In the 5G era many are looking for affordable devices that can still use this latest cellular network. There are many options on the market today, each with its own pros and cons. This week Realme 11 5G entered the local market with a combination of reasonable price, beautiful design and performance that we feel is satisfactory. Below is our full review of the Realme 11 5G.
SPECIFICATIONS
Realme 11 5G
Screen 6.72″ IPC LCD, FHD, 120HZ
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor (6nm)
2 X 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 chips
6 X 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G57 MC2 Graphics Chip
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
Internal Storage 256GB UFS 2.2
Micro SD 2TB
Primary Camera 108MP, f/1.75 (Wide Angle)
2MP, f/2.4 (Depth)
16MP f/2.45 Selfie Camera
5000 mAh battery
67W wired charging
SIM/Nano Telephony/5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Fingerprint/Face Scan System
Sale Price RM 1199 (8/256 GB)
SCREEN
The 6.72″ screen is of IPS LCD type, FHD+ resolution and adaptive refresh rate. The refresh rate changes between 45, 48, 50, 60, 90 and 120Hz depending on the content being watched on the screen. Colors look vibrant and when scrolling everything looks smooth. The only downsides are that the LCD screen isn't very clear in bright sunlight and there's no in-screen fingerprint scanner.
There is no issue with the slightly thick bezel below or the camera hole in the middle. A minor issue is that there is absolutely no HDR support on the Realme 11 5G. So if you subscribe to Netflix's HDR plan for example, content cannot be viewed at these settings. Another thing you may need to know is that the haptic system on the screen is of the old type. Sometimes the fingertips feel tickled because the vibration is too strong.
BIOMETRIC
The fingerprint scanner is placed on the power button. The large, flat surface of the power button makes it easy to locate the finger quickly. During the review period of more than a week we did not experience the issue of the finger failing to be detected. There is also face scanning which is also fast as long as it is used in a bright environment.
DESIGN
The body design is very similar to an iPhone 14 Pro Max. Boxed sides with a shiny metallic finish. The Realme 11 5G is the second device after the Nothing Phone (2) that we reviewed to take inspiration from the iPhone 14 Pro Max design. Although less popular with users, we feel that if the final design is comfortable in the hand and looks beautiful it is not a real issue. There's a reason why the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best-selling phone in H1 2023.
To say Realme imitates Apple completely is not 100% accurate. The device has a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-C charging port that the iPhone lacks. On the right side there is an audio adjustment button as well as a power button. While on the left side, there is a nano-sized dual-SIM tray and a micro SD card. Memory can be increased up to 2TB without taking up a slot for a second SIM.
One feature not borrowed from the iPhone is stereo speakers. Unfortunately only one mono speaker is included at the bottom. This device also does not have any waterproof and dustproof standards. Not surprising since it's just an affordable device.
Moving to the back there is a plastic panel with a glossy finish on the reviewed device. Looks beautiful because it matches the golden metal frame. There's a big bump for the dual 108MP wide-angle and 2MP depth cameras. It feels like a big bump but there are only two cameras to accompany the 16MP selfie camera on the front. Because the size of this bump is quite large, the device cannot be placed flat on the table but Realme provides a silicon frame that solves this small issue.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE
Realme UI 4.0 operating system based on Android 13 is used on this phone. It's the same operating system we used on some Realme devices this year.
The positive thing about Realme 4.0 is that it is very neat because there are no unnecessary extra elements. The animation is very smooth when the device is scrolled. Large icons on the notification tray make shortcuts for WiFi, Bluetooth, flashlight and more easy to press because they are clearly visible. Theme customization of interface elements based on Android 13 background images is supported on Realme 4.0.
There are additional features such as RAM Expansion which add 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB respectively. Throughout the review we used 4GB for a total of 12GB of memory and we felt it was more than enough.
There is a Phone Manager application that can help launch the device. Memory can be cleared and unnecessary files are deleted directly so as not to check the storage. Although the body of Realme 11 looks like an iPhone, the Mini Capsule feature like Dynamic Island given to Realme C53 and C55 is not given to this device.
The disadvantage lies in the large number of fat applications. The first application alone has around 14 installed right after the device is opened. Among those given are Solitaire, PUBG Mobile, Rolling Twins applications which we do not need at all. We are sure many readers don't like it when unnecessary applications are installed. Had to delete one by one manually. Just a waste of storage.
Additional features provided by Realme are:
Flexible Windows – Displays multiple applications in floating windows.
Gestures – Support multiple gestures to control the device and take screenshots.
Kids Space – A mode for children with some apps that can be locked.
Smart Sidebar – Quick shortcuts to eight preferred applications directly from the sidebar.
Quick Launch – Launch three popular apps directly from the lock screen.
Simple Mode – Simple mode for the elderly with a larger interface and louder ringing.
BENCH MARK
Here are the Geekbench 6, Antutu 3D and 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme benchmark test scores we've done. Based on the scores recorded, the Dimensity 6100+ is an entry-level chip in the same class as the Helio G99. Therefore the marks recorded are not high.
We compare Realme 11 5G with Tecno Pova5 4G (Helio G99), Realme 10 4G (Helio G99), Samsung Galaxy M14 5G (Exynos 1330), and Oppo A98 5G (Snapdragon 695)
Antutu 3D Benchmark
Realme 11 5G – 373,331
Tecno Pova5 4G – 406,217
Realme 10 4G – 398,203
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 454,662
Oppo A98 5G – 411,010
Geekbench6
Realme 11 5G – 720/1884
Tecno Pova 5 4G – 737/2005
Realme 10 4G – 572/1743
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 924/2129
Oppo A98 5G – 885/2034
WildLife Extreme
Realme 11 5G – 327
Tecno Pova 5 4G – 1,263
Realme 10 4G – N/A
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 1388
Oppo A98 5G – 1212
The score is not high but we feel that the performance of using the device is smooth. It is not extreme for us to say that the Dimensity 6100+ is just a Helio G99 with only 5G capabilities. However, there is no issue of the device not feeling powerful enough. Many major applications such as Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, X and Chrome can run without problems.
The initial performance is not amazing but COD Mobile, PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 are all playable on medium settings. No overheating issues we experienced just lukewarm after long gaming sessions.
TELEPHONY and GPS
The device had no problem using Digi's 5G network during the review period, Internet speed was satisfactory and so was the WiFi speed which supports up to 5 GHz WiFi. There is no WiFi 6 support but we don't feel it since the internet at home cannot reach speeds as high as WiFi 6. For the majority of users WiFi 5GHz is sufficient. GPS performance is not that fast. It takes a few seconds before the location is detected.
CAMERA
The 108MP wide-angle camera uses a Samsung HM6 sensor with nonbinning technology that combines 9 pixels into one. So the picture taken is only 12MP. It is paired with a 2MP depth sensor and a 16MP selfie camera on the front. The main sensor is big enough but we're disappointed there isn't a more useful ultra-wide-angle lens.
With nonbinning technology, photos taken in bright daylight are very satisfying. We feel it is better than the average quality of devices in the same class. Images look sharp, colors look vibrant and when zooming still looks sharp at the 3X setting during the day.
Night mode is very satisfying if no zooming is done. The picture below still looks sharp even though the camera is not equipped with OIS. But as soon as you do 3X zoom in night mode, the image quality drops dramatically. The image looks a bit soft with the colors starting to lose the draw.
BATTERY
The given battery has a capacity of 5000mAh and supports 67W wired charging which is included in the box. Battery life is only average with an average SOT of 8 hours on moderate use. With a large battery capacity we actually expect a longer life. Throughout the review period the device lasted all day before only needing to be charged before going to bed. Recharge time is less than an hour which is a fast period.
AUDIO
There is only a mono speaker at the bottom, so the audio performance of Realme 11 5G is not satisfactory. Speakers are not clear, not loud enough and not clear even at high settings. The audio system is just Real Sound Technology and not Dolby Atmos. A little disappointment is cured by the existence of a 3.5mm audio jack.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Realme 11 5G.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Silicone frame.
1x Charger 67W two pin.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
The Realme 11 5G is an affordable device that looks like a device sold at a higher price. It is very comfortable in the hand and has boxy sides that make it look sturdy. The device operates well even though on paper it is low spec. The camera also works well just a little slow.
The downsides are that it's only equipped with mono speakers, too many fat apps and no ultra-wide-angle lens. At a price of RM1199, it's an affordable 5G device that proves we don't have to spend a fortune to look stylish.
Pro
The design looks more premium than the price.
Beautiful screen with 120Hz support.
Performance is still satisfactory despite low specifications.
The 108MP main camera takes pictures well.
Fast charging.
Cons
No wide angle camera.
Mono audio.
Lots of fat apps.