realme has always been the go-to brand if you are on the lookout for an affordable yet capable smartphone and electronics. I’ve had my share of experience with their phones, especially the entry-level ones, and none of them disappoint.
To start the year, realme released the latest addition to their entry-level phones, the Note 50. The first of its “Note” series, it retails for only P3,599 and comes in two colorways; Sky Blue and Midnight Black.
What I got is the Midnight Black, which was quite a surprise, as it looks lighter than I expected and has a shining silvery top that covers around one-third of the back, adding a touch of uniqueness and personality.
The Note 50 feels light and comfortable to hold, thanks to the plastic build. While it might not scream premium, it doesn’t feel cheap either. It’s a huge phone for it’s category, but it only weighs 186g because of its Ultra Slim Design at 7.99mm.
It comes with a whopping 6.74″ HD+ LCD display and a 1600 x 720 resolution that offers ample screen real estate for browsing, watching videos, and gaming. However, the 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, making everything feel smoother and more responsive compared to standard 60Hz displays.
Powering the Note 50 is a 1.82GHz UNISOC T612 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM and a Mali-G57 GPU
running on Android 13, realme UI T Edition. Its speed won’t blow you away, but it handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without significant hiccups. Multitasking, however, pushes its limits, and demanding games require lowering the graphics settings.
The dual rear camera system, consisting of a 13MP main sensor and a secondary monochrome sensor, is pretty much ok for daily use. In ideal lighting conditions, it can capture decent photos with acceptable colours. Don’t expect flagship-level quality, especially in low-light scenarios where noise and blur become more apparent.
The 5MP front-facing camera is great. Not because I look good, but also because it is clear and captures the details. It is sufficient for selfies and video calls. The photos look a bit pale, probably because there was too much light that morning.
The 5000mAh battery is a big plus, easily lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. You might even stretch it to two days, depending on your usage patterns.
The phone runs on Android 13 with realme UI T Edition on top. The interface is clean and user-friendly, with some additional features thrown in by realme. However, be prepared for some pre-installed apps that you might need to uninstall if you don’t need them.
Verdict:
The realme Note 50 is a solid entry-level smartphone that offers good value for only P3,599 . The large display, smooth refresh rate, and long battery life are its key strengths. However, keep in mind the limitations of its processor and camera system. If you’re looking for a basic phone for everyday tasks and occasional multimedia consumption, the Note 50 is a decent option. But if you prioritize performance, camera quality, or a bloatware-free experience, you might want to consider the realme 11 series.
What’s Inside:
- 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display, 1600 x 720 pixel resolution, 260 ppi
- 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling
- 1.82GHz UNISOC T612 octa-core processor
- 4GB RAM + Mali-G57 GPU
- 64GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
- 5-megapixel front camera
- 13-megapixel + monochrome sensor rear cameras, LED flash
- 5,000mAh non-removable battery, 10W charging
Bells and Whistles:
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
- Single loudspeaker, Headphone jack
- IP54 dust and splash resistance
- HSPA+, 4G LTE
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS
- USB-C
- Dimensions: 167.7 x 76.67 x 7.99mm
- Colors: Sky Blue, Midnight Black
When it was launched on TikTok via a live-selling stream on the platform of one of their affiliates, the realme Note 50 sold out 4,000 units a few minutes after its release.
So for those who missed out on the first selling period, the Squad can visit the nearest realme Stores and authorized dealers nationwide to get their hands on the realme Note 50.
Make sure to be updated with realme’s announcements and new releases by visiting its official Facebook page or website.
