Has a few nifty tricks, but lags behind other devices in the same price range as an overall package.
- Leather finish adds a touch of premium
- Good battery life
- Decent cameras for day shots
- Good charging speed
- Some nifty software features
- Has expandable storage
- Could've had a better processor for its price
- Still uses a notch
- A bit pricey for what it offers
- HD+ display
- UI still packs a lot of unneeded shortcuts
Introduction
The realme C63 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a well-rounded experience with some standout features. As part of realme’s C-series lineup, it targets users looking for reliable performance, long battery life, and decent camera capabilities without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
The realme C63 boasts a slim profile, measuring just 7.74mm thick. It’s also relatively lightweight at 189g for the Jade Green variant and 191g for the Leather Blue model.
The Leather Blue version has a coarse lychee texture that enhances grip while also offering a premium feel. This leather finish has been subjected to rigorous durability testing which includes 200,000 cycles of denim abrasion and 30,000 cycles of eraser abrasion.
This attention to detail extends to the camera module, which sports an anodized blue aluminum deco that complements the leather aesthetic.
Build quality appears robust, with the phone receiving realme Labs’ High Reliability certification. While this suggests improved durability against accidental drops, actual results may vary depending on circumstances. The realme C63 also boasts IP54 dust and water resistance, offering protection against splashes and limited dust ingress. However, it’s important to note that the device is not fully waterproof or submersible.
A standout design feature is the integration of Rainwater Smart Touch technology. This allows the display to maintain 96% touch accuracy even when wet, ensuring usability in rainy conditions or with damp hands. Its sides are also in matte finish, which means less smudges.
The realme C63 also features a triple slot tray, which means you can use two SIM cards and a microSD card for more storage.
Performance
At the heart of the realme C63 lies the Unisoc T612 processor. While not a powerhouse, it should provide adequate performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking when needed.
The phone comes with 8GB of physical RAM, which can be expanded up to 16GB through Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) technology. This allocates up to 8GB of internal storage to act as virtual RAM, potentially improving multitasking capabilities and app retention. With maximum DRE enabled, realme claims the C63 can keep up to 21 apps open in the background.
Storage is generous at 256GB, with the option to expand further via microSD card (up to 2TB). This ample space can accommodate a decent number of apps, photos, and media files.
The realme C63 boasts an AI Boost feature with two modes. There’s Smooth Boost for general performance optimization and Game Boost for enhanced gaming experiences. While the device isn’t aimed at hardcore gamers, casual players should find acceptable performance for less demanding titles.
Camera
The realme C63’s has a 50MP main camera along with a secondary “Flicker Camera” which acts as a light sensor to improve low-light performance. For selfies, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera with a 78-degree field of view, capable of 720p video recording at 30fps.
Users should expect decent results in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be limited.
Audio and Multimedia
Audio on the realme C63 is delivered via a single speaker enhanced by its 200% UltraBoom technology. This proprietary audio algorithm claims to boost low-frequency response and overall loudness. While not exactly a replacement for stereo speakers, it should provide a better experience compared to basic mono setups.
The phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This allows users to connect wired headphones without the need for adapters.
For multimedia consumption, the 6.7-inch HD+ display should provide an adequate viewing experience. However, the lack of Full HD resolution may be noticeable to discerning users, especially when watching high-quality video content.
The 6.7-inch HD+ display has a 90Hz refresh rate, which should provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz panels. It also boasts a max brightness of 560 nits in High Brightness Mode, which should aid outdoor visibility. It can lower its brightness to just 1 nit, ideal for nighttime use.
Moreover, while a lot of phones have switched to a punch hole design for the front camera, this one still uses a notch.
Battery and Charging
One of the realme C63’s strongest features is its battery and charging capabilities. The device packs a large 5000mAh battery, which realme claims can provide up to 38.8 days of standby time or 34 hours of call time. More practically, it’s rated for 17.4 hours of YouTube playback or 7.8 hours of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang gaming.
The device supports 45W SUPERVOOC system, which can take the battery from zero to full in slightly over an hour. There’s also reverse charging, which lets it act as a power bank for charging other devices.
Apart from several optimizations, the charging system on the realme C63 has also received TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification, providing additional assurance of its safety and reliability.
Software
The realme C63 runs on a customized version of realme UI based on Android 14. This iteration is described as a scaled-down version of realme UI 4.0 and 5.0, optimized for Unisoc-based devices. Regardless, the UI runs smooth and snappy for most of the time.
Notable software features include:
- AI Noise Reduction for improved call clarity
- Air Gestures for touchless control
- Dynamic Button for customizable hardware button actions
- Mini Capsule 2.0 for enhanced notifications and controls
- Customizable lowest brightness setting (down to 1 nit)
The overall software experience should be familiar to existing realme users, with options for personalization and customization.
realme C63: Verdict
The realme C63’s strengths lie in its attractive design options, long battery life, fast charging, and some thoughtful software features. The weather-resistant design and Rainwater Smart Touch technology add practical value for users in various environments.
Performance-wise, the Unisoc T612 processor and expandable RAM should be ample for everyday tasks, though it may struggle with more demanding applications. The camera system, while not groundbreaking, offers versatility with its 50MP main sensor and various shooting modes.
Some potential drawbacks include the HD+ resolution display, which may not satisfy users accustomed to sharper screens, and the lack of 5G connectivity. Lastly, I think that the PHP 8,999 price tag is just a bit too much for what it offers, especially when you consider the overall package against other devices in the same price range.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.