One such smartphone from the Realme C series is the Realme C31, which aims to attract customers with its slim design and robust specifications. Launched in India in November, the Realme C31 boasts a 5000 mAh battery and a triple-camera setup—features that are particularly appealing for budget-conscious consumers. But is this phone worth the investment? Let’s dive deeper into this review to find out.
Realme C31: Price and Variants in India
The Realme C31 is available in two distinct variants in India. The base variant was originally priced at ₹8,999 when it launched in March 2022, but it has seen a slight price hike to ₹9,299 as of this review. This entry-level model features 3GB RAM with 32GB storage. The higher-end variant offers 4GB RAM with 64GB storage for ₹9,999. The device comes in two elegant colors: Light Silver and Dark Green. For this review, we focused on the 4GB RAM model.
Design of Realme C31
Considering its price point, the Realme C31 presents an attractive look and feel. The light silver color enhances its sleek appearance, and upon first holding the device, it’s noticeable that it feels fairly tall. The back panel, which features the triple-camera setup, protrudes slightly, making the phone wobble when set down on flat surfaces. Crafted from polycarbonate, the textured back effectively resists fingerprints and scratches, showcasing thoughtful design.
The power button is conveniently located on the right side and doubles as a fingerprint sensor, providing quick access with ease. On the left, you’ll find the SIM card slot alongside volume buttons. A speaker grille is also positioned on the back, though this placement can muffle sound when the phone is placed on a flat surface.
At the bottom, the Realme C31 features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a primary microphone, and a micro-USB port. While a 10W charger is supplied, it’s disappointing that the device lacks a protective case and uses an older micro-USB port instead of the more modern USB Type-C, which more recent budget devices offer.
The smartphone sports a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display with a waterdrop notch for the front camera. The display itself has thin bezels but is accompanied by a noticeable chin. With a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, the screen performs adequately for day-to-day tasks. Weighing in at 197 grams, the phone’s weight is manageable, and the balance makes one-handed use comfortable.
Specifications and Software of Realme C31
Powered by the Unisoc T612 SoC, which is based on a 12nm fabrication process, the Realme C31 features an octa-core processor running at up to 1.82GHz. It includes UFS 2.2 inbuilt storage, a rarity in this price bracket. The device supports dual nano-SIM cards and allows for microSD expansion of up to 1TB.
For connectivity, it supports 4G/LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, and only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. During usage, there were connectivity issues noted, with the device occasionally disconnecting from Wi-Fi networks even when in close proximity.
The Realme C31 runs on Realme UI R Edition, a simplified version of the standard Realme UI, designed to optimize performance on entry-level devices. Pre-installed bloatware includes popular apps like Facebook and Paytm, but these can be uninstalled.
The smartphone operates on Android 11 with the March 2022 security patch; however, it’s concerning to note the absence of updated security patches, potentially exposing users to risks. The interface is user-friendly, though customization options are limited.
Table: Quick Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc T612, Octa-core |
| RAM/Storage Options | 3GB/32GB; 4GB/64GB |
| Display | 6.5-inch HD+ LCD |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Rear Camera | 13MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI R Edition |
Performance and Battery Life
Regarding daily performance, the Realme C31 handles everyday tasks efficiently. Navigating the interface and multitasking is smooth, thanks to the available biometric options for security, including fingerprint and face unlock features.
Benchmark scores like 197,830 on AnTuTu reflect average performance. The device fared reasonably well in gaming tests, handling popular titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile with ease on low settings. However, under medium graphics settings, the phone began to lag, and the device notably warmed up after extended gaming sessions.
The display offers good viewing angles, with adjustable color settings to suit user preferences. The screen brightness measures at 400 nits, ensuring the display remains readable even in sunlight. While the audio experience is decent, enhanced audio features for video playback can affect image quality if overused.
Battery-wise, the Realme C31 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that lasted around 13 hours on standard usage based on loop tests. Under light usage, it could comfortably last over a day.
Cameras of Realme C31
The Realme C31 features a triple-camera setup on the back, including a 13-megapixel main camera and supporting lenses for macro and monochrome photography. The front camera, featuring a 5-megapixel sensor, unfortunately, delivers subpar quality.
While the camera interface is straightforward, capturing images in daylight produces average results, lacking in detail on closer inspection. The 4X digital zoom results in grainy photos, and the macro shooting experience can be frustrating due to focus issues.
Though the device has capabilities for basic portrait shots, performance lags when used for anything other than human subjects. Overall, the camera system falls short for more serious photography enthusiasts, struggling with both low-light scenarios and in general image clarity.
Conclusion
In summary, the Realme C31 serves well for everyday tasks and casual users but may disappoint those looking for advanced gaming or photography options. The 5,000mAh battery provides ample backup, and the build quality is commendable for a budget smartphone.
While there is room for improvement, particularly in its camera performance, the design and features give it a modern aesthetic that belies its budget status. When considering your options, you might also want to explore alternative competitors within the same price range, such as the Moto E32s, which can offer appealing features as well.