Realme just launched the C53 in Malaysia – a large, affordable handset for the entry-level segment. It’s already available through Lazada at MYR 550 with 6/128GB configuration. For comparison, the slightly more capable C55 sells for MYR 700 with the same memory configuration.
We’ll let you in on a little secret – the Realme C53 is essentially identical to the Realme Narzo N53 that launched in India a couple of weeks ago. That one had a 4/64GB base model, but the 6/128GB one is priced at INR 11,000, which converts to $133. The price of the C53 is slightly lower in US dollars, $120. Here’s what you get for the money.
The Realme C53 is equipped with a sizable 6.74” LCD with 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate. The 8MP selfie camera is in a teardrop notch and the Realme UI wraps it in Dynamic Island like notifications. There is a fingerprint reader on the side on the device.
The rear camera is a basic 50MP module with 1080p @ 30fps video recording (for the record, the selfie camera can’t even go that high, it tops out at 720p @ 30pfs). There is a secondary module on the back, but it’s just a depth sensor.
While fairly large (167.3 x 76.7mm), the phone is reasonably thin and light at 7.5mm and 182g. This is with a 5,000mAh battery inside, which supports 33W SuperVOOC charging – it can do 1-50% in 31 minutes with the included charger. The other wired connection on the bottom is a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The phone is powered by the Unisoc T612, a 12nm chipset with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x A55 cores, plus a Mali-G57 GPU. As we mentioned already, it is paired with 6GB of RAM, which can be doubled using virtual RAM. The 128GB storage can be expanded as well by using microSD cards. Note that this is a dual-SIM 4G phone and its card slot has three spots, so you don’t have to choose between a second phone line and more storage.
You can find the Realme C53 on Lazada for MYR 550 as well as Shopee (which currently lists the phone at MYR 600). You can pick between two colorways: Champion Gold and Mighty Black.
Realme C53 in Champion Gold and Mighty Black
