VP/Tech Review: realme C53 – Championing the Power of Fast Charging!
realme C53 has officially arrived in the Philippines, joining the renowned C-series as the latest entry-level smartphone.
Following the release of the C55 variant last April, realme now offers the C53 to provide more options for consumers. The question remains: Can this new smartphone live up to its promise of ULTRA-FAST CHARGING, just like a true champion? #ChargeLikeChampion
MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE
realme C53 boasts a large 6.74-inch screen, slightly bigger than the C55, with HD+ 720*1600 resolution. It features a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz Touch Sampling Rate. However, its maximum brightness is limited to 450 nits.
Our experience with this model revealed a decent display with balanced colors, detailed image quality, and satisfactory viewing angles on its large screen. The only drawback is that the screen visibility diminishes under bright sunlight, though it remains manageable.
Similar to the C55, realme maintains the 90Hz refresh rate, enhancing the overall phone interaction experience. The 180Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive touch, especially for social media and gaming purposes.
Mini Capsule
realme C53 keeps the Mini Capsule feature introduced in the previous C55 model. This unique feature, typically seen in higher-end smartphones, is now available in entry-level phones. Located in the waterdrop camera section, the Mini Capsule provides elegant animations and convenient access to essential notifications such as battery status, data usage, and step tracking.
Audio Quality
The realme C53 utilizes a single firing speaker with an upgraded UltraBoom Speaker, providing a 150% boost compared to other C-series devices. The speaker is positioned at the bottom alongside the 3.5mm audio slot, built-in microphone, and Type-C charging port.
During our testing, the speaker delivered decent and clear audio, capable of filling an entire room even at 80% volume. However, at maximum volume, the sound quality becomes slightly distorted and airy, possibly due to the UltraBoom Speaker feature. Nevertheless, the audio output remains satisfactory, though realme could still make some improvements.
The microphone performed well, capturing voices effectively and ensuring clear communication on the receiving end.
Camera
The realme C53 is equipped with an 8-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel AI camera on the back.
Based on our testing, the rear camera performs well in well-lit environments, capturing clear and detailed photos. It excels in color accuracy, image detail, and dynamic range.
However, in low-light conditions, the camera produces noticeable noise, reduced detail, and limited dynamic range. Normal mode shots also tend to be darker.
Rear Camera Sample
Daylight Outdoor Shoot
Daylight Outdoor Shoot using 3X Zoom
Daylight Outdoor Shoot using 5X Zoom
Daylight Outdoor Shoot, Closeup, and in Portrait mode
Indoor Rear Shoot with good light
Indoor Rear Shoot with low light
Using Night Mode improves low-light photography by brightening up photos and enhancing colors and details, although some noise is still present. Glare can be an issue when capturing areas with intense lighting.
Outdoor Rear Shoot with Night Mode
The front camera’s 8-megapixel resolution delivers decent selfie photos, and it includes a built-in beauty effect for added enhancement.
Selfie Camera in Normal Mode
Selfie Camera in Portrait Mode
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Selfie Camera at Night Time
I have modest expectations for the selfie camera, given its 8MP resolution, which is sufficient for its price range and produces satisfactory results. The 50MP rear camera also captures decent photos. However, considering the C53’s entry-level status, its camera performance is commendable. If you prioritize higher-quality photos, it’s advisable to consider mid-range or premium smartphones.
Aesthetic and Build
realme not only offers upgraded specifications on their budget-friendly smartphones but also keeps their phone aesthetics stylish. The C53 boasts an ultra-slim design, measuring only 7.49mm, making it even slimmer than the realme C55 at 7.89mm.
With its slim profile and modern squared-off body, the C53 exudes a premium look suitable for any occasion. It is available in two color options: Mighty Black and Champion Gold. We received the Mighty Black variant, which perfectly matches my preference for monochromatic colors and daily black outfits.
Meanwhile, the Champion Gold variant looks majestic and stylish. It will surely appeal to our Gen Z female audience, complementing their fashion and daily OOTDs. However, personal taste varies, so choose the color that best suits your style. Overall, the design and aesthetics of the realme C53 are impressive.
PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY
The realme C53 features an octa-core Unisoc T612 Processor, which operates at 1.8 GHz and uses the 2 x Cortex-A75 1.8GHz + 6 x Cortex-A55 1.8GHz architecture.
This processor is commonly used by other renowned global phone brands for their entry-level smartphones, enabling dual standby for two 4G SIM cards. It’s a suitable choice for the C53, given its position in the entry-level category.
The C53 offers 6GB of RAM, expandable up to 12GB via realme’s dynamic RAM Expansion. With 128GB of storage, you can store a vast amount of memories, photos, videos, games, and apps. Additionally, the storage can be expanded up to 2TB using a microSD card.
To assess its performance, we conducted various tests using popular benchmarking apps like AnTuTu, Geekbench 6, 3D Mark, and CPDT.
Here are the realme C53 benchmarks:
- AnTuTu: 255,927 (an improvement from the C55 model)
- Geekbench 6: 409 (single-core), 1,436 (multi-core)
- 3D Mark Wild Life: 423 at an average of 2.50 fps
- CPDT: Sequential write speeds of 170.81MB/s, sequential read speeds of 130MB/s.
The C53 comes with the latest Android 13 and updated realme UI T Edition right out of the box. It is equipped with 6GB of RAM, which is sufficient for non-intensive users who mainly use social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and even games like Pokémon Unite. The great thing about realme is that you can expand the RAM up to 12GB through its dynamic RAM expansion feature.
When it comes to gaming, this model can handle popular mobile games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Pokémon Unite with ease.
During our testing, the realme C53 performed satisfactorily in Mobile Legends. We were able to play the game with a high refresh rate and high graphics, although we had to disable HD Mode and Outline to prevent any FPS drops. This model could be an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize Mobile Legends.
Pokemon Unite runs smoothly on default settings, offering a seamless gaming experience. Increasing the frame rate maintains smooth performance. Yet, selecting the highest graphics quality may result in delays and frame drops. Nonetheless, playing with default settings still provides satisfactory results.
During gameplay, similar to many phones including premium ones, the C53 experiences slight warming, but it remains manageable without affecting performance.
I was particularly impressed with this model’s performance in these games, especially when compared to recent releases in the same price range from other brands. Unlike certain entry-level smartphones, the C53 sustained its performance even at high settings, although it’s worth mentioning that performance may vary depending on specific game settings.
ULTRA FAST CHARGING
realme C53 takes the spotlight with its “Charge Like A Champion” product campaign, claiming to be the fastest-charging smartphone in the entry-level category.
It comes with the industry-standard 5,000mAh large battery and includes the 33W SUPERVOOC Charger in the package.
According to the brand’s advertisements, the C53 can charge up to 50% in just 31 minutes and reach a full charge in 88 minutes.
I was excited to test this feature, as it is not commonly found in entry-level smartphones.
To begin the testing, I completely drained the C53’s battery by playing non-stop YouTube music overnight.
At around 2:00 pm, I started charging the phone from 0%. It took about 5-6 minutes for it to boot and display the realme intro logo.
By 2:13 pm, the phone was already at 2% charge. I left it to charge for 30 minutes and returned at 2:53 pm, finding it at 55%. Impressive.
By 3:40 pm, it was fully charged, taking approximately 87 minutes to reach 100%.
In terms of charging capability, the realme C53 is truly a champion with its ultra-fast charging. This feature sets it apart from its competitors in the entry-level price range.
PORS & CONS
Pros: The realme C53 boasts a large display, ultra-slim and thin aesthetic, decent performance, expandable memory and storage, and ultra-fast charging.
Cons: The camera performance in low-light settings could be improved.
VERDICT
With my experience in the consumer electronics industry, specifically the mobile phone sector, I have seen realme rise as a leader. Moreover, champion to the masses with their high-quality, feature-packed, stylish, and budget-friendly smartphones.
The C-series has made great strides, and the C53 model exemplifies realme’s commitment to the Filipino market.
Although the C53 may lack in camera capabilities, it’s important to remember its affordable price point.
I often advise my relatives who are into selfies and Instagram-worthy photos to opt for premium phone models available in the market.
Where the C53 truly shines is in its performance and aesthetics. It doesn’t give off the typical entry-level phone vibe, and its ultra-fast charging feature sets it apart from other phones in its price range.
Considering its price tag of under P8,000, the C53’s ultra-fast charging is truly a standout feature.
VP Tech Ratings:
Build/Aesthetic 4.3
Cameras 3.7
Performance 4.6
Multimedia Experience 4.3
VP Tech Approved: 4.225
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The realme C53 has an official retail price of PHP 7,999. However, it is currently available online for only PHP 6,999 as an early bird discount. This exclusive offer is available on TikTok Shop and Lazada until June 23. Don’t miss out, add it to your cart early while supplies last!
