The Realme C61 is one of the latest entry-level smartphones from the brand, aiming to attract buyers with its affordable price and stylish design. But what do actual users think of it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether the Realme C61 is a smart purchase, based on expert reviews and user experiences.
Design
The design of the Realme C61 is one area where both experts and users agree: it looks great. In a review by Root-Nation, tester Julia Pakhomenko describes the design as “iPhone-like”—and that’s no coincidence. The rounded edges and glossy, smooth back give it a premium feel, though it does tend to be slippery and prone to fingerprints. Still, the inclusion of IP54 splash resistance is a welcome surprise at this price point, and the fact that it comes with a simple protective case is another plus.
Most customer reviews are similarly positive about the design. Many describe the phone as “elegant,” “very nice,” or “sophisticated.” One German user noted that the device is “much bigger than expected,” though this seems more like a matter of personal taste than a flaw. Several Italian and Spanish reviews also mention the included case as a pleasant surprise, and some say it “feels like holding a more expensive phone.”
Summary: The Realme C61 stands out in its price range thanks to its stylish design, quality materials, and premium touches. While there are some compromises—like the slippery back—they don’t seem to detract significantly from the overall impression.
Display
The phone features a 6.74-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. According to testers, the colors are pleasant and viewing angles are decent, but the HD+ (1600 x 720) resolution feels a bit outdated by today’s standards. Outdoor visibility is a weak point, as the screen performs poorly in direct sunlight and suffers from glare.
User opinions are mixed. Some simply describe the display as “beautiful” without elaborating, while others mention specific issues. One Spanish user noted that the screen is nearly unreadable when wearing polarized sunglasses—something especially annoying while driving. Another user found the resolution “a bit outdated,” whereas someone else thought it was “bright and detailed,” likely due to lower expectations.
Summary: The display is one of the more divisive features of the Realme C61. The high refresh rate and decent color reproduction are positives, but the low resolution and poor outdoor visibility are clear drawbacks.
Hardware & Performance
At the heart of the C61 is the UNISOC Tiger T612 processor, an entry-level 8-core chip designed for basic tasks. Testing shows that it handles simple activities like browsing and using social media reasonably well. The bigger issue isn’t speed but software: the phone comes with a lot of pre-installed apps, which the reviewer calls “bloatware,” and these slow down the system.
This is also where user feedback is the most varied. Some describe the phone as “smooth” and “fast,” while others report the opposite: “slow interface,” “system freezes,” and “delays in every app” are not uncommon complaints. One Egyptian user said the phone is “slow and not suitable for today’s needs,” while an Italian reviewer wrote, “a bit slow, but acceptable for the price.”
Summary: Performance is highly subjective. The phone can handle basic functions, but system bloat and a lack of software optimization may frustrate more demanding users. If you're looking for speed, this might not be the right fit.
Camera
The camera setup is one of the C61’s weakest aspects, according to both reviews and user feedback. The 50 MP main sensor can take acceptable photos in good lighting, but the images lack vibrancy, detail is limited, and digital noise is common. The selfie camera is even less impressive, with faded skin tones and artificial-looking portrait effects. Video quality is described as “very low,” with no stabilization.
Users echo these sentiments. A Swedish reviewer noted, “It’s fine in daylight, but night photos and videos are terrible.” A Spanish user offered a more balanced view, saying the camera “can take good pictures,” but didn’t clarify the conditions.
Summary: The camera setup doesn’t stand out in any way. If photography is a priority, the Realme C61 is not the right choice—it clearly shows its budget limitations here.
Battery
One of the Realme C61’s biggest strengths is its 5000 mAh battery. According to expert testing, it can last up to two days under normal usage. Even on more demanding days, it should comfortably last through the evening. However, the absence of a charging brick in the box slightly diminishes the overall experience.
User feedback on battery life varies. One Swedish user was disappointed: “It’s down to 20% by the end of the day, and I didn’t even use it that much.” On the other hand, many Italian and Spanish users praised the battery life, describing it as “very durable” and saying it “lasts two days.” It’s clear that usage habits—like screen time and connectivity—play a major role in real-world battery performance.
Summary: The battery is one of the phone’s most consistent strengths. While real-life results may vary, most users are satisfied with the battery life—especially at this price point.
Final Verdict
The Realme C61 is a textbook example of a phone where looks and price do a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s stylish, has great battery life, and handles basic tasks like browsing and messaging without issue. However, the display has its compromises, the camera is underwhelming, and the system could use better optimization.
Who should consider buying it?
If you’re looking for a stylish, budget-friendly phone for light use—and can overlook average camera quality and some performance hiccups—the Realme C61 might be a good fit. But if you want sharper visuals, a better camera, or a snappier user experience, it’s worth looking at higher-tier models.
In short: the Realme C61 isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid entry-level option—as long as you know what (not) to expect.
