Realme Narzo 60 Pro 5G: A Twin of the 11 Pro 5G, But With More Storage?
Realme’s latest offering, the Narzo 60 Pro 5G, joins the Narzo series alongside its sibling, the Narzo 60 5G. Both smartphones are designed to offer a compelling mix of features and performance for users looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, with Realme increasingly crowding its own smartphone lineup, the Narzo 60 Pro 5G finds itself in an interesting position – it’s almost a carbon copy of the Realme 11 Pro 5G, but with a twist that may or may not convince you to choose it over its twin. Let’s dive deeper into what this new Narzo Pro brings to the table, considering the bundled accessories, design, performance, and how it stacks up against its sibling and other options in the market.
A Familiar Face with a Twist: Design and Features
The Narzo 60 Pro 5G undeniably borrows heavily from the design language of the Realme 11 Pro 5G. So much so, that it seems like they could be twins, with only subtle variations on the back panel. This "twin" concept extends beyond just the looks, as both devices share the same AMOLED display, boasting a vibrant 6.7-inch curved-edge panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and full-HD+ resolution.
However, the differentiating factor is where the Narzo 60 Pro 5G shines – storage. The top-tier variant offers a whopping 1TB of built-in storage, a first for phones in this price range. This is a major selling point, especially for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and other demanding apps. It’s available alongside variants with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage and the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
The Narzo 60 Pro 5G is available in two distinct colors: Mars Orange with a faux-leather back, and Cosmic Black with a polished polycarbonate back. The Cosmic Black option feels particularly premium due to the metallic texture and smooth finish. The design is sleek and modern, with a narrow frame and a minimal chin, making the bezels appear even. Although the in-display fingerprint sensor is a welcome addition, it’s positioned a bit too far down on the display for optimal comfort.
A Single Camera? The Photography Experience
The rear camera module on the Narzo 60 Pro 5G is undeniably ambitious, but ultimately misleading. The imposing design suggests multiple cameras, but it actually features only a 100-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 2-megapixel portrait camera. In essence, you’re essentially provided with just a single usable camera, a somewhat disappointing omission, especially in this price segment. On the front, there’s a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
This limited camera setup stands in stark contrast to the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G, which offers a 200-megapixel main camera, along with a 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. This makes the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G a more versatile option for photography enthusiasts.
Under the Hood: Performance and Battery Life
The Narzo 60 Pro 5G draws power from the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, the same as its 11 Pro series sibling. This chipset has been proven capable of delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The 5000mAh battery paired with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging ensures you can quickly replenish the battery while maintaining decent battery life.
Running Realme UI 4.0 on top of Android 13, the phone also boasts stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. However, it lacks an official IP rating for dust and water resistance, which may be a drawback for some users.
The Narzo 60 Pro 5G: A Confusing Choice
The Narzo 60 Pro 5G finds itself in a somewhat precarious position. On one hand, it offers a compelling design, a vibrant display, and remarkably generous storage options. The abundance of RAM and storage is truly a distinguishing factor and could be enough to sway certain users. However, its lack of a secondary camera, like the ultra-wide camera available on the Realme 11 Pro+, leaves it feeling limited in terms of photography capabilities.
In essence, when compared directly to its twin, the 11 Pro 5G, the Narzo 60 Pro 5G offers only a significant storage upgrade. For roughly the same price point, many users might find themselves tempted by the 11 Pro+ 5G, which offers a more complete camera setup and faster charging.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual priorities. If you value storage above all else, and are satisfied with a single camera setup, the Narzo 60 Pro 5G offers a very appealing option. However, for individuals seeking a better camera experience or a more well-rounded feature set, the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G might be a more compelling choice.
As with any new smartphone launch, time will tell how the Narzo 60 Pro 5G performs in the long-term, and whether it can carve out a niche in the crowded market. It remains to be seen if the generous storage option will outweigh its limited camera setup.
