The Realme Note 60: A Budget-Friendly Phone with a Twist, But is it Enough?
Realme’s latest entry into the budget smartphone market, the Realme Note 60, is making waves in Indonesia with its enticing price and a few intriguing features. But is this phone just another budget offering, or does it bring something new to the table? We delve into the specs, features, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if the Realme Note 60 is the right fit for your needs.
A Glimpse at the Price and Design
The Realme Note 60 is available in three configurations: 4GB RAM + 64GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage. The base model is priced at IDR 13,99,000 (roughly Rs. 7,500), making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. The other variants are priced at IDR 15,99,000 (roughly Rs. 8,500) and IDR 18,99,000 (roughly Rs. 10,000), respectively. You can choose between Marble Black and Voyage Blue colourways to suit your style.
Under the Hood: Performance and Features
The Realme Note 60 runs on Android 14-based Realme UI and boasts a 6.74-inch LCD display offering a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, a 180Hz touch sampling rate for responsive touch input, and a 560nits peak brightness for clear visuals in various lighting conditions. Powering the phone is an octa-core Unisoc T612 chipset coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage.
One interesting addition is the Mini Capsule feature, which enhances the notification experience by displaying vital information around the selfie camera cutout, a feature reminiscent of the Dynamic Island on Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro models.
The Realme Note 60 also offers a “virtual RAM feature”, allowing you to expand the RAM up to 16GB by utilizing unused storage. This feature aims to provide a smoother multitasking experience.
Photography: A Decent Setup for the Price
The Realme Note 60 offers a decent camera setup for its price point. The rear camera module is equipped with a 32-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for capturing decent images in various lighting conditions. The phone also includes an AI-powered camera to enhance image quality. On the front, a 5-megapixel sensor handles your selfie needs.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Realme Note 60 offers a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. It also has an IP64-rated build, ensuring dust and splash resistance. The Rainwater Smart Touch technology is a noteworthy addition, allowing users to interact with the screen even when their hands are wet or in rainy conditions.
Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery that offers decent endurance. However, the 10W charging support is a bit disappointing in this day and age, necessitating longer charging times compared to competitors with faster charging capabilities.
Conclusion: A Balanced Budget Offering with Some Quirks
The Realme Note 60 offers a solid combination of features, performance, and price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The 90Hz refresh rate display, the Mini Capsule feature, and the virtual RAM expansion are commendable additions, while the decent camera setup and IP64 rating contribute to its overall appeal.
However, the slow charging speed, the use of an older processor, and the lack of 5G connectivity might be deal breakers for some users, especially considering competitors offer similar features with potentially better performance and charging speeds at comparable price points.
Ultimately, the Realme Note 60 is a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly phone with a few unique features. However, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your individual needs before making a decision.
