Realme U1 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Realme U1 boasts a sleek design with its dimensions measuring 157 x 74 x 8 mm and a weight of 168 grams. The glass front is made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which provides some level of durability against scratches and impacts. The back panel and frame are made of plastic, which helps in keeping the weight light and manageable. It comes in three striking colors: Ambitious Black, Brave Blue, and Fiery Gold, allowing users to choose according to their style preferences. The device supports dual SIM functionality using Nano-SIM cards, with dual stand-by mode available.

Display

The Realme U1 features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This results in a crisp 409 PPI pixel density, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 83.9%, providing an immersive viewing experience, whether you're watching videos or playing games. The use of IPS technology ensures good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the display is more resistant to scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 processor, the Realme U1 is built to deliver robust performance. The chipset is constructed on a 12 nm process, which provides efficiency in power consumption while maintaining solid performance. The CPU comprises an octa-core setup, divided into 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, offering a balance between power and efficiency. This configuration enables the device to handle multitasking, gaming, and daily operations with minimal lag. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU further supports gaming and graphic-intensive tasks, providing a smoother experience.

Memory and Storage

The Realme U1 offers multiple memory configurations to cater to different user needs. It comes with options of 3GB or 4GB RAM paired with internal storage capacities of 32GB or 64GB. For users needing more storage, there is a dedicated microSDXC slot, allowing expansion and providing flexibility for additional apps, photos, and media storage.

Camera Capabilities

The Realme U1 is equipped with a dual-camera setup at the back. It features a 13 MP main sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and autofocus capabilities, ensuring sharp images. The secondary 2 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture is used for depth effects, allowing for portrait shots. The camera setup is complemented by an LED flash and supports features such as HDR and panorama, enhancing the photography experience.

The selfie camera is a standout feature of the U1, boasting a 25 MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.0. It supports HDR mode and is capable of capturing high-definition 1080p videos at 30fps. This high-resolution front camera is designed to appeal to selfie enthusiasts, offering great shots and video calls.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery, offering a substantial life span on a single charge. Although the charging speed is limited to 10W, the overall battery performance is reliable, attractive for users who require a long-lasting battery. With an endurance rating of 93 hours, the U1 can comfortably last through a full day of regular use.

Operating System and User Interface

The Realme U1 originally runs on Android 8.1 (Oreo) but is upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie). It features ColorOS 6, Realme's custom user interface, providing an array of features and a personalized experience. The interface is intuitive, offering options for theme personalization, gesture navigation, and various toolkits that enhance productivity and user engagement.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Realme U1 supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS with GLONASS for navigation. While it lacks NFC, it does support microUSB 2.0 with OTG for connecting peripherals. An FM radio feature and the classic 3.5mm audio jack are also present, catering to users who prefer these traditional options.

The phone includes sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, ensuring a comprehensive range of functionalities. The external speaker provides decent sound quality, and when tested, it produces sound levels of voice 68dB/noise 73dB/ring 72dB.

Conclusion

The Realme U1 offers a compelling package for those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a great selfie camera, reliable performance, and a stylish design. Its strengths lie in its display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life. While it may lack some premium features like fast charging or NFC, it compensates with an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of consumers.