Smartphone brands are in a constant race to capture the attention of budget-conscious buyers in India. Realme has been especially active in this segment, known for offering feature-rich phones without stretching the pocket. The latest addition, the Realme C36, is a good example of how far low-budget devices have come. With its HD+ display, triple camera setup, large battery, and 33W fast charging, the Realme C36 is being marketed as a phone that balances affordability with practical features.
If you’re a student, a first-time smartphone user, or someone looking for a secondary phone without burning a hole in your pocket, the C36 could be worth a look. Let’s dive into the details.
Display and Design – Big Screen on a Budget
One of the standout features of the Realme C36 is its 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. It supports a resolution of 1080 × 2408 pixels and offers a 90Hz refresh rate, a feature rarely seen in budget devices under ₹13,000. This means scrolling through apps, social media feeds, or even playing lightweight games feels smoother compared to standard 60Hz screens.
The phone sports a modern look with a waterdrop notch, slim bezels, and a glossy back panel. Realme has kept the design youthful and minimal, catering to students and young users who want style without spending big.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Realme C36 runs on the Unisoc T618 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage (expandable via microSD). While this chipset won’t break any records in gaming benchmarks, it is capable of handling daily tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, web browsing, and light gaming.
The phone comes with Mali-G52 GPU, which helps with graphics-heavy apps. For its price, the C36 delivers smooth multitasking for everyday use, though it may show limitations under heavy gaming or multiple background apps.
Camera Setup – Keeping It Simple
Realme has equipped the C36 with a triple rear camera setup:
- 50MP main sensor – captures sharp photos in daylight.
- 2MP macro lens – for close-up shots.
- 0.3MP depth sensor – assists with portrait photography.
On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera that works fine for video calls and casual selfies. The rear cameras can shoot 1080p videos at 30fps, which is standard for the budget category. While you cannot expect flagship-level photography here, the results are more than adequate for social media uploads.
Battery and Charging – The Real Strength
Budget buyers often look for strong battery life, and the Realme C36 doesn’t disappoint. It packs a 5,000mAh battery, enough to last a full day with regular use. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or making calls, you won’t find yourself rushing for the charger too often.
The real highlight is the 33W fast charging support, a rare offering in this price range. Many competing models still stick to 18W or 22.5W charging. With the C36, you can go from low to 50% battery in under 40 minutes, making it highly convenient for users on the move.
Software and Connectivity
The device runs on Android 14 with Realme UI, offering a familiar interface with customization options. You get features like dual SIM support, USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking. Connectivity is strong too, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and standard GPS.
Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the Realme C36’s core specs:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6″ HD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Unisoc T618, Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G52 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB (expandable) |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 2MP + 0.3MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging |
| OS | Android 14 (Realme UI) |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Price (India) | ~₹12,990 |
How It Compares to Other Phones
The budget smartphone segment in India is highly competitive. Let’s compare the Realme C36 with one of its rivals, the Redmi 12:
| Feature | Realme C36 | Redmi 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.6″ HD+, 90Hz | 6.79″ FHD+, 90Hz |
| Processor | Unisoc T618 | MediaTek Helio G88 |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 33W charge | 5,000mAh, 18W charge |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 2MP + 0.3MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Price (approx.) | ₹12,990 | ₹11,999 |
While Redmi offers a slightly better secondary camera setup, Realme scores with faster charging and a clean design.
Key Highlights of Realme C36
- Big 6.6-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate.
- 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support.
- Triple camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor.
- Unisoc T618 processor, good for daily use.
- Sleek design with modern essentials like USB-C and fingerprint sensor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price under ₹13,000.
- Smooth 90Hz display.
- Strong battery life with fast charging.
- Decent 50MP camera for daylight photography.
Cons
- Processor not ideal for heavy gaming.
- Secondary cameras are basic.
- Limited to 4GB RAM variant at launch.
conclusion
The Realme C36 is a strong contender in the low-budget smartphone market. It’s not designed for heavy gaming or professional photography, but it delivers where it matters most: a sharp HD+ display, reliable performance, long battery life, and fast charging.
For students, casual users, and anyone who values affordable reliability with modern features, the Realme C36 fits the bill. In a crowded budget segment, it stands out by striking the right balance between performance and price, making it one of the most practical buys in 2025.
Nand Kishor is a content writer covering business, economy, and world affairs. With a background in journalism, he focuses on clear, ethical, and insightful reporting. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, cricket, and writing short stories.
