Gadgets
Review of the realme C53 in the UAE
realme is out with the latest smartphone in its C series – the new C53. The realme C53 stands out in the budget smartphone category with its 50MP AI camera, a feature rarely seen in this price segment. In addition, the phone offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate display, a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, and a user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Coming in at a very affordable price point of AED 499, the realme C53 offers a very sleek design just 7.49mm. The phone further offers a C-angle side design so that it sits perfectly in the hand. On the right edge of the device, you get the volume rockers and the power button, which also doubles up as the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
I found the phone bore a striking resemblance to an iPhone in many ways. The flat bezels and the unique camera placement stood out particularly. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call it an exact replica, there are certain resemblances. This demonstrates that realme considers current trends even in their budget-friendly devices, crafting device designs that align with fashionable aesthetics. The phone is available in two colours – Champion Gold and Mighty Black. The variant reviewed here is the Mighty Black model.
The left edge houses a triple-card slot with two slots dedicated to two nano SIMs and a single slot dedicated to storage expansion by use of a microSD card. The realme C53 allows you to expand its internal storage by up to 2TB, which is quite brilliant at this price point. On the bottom edge, you will find the 3.5mm audio jack, the USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a noise-cancelling microphone and a speaker grille.
On the front, you get a gorgeous 6.74-inch display that offers a refresh rate of 90Hz. The display also supports 16.7M screen colours and offers 560 nits of peak brightness. On the rear, you will find the camera setup, which includes the main sensor rated at 50MP, a depth sensor, and an LED flash unit. On the front, you get an 8MP selfie shooter.
Inside the box, the realme C53 accompanies a bunch of accessories, which include a clear case for the phone, a 33W Supervooc charger, a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some paperwork. The inclusion of the 33W Supervooc charger is commendable since it offers a 100% charging speed increase according to realme. This is the segment’s fastest 33W fast charge, as it can charge the phone from 0-50% in about 31 mins.
Under the hood, the realme C53 is powered by a Spreadtrum Unisoc T612 processor, with a Mali-G57 graphics processor. You also get 6GB of RAM which can be extended by virtual RAM of up to 6GB, and 128GB of onboard storage, which again can be expanded by up to 2TB using a microSD slot. This sort of expansion capability is usually unheard of, in the under AED 500 price segment of smartphones. The phone runs on the Android 13 operating system with realme’s UI T Edition running on top of it.
The realme C53 offers a wide range of security features such as PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint, password, and pattern. While all options are good, I usually go with fingerprint authentication, because it is more secure. Also, you don’t have to wait for the phone to recognise you through face unlock, which can take a moment and might not work well in low light. So using the conveniently placed side-mounted fingerprint scanner is truly quicker as it does its job swiftly and consistently.
The display on this device is IPS and not AMOLED. However, during my review period, I found the screen quality to be consistent, with strong contrast. The viewing angles were also good, allowing you to view the screen’s content clearly, even when tilted to the right or left. Under sunlight, the screen offered impressive brightness, ensuring clear content display and effortless readability.
Incorporated within the device is an interesting feature called “dynamic mini-capsule.” This is a designated space that presents information adjacent to the front-facing camera. However, the data showcased is limited to information such as charging status, data usage, and step count.
Regarding overall performance, the smartphone easily handles essential tasks. I found no difficulty working with texts, graphic content, the browser, instant messaging, and maps. The phone also handled occasional resource-hungry jobs such as gaming with ease.
Regarding the camera quality, when lighting conditions are favourable, the photos shot using the realme C53 offer a good level of quality. In general, the colours appear vibrant and true to life, the contrast is well-balanced, and the camera manages to capture details with a reasonable degree of accuracy, as seen below:
Based on my usage experience, I can confirm that the 5000mAh battery in the realme C53 smartphone has the capability to sustain the device’s power for a minimum of one and a half days, and even up to two days. Remember though, that the battery life is heavily influenced by your usage patterns. In my regular activities such as checking emails, browsing news, watching YouTube videos, using Facebook, taking occasional photos, and playing games, I’ve found the battery to be impressively generous. It eliminates the need for daily charging.
An aspect worth highlighting is the support for fast charging in the realme C53. The package also includes the necessary fast charger, a feature that’s not often seen in budget smartphones like this one. During my tests, I noticed that the realme C53 battery reached 45% capacity within just 30 minutes of charging. Achieving a full charge requires approximately an hour and 23 minutes. These results are notably impressive for a budget phone, enhancing the overall user experience.
The realme C53 falls within the entry-level category, boasting an affordable price of AED 499, an attractive design, sufficient performance for day-to-day tasks, and an impressive battery life.
Price: AED 499
realme C53 AED 499
Summary
Coming in at a very affordable price point of AED 499, the realme C53 offers a very sleek design just 7.49mm. The phone further offers a C-angle side design so that it sits perfectly in the hand.
User Review
( votes)Accessories
Other World Computing Launches OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the general availability launch of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub – opening a new world of workflow possibilities and performance. By turning a single cable connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, the new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports.
With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000MB/s, up to three 8K displays @60Hz with DSC, today’s USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday’s USB-A desktop accessories – all while keeping modern notebooks and tablets powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.
Key Features of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub:
- Easy Port Expansion – Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC,iPad Pro, or tablet to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
- Incomparable Speed – Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
- Works with Millions – No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or USB4 machine or device with 100% compatibility
- Best Today, Best Tomorrow – Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
- Multiple Daisy Chains – Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
- Powerful – Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
- Stunning Visuals – Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
- Thunderbolt Certified – Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
- Silently Cool – Fanless aluminium enclosure for quiet and cool operation
“The bi-directional bandwidth design of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub enables users to send and receive data simultaneously – making it ideal for connecting high-res displays, SSDs, and more without compromising speed,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). “With three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports, users gain the flexibility to power multiple displays or create complex daisy chains with ease. The hub’s 140W power delivery guarantees notebooks and tablets remain charged, no matter how demanding the workload.”
O’Connor continued, “For tablet users, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub turns any iPad Pro or tablet into a pro workstation. Connect external drives, displays, and peripherals to unlock the tablet’s full potential – without being tethered to a bulky desktop or laptop.” The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is available now for pre-order for $189.99 and begins shipping in December.
Artificial Intelligence
The Price of Apple’s Intelligence
Apple has taken its first steps into the generative AI space with the introduction of Apple Intelligence for iPhone and Mac platforms. Currently, only a limited number of the proposed AI apps are available, with a significant update expected in December when ChatGPT will be integrated into iOS and macOS.
This move marks an unusual moment for Apple, a company known for building proprietary systems to control user experience and data usage. The inclusion of ChatGPT signifies Apple’s intent to engage with the broader generative AI community. However, it also highlights Apple’s position lagging behind its competitors in the AI race.
The integration of ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence comes with costs that users must pay to fully benefit from the features. The second beta version of iOS 18.2, scheduled for a December release, introduces the next wave of Apple Intelligence apps. System settings now display a daily limit for ChatGPT usage, with an option to upgrade to the paid ChatGPT Plus plan or revert to an older AI model.
Existing ChatGPT Plus users can sign in on their iPhones, while new users can choose to upgrade. It remains to be seen if Apple will impose its usual 30% fee on the $19.99 monthly subscription for ChatGPT Plus.
While OpenAI has long offered a tiered pricing structure for ChatGPT, Apple’s decision contrasts with other smartphone AI platforms. Google and Samsung, for instance, have provided free AI-powered tools to enhance platform utility. Although Apple is adopting a freemium model, Google and Samsung’s AI services may eventually become chargeable.
Apple’s slow introduction of generative AI contrasts with the marketing surrounding Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 series launched a month before Apple Intelligence became publicly available, but this delay was not evident in promotional materials. Mobile networks in the UK have even had to clarify the delayed AI features in their marketing.
Gadgets
OPPO Find X8 Series with ColorOS 15 to Launch Globally on Nov 21
OPPO will launch Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15 at a global launch event, set to take place on November 21, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. Debuting the all-new Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, each is set to redefine flagship smartphone excellence in its class. “Until now, flagship camera phones with ultra-zoom, power, battery life and AI tools have been weighed down by thick, heavy designs, but the Find X8 Series changes the game. Find X8 is a thin and light powerhouse with ultra-beating battery life and a periscope zoom. Find X8 Pro takes zoom further, delivering ultra-grade experiences without the bulk. And with ColorOS 15’s smart and smooth experience, Find X8 Series is set to mark an exciting shift for the smartphone industry,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer at OPPO.
OPPO Find X8 is loaded with ultra features. Fitting an incredibly slim periscope zoom camera into a masterfully balanced, sleek, light design at 7.85mm thin and weighing just 193g. Immersive yet compact, it combines a 6.59” display with an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical border, keeping its size down while making it a joy to handle and behold. And with its fingerprint-resistant diffuse finish available in Star Grey, Space Black and Shell Pink, Find X8 looks as good as it feels.
Fans of bigger screens, get ready for Find X8 Pro. It puts an ultra-immersive 6.78” picture in your palms, showcases quad-curved glass on both sides and debuts OPPO’s dual-periscope telephoto camera for global markets. Find X8 Pro is available in Space Black and Pearl White, with each Pearl White device featuring a unique pearlescent pattern – no two are the same – infusing an exclusive quality to the colour.
Both Find X8 and Find X8 Pro carry forward the Find X line’s tradition of introducing breakthrough camera innovation, with both featuring OPPO’s latest Hasselblad Master Camera System. Going the distance, with AI Telescope Zoom, Find X8 Series can reach further than ever before, activating at 10x and beyond. Each can also freeze time in an instant with Lightning Snap, taking up to seven photos every second without compromising on flagship-grade photo processing.
OPPO’s silicon-carbon battery is ultra-beating at 5630mAh for the Find X8 and 5910mAh for the Find X8 Pro. And with the latest-generation MediaTek Dimensity 9400 power, enjoy the smooth, cool performance for a full day and beyond. It takes world-class software to elevate ultra-grade hardware, and ColorOS 15 perfectly complements the Find X8 Series. Its seamless visuals, intuitive elements, and powerful, time-saving AI tools put everything you need at your fingertips.
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