Amir ZulkarnainThe realme C30 is an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance, extended battery life, and an attractive design.
Launched in Malaysia in June 2022, it is available in three eye-catching colors: Lake Blue, Bamboo Green, and Denim Black. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the phone’s specifications, notable features, advantages and drawbacks, as well as its pricing.
Specification table
| Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Unisoc T612 Octa-core, up to 1.82GHz |
| GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) | ARM Mali-G57 |
| RAM (Random Access Memory) | 3GB/4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB UFS2.2 |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 10W Fast Charge |
| Display | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD Fullscreen |
| Camera | Rear: 8MP AI Camera with f/2.0 aperture Front: 5MP AI Selfie with f/2.2 aperture |
| Connectivity | GSM/WCDMA/FDD-LTE/TD-LTE, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Security Features | None |
| Operating System and Updates | realme UI Go Edition Based on Android 11 |
| Additional Features | 3-Card Slot (2 Nano SIM + 1 Micro SD), GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Acceleration sensor |
Source: realme C30 Specifications – realme (Malaysia)
How does the realme C30 perform?
The realme C30 is equipped with the Unisoc T612 processor, a mid-range chipset capable of handling everyday tasks and casual gaming. It boasts an AnTuTu Benchmark score of 176,932, placing it on par with some older Snapdragon 600 series processors.
Notably, the realme C30 supports UFS 2.2 storage, which is faster than the typical eMMC storage commonly found in budget smartphones. Buyers can choose between 3GB or 4GB of RAM and opt for either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Additionally, storage can be expanded up to 1TB using a micro SD card.
Running on the realme UI Go Edition, which is based on Android 11, the realme C30 offers a streamlined experience tailored for low-end devices.
While it includes fewer pre-installed apps and features, it still delivers a smooth and user-friendly interface. The realme UI Go Edition also promises prompt updates and security patches, enhancing the overall usability of the device.
How good is the camera of the realme C30?
The realme C30 features a single 8MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture. It supports basic photography functions including beauty, filters, HDR, panorama, portrait, timelapse, expert, and super night mode. While the camera performs adequately for its price range, it falls short of delivering impressive results. Photos often lack detail and sharpness, especially in low-light conditions, and colors may appear less accurate and vibrant.
On the front, the realme C30 sports a 5MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. This front-facing camera also offers beauty, filter, and HDR modes. However, selfie quality is, at best, average, as it exhibits similar issues to the rear camera. Selfies can appear blurry and grainy, and skin tones may not always appear natural.
Video recording capabilities of the realme C30 include up to 1080p at 30fps with the rear camera and up to 720p at 30fps with the front camera. The resulting video quality is middling, lacking stabilization and clarity, with audio quality also falling short in terms of clarity and volume.
How long does the battery last on the realme C30?
The realme C30 boasts an impressive 5000mAh battery, providing extended usage that can easily last for over a day with moderate use. For added convenience, it supports 10W fast charging, capable of fully charging the phone from empty to 100% in approximately three hours.
Furthermore, the realme C30 includes an ultra-saving mode, which further extends battery life by limiting background activities and reducing screen brightness, ensuring users can stay powered throughout the day.
How durable is the realme C30?
The realme C30 features a plastic body with a design reminiscent of luggage, characterized by vertical stripes. It boasts a thickness of 8.5mm and weighs 182g, providing a solid and comfortable feel in the hand.
However, it’s important to note that the phone may not be particularly resistant to scratches or accidental drops. Additionally, the realme C30 lacks water and dust protection.
The smartphone’s display is a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD fullscreen with a screen-to-body ratio of 88.7%. It boasts a responsive and smooth touch sampling rate of 120Hz.
While the display quality is acceptable considering its price range, it may not deliver the sharpest or brightest visuals, and colors may lack vibrancy and contrast. It’s worth mentioning that the display does not feature protective elements like Gorilla Glass or a pre-installed screen protector.
How much does the realme C30 cost in Malaysia?
The realme C30 is available in Malaysia in two variants: 3GB/32GB and 4GB/64GB. The official prices are as follows:
| Storage / Promo | Price |
|---|---|
| 3GB/32GB | RM429 |
| 4GB/64GB | RM499 |
| First Sale Promo (3GB/32GB) | RM399 |
| First Sale Promo (4GB/64GB) | RM469 |
Source: realme C30 – realme (Malaysia)
Should you buy the realme C30?
The realme C30 is a budget-friendly smartphone under RM400 that offers decent performance, extended battery life, and an attractive design.
However, it does come with some drawbacks, including a mediocre camera, a low-resolution display, and a lack of security features. Here are some of the pros and cons of the realme C30:
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Powerful processor
- Fast storage with UFS 2.2 support
- Impressive 5000mAh battery
- Lightweight and optimized UI
Cons:
- Subpar camera performance
- Low-resolution display
- Absence of fingerprint scanner or facial recognition
- No water or dust resistance rating
- Utilizes a Micro USB port
Consider purchasing the realme C30 if you are seeking an affordable smartphone that offers satisfactory overall performance and exceptional battery life.