realme wasn’t mincing words when it announced a major restructuring. The budget realme Note 50 was released last week and enjoyed success in its first few minutes in the market. The realme C67 followed.

The brand is nowhere done from here. The realme 12 Pro 5G series is coming soon. There will also be more releases each month from March to June.

But let’s focus on the realme C67 first for now. It becomes the first C series device under the new direction. In the new scheme of things, the entire C series is now considered “Essential Plus.” realme execs said this meant the C series can now offer “premium” features for less.

realme C67 specs

• Snapdragon 685 6nm chipset, up to 2.8GHz
• 8GB+8GB RAM
• 128GB base storage, expandable up to 2TB
• 6.72-inch FHD+ display
• 90Hz refresh rate
• 108MP 3X in-sensor zoom + 2MP camera, 8MP selfie camera
• 5,000mAh battery
• 33W SUPERVOOC charge

108MP portrait camera: A revelation

After a few weeks of using the realme C67, it’s safe to say that its camera package is a revelation.

I expected just a 50MP camera for the C67, but one-upped. That’s not all: realme used a Samsung HM6 sensor to bolster the C67’s main 108MP camera. The results have been impressive.

By default, the phone is able to capture images well both indoors and out. It has the same field of view as most smartphones in the midrange segment. Night Mode also does well to absorb more light, provided that you’re still when taking shots.

Although the realme C67 does not explicitly state it has a macro function, subjects taken from close range come out just as detailed and with proper focus.

I don’t know if it’s a display issue, but some shots come out paler compared to other devices. But if you’re not into too much saturated captures, that’s a plus.

The magic unfolded when I switched to Portrait Mode. Budget smartphone manufacturers all have their own gimmicks nowadays, and I can see why realme focused on this aspect for a device of a more affordable price point. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, the phone allowed me to get creative.

This mode comes in handy when you want to make a subject stand out from the foreground, background, or other elements. It’s good for landscape shots, playing with lines and perspectives, and everything in between. The camera produces quite impressive bokeh captures if you’re able to tinker with the settings. Shots taken while zoomed in up to three times don’t lose much detail, either.

It’s just a bummer that the phone “only” has an 8MP camera like the realme C53. But hey, it’s supposedly just an “entry-level” device, anyway.

Usage, performance

On paper, the realme C67 has a better processing speed than its midrange counterparts from previous generations, like the realme 10 Pro.

In the few weeks I had with the device, there have been no major issues in terms of overall usage.

It smoothly switches from one app to the other. It allows for multitasking, such as watching videos in PiP mode while casually browsing or typing.

It works well in handling racing, fps, or multiplayer games.

There were only a few instances where the phone got a little hot, but it’s only because I kept shooting endlessly for photos. There were no hiccups either when connecting to external devices like headphones or speakers.

realme is promising three years of minor and major software updates for this device, so it’s a sound investment for a fraction of the cost.

Appearance, overall feel

Companies seam to have an obsession for mint green lately. The realme C67 isn’t spared from this. It comes in either a Sunny Oasis or Rock Black colorway.

The two rear cameras are arranged in an oval design, while the selfie camera is in a punch hole in the middle. This area is also where the Mini Capsule 2.0 shows itself for essential notifications.

The phone is lighter than previous realme models. It has a good balance to it and doesn’t slip. It’s as thin as the realme C53 as well.

Another underrated aspect of lower segment smartphones is their peak brightness. There will always be scenarios where you need to look at your phone outdoors and under the sun. Thankfully, this device also provided ample brightness so I can keep up with my tasks when needed.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

realme has done it again, redefining the budget category after seeing the market’s untapped potential.

If this is what you can get from a realme C series phone, just imagine what else realme can bring to the table for the number and GT series.

I know it’s a conversation for another day. I don’t mind the wait. I’m excited for March to June.

The realme C67 is available starting at PhP 9,999 with discounts until February 7.