Design and Display
The Realme Narzo 60, priced at approximately $230 USD, features a flat design for both the front and back, contrasting with the curved aesthetics of its Pro sibling. The back panel retains the premium vegan leather finish and a circular camera module, reminiscent of the Narzo 60 Pro. The refreshed branding at the bottom, in a trendy font, adds a modern touch. The frame is polished plastic with subtle gold accents that pair well with the vibrant Mars Orange variant. Measuring around 8mm thick and weighing 182g, the phone offers a balanced and comfortable build. Essential ports, including the USB Type-C, speaker grille, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, are conveniently placed at the bottom.
On the display front, the Narzo 60 sports an AMOLED panel with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, FHD+ resolution, and a 90Hz refresh rate. While the bezels are slightly thicker than ideal, the OLED screen impresses with punchy colors and deep blacks. The viewing experience is smooth and vibrant, though it’s worth noting that the phone lacks WideVine L1 certification for HD streaming on platforms like Netflix. Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use and overcast conditions but may falter slightly under direct sunlight.
Cameras
The device features a 64MP primary camera and a 2MP portrait lens. While the absence of an ultra-wide sensor limits versatility, the main camera delivers vibrant, detailed shots in well-lit conditions. Close-up shots achieve pleasing background blur, and focus is reliable. Photos are pixel-binned to 16MP by default, though users can opt for full-resolution 64MP images, which allow for lossless 2X zoom.
However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, often producing soft images even with Night Mode. Focusing issues persist in dim settings, and achieving satisfactory results often requires manual adjustments like AEF lock. The 2MP portrait lens is functional but doesn’t add significant value compared to computational solutions. Selfies are generally good, though backlit conditions can lead to overexposed results. Daylight performance is a strong point, while low-light imaging requires improvement.
Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 SoC, the Narzo 60 handles everyday tasks with ease. Activities like social media browsing, messaging, and streaming are seamless, aided by up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone also supports virtual RAM expansion, offering up to 16GB for smoother multitasking.
For gaming, the device performs admirably, maintaining around 45fps on high settings for games like BGMI. While it doesn’t set new performance benchmarks, it’s more than capable for casual gaming and everyday use.
The in-display fingerprint sensor is a welcome feature at this price point, providing reliable and quick authentication. The device supports 5G connectivity with compatibility for multiple NSA and SA bands. However, the single bottom-firing speaker is underwhelming, though the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack compensates for better audio options.
Running on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, the software is customisable and intuitive but marred by bloatware and pop-up suggestions during app downloads. Despite these minor drawbacks, navigation and overall user experience remain smooth.
Battery
The Narzo 60 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 33W fast charging. A full day of moderate usage typically drains 60-70% of the battery, making it a reliable choice for daily use. However, charging speeds lag behind competitors, with a full charge taking over 2.5 hours, which might feel lengthy in today’s fast-paced environment.
Final Verdict
The Realme Narzo 60 stands out with its AMOLED display, sleek design, and dependable performance powered by the Dimensity 6020 chipset. Key highlights include the in-display fingerprint sensor, 5G support, and Android 13. While the camera and charging speeds could use improvement, the device excels in delivering a balanced experience for budget-conscious users. For those seeking a stylish and capable daily driver, the Narzo 60, at a price of $230 USD, is a solid contender.
