The market of budget smartphones is full of trade-offs. Manufacturers aim to highlight key specs—large battery, high megapixel camera, fast charging, and sleek design—while the actual user experience often suffers in the details. The Realme C65 5G fits squarely into this category. On paper, it's a compelling device: 5G connectivity, a 5000 mAh battery, 90Hz display, 50 MP camera, and Android 14-based software. But does it live up to the promise in real-world use?
Design and First Impressions
The Realme C65 5G’s design is certainly eye-catching. The shimmering “Starlight Purple” finish and vertically aligned cameras may remind some of higher-end Samsung phones, while others might see it as a budget knockoff. In contrast, the matte “Starlight Black” version offers a more subdued and elegant look overall.
Its light weight and slim profile—just 185 grams and 7.59 mm thick—make for a comfortable grip. The IP54 rating provides basic protection against dust and water splashes, which is not a given in this price range. Users also appreciate that the box includes a pre-applied screen protector and a silicone case—although not all units come with the case, which can be confusing.
Display: One of the Weakest Links
While the phone features a nearly 6.7-inch IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, the display quality has drawn criticism. Despite the claimed 950 nits of peak brightness, the screen is difficult to read outdoors due to its poor brightness and relatively low HD+ resolution. With a pixel density of 264 ppi, images and text appear less sharp—particularly noticeable during web browsing or video playback.
One redeeming feature is the “Rainwater Smart Touch” functionality, which improves touchscreen usability in wet conditions.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
At the heart of the Realme C65 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, paired with 8 GB of RAM and an additional 8 GB of virtual memory. This might sound impressive on paper, but user experiences are inconsistent.
Some users and reviewers report smooth, stable performance for the category, including acceptable gaming experiences in titles like Wild Rift and Teamfight Tactics. Others, however, note frequent lag, slow app switching, and system freezes—sometimes occurring right after the first setup.
These inconsistencies suggest the software may not be well-optimized to fully utilize the hardware. In addition, several users have mentioned overheating and that system updates have made things worse instead of better.
Battery and Charging: The Real Highlight
The 5000 mAh battery combined with 45W fast charging is arguably the device’s strongest selling point. It easily lasts a full day of use, and charging from 0 to 100% can take just over an hour under ideal conditions. In video playback tests, the phone can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
However, there is one major drawback: many buyers were disappointed to find that the 45W fast charger is not included in the box. Although the phone supports fast charging, taking advantage of it requires purchasing a separate—often pricey—adapter. This omission is especially frustrating when product listings don’t clearly mention it.
Camera: Big Numbers, Average Results
The 50 MP rear camera can produce decent photos in good lighting. Colors are usually accurate, but processing is slow, portrait mode is inconsistent, and digital zoom significantly degrades image quality even at moderate levels.
Low-light and night photography are weak points: images often come out noisy, blurry, and overly warm-toned—reminiscent of entry-level smartphones from nearly a decade ago. The 8 MP front camera doesn’t fare much better, frequently producing dark and grainy selfies indoors.
Software and Biometrics: Good Ideas, Poor Execution
Running Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, the phone includes some intriguing features like “Air Gestures” (hands-free navigation) and a programmable “Dynamic Button.” However, these are only useful if core functions work well—which, unfortunately, they often don’t.
Users report UI freezes, touchscreen responsiveness issues, and unstable connectivity. The fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button is also hit or miss, and the facial recognition system struggles with minor appearance changes, like a new haircut.
Small but Frustrating Limitations
The Realme C65 5G comes with compromises that may be deal-breakers for some. For instance, it lacks NFC support in several regions, making mobile payments impossible. This can be a major letdown, especially if the product description fails to clarify this omission.
Additionally, the device may not support all mobile network bands in every country—some users, particularly in Australia, have reported compatibility issues.
So, Is It Worth It?
The Realme C65 5G may be a suitable option for users who:
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prioritize long battery life and fast charging;
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value a stylish design and lightweight build;
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don’t need NFC or advanced camera/display features.
However, it’s not recommended for those who:
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expect consistently smooth performance;
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rely on dependable biometric unlocking;
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frequently watch videos or play mobile games;
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want a more reliable, future-proof phone.
All things considered, the Realme C65 5G makes plenty of promises but only partially delivers. It isn’t a bad phone—but if you're expecting a standout 2025 smartphone experience, especially in terms of display or camera, you might want to explore other options in this price segment.
