FULL REVIEW: The realme C75 is a great budget phone choice

Not all budget smartphones are built to survive the challenges of everyday life. Drops, spills, and exposure to the elements can easily damage a device, leaving users frustrated with costly repairs or replacements. The realme C75 sets itself apart by focusing on durability, boasting multiple IP ratings for water and dust resistance, and a sturdy build that promises long-term reliability. Combined with a large battery, a smooth display, and generous storage, it aims to offer more than just toughness.

But does the realme C75 truly deliver a balanced experience, or does its focus on durability come with trade-offs in performance, camera quality, and features? Let’s look closer to see if this smartphone is the right fit for your needs.

realme C75 Specifications

• Display: 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, ArmorShell Glass, 690 nits max brightness
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G92 Max, Octa-core (2x Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz)
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD)
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main camera + secondary sensor, LED flash
• Selfie Camera: 8MP
• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C
• Other Features: IP69, IP68, and IP66 ratings, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock
• OS: Android 14 with realme UI 5.0
• Battery: 6000mAh, 45W fast charging
• Colors: Black, Gold

Design and Construction

The realme C75 has a glass front and a polycarbonate back, offering an IP69, IP68, and IP66 rating for dust and water resistance. It can withstand high-pressure water, dust, and even accidental submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.

The phone is MIL-STD 810H certified for durability against drops and environmental stress. Despite its great build, it remains relatively slim at 7.99mm and weighs 196 grams, making it comfortable for everyday use.

The polycarbonate back is textured, which provides a good grip and minimizes fingerprints.

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is positioned conveniently, allowing quick access without affecting the phone’s sleek design.

The punch-hole front camera placement ensures minimal distractions on the display, while the overall build quality feels sturdy for a budget smartphone.

Display and Audio

The phone features a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and reaches a peak brightness of 690 nits, which ensures visibility even in bright outdoor settings. It also includes ArmorShell Glass for additional protection against scratches and minor impacts.

The colors on the display are vibrant and sharp, offering a pleasant viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and social media browsing. The 20:9 aspect ratio makes it suitable for watching videos in landscape mode without black bars.

Audio-wise, the speaker system provides enhanced loudness with up to 400% volume, making it suitable for media consumption and calls, though it lacks stereo sound. The single bottom-firing speaker delivers clear sound for calls and notifications, but music enthusiasts may find it lacking in depth and bass.

The USB Type-C audio output allows for wired headphones, and the phone supports various Bluetooth codecs for wireless audio.

Camera

The realme C75 is equipped with a dual-camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. It captures decent photos in well-lit conditions, producing clear images with good color balance and detail. The camera performs reasonably well in daylight scenarios, with fast autofocus and accurate color reproduction.

However, low-light performance is average, with some noise and reduced sharpness. The adjunct secondary camera appears to be a depth sensor, helping in portrait mode shots by providing a natural background blur effect. AI enhancements improve scene recognition, adjusting settings automatically for better results.

The front-facing 8MP camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, though results can be grainy in low light. Beauty mode and AI-driven enhancements are available for improved skin tones and details.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p for both front and rear cameras, offering basic recording capabilities with decent stabilization under good lighting conditions. Additional camera features include HDR, night mode, and various filters to enhance creativity.

Performance and Connectivity

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G92 Max chipset, the realme C75 handles daily tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and light gaming with ease. The octa-core CPU includes two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the device provides smooth multitasking.

Apps launch quickly, and switching between them is relatively seamless. The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU allows for casual gaming, handling titles like Mobile Legends and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates.

Storage is generous at 256GB, with the option to expand via microSD up to 1TB, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS support for accurate navigation.

The phone does not support NFC, which may be a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, complementing face unlock for quick and secure access.

Battery

The realme C75 houses a large 6000mAh battery that can provide up to 12 hours of video playback and 5 hours of gaming on a single charge. The device is optimized for power efficiency, extending standby time to several days with light use.

It supports 45W fast charging, capable of reaching a full charge in approximately 90 minutes. The battery is designed for long-term use, retaining 80% health even after several years of usage. Power-saving modes further enhance longevity by limiting background processes and adjusting performance based on usage.

The Rundown

The realme C75 is ideal for users looking for a budget smartphone with strong durability, long battery life, and ample storage. Its rugged design and waterproof capabilities make it suitable for outdoor use and accidental exposure to water.

It excels in delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks, making it a solid choice for students, casual users, and those who need a durable device. Could this be the budget-friendly rugged phone you need?

The realme C75 is available in stores and online for PHP 8,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant, and PHP 10,999 for the 8GB/256GB model. A new variant, C75x, is also selling around the same price as the base model, if not lower.