realme C67 Review - Elevated C-Series Phone with Stellar 108MP In-Sensor Zoom Camera

International tech brand realme continues to push boundaries with its innovative offerings designed to cater to the diverse needs of consumers, including those who long for an elevated smartphone experience while being conscious of their budget.

The all-new realme C67 emerges as the latest addition to the brand's extensive lineup, boasting a plethora of features aimed at delivering exceptional performance, style, and functionality. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this fresh release comes with a handful of amazing features that I didn't expect to see on a C-Series model.

With a host of premium selling points and a budget-friendly price point, the realme C67 redefines the entry-level smartphone experience for users in the Philippines who have previously owned realme C-Series handsets. From its powerful main camera to its robust internal hardware and immersive display, the realme C67 promises to deliver a seamless and enjoyable user experience in every aspect of daily life.

Join me as I take an in-depth look at the realme C67, exploring its design, display, cameras, internal hardware, software, gaming performance, privacy and security features, battery life, and overall value proposition.

Price and Availability in the Philippines

The realme C67 made its grand entrance into the Philippine market on February 1, 2024, offering two storage variants to suit varying preferences and needs. The 8GB RAM + 128GB internal storage variant is priced at PHP 9,999, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage variant comes in at PHP 10,999.

However, early birds were treated to special promotional prices from February 2 to 7, 2024, with the 8GB + 128GB variant available at PHP 7,699 and the 8GB + 256GB variant at PHP 8,699. These competitive prices make the realme C67 an enticing option for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium features without breaking the bank.

Quick Unboxing and Package Contents

Upon unboxing the realme C67, users are greeted with a familiar vibrant yellow box with the model name printed on the cover, setting the stage for an exciting unboxing experience. 

Inside the box, users will find the unit itself, accompanied by essential accessories such as a safety guide, metal pin for ejecting the SIM card tray, USB Type-C charging cable, 33W SuperVOOC travel charger, and a complimentary transparent silicone case. 

The inclusion of these accessories enhances the overall user experience, providing convenience and value straight out of the box.

Design

The realme C67 captivates with its sleek and ultra-slim design, measuring just 7.59mm in thickness and weighing a mere 185 grams. Available in captivating colorways such as Sunny Oasis and Black Rock, the C67 exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a fashion statement in its own right. The device also boasts an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, which can somehow give peace of mind for users as they use this smartphone as a partner in their daily adventures.

What I have here is realme C67 in Black Rock Colorway. Notice the beautiful iridescent finish.

The handset has a predominantly plastic shell but it does come with this elegant metallic paint finish. The left panel has the SIM card tray while the right side has the volume rocker and the power button with an integrated Fingerprint Scanner.

The top panel has one of the two loudspeakers of the phone.

At the rear, you'll find a 3.5mm combo jack, which has sadly become a rarity in today's' smartphones, a microphone pinhole, the USB Type C charging port, and a row of holes for the other loudspeaker.

Display

At the heart of the realme C67 lies a stunning 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, offering an immersive viewing experience with its Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and 20:9 aspect ratio. With a 90Hz refresh rate and peak brightness levels of 800 nits (typical) and 950 nits (HBM), the C67 delivers smooth visuals and vibrant colors, whether indoors or outdoors. 

The inclusion of Mini Capsule 2.0 further enhances the user experience by providing quick access to essential information such as battery status, music playback, events, weather updates, data usage, and step statistics.

Cameras

The realme C67 raises the bar for smartphone photography with its impressive camera capabilities, headlined by a powerful 108MP main sensor with 3x in-sensor zoom technology and a large 1/1.67" Samsung HM6 Sensor that captures more light.

In-Sensor Zoom is an innovative feature found in certain smartphones with high-resolution primary cameras, like those sporting 108 MP or 200 MP sensors. This imaging technology makes use of the central part of the sensor to capture images, essentially acting as a dedicated telephoto lens.

Here are my sample photos taken using the 108MP Main Camera of realme C67. Click for larger view:

3X In-Sensor Zoom

5X In-Sensor Zoom

Paired with a 2MP depth sensor, the main camera delivers stunning detail and clarity, allowing users to capture every moment with precision and depth. Whether it's scenic landscapes, close-up portraits, or bustling cityscapes, the C67 ensures exceptional image quality in any scenario.

Additionally, features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance the versatility and creativity of the device's camera system.

For those who love taking selfies, realme C67 features an 8 MegaPixel f/2.1 front-facing camera housed in the punch hole above the display.

Video Recording

When it comes to video recording, the realme C67 has the ability to capture smooth and stable footage in stunning 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second using both the main camera at the back and the front-cam. 

With gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) technology, users can say goodbye to shaky videos and enjoy professional-grade results with every recording. Whether documenting special occasions or creating captivating content for social media, the C67 offers the tools and features needed to unleash creativity and tell compelling stories.

For aspiring vloggers and video content creators, here's my sample vlog completely recorded and edited using the realme C67:

Internal Hardware

Under the hood, the realme C67 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 chipset, coupled with an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.9 GHz. The Adreno 610 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering and responsive performance, making the C67 ideal for gaming, multimedia consumption, and multitasking. 

With 8GB of RAM and the option for 8GB RAM expansion, users can enjoy seamless multitasking and fluid app performance, even in demanding usage scenarios. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, with support for microSDXC card expansion for additional storage flexibility.

Software

The realme C67 runs on the latest iteration of Android 14, complemented by the intuitive realme UI overlay. This combination delivers a seamless and user-friendly interface, characterized by smooth animations, streamlined navigation, and a host of customizable features.

From personalized themes and app icons to advanced privacy settings and system optimizations, realme UI enhances the overall user experience, providing a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Gaming Performance

Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the realme C67's impressive gaming performance, driven by its powerful hardware and optimized software. The Adreno 610 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering and responsive gameplay, allowing users to immerse themselves in their favorite titles with ease. 

With special mention to my favorite game Mobile Legends Bang Bang, the realme C67 delivers an enjoyable gaming experience, with high frame rates, responsive controls, and stunning visuals that bring the game to life. Whether it's competitive multiplayer battles or immersive single-player adventures, this handset is capable of delivering a fun, stutter-free, and engaging gaming experience for users of all skill levels.

Privacy and Security Features

In an era where data privacy and security are paramount, the realme C67 prioritizes user protection with its comprehensive array of privacy and security features. The device boasts a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and facial recognition technology, providing convenient and secure methods for unlocking the device and accessing sensitive information.

Additionally, users can leverage pattern and passcode unlock options for added flexibility and peace of mind. With robust encryption algorithms and system-level security enhancements, the C67 ensures that user data remains safeguarded against unauthorized access and potential threats.

Battery and Charging Speed

Powering the realme C67 is a robust 5,000 mAh lithium-polymer battery, capable of delivering all-day battery life under normal usage conditions. Whether it's streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or gaming for extended periods, users can rely on the C67 to keep up with their dynamic lifestyles.

Furthermore, the device supports 33W wired fast charging technology, enabling rapid replenishment of the battery for minimal downtime. With the included 33W SuperVOOC travel charger, users can enjoy quick and convenient charging on the go, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and entertainment wherever they may be.

Pros and Cons

All things considered, I'd say that the realme C67 is a compelling choice for consumers seeking a feature-rich smartphone at an affordable price point. From its sleek design and vibrant display to its powerful cameras, robust performance, and advanced privacy features, this phone offers a comprehensive solution for modern users. However, like any device, it has its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

Impressive camera capabilities, including a 108MP main sensor with 3x in-sensor zoom

Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset for smooth performance

Sleek and ultra-slim design with IP54 dust and water resistance

Vibrant 6.7-inch 90Hz FHD+ display with Mini Capsule 2.0

Comprehensive privacy and security features, including fingerprint scanner and facial recognition

Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support

Cons:

Lack of even higher refresh rate options for gaming enthusiasts

Addition of ultra-wide or macro camera would have been appreciated

Limited availability of color variants compared to competing entry-level models

Verdict

The all-new realme C67 emerges as a standout choice for users looking to experience premium features without breaking the bank. With its impressive camera capabilities, robust performance, sleek design, and advanced privacy features, this new handsets delivers good value for money in the highly competitive smartphone market.

For me, the strongest selling point of realme C67 is its 108MP Main Camera. Sure, the model has an attractive design, its 33W Fast Charging is quite a treat, and Mini Capsule is cute -- but I'd still say that the main shooter at the back is the single most important feature of the device.

This camera features a LARGE 1/1.67″ Samsung ISOCELL HM6 sensor, which is a real treat for a smartphone that costs less than PHP 8,000 (via early bird promo). Remember, this is also the main camera sensor of more expensive realme 10 Pro and realme 10 Pro+ 5G.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a casual mobile gamer, or a productivity-driven user, the realme C67 offers the perfect balance of style, performance, and affordability. As such, it earns my  enthusiastic recommendation as a notable contender in its class, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of Filipino consumers.

realme C67 Specs

Dimensions: 164.6 x 75.4 x 7.59 mm

Weight: 185 grams

Colorways: Sunny Oasis, Black Rock

IP Rating: IP54 Dust and Splash Resistant

DISPLAY

Size: 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio)

Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)

Type: IPS LCD, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM)

Mini Capsule 2.0

PLATFORM

OS: Android 14, realme UI

Chipset: Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)

CPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A73, 4 x 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)

GPU: Adreno 610

MEMORY

Card slot: Dedicated microSDXC

RAM: 8GB + 8GB RAM Expansion

Internal: 128GB, 256GB Options

MAIN CAMERA

Dual: 108 MP, f/1.8, Main, Wide, 1/1.67" Samsung HM6 Sensor, PDAF, 3X In-Sensor Zoom

2 MP, f/2.4, Depth Sensor

Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama

Video: 1080p 30fps, gyro-EIS

SELFIE CAMERA

Single: 8 MP, f/2.1

Video: 1080p@30fps

SOUND

Loudspeaker: Yes, with Dual Stereo Speakers

3.5mm jack: Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

5G: No

4G LTE-A: Yes

SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, Dual Standby)

WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE

Positioning: GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS

NFC: Yes, 360˚

Radio: Unspecified

USB: USB Type-C 2.0

PRIVACY

Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, Side Mounted

Facial Recognition: Yes

Pattern and Passcode Unlock: Yes

SENSORS 

Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass

BATTERY

Type: 5,000 mAh, Li-Po, Non-removable

Charging: 33W Wired Fast Charging

realme C67 Packaging and Box Contents  

Box Design - Yellow realme Box with realme C67 model name printed on cover 

Contents - Unit Itself, Safety Guide, Metal Pin for Ejecting SIM Card Tray, USB Type C Charging Cable, 33W SuperVOOC Travel Charger, Free Transparent Silicone Case

realme C67 Main Selling Points

108MP 3x In-Sensor Zoom Camera

Qualcomm Snapdragon 685

7.59mm Ultra Slim Design (Sunny Oasis Design) 

IP54 Dust & Water Resistance

6.7" 90Hz FHD+ Display

Mini Capsule 2.0 - Battery Status, Music, Events, Weather, Data Usage, Step Stats

realme C67 Price in the Philippines

8GB + 128GB = PHP 9,999

8GB + 256GB = PHP 10,999

Official Launch Date - February 1, 2024

Early Bird Promo Prices - February 2 to 7, 2024

8GB + 128GB = PHP 7,699

8GB + 256GB = PHP 8,699