Many users want budget smartphones for browsing social media, clicking a few photos and web browsing. However, most budget phones have a reputation for lowered performance after a few months of usage, and things get worse as time passes by. Some phones can’t even run basic apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, making you question your buying decision. Poor software and security support are other concerns. Realme seems to have understood these problems. It begins its 2023 innings with the Realme 10 which claims to overcome entry-range phone problems. It has an elegant design and promises solid performance along with long-term software support. While everything looks spot on, how well does it stand against the competitors?
The Realme 10 is a well-designed phone offered in two unique paint jobs. The Rush Black variant has a simple yet subtle look, while the Rush White variant is glittery and changes colour as you move the device. Both models use a multi-layered plastic at the back and sport a matte finish, helping keep fingerprints away. The front sports Gorilla Glass 5, which should protect the screen from scratches and accidental falls.
The phone also comes with flat edges like most modern-day flagship devices. It weighs only 179 grams, so you can comfortably hold it over long periods of time. The frame also has a side-placed fingerprint reader, which is extremely comfortable to use. There is also a face unlock feature for speedy unlocking using the front camera.
The phone comes with a large 6.4-inch display with minimal bezels. Where most budget phones use LCD panels, this one comes with a Super AMOLED panel that renders perfect blacks and higher contrast levels. This full HD display also supports a 90 Hz refresh rate, making gaming, browsing pages, and overall UI experience a lot smoother. Gamers will also appreciate the display’s 360Hz touch sampling rate.
The screen also supports the DCI-P3 colour gamut for a natural-looking, content viewing experience. Realme says the device also supports 1,000 nits peak brightness, the highest in the segment. This means content will look vibrant even in brightly lit rooms. There is also support for the always-on feature, so you can quickly check the clock, date, notifications and battery status without turning on the screen.
The Realme 10 runs on the MediaTek Helio G99, a mid-range CPU that promises strong performance. It can smoothly run daily social media apps and browsers without breaking a sweat. Realme says the 6nm processor offers 25 per cent more CPU and 78 per cent more GPU performance, which means you can also expect a good gaming experience. The entry-range models have 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The top-tier variant comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The phone also supports Realme’s Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) feature that lets you add up to 5 GB of virtual RAM using the internal storage. The device also comes with a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion.
The Realme 10 also promises a strong battery life with its 5,000 mAH battery. The device ships with a 33W charger and claims a 0 to 50 per cent battery recharge in just 28 minutes. It comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard with support for aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive for a seamless wireless music experience.
The phone runs Android 13 and uses Realme’s latest UI 3.0. This third generation UI brings enhanced privacy dashboards and privacy indicators to protect your data. It even offers richer customisation options with new icon and font packs, a fluid interface and sleeker multi-tasking windows. A Smart Theming Engine feature automatically picks colours from your wallpaper and applies them across system elements. For audiophiles, a Dual-Mode is added that allows listening to music from both wired and wireless headphones simultaneously. Realme promises three major OS updates and four years of security patches, making the device a future-proof option.
The phone also houses a 50 MP primary camera for photography needs. It uses a Samsung ISOCELL S5KJN1 sensor offering an f/1.8 aperture which claims to deliver clarity even in poor lighting conditions. This camera also supports a dedicated Night Mode for capturing starry nights. Additionally, Realme has also added support for Expert Mode which lets you take control over most camera settings. The phone also has a 2 MP monochrome sensor for monochrome images.
For selfies, the Realme 10 has a 16 MP front camera. This camera offers a wide field of view, so you can capture more people in a single frame. The phone is also capable of recording full HD 30 fps videos from both front and rear cameras.
The Realme 10 is a solid budget device that makes no compromises. It offers excellent performance with long-term software support which is rare in the budget smartphone segment. It is also well-constructed and comes with a good battery life which makes it a winner in the segment. Prices for the base variant start from Rs. 13,999* and the phone is soon expected to be available at www.reliancedigital.in.
Note – Images are for representation only. Please refer to the product page for specific details, prices, and availability
