When I first heard about the Realme V60 Pro, I was intrigued by its promise to deliver top-tier features at a mid-range price. With its Rs. 63,999 price tag in Pakistan (around $289 internationally) and an expected launch date of December 31, 2024, it positioned itself as a strong contender in the market. After digging deep into its features and drawbacks, I feel there’s a lot to unpack for anyone considering this smartphone.
Design and Build: Good but Not Perfect
The design of the Realme V60 Pro is sleek and modern, with color options like Black, Red, and Gold. It’s lightweight, which makes it easy to handle, and the IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance is a welcome feature for those with an active lifestyle.
However, the phone’s build quality felt a bit underwhelming. While it looks premium, it doesn’t quite have the robust feel you’d expect at this price point. For instance, the plastic frame makes it prone to scratches, and I noticed smudges on the back panel almost immediately. It may look good out of the box, but maintaining its aesthetic appeal might be a hassle.
Display: Missing the AMOLED Magic
The 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate promises a smooth visual experience, especially for gaming and scrolling. The size and refresh rate are excellent for media consumption, but the IPS LCD panel falls short compared to AMOLED screens.
Colors aren’t as vibrant, and the contrast feels flat, especially in darker scenes. Watching high-definition videos or playing visually intense games didn’t feel as immersive as it would on competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A54, which boasts an AMOLED display.
Performance: Powerful but with Caveats
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the Realme V60 Pro delivers solid performance for multitasking and gaming. The 12 GB RAM with Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) up to 24 GB ensures smooth transitions between apps. Additionally, the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles gaming well.
Despite these specs, I noticed occasional heating issues during prolonged gaming sessions. The phone’s thermal management system doesn’t seem optimized, which impacts performance over time. Plus, storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB are great, but the microSDXC slot shares space with the SIM tray, limiting flexibility.
Camera: A Mixed Bag
The 50 MP primary sensor with a dual-camera setup sounds impressive on paper. It takes decent photos in daylight, with sharp details and natural colors. The 8 MP selfie camera is adequate for casual users, but it struggles with exposure in bright light and lacks the fine detail seen in other mid-range phones.
The biggest drawback is low-light photography. Images are grainy, and the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) is glaring. The AI features try to compensate but often overprocess images, making them look artificial. For a phone in this range, the camera performance leaves much to be desired.
Battery Life and Charging: Almost There
The 5600 mAh battery ensures a full day of moderate use, which is great for heavy users like me. The 45 W fast charging gets the phone up and running quickly, and the 5 W reverse wired charging is a thoughtful addition.
However, the lack of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity. Given that many phones in this segment include this feature, its absence here might deter potential buyers. Moreover, the fast charging feature works well but tends to heat the device, especially when used frequently.
Connectivity: Strong Yet Inconsistent
With 5G support, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 5.2, the Realme V60 Pro ticks all the boxes for connectivity. The USB Type-C 2.0 port is standard, but it would have been nice to see USB 3.0 for faster data transfers.
What stood out negatively was occasional signal dropouts during calls and inconsistent Wi-Fi performance in areas with weak signals. These minor issues can become frustrating over time, especially for those relying on the phone for work or gaming.
Features: A Mix of Hits and Misses
Features like the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and AI face recognition are great for security and work seamlessly. The Hi-Res audio certification and stereo speakers deliver decent sound quality, which is a bonus for media enthusiasts.
However, I was disappointed by the lack of dual stereo speakers. While the sound is clear, it lacks depth and volume. Additionally, there’s no IR blaster, which many users appreciate for controlling home devices.
Competitors: Realme V60 Pro vs. the Rest
When compared to its competitors, the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Vivo V27 Pro, the Realme V60 Pro holds its ground in terms of pricing and raw performance. However:
- The Galaxy A54 offers an AMOLED display and better camera performance.
- The Vivo V27 Pro features more versatile cameras and wireless charging.
If display quality and photography are your priorities, competitors might edge out the Realme V60 Pro.
Pros and Cons of Realme V60 Pro
Pros:
- Affordable pricing at Rs. 63,999.
- Excellent performance with MediaTek Dimensity 6300.
- 5600 mAh battery with fast charging.
- Durable design with IP68/IP69 rating.
Cons:
- IPS LCD display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED.
- Subpar low-light camera performance.
- Occasional heating issues during intensive tasks.
- No wireless charging support.
- Inconsistent network and Wi-Fi performance.
FAQs:
What is the Realme V60 Pro price in Pakistan?
The expected price in Pakistan is Rs. 63,999, offering great value for its features.
Does the Realme V60 Pro support wireless charging?
Unfortunately, it does not, which is disappointing given its mid-range positioning.
How does the Realme V60 Pro perform for gaming?
It performs well for gaming, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 and Mali-G57 GPU, but heating issues can hinder prolonged sessions.
Is the Realme V60 Pro good for photography?
It performs decently in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions. The lack of OIS impacts image quality significantly.
Does the Realme V60 Pro support expandable storage?
Yes, it supports microSDXC expansion, but the slot shares space with the second SIM tray.
Conclusion
The Realme V60 Pro is a promising mid-range smartphone with several standout features, including its chipset, battery, and durable design. However, shortcomings like the IPS LCD display, camera performance in low light, and lack of wireless charging hold it back from being a complete package.
If you’re looking for a device with solid performance and battery life at a reasonable price, this might be for you. But if premium display quality and versatile cameras are a priority, you may want to explore alternatives.
