internal storage. The inclusion of a dedicated microSD card slot allows for storage expansion up to 1TB, which is a welcome feature in this segment.
Camera System
The camera setup on the Realme Narzo 60x 5G is a dual-camera system led by a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture.
This main camera is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images in well-lit conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor that assists with portrait mode shots.
While the lack of an ultra-wide or macro lens might disappoint some users, the primary camera’s performance is generally satisfactory for its price range.
The camera app offers various modes and features, including Night mode, Portrait mode, and AI scene recognition.
On the front, an 8MP selfie camera housed in a punch-hole cutout takes care of self-portraits and video calls. It performs adequately in good lighting conditions but may struggle in low-light scenarios.
Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras. While not groundbreaking, it’s in line with what’s typically offered in this price segment.
Battery Life and Charging
A robust 5000mAh battery powers the Realme Narzo 60x 5G, promising all-day battery life for most users.
The efficiency of the Dimensity 6100+ chipset, coupled with this large battery capacity, should easily see the device through a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
Charging is handled by 33W SUPERVOOC technology, which Realme claims can charge the device from 0 to 50% in about 29 minutes.
While not the fastest charging solution in the market, it’s certainly quick enough for most users and is a welcome feature in the budget segment.
Software and User Interface
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G runs on Realme UI 4.0, based on Android 13. This custom skin offers a clean and intuitive interface with a host of customization options.
Features like Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing, and various gesture controls enhance the user experience.
Realme has also promised two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the device, which is commendable for a budget smartphone and adds to its long-term value proposition.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As its name suggests, the Narzo 60x 5G supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing the device for the next generation of mobile networks. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio. The device also supports USB OTG, allowing users to connect external storage devices.
Price and Value Proposition
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G is positioned as a budget 5G offering, with its price starting at around ₹12,999 for the 4GB/128GB variant and ₹14,999 for the 6GB/128GB model.
At this price point, it offers significant value, especially considering its 5G capabilities, high-refresh-rate display, and decent overall performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 5G connectivity at a budget-friendly price
- 120Hz high-refresh-rate display
- Capable 50MP primary camera
- Large 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Dedicated microSD card slot
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Cons:
- IPS LCD display instead of AMOLED
- No ultra-wide camera
- Plastic build might feel less premium to some users
Conclusion – Realme Narzo 60x 5G
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G emerges as a compelling option in the budget 5G smartphone segment.
It successfully balances performance, features, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for users looking to experience 5G without breaking the bank.
While it may not boast the most premium build or the most versatile camera system, it excels in providing a smooth user experience with its high-refresh-rate display and capable processor.
The large battery, fast charging, and promise of software updates further enhance its appeal.
For users prioritizing 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a good display in the budget segment, the Realme Narzo 60x 5G presents itself as a worthy contender.
It may not be perfect, but it certainly offers excellent value for its price, continuing Realme’s tradition of disrupting the budget smartphone market.