Realme Narzo N53 review: Stand-out performer enters the entry-level smartphone segment ring!

Realme Narzo N53 review: Realme has added one more device to its Narzo series - Realme Narzo N53. The slimmest Realme smartphone in the company's range, is available in two RAM and storage variants, i.e. - 4GB + 64 GB and 6GB +128 GB. They are priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 10,999. From looks to features, Realme Narzo N53 has apparently taken several inspirations from a popular iPhone model. But does it manage to stand out? Find out in our full review.

Realme Narzo N53 review: Design

This is the slimmest smartphone ever by Realme and is just 7.49mm thick. Not only this, it feels really light while holding and comfortable for single-hand usage. Also, it has a C-angle design that offers a better grip. The body and frame are made of plastic and the colour variant I have been using is Feather Gold which is quite flashy. The golden line texture on the back of the phone makes it smudge and fingerprint resistant. On the right side, it has a volume rocker and power button, which doubles up as a fingerprint sensor and is quite responsive. You will also get a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microphone and Type-C charging port at the bottom.  

Realme Narzo N53 review: Display

Realme Narzo N53 has a 6.74-inch LCD display with a water-drop notch for the front camera. The bezels are not too thick, except for the chin, and the smartphone offers a screen-to-body ratio of 90.3 per cent. The display offers a 90Hz refresh rate and this is something really good to have in this price segment. The screen is responsive and you can easily play light games. The colours are bright and the dynamic range is also satisfactory. However

The smartphone has a peak brightness of only 450 nits, which is not adequate enough for use under direct sunlight. Considering the price segment, the content consumption on this screen is decent and the single speaker is loud enough. While it produces good-quality sound, it loses depth in ultra-volume mode.  

Just like Narzo N55, you will also get a Mini Capsule feature that is wrapped around the water-drop notch camera cutout and showcases different functions.

Realme Narzo N53 review: Performance and Software

Realme Narzo N53 is powered by a Unisoc T612 processor, which is based on 12nm. This is clearly not meant for gaming and the chip does a fair job of handling daily tasks. It can even handle light games like Subway Surfers and Crossy Roads. The smartphone handles daily tasks with aplomb thanks to the Extended RAM feature which supports up to 6GB.

The smartphone boots Android 13-based Realme UI T-edition. It does comes with bloatware, but the good thing is that they can be easily uninstalled.

Realme Narzo N53 review: Camera

The camera setup will remind you of Apple iPhone 14 Pro. Despite the appearance, which looks like a triple camera setup, the Narzo N53 actually has a single 50MP AI camera. The camera module is not too protruding and the phone rests flat on a surface. The rear camera clicks decent photos and even night mode produces decent images.

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For selfies, the smartphone has an 8MP camera and does a fairly good job. Portrait mode is good, the edge detection leaves a lot to be desired, but the background blur is quite good.

Realme Narzo N53 review: Battery and charging

The smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery, which is sufficient to run your device for the entire day. It also comes with 33W fast charging that can juice your battery from 0 to 50 per cent in around 30 minutes. According to the company, it uses several features to optimise the battery. One of them is 'App Quick Freeze' which automatically freezes idle applications.  

Realme Narzo N53 review: Verdict

If you are looking for an entry-level phone, sans 5G, this could be one of the best options available right now. Also, it is interesting to see a smartphone that looks like iPhone 14 Pro and doesn't even burn a hole in your pocket. While there are some 5G options too available in this price range, Realme Narzo N53 is worth the price and stands out with its looks, fast charging and camera features.