With schools switching to online learning, part of the common questions that I’ve been seeing on tech features are coming from moms who are looking for budget-friendly gadgets that they can get for their kids. Since not everyone can afford laptops, here’s a look at a possible alternative to consider – the newly launched realme C11.

But first, let’s consider the minimum technical specifications provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) for distance learning via smartphone  – an octa-core 2.0 GHz processor, 2GB memory, 32GB storage for files, a 6-inch screen so it’s not hard to read lectures and watch video presentations, an Android 8.1 OS, and of course, WiFi and Bluetooth technologies, to name a few. This review revolves on the realme C11’s capacity to be used mainly for this purpose, in hopes of helping moms out there who are looking for a budget-friendly gadget for their child.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY

The realme C11 has a more muted shade compared with the previous releases of the brand. This comes in two colors- Mint Green and Pepper Grey, which aren’t super striking but the design makes both variants more appealing. At the back, you’ll find a vertical branding on a strip of matte finish against curves that create a reflective light effect. The design makes it less susceptible to fingerprints and also prevents the phone from slipping from our hands. I like the new design since it looks fresh and it makes the realme C11 standout from other units.

The sides contain the usual controls – volume controls and power button on the right, triple card slot (2 nano SIM cards and 1 microSD card slot) on the left, and microUSB port, headphone jack, and speakers at the bottom.

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In front, you’ll find a 6.5” Mini-drop FullScreen with HD+ resolution, the display is big and decent enough for watching videos and reading text-heavy materials. Brightness can be adjusted as well in case you need to work or study in the dark. Bezels are also thin so users can enjoy more screen space. It’s pretty good for its price point.

CAMERAS

Albeit only having dual cameras, the rear camera is now square-shaped instead of the vertical pill-like shape. The 13MP + 2MP AI main cameras perform well under well-lit areas but I wouldn’t recommend it for indoor use, especially at night. However, it comes with a Nightscape mode and flash, but the quality isn’t as sharp as its daylight output. Same goes for the 5MP selfie camera, which takes clear images in daylight. The Portrait Mode still needs more tweaking for it to look flawless, though.

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BATTERY

I was able to use the realme C11 for an entire day of binge-watching my favorite series so I’m sure it can stand 9-hour classes on a daily basis. It has a 5000 mAh battery which is said to last up to 40 days on standby, 7 days of music, 21 hours of movies, and 12 hours of entertainment. It doesn’t budge even when you multitask, plus you can also charge other devices with its OTG reverse charge feature!

STORAGE AND PERFORMANCE

What I like about the realme C11 is that you can use a split screen view when you need to watch a video and take notes at the same time without worrying about the apps crashing. It’s still better to close unused apps, though, as this makes it become a bit sluggish. I experienced minimal lags on heavier games like PUBG, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you only play games at the side. 2GB + 32GB of storage is enough, but it would be better if it was bigger. Would recommend you to use the 256 microSD slot for extra space.

Watching videos and playing games are also okay. The display and audio are decent enough even if you put the volume on full blast.

The realme C11 is also equipped with the realme UI, which brings a youthful touch to the phone. Icons can be customized, wallpapers are aesthetically pleasing, and it also has the latest quantum animation engine which improves screen fluency.

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In terms of security, users need to rely heavily on the pass code, especially at night. Even though the realme C11 has a face unlock feature, it doesn’t work that well in low-lit areas. It’s quite fast in daylight, though!

When it’s time to focus on homework and studies, you can also enable “Focus Mode” to instantly get relaxing ambient noise (wheat field – my favorite, waves, or summer night), activate DND or “Do Not Disturb”, block new notifications, and hide distracting apps so you can quickly unplug yourself from the online world without turning off your phone. Time can be adjusted according to your preference as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display	6.5” HD+720*1600 resolution 88.7% screen ration
Size	164.4mm*75.9mm*9.1mm
Weight	196g
Battery	5000mAh (typical value)
Storage	2GB RAM, 32GB ROM
Rear Camera	13MP Primary (PDAF, f/2.2 Aperture, HDR, Chroma Boost, Slo-mo)   2MP Portrait (f/2.4 Aperture, Portraid Mode)
Front Camera	5MP AI Front Camera (AI Beauty, HDR, Panoramic View, Timelapse)
Video	730p / 1080p, 30 fps
Features	MediaTek Helio G35 12nm production process 2.3 Ghz Storage expandable up to 256GB
Connectivity	SIM Card Type: Dual nano-sim cards microSD expansion / triple slot VoLTE
Wireless	Supports 2.4G Wi-Fi Supports Bluetooth 5.0
Sensors	GPS / Beido/ Glonass Magnetic Induction Sensor Light Sensor Proximity Sensor Accelerometer Sensor OTG
System	Realme UI based on Android 10
Color	Mint Green, Pepper Grey
Box inclusions	realme C11 5V2A Adapter Micro USB cable Important Info booklet with Waranty Card SIM Card Tool Screen Protection Film

SUMMARY + AVAILABILITY

realme took things up a notch by making the realme C11 an “entry lvl-up” smartphone with a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, 5000mAh battery, dual rear main camera, 6.5” display, and 2GB+32GB storage configuration. It’s actually the first smartphone in the Philippines to have a G35 processor, giving it an edge in the entry-level bracket.  For only Php 4,990, this entry-level phone surpasses the requirements shared by DepEd for smartphones. With features like Focus Mode and its capacity to be used for a bit of gaming on the side, the realme C11 is a decent budget-friendly choice to consider for the months to come.

The realme C11 will be launched exclusively on Shopee starting 6PM on July 23 and you can also get 8% OFF by using the voucher code GADGETZONE8 from July 23 to August 8. It will be available nationwide starting July 24, 2020 at realme stores, kiosks,  partner dealers nationwide and Home Credit.

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