Realme 6i

Into Droid Hardware

The Realme 6i is part of Realme’s lineup, which is known for delivering value-packed smartphones at competitive prices. Launched in 2020, the Realme 6i was positioned as a budget to mid-range device, aiming to provide a solid smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 6i:

Overview:

The Realme 6i aimed to cater to users looking for a good balance between performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. With its quad-camera setup and a powerful MediaTek processor, it targeted users wanting more features without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10 with Realme’s Realme UI.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio G80.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, 2 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery combined with the efficient Helio G80 chipset ensured good battery life.
  2. Quad-Camera Setup: The versatile camera setup was a highlight, especially for its price segment.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 6i offered excellent value for money.
  4. Performance: The MediaTek Helio G80 chipset provided smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
  2. Realme UI Experience: While Realme UI offers many features, some users might prefer a closer-to-stock Android experience.
  3. Build Quality: Being a budget device, the build was predominantly plastic, which might not feel as premium as some other devices in higher segments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 6i faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 9: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G85, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M21: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Moto G8: With its 6.4-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 665, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme 6i was announced in March 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions or when using specific modes.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 6i was a commendable offering in the budget to mid-range segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its battery life and quad-camera setup were standout features, making it a popular choice among users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and the software experience, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 6i was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.