The Realme 13+ is the latest addition to Realme’s number series, offering an affordable option with promising performance. With a starting price of Rs. 22,999, the phone targets budget-conscious buyers who want a device capable of handling daily tasks, gaming, and photography. After spending 10 days with the device, here’s a detailed breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The Realme 13+ offers a design that’s quite similar to its predecessor, the Realme 12+, but with some notable tweaks. The rear panel now has a distinct marble-like pattern with a matte finish that adds both style and comfort. The curved edges make the phone comfortable to hold, and it also feels sturdy thanks to the die-cast aluminium frame. At 185g, it’s relatively lightweight, and its IP65 rating ensures added protection against dust and water splashes.
The Dark Purple color option looks sleek, and the new camera module design gives the phone a refreshed look. However, it lacks the premium feel that came with the leather-finish on the Realme 12+. The placement of buttons and ports is convenient, and the 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature that many users will appreciate.
Display: Vivid and Smooth
One of the standout features of the Realme 13+ is its 6.67-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display, which is vivid and offers deep blacks, thanks to its HDR10+ support. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a fluid experience while gaming. The display is also protected by Panda Glass, but you might want to replace the pre-applied screen protector for added durability.
With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the display performs excellently in outdoor conditions. Color accuracy is commendable, and with four color modes available (Vivid, Natural, Cinematic, and Brilliant), you can adjust the display to your preference. Overall, the display on the Realme 13+ is a delight for multimedia consumption and gaming.
Performance: Smooth Gaming Experience
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy SoC, the Realme 13+ delivers solid performance for its price. The phone is built for gaming, and in our tests, it handled popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty with ease. The phone’s gaming capabilities are further enhanced by its dual speaker setup, which provides clear audio, though the bass could be stronger. While day-to-day tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media are handled without issue, there are occasional hiccups when navigating the UI or launching apps. However, gaming performance remains smooth, which makes this device a great option for casual and moderate gamers
Camera: Good for Daylight Shots
The Realme 13+ features a dual camera setup with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera performs well in daylight, producing vibrant and detailed images with good color accuracy. Low-light performance is decent, with the camera switching to auto night mode for improved results. Unfortunately, the lack of an ultra-wide sensor is noticeable, and the secondary depth sensor doesn’t add much value. Selfies taken with the 16MP front camera are good in daylight but struggle in low-light environments. Video recording is capped at 4K 30fps, with decent stabilization in 1080p mode. While the cameras are not the strongest aspect of the Realme 13+, they are satisfactory for everyday use, especially given the phone’s price range
Battery Life and Verdict
The 5,000mAh battery on the Realme 13+ provides excellent endurance, easily lasting over a day of normal usage. Its 80W fast charging support is another highlight, taking the battery from 0 to 100% in under an hour. In our video loop test, the phone lasted around 29 hours, making it ideal for users who prioritize battery life.
Verdict
The Realme 13+ offers a well-rounded package with strong gaming performance, a vibrant display, and long-lasting battery life. While its camera setup is limited and the UI could do with less bloatware, it’s still a solid option for those looking for a budget smartphone that can handle gaming and everyday tasks. If you’re upgrading from the Realme 12+, the differences may not justify the cost, but for new buyers, the Realme 13+ is worth considering