Realme 11X 5G First Impressions: A Mid-Range Contender With Style and Substance?
Realme’s latest addition to the 11 series, the Realme 11X 5G, aims to capture the hearts of budget-conscious consumers with its sleek design, powerful performance, and a promising camera setup. Priced starting at just ₹14,999, it’s a compelling proposition in the fiercely competitive mid-range market. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into our first impressions of the Realme 11X 5G to see what it brings to the table.
A First Look at Design and Aesthetics
The Realme 11X 5G immediately grabs attention with its striking Purple Dawn color option, featuring an eye-catching S-curve Gradient design. This mesmerizing effect creates a blend of blue and purple hues that shimmers under different lighting conditions. Although the phone is constructed from polycarbonate, the back panel boasts a glass-like finish that feels premium to the touch. The phone is surprisingly lightweight at 190g and sits comfortably in hand, despite a slightly boxy design that Realme calls a "right angle bezel design."
Performance and Features
Powering the Realme 11X 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 6nm process chip with an eight-core CPU launched in July 2023. This processor should provide ample power for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The phone is paired with 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card.
The 6.72-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, promising a fluid and responsive user experience. Early impressions suggest a vibrant and colorful display with excellent brightness for indoor use, but outdoor visibility in direct sunlight could pose a challenge. The display offers three refresh rate options: 120Hz, 60Hz, and Auto-Select for optimal power management based on content.
Camera Capabilities
The Realme 11X 5G packs a 64-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.79 aperture at its core, promising high-quality images in well-lit conditions. Initial camera samples suggest the images are social media-ready, showcasing good detail and vibrant colors. The camera can record video at up to 1080p 30fps. A 2-megapixel portrait sensor with an f/2.4 aperture rounds out the rear camera setup. Notable features include a 64MP mode, night mode, street mode, text scanner, and tilt shift, adding versatility to the camera experience.
However, the lack of an ultra-wide camera is a notable omission, especially considering its presence in competing models in this price range. The 8-megapixel front camera performs well in daylight, capturing decent selfies.
Battery Life and Software Experience
The Realme 11X 5G features a substantial 5,000mAh battery supported by 33W fast charging. The inclusion of a 33W charger in the box is a welcome addition. Initial testing suggests the battery can comfortably power the phone throughout a day of regular use.
On the software front, the Realme 11X 5G runs Android 13-based Realme UI 4.0. While there were numerous bloatware apps pre-installed, most could be uninstalled. Initial testing revealed minimal notification spam, which is a positive sign. The phone offers standard connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS/ A-GPS, and USB Type-C.
Final Thoughts
The Realme 11X 5G emerges as a promising mid-range contender with its attractive design, powerful performance, and decent camera capabilities. The lack of an ultra-wide camera is a noticeable omission, but the overall package is compelling, especially at its starting price. However, only a thorough review with extensive testing will reveal its true potential and provide a definitive judgment on Realme’s newest offering.
