realme has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the midrange segment. Their newest offering, the realme 13 5G, aims to redefine expectations for mobile gaming enthusiasts without breaking the bank.
The realme 13 5G combines high-performance hardware with gaming-centric features, packaged in a sleek, modern design. For our first impressions, we’ll explore how this new contender stands up to the demands of today’s mobile gamers and everyday users alike, potentially setting a new standard for what a midrange gaming smartphone can achieve.
Design and Build Quality
The realme 13 5G showcases two inspired by popular mobile games. At just 7.79mm thin and weighing 190 grams, it’s designed for comfortable extended use. The device features a “Speedy Lightning Texture” and “Speedy Curve Design” on its back panel, emphasizing its gaming-centric positioning. Available in Speed Green and Dark Purple, the phone aims to be a visual piece as well.
The dual pattern design is definitely a refreshing take, with a smooth pattern at the top, and a lightning-like pattern at the bottom.
Build quality appears robust, with realme’s ArmorShell Protection technology incorporated. This includes a high-strength internal structure with die-cast aluminum construction, tempered glass, and wear-resistant surfaces. The device also has an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.
While the 3.5mm headphone jack has become a niche feature especially in more premium smartphones, it’s nice that midrange devices like the realme 13 5G still keeps it, so you can still enjoy your wired headphones without the hassle of having something in between, like a dongle.
Performance
At the heart of the realme 13 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, aimed at delivering a balance of performance and efficiency.
The device offers a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, also with provisions for a microSD card. As with most devices today, it can utilize Dynamic RAM Expansion to boost performance. This setup allows for faster app launches and improved multitasking capabilities. realme claims that it can keep up to 19 apps running in the background.
Usually reserved for more premium devices in realme’s lineup, GT Mode, a feature which optimizes resource allocation for gaming is available on the realme 13 5G.
In our initial gaming tests, the realme 13 5G demonstrated promising performance across various titles. It handled Honor of Kings at Ultra resolution and High FPS settings without major issues, Diablo Immortal ran decently at Medium preset and 30 fps, with potential for further optimization, and Honkai: Star Rail did well at Medium preset with 60 fps enabled, maintaining 30 to 40 fps most of the time, with only occasional dips to around 20 fps in certain scenarios.
The Vapor Chamber Cooling System promises to reduce temperatures by up to 12°C during intense usage. After our gaming sessions, we noticed the device became slightly warm but remained comfortable to hold even without a case, suggesting effective thermal management.
A full review with detailed benchmarks will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the realme 13 5G’s gaming capabilities and overall performance.
Camera
The realme 13 5G is equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), paired with a 2MP mono lens. For selfies, there’s a 16MP front-facing camera.
While we haven’t extensively tested the camera system, the specifications suggest that it should be capable of capturing decent quality images, though video recording is limited to 1080p 60fps. There’s also no ultra-wide unit, which limits the device’s flexibility in adapting to various shooting conditions.
Audio and Multimedia
The device features a 6.72″ FHD+ IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smooth visuals for gaming and general use. The screen boasts a peak brightness of 690 nits and supports RainWater Smart Touch, so you can still use the display normally even when it’s wet.
Audio is handled by dual stereo speakers, which realme claims deliver clear and loud sound. The device also supports a 200% UltraBoom function for more volume.
Battery and Charging
A 5000mAh battery powers the realme 13 5G, which the brand states can provide up to 7 hours of gaming on a single charge. The device supports 45W SUPERVOOC charging, promising to reach 50% battery in 30 minutes and a full charge in 80 minutes.
realme has implemented several safety features, including protection against overheating and abnormal circuits. They also claim the battery will maintain high health even after 1,600 charging cycles, equivalent to about 4 years of daily charging.
Software
The realme 13 5G runs realme UI 5.0 on top on Android 14 and brings updated design elements and new features focused on security, personalization, and performance. Some notable additions include File Dock, PhoneLink, and support for Always-On Display (AOD).
The software also incorporates several “Real Essentials” features, such as Air Gestures for touchless control, Smart Code Scan for QR code reading, and Dynamic Button, which extends the functionality of the power button via double tap, double press, and slide gestures. We’ll do a deep dive of these features in the full review.
Initial Verdict
The realme 13 5G appears to be a compelling option for mobile gaming enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance and affordability. With its focus on gaming features, ample storage, fast charging, and a high-refresh-rate display, it seems well-positioned in the midrange market.
However, a full review will be necessary to assess how well these promising specifications translate into its real-world performance, so stay tuned.
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.
