realme is back again with the launch of its latest Number Series. Unlike in a number of other countries, consumers in Indonesia get the realme 13, which is a more affordable option. Relying on capable gaming performance in its segment, but on the other hand, carrying the Sony LYTIA portrait camera sensor.
realme always tries to provide realme fans and other consumers with the best quality in each price segment, especially by bringing features that were previously only available in the flagship class. This time, realme 13 comes with five main advantages that gamers crave; a powerful chipset, quality screen, fast charging, cooling system, and optimal software.
Even though it is the most affordable for its latest Number Series, the realme 13 is actually the first to bring performance optimization features, derived directly from the realme GT series. Does the combination of the above advantages make this smartphone worthy of being the best choice in the IDR 2 million segment? Here is the full realme 13 review.
Design
Even though it comes with a new number name, the design of the realme 13 still tends to be similar to the previous generation. This is not a bad thing at all—because it has become the identity of realme smartphones, especially the Number Series, which prioritizes the aesthetic sector. This smartphone comes in Pioneer Green and Skyline Blue colors like the one I am reviewing this time.
Reflection of trendy design is seen from its sharp angles. Despite its slightly larger dimensions, the realme 13 is still easy to carry anywhere, thanks to its thickness of only 792mm and a weight of less than 180 grams. Easily slips into various types of trouser pockets, and feels solid in the hand.
I like how realme makes the finishing on the back of the realme 13 look premium, it can reflect light, and the matte surface is able to hide fingerprints so it always looks clean. The large camera module is rendered in black providing an attractive contrast. Oh yes, the stitching effect in the middle has a special texture when touched.
Not only does it look attractive, thin and light, the realme 13 body is also IP64 certified, meaning it is safe from dust and water to a certain extent, such as splashes or rain. Rainwater Smart Touch technology is also embedded, so that the smartphone can still function normally under conditions of light rain.
Also read: realme GT 6 Review: The Real Flagship Killer Futuristic, Brings Innovative AI
Screen
Apart from still being able to be used normally in rainy conditions, the realme 13 screen is also quite pleasing to the eye. Not only is the dimension large, reaching 667 inches, the panel used is the E4 AMOLED 120Hz. In addition to being responsive, it can provide optimal color saturation and contrast, while also being more energy efficient.
Full HD+ resolution with a contrast ratio of 6.000.000:1 makes the visuals displayed from the realme 13 very pleasing to the eye. In its price segment, the AMOLED panel carried by this latest realme smartphone can be said to be superior in terms of quality. Complete with always-on display support, to an in-display fingerprint sensor that can be used to read the user's heartbeat.
When used outdoors, the claimed maximum brightness level can reach 2000 nits, which is enough to meet mobile activities. The type of protection is not stated precisely, but the front glass surface of the realme 13 has been reinforced to reduce the possibility of scratches or cracks.
Content creators also don't need to doubt the accuracy of the screen, because it has 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. There are a number of screen color modes that can be selected via the Settings menu, which can be adjusted to suit the wishes of each user.
Camera
The photography sector is also one of the points that is emphasized by realme 13. Okay, even though there are four sensor circles on the back inside the large module, there is actually only one main sensor that is fully functional. Accompanied by a flicker sensor and a 2MP mono sensor.
The good news is, the realme 13's camera sensor is of high quality, carrying the Sony LYT-600 which is more common in the more premium smartphone segment, complete with hardware-based stabilization aka OIS. Combined with the ISP from the Qualcomm chipset, I had pretty high expectations.
And sure enough, the photography quality of the realme 13 is quite impressive in my opinion—especially when this smartphone is superior in terms of performance. Whether in high light or low light conditions, the camera is reliable, including when utilizing the 2x in-sensor zoom. The saturation is satisfying, not too over the top.
Portrait mode on the realme 13 also has a 2x zoom option, which can be used to produce portraits that are more optimal in terms of viewing angle. Indeed, there had to be a sacrifice, namely the absence of an ultra wide-angle sensor that a number of its competitors have.
You can access the complete photo results from the realme 13 camera via the following album.
For video recording, the realme 13 only supports 1080p and 720p resolution options, at 30fps, without the 60fps option on either. It is given the Ultra Steady option for more stable recording, but even without it being activated, the SuperOIS algorithm can optimally dampen hand vibrations.
Feature
Running realme UI 5.0 latest based on Android 14, realme 13 provides a familiar interface, quite simple and easy to use. Bloatware can be found, but not much is intrusive and some can be uninstalled. The most annoying thing I find is the notifications from the App Market—of course, these can also be disabled.
Essential features like NFC are certainly available on the realme 13. And in the audio sector, stereo speakers are embedded with a quality that is sufficient to match its superior screen. Want to listen to music to the fullest? There is an audio jack and Hi-Res Audio certification. realme also introduced new TWS earphones with an open-ear design, which can be the best and most affordable pair for gaming, namely the realme Buds T01.
These TWS earphones have a design that is suitable for long-term use, paired with a battery life that is also long-lasting. Making realme Buds T01 the perfect partner for realme 13 in maximizing the gaming experience.
Performance
To provide a five-star gaming experience, realme relies on a chipset that is known to be quite powerful and power efficient in the 4G smartphone segment in its class. Namely the Snapdragon 685 octa-core from Qualcomm, with 6nm fabrication and a maximum clock speed of up to 28GHz. Of course, it's not just the chipset sector that is prioritized.
Apart from using UFS storage type and LPDDR4x RAM up to 8GB+8GB, realme wants to ensure that the realme 13 is always responsive in terms of performance and response, and can be relied on in longer gaming sessions. For this reason, for the first time brought to the Number Series, there is a GT Mode option that intelligently maximizes hardware capabilities. Delivers optimal frame rates and touch response in one touch.
Not only that, in its slim body, the realme 13 is also equipped with a 7-layer vapor chamber cooling system, which is quite large with a coverage of up to 4392mm square. This is a fairly important hardware solution, and is generally only available on gaming smartphones in its segment. Ensure body temperature never gets too hot.
Well, while using a smartphone with the Snapdragon 685 chipset, the device temperature is relatively cool. Likewise on the realme 13, when I used it to play the Honor of Kings game at the highest graphic settings for up to 30 minutes, there was no significant increase in temperature at all.
Battery
In its fairly slim design, the realme 13 battery has a fairly large capacity of 5,000 mAh. It may be starting to be considered standard in 2024, but when paired with a power-efficient display and chipset, the battery is more than enough for a full day of intensive use. If used lightly, it can last up to 15 days.
There are many extra options provided by realme 13 so that users can get longer battery life. Besides the power saving mode of course, there are a number of other options such as Optimized standby and App Quick Freeze. Likewise, features such as Smart charging automatically learn charging patterns, and limits to only 80%—two options that can extend battery life.
How about the charging speed? realme claims that this smartphone is the first in its segment with 67W SuperVOOC. As a result, like more premium realme smartphones, charging from 10% to 50% only takes 15 minutes. While 30 minutes can reach around 80%, and fully charged in less than an hour.
Conclusion
realme 13 provides a complete solution for a comfortable and responsive gaming experience, thanks to the right combination of hardware, starting from the chipset, cooling system, to the screen which is also responsive. Priced at less than IDR 3 million for the 128GB variant, this smartphone is the best choice in its segment.
This realme smartphone also brings a satisfying camera quality in its segment, and appears in a stylish design, making it suitable for gamers who want a device with a calmer appearance but still looks premium.
realme 13 specifications
[aps_product_specs id=”126193″]
