Realme C65

Realme C65: A Few Weeks In – Honest Thoughts on the Everyday Hero

I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the Realme C65, and it's been a revealing experience. At its price point, it's clear Realme is aiming for a specific demographic – those who prioritize practicality and affordability. My testing involved a typical daily routine: emails, social media browsing, a fair bit of YouTube and music streaming, some casual gaming, and snapping the occasional photo. Initial impressions are that Realme has largely delivered on its promise of a dependable, no-frills device, though there are definitely some compromises to be aware of. Given its positioning in the budget segment, let's dive into whether the C65 truly earns its place.

Market Context: Filling a Specific Niche

The Realme C65 arrives at a time when the budget smartphone market is more competitive than ever. Realme, known for its aggressive pricing and feature-packed offerings, is clearly aiming to capture the attention of users who need a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. Their strategy seems focused on delivering core functionality well, even if it means sacrificing some of the premium bells and whistles found on higher-end devices. Personally, I think this is a smart move. Not everyone needs the absolute latest processor or the most cutting-edge camera tech. For many, a phone that handles the basics smoothly and lasts all day is more than enough. The price point feels about right for what's on offer, making it a viable option for students, first-time smartphone buyers, or those simply looking for a secondary device.

Design & Hardware: Functional and Familiar

Picking up the Realme C65 for the first time, the lightness is immediately noticeable. At just 185 grams and with a slim 7.6mm profile, it’s undeniably comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. My "Black Milky Way" review unit, while attractive enough with its subtle shimmer, does indeed live up to the description in other reviews – it's a fingerprint magnet. You'll find yourself wiping it down regularly if you're particular about a clean look. The build quality feels solid enough for a phone in this category, though the materials are clearly plastic. This isn’t a phone that screams premium, but it feels durable enough for everyday use. I appreciate the inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is generally reliable, though I occasionally found it a touch less responsive than some of the more premium implementations I've used. Overall, the design is functional and avoids feeling cheap, which is a win at this price.

Display: Serviceable for Everyday Viewing

The Realme C65 features a 6.67-inch LCD display, and for the most part, it gets the job done. The 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition at this price point, making scrolling through social media feeds and navigating menus noticeably smoother. This is one area where the C65 punches slightly above its weight class. Media consumption, like watching YouTube videos, is generally pleasant. While the colors aren't the most vibrant I've seen, they're acceptable for everyday use. Gaming is also reasonably enjoyable on this display, particularly for less demanding titles. However, it's important to note the resolution is 720 x 1604 pixels (HD+). While this is perfectly adequate for most tasks, you might notice a lack of sharpness compared to higher-resolution displays, especially when viewing text closely. The brightness is generally sufficient for indoor use, but as noted by others, you’ll need to crank it up to maximum when you’re out in direct sunlight to ensure good visibility. The "water drop notch" housing the front-facing camera is a bit dated in its aesthetic, but it’s something you quickly get used to and doesn’t significantly detract from the viewing experience.

Performance: Competent for Basic Tasks

Under the hood, the Realme C65 is powered by a Mediatek Helio G85 chip. In my testing, this chipset proved to be perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, email, and messaging. There’s no noticeable lag or stuttering during these activities. I even pushed it with some light gaming, including popular titles like Candy Crush and some less graphically intensive action games, and it performed admirably. However, if you're a serious mobile gamer looking to play demanding titles at high settings, this isn't the phone for you. You'll likely experience frame drops and potentially some noticeable slowdown. Multitasking between a few apps is generally smooth, though pushing it with numerous background processes might lead to some slight delays. I didn't notice any significant overheating during my usage, which is a positive. For its intended purpose as a reliable daily driver, the performance of the Realme C65 is more than adequate.

Camera System: Capturing the Essentials

The camera system on the Realme C65 consists of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. My experience mirrors what others have reported: in good lighting conditions, the main camera can capture decent-looking photos with reasonably accurate colors. Those quick snapshots of pets or dinner with friends come out looking presentable for social media sharing. I even managed to capture a pleasing sunset picture, though upon closer inspection, the details weren’t particularly sharp. As expected, low-light performance is where the C65 struggles. Images become noticeably grainy, and details are lost. However, the results are still usable for capturing memories, even if they’re not going to win any photography awards. Video recording is acceptable for casual use, but again, don't expect professional-level quality. The 8MP selfie camera is fine for video calls and the occasional selfie in good light. Compared to other phones in this price range, the camera performance is competitive, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s a functional camera for everyday moments, not a photography powerhouse.

Battery & Charging: A True Strength

One of the standout features of the Realme C65 is its impressive battery life. The 5000mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing a recharge. There were even days when I forgot to plug it in overnight and still had enough juice to get me started the next morning. This is a major plus for anyone who values longevity and doesn't want to be constantly tethered to a charger. Adding to the appeal is the inclusion of 45W fast charging, a feature often reserved for more expensive devices. In my testing, it significantly reduced charging times, getting the phone from near empty to a substantial charge in a relatively short period. This combination of excellent battery life and fast charging makes the Realme C65 a reliable companion for busy days.

Software: Familiar and Functional

The Realme C65 runs on Android 14, which is great to see on a budget device, ensuring you have access to the latest features and security updates. Realme’s UI on top of Android is generally clean and user-friendly. I found the interface to be intuitive to navigate, and there weren't excessive amounts of bloatware pre-installed. The features included are mostly useful and don't feel gimmicky. While Realme's update policy for budget devices isn't always the clearest, the fact that it launches with the latest version of Android is a positive sign. Day-to-day usage is smooth and responsive, and the software doesn't feel like it's holding the hardware back.

Value Analysis: Striking a Balance

The Realme C65 hits a sweet spot in the budget segment. For the price, you're getting a phone with a smooth 90Hz display, all-day battery life with fast charging, and competent performance for everyday tasks. It’s a phone that gets the essentials right. This phone is ideal for students, individuals who need a reliable second phone, or anyone who prioritizes practicality and affordability over high-end features. If you're a mobile gaming enthusiast, a photography buff who demands top-tier image quality, or someone who insists on a super-sharp display, you'll likely need to look elsewhere and spend more. Compared to the competition, the Realme C65 offers a compelling package, particularly when considering the inclusion of fast charging.

Conclusion: A Dependable Choice for the Practical User

Ultimately, the Realme C65 is a solid and dependable budget smartphone. It’s not going to turn heads with its design or blow you away with its performance, but it delivers on its core promises. The excellent battery life, smooth display, and surprisingly fast charging are significant strengths. The camera is adequate for everyday snapshots, and the performance is sufficient for most common tasks. If you're looking for a reliable smartphone that won't break the bank and can keep up with your daily demands, the Realme C65 is definitely worth considering. It's a phone that prioritizes functionality and delivers a good overall experience for its price.