realme NARZO N61 Review: Affordable Yet Impressive with Notable Drawbacks
realme NARZO N61
Discover the realme NARZO N61 with its impressive 90Hz Eye Comfort Display, robust IP54 dust and water resistance, and long-lasting 5000 mAh battery. Powered by Android 14 and MediaTek Helio, this smartphone offers smooth performance and a sleek design. Ideal for users seeking reliability and durability.
Model: realme NARZO N61
Display: 6.74-inch 90Hz IPS LCD with Eye Comfort technology
Battery: Long-lasting 5000 mAh capacity
Protection: IP54 dust and water resistance
OS: Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0
Performance: Powered by MediaTek Helio T612 processor
Storage: 64GB internal storage with expandable microSDXC slot
Camera: 32 MP rear camera, 5 MP front camera
Design: Sleek Voyage Blue color with a reinforced glass front
The realme NARZO N61 is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a solid set of features. Launched in August 2024, this device combines a sleek design with reliable performance, offering a great user experience for everyday tasks and entertainment.
The realme NARZO N61 impresses with its sleek and modern design, making it a stylish yet practical choice. Its 6.74-inch display is framed by a glass front and a plastic back, providing a clean look that feels sturdy in hand. The slim profile of just 7.8 mm and the lightweight build, at 187 grams, ensure it is comfortable to hold and easy to handle, even during extended use.
The device features a durable plastic frame that adds to its robustness while maintaining a sleek appearance. With its IP54 rating, the NARZO N61 is resistant to dust and splashes, offering added peace of mind in everyday scenarios. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor blends seamlessly into the design, providing a convenient and secure way to unlock your phone.
Overall, the realme NARZO N61 combines a sophisticated aesthetic with practical build quality and handling, making it a standout choice for users seeking both style and functionality.
realme NARZO N61 undergoes rigorous lab testing to ensure it meets high standards of performance. Here’s a detailed look at how it fares in key areas:
Display: The realme NARZO N61 boasts a 6.74-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. In our tests, the display shines with vibrant colors and sharp detail, thanks to its 720 x 1600 pixels resolution. With a peak brightness of 560 nits, it’s easily viewable even in bright sunlight. The 90Hz refresh rate enhances smoothness, making scrolling and animations fluid.
Battery Life: Equipped with a robust 5000 mAh battery, the realme NARZO N61 offers impressive longevity. In our battery endurance tests, it comfortably lasts a full day of heavy usage, including streaming, gaming, and browsing. It handles prolonged usage well, thanks to its efficient power management.
Charging Speed: The phone supports 10W wired charging. While it’s not the fastest in its category, it does its job efficiently. The battery charges from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes, which is decent for its charging speed and capacity.
Speaker: The realme NARZO N61 features a single loudspeaker that delivers clear and adequately loud audio. In our audio tests, the speaker provides a good listening experience for casual media consumption, though it may lack the depth and richness found in higher-end models with stereo sound.
realme NARZO N61
realme NARZO N61
realme NARZO N61
Overall, the realme NARZO N61 performs well in these lab tests, offering a solid display, reliable battery life, and decent audio, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
Software and Performance: realme NARZO N61
The realme NARZO N61 combines modern software with capable hardware to deliver a smooth and responsive user experience.
Software: Running on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, the realme NARZO N61 provides a clean and intuitive interface. The software offers a range of customization options and features designed to enhance usability. The latest Android version ensures you have access to the latest apps, security updates, and performance improvements. Realme UI 5.0 adds additional features like enhanced privacy controls and a refreshed design, making navigation straightforward and user-friendly.
Performance: Under the hood, the realme NARZO N61 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, which includes an octa-core CPU (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and a Mali-G57 GPU. This setup provides decent performance for everyday tasks. Multitasking, social media browsing, and casual gaming are handled efficiently without noticeable lag. While it’s not designed for high-end gaming or heavy multitasking, it offers reliable performance for typical smartphone use. The 4GB of RAM ensures smooth operation of apps and processes, and the 64GB storage provides ample space for files and media.
Overall, the realme NARZO N61 strikes a balance between performance and software, delivering a user-friendly experience suitable for everyday tasks and moderate usage.
Alternatives, Pros and Cons, Verdict: realme NARZO N61
Alternatives
If you’re considering the realme NARZO N61, you might also want to look at these alternatives in the budget smartphone segment:
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G: Offers 5G connectivity, a larger battery, and a higher resolution display. It’s a good option if you need future-proofing with 5G and longer battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi 12: Provides a competitive price point with a similar display size and performance level. It’s a strong contender with good build quality and extra storage options.
Motorola Moto G53: Known for its clean Android experience and durable build. It also features 5G support and a slightly higher-resolution screen.
Pros
Affordable Price: The realme NARZO N61 is competitively priced, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
Decent Performance: The Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, combined with 4GB RAM, handles everyday tasks efficiently, including casual gaming and multitasking.
Good Battery Life: With a 5000 mAh battery, you can expect reliable battery life that comfortably lasts through a day of moderate use.
90Hz Display: The 90Hz Eye Comfort display enhances visual smoothness, making scrolling and navigation more fluid and enjoyable.
IP54 Rating: Dust and splash resistance adds a layer of durability, making the phone more resilient to accidental spills and environmental dust.
realme NARZO N61
realme NARZO N61
Cons
Limited Storage: While the 64GB internal storage is adequate for many, it might feel restrictive for users with extensive media libraries. Fortunately, the microSD slot allows for expandable storage.
Basic Camera Setup: The 32MP rear camera is decent but lacks advanced features found in higher-end models. Low-light performance could be improved.
No 5G Support: For users looking for 5G connectivity, the lack of 5G support might be a drawback, especially as 5G becomes more widespread.
Verdict
The realme NARZO N61 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a good balance of performance and features. Its 90Hz display, durable build, and decent battery life make it a standout in its price range. While it lacks 5G support and has a basic camera setup, it offers good value for its cost. If you can overlook these minor shortcomings, the NARZO N61 is a reliable option for everyday use and general tasks.