Realme C15 Review (2) - Android

Realme is bragging the C15’s large battery, fast charging, as well as its unique quad cameras and gaming processor. But the question is, should you pay attention to this device? Does it have what it takes to justify the money you’d spend on it? We find out in our Realme C15 full review.

Realme C15 Specs

• Android 10, Realme UI
• Dual SIM, Dual Standby
• 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, 1600 x 720 pixel resolution
• 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor
• 3GB/4GB RAM
• IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU
• 64GB/128GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
• 8-megapixel front camera, f/2.0
• 13-megapixel (f/2.2) + 8-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (depth sensor), 2-megapixel (black and white rear) cameras, LED flash
• Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner
• HSPA+, 4G LTE
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 5.0
• GPS, GLONASS, BDS
• microUSB
• Dimensions: 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8mm
• Weight: 209g
• Colors: Marine Blue, Seagull Silver
• 6,000mAh non-removable battery, 18W fast charger

Design and Build Quaility

We’ve always praised Realme for coming up with new designs every time they release a smartphone. And we’re doing the same with the Realme C15. Despite its all-plastic build, it has an aesthetic that we’ve never seen on any other Realme smartphone before.

The Realme C15 is available in two colors: Seagull Silver and the one we have here, Marine Blue. It has a textured surface with a gradient geometric design. Unlike the glass-like plastic that others use, this looks much cleaner and resistant to fingerprint marks.

However, Realme did copy the square camera glass of the Realme C11. But this time, it has four lenses symmetrically distanced with each other, and the LED flash outside the pack. The fingerprint scanner is also on the back, which is a little high for those with smaller hands to reach.

With its enormous screen and battery, the C15 is predictably large. It weighs 209g and 9.8mm thick, while most phones averages at 175g and 8mm, respectively. Thankfully, the curved edges kept it comfortable to hold.

On the front, we have the aforementioned 6.5-inch screen, with thin bezels on the sides, slightly thicker in the bottom, and a waterdrop notch on the top. This results to an 88.7% screen-to-body ratio.

We then have the SIM tray on the left side. It can accommodate two nano SIMs, with a special slot for the microSD card.

The top is clean, so don’t expect a noise-canceling microphone for calls. Instead, we have the single mic on the bottom, alongside the headphone jack and single loudspeaker. Disappointingly, it has a microUSB port instead of the modern USB Type-C.

The bottom line is, we’re satisfied with the Realme C15’s design and build. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, although the specific model was not mentioned. Plus, it ships with a pre-installed screen protector. Realme also sealed the C15 carefully to make it splash resistant. That’s enough for water-related accidents, but don’t go swimming with it.

Display and Sound Quality

The Realme C15 sports an enormous HD+ LCD screen, with a 1600 x 720 pixel resolution, and has a 420-nits peak brightness for outdoor visibility.

Display quality is good for the price. The large size provides a lot of room for doing tasks, playing games, and watching movies. The colors from the IPS panel is decent, although an HD resolution at this size is definitely not the most ideal.

The difference is not noticeable, but looking closely, you can tell that sharpness and detail are not its strongest suit. Still, it gets the job done.

On the bottom, we have a surprisingly good loudspeaker. It has a really loud volume, perfect for listening to music or streaming videos with friends. Sound balance is great, too, with audible bass.

You can plug in a pair of earphones for a deeper listening experience. But, it doesn’t come with one so you might want to purchase separately, which Realme also has a lot of.

Performance and Hardware

The Realme C15 is powered by a 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor, with IMG PowerVR GE8320. You can get it with 3GB/64GB or 4GB/64GB RAM and storage configuration. What we’re reviewing here is the base 3GB model.

Realme C15 benchmark scores

Being a gaming-centric chipset, the Helio G35 provides satisfactory performance in basic and day-to-day- tasks like browsing social media apps, participating in online classes, taking pictures, and more.

But then again, it’s an entry-level processor, so don’t be surprised when you experience hiccups and stutters here and there, especially in gaming. Call of Duty Mobile ran decently at Medium settings, with a couple of frame drops. Mobile Legends, with HFR enabled, ran smoothly, but again, with occasional lags.

Software and User Interface

Just like most of their latest releases, the Realme C15 runs on the latest Android 10 with Realme UI on top.

The overall interface looks pretty basic, which is good. Although, we would still prefer the plain and simple feel of stock-Android or Samsung One UI.

Both the lockscreen and home screen are straightforward. Swiping up from the desktop gives quick access to the app drawer. Swiping down launches a search tab for local and internet search.

Those who are heavy on customization can configure the home screen mode, set themes, icon styles, and more.

Do Not Disturb is easily configurable and can be enabled from the drop-down menu. You can also opt to use gesture buttons if you don’t prefer on-screen ones. Gestures and Motion commands are also present.

Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls are here to monitor your smartphone usage. Screen recording is also present, where you can adjust the video resolution or opt to record audio using the microphone.

Game Space is a feature that’s been present since ColorOS. It consolidates all your games and optimizes the performance and notifications depending on your preference.

The camera app is intuitive, and the Google keyboard is familliar and easy to get used to. It also has other significant features include App cloner, Split screen, and HeyTap Cloud.

Cameras

One of the bragging rights the Realme C15 have is its quad cameras. It starts with a 13-megapixel main camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide, 2-megapixel monochrome lens, and 2-megapixel retro lens. We then have an 8-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

Let’s start with the 13-megapixel primary camera with 5P lens, PDAF, and a quite disappointing f/2.2 aperture. In good lighting, it offers a bright, colorful, contrasty image. Although the dynamic range is poor. You can enable the Chroma Boost feature, which enhances the colors and contrast for a more Instagram-ready ima