Realme C100 5G Review: specs and features, camera quality test, gaming benchmark, user opinions and photos

Realme C100 5G - Limited Potential

Making a high-quality entry-level smartphone isn't easy. Consumers have long demanded not just a phone with slightly expanded functionality, but a fully-fledged mobile assistant capable of handling a wide range of tasks, even at a modest price. Unfortunately, the global economy is also changing the balance of affordable devices. Today's review subject would have been far more interesting if not for the rising cost of RAM.

The new device's appearance is decent, albeit a bit dated. The case colors are tastefully chosen, the camera module is modern, and there's a convenient side fingerprint scanner. However, the selfie camera design is straight out of 2020, and the screen bezels could have been smaller. However, the 50-megapixel front-facing camera is superior to those found in the vast majority of competitors and is suitable for more than just video calling. The 6.8-inch IPS panel doesn't disappoint except for the smoothness of content at a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Image clarity is mediocre due to the HD+ resolution, the brightness of only 600 nits is insufficient for use in direct sunlight, and there's no oleophobic coating.

The technical specifications include a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 CPU, a Mali G57MC2 GPU, and a paltry 4 GB of RAM, but they're capable of fully exploiting the device's performance. The Android 15 interface is occasionally frustratingly laggy, and demanding games either don't launch or randomly crash to the desktop mid-game. Battery life, however, is more than adequate. A hefty 7000 mAh battery guarantees approximately 10-12 hours of active screen time. However, they skimped significantly on charging power (15W), meaning you'll be away from a power outlet or power bank for a long time. As for internal storage, it's increased to 128GB/256GB with a MicroSD card slot.

The main 50MP Sony IMX852 sensor without optical image stabilization and the 0.3MP depth sensor aren't exactly impressive in terms of photography. While they're good for capturing text in documents, they struggle with artistic photography. Any deterioration in lighting or increased subject movement ruins photos with blur and noise. The cost-cutting is also evident in the sound—there are no stereo speakers. However, there is a dedicated headphone jack. NFC contactless payments aren't forgotten either. Overall, this is a pleasant device in many ways, but its shortcomings are a significant barrier to commercial success.