realme Philippines has officially launched the realme C85 5G, and after spending some time with it, I can confidently say this is the most ambitious C‑Series phone so far. For the first time, a budget‑friendly realme device packs a 7000mAh battery alongside 5G connectivity and the ability to take photos even underwater (limited depth)! These are specs you’d usually expect from higher‑tier models. But beyond the numbers, what’s it like to actually use? Let’s dive in (literally).
Design and Display
I tested the Parrot Purple variant, and the feather‑inspired gradient really pops under light. It’s stylish without being loud. At 215g, it feels solid but not heavy, which is impressive given the battery size and triple IP ratings which make it drop, dust, and water-resistant.
Durability is one of its main features. I didn’t dunk it in soda (though realme says it can survive 36 types of liquids), but I did splash water, dunked it in an aquarium, kept it for a few minutes inside a freezer, left it in ice, and dropped it from desk height. Thanks to Military‑Grade Shock Resistance and IP66/68/69K ratings, it shrugged off all those tests. It’s reassuring to know this phone can handle real‑world accidents.
The 6.8‑inch display is where I had my first “wow” moment. Scrolling through social feeds at 144Hz refresh rate felt buttery smooth, and watching videos outdoors was no problem thanks to the 1,200‑Nit peak brightness. I tried it under direct Manila noon sun, and the screen stayed somehow readable, which is a big plus for commuters and travelers. The AI Outdoor Mode can be enabled to boost brightness and network performance, which felt seamless.
Storage and Performance
The realme C85 5G has an 8GB RAM expandable up to 24GB via Dynamic RAM Expansion. I was able to open multiple apps — Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, all while Spotify is playing in the background — and the phone didn’t stutter. The 256GB internal storage is generous, too. I transferred my photo library and still had plenty of space left. For those who love hoarding videos or games, the expandable storage up to 2TB is reassuring.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, the C85 5G is able to handle everyday tasks smoothly. I tested it with my usual hypercasual games and the pre-installed apps, and the gameplay was responsive. It’s not a gaming phone, though! So don’t expect too much for heavier apps. The 5330mm² vapor chamber cooling system helps keep the phone from heating up too much, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
If you’re using a lot of apps, I would suggest that you change the Pulse Light colors to help you know what each notification is for. In my case, I used red for calls so it’s easier to spot (in case it’s urgent), then lighter colors for social media notifications.
Camera
For its cameras, the 50MP Sony IMX852 camera is able to deliver sharp, vibrant shots. The AI Ultra Clarity feature helps sharpen zoomed‑in shots, while AI Edit Genie made quick fixes easy! It’s not the best in its price range, though, but good enough for use under bright environments. Night shots tend to look grainy, but its ability to take photos underwater up to 1.5 meters (max of 30 minutes) somehow makes up for that. The underwater photos came out pretty sharp, too!
Underwater shots:
The 8MP selfie camera was decent, producing clear shots with good skin tones in daylight.
Battery
As for the headline feature, it lived up to the hype. During the launch, we used it for four hours playing videos, taking photos, and shooting videos and it only consumed around 40% of battery. Charging was equally impressive, too. The 45W SUPERVOOC got me to 50% in about 42 minutes. A quick 5‑minute top‑up gave me enough juice for a commute and calls.
Price and Where to Buy
The realme C85 5G feels like a phone built for real life: Long workdays, active commutes, and the occasional accidental drops both on concrete and water. The battery endurance is game‑changing for a budget smartphone and the performance is enough for casual mobile users.
It retails at Php 14,999, but you can grab it for as low as Php 10,989 on the official realme TikTok Shop for a limited time. As a launch promo, buyers get a Free TechLife Power Bank 10000mAh worth Php 1,499 which is a nice bonus for those who want extra juice on the go.
It’s available nationwide in Parrot Purple and Peacock Green, alongside the realme C85 4G for those who don’t need 5G. realme also introduced the realme Buds Clip (Php 4,999), an open‑ear Bluetooth audio device with IP55 resistance and up to 36 hours of battery life.
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