The budget smartphone segment in India has always been highly competitive, and Realme has consistently been one of the leading brands to deliver feature-packed devices at affordable prices. The Realme C20 5G is the company’s latest offering that brings 5G connectivity to the entry-level market, making it one of the most affordable 5G smartphones of 2025.
With a focus on practicality, long battery life, and reliable performance, the Realme C20 5G is designed for students, budget-conscious buyers, and first-time smartphone users who want 5G speeds without spending too much.
This review covers everything about the Realme C20 5G — from its design and display to its camera, performance, battery, price, and comparisons — to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Introduction
The smartphone industry is quickly shifting toward 5G adoption, and Realme is playing a key role in making next-gen connectivity accessible to everyone. While flagship and mid-range devices already support 5G, Realme has taken a bold step by introducing 5G capabilities in its entry-level C-series lineup.
The Realme C20 5G isn’t about flashy features or premium designs. Instead, it focuses on value-for-money, essential features, and reliable everyday use. For under ₹12,000, it offers a large display, a massive battery, decent performance, and 5G connectivity, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Design and Build Quality
The Realme C20 5G sports a minimalistic design that is simple yet functional. Built with polycarbonate material, it ensures durability while keeping the phone lightweight. The rear panel features a matte textured finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, making it practical for everyday handling.
Key design details:
- Compact and slim body for one-hand use
- Waterdrop notch housing the selfie camera
- Square-shaped rear camera module
- Realme branding at the back for identity
While it doesn’t scream “premium,” the design is clean, practical, and perfect for those who prioritize usability over luxury aesthetics.
Display
The phone comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Although not as smooth as higher refresh rate panels, it does the job for regular users who mostly watch videos, browse social media, or chat on messaging apps.
The 20:9 aspect ratio makes it good for media consumption, and the screen-to-body ratio of over 88% ensures immersive viewing. Outdoor visibility is decent, thanks to 400 nits of brightness, though direct sunlight readability could have been better.
Performance and Hardware
The Realme C20 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 610 processor, an entry-level 5G chipset designed for basic performance and efficiency. It is paired with 4GB/6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB storage, expandable via microSD card.
Performance-wise, the phone handles everyday tasks like browsing, social media, YouTube, and messaging with ease. Light gaming (such as Free Fire and Subway Surfers) runs smoothly, but heavy titles like BGMI or Genshin Impact require lower settings.
For its price, the 5G support and overall smooth performance make it one of the best choices in its segment.
Software and UI
The device runs on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 15, offering a clean and customizable interface.
Highlights of the software experience:
- Minimal bloatware compared to older versions
- Customizable themes and icons
- System-wide dark mode
- Enhanced privacy features
- Smooth animations for daily use
Realme has promised 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches, ensuring longevity for budget buyers.
Camera Setup
The Realme C20 5G features a dual-camera setup at the back:
- 13MP primary sensor
- 2MP depth sensor
On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera.
Photography Performance
- Daylight shots are decent with natural colors.
- Low-light photography is average, with some noise.
- Portrait mode works fine with acceptable edge detection.
- Selfies are clear enough for video calls and casual photos.
The camera is not meant for photography enthusiasts, but it works well for casual users who want reliable results for social media uploads.
Video Recording
The device supports 1080p recording at 30fps, suitable for basic video capture but not for professional use.
Battery and Charging
One of the standout features of the Realme C20 5G is its 5000mAh battery. Combined with the power-efficient Dimensity chipset and HD+ display, the phone easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge.
Charging:
- Supports 18W fast charging via USB Type-C
- Takes around 2 hours 30 minutes for a full charge
This makes it a reliable companion for users who don’t want to worry about frequent charging.
5G Connectivity
The biggest selling point of the Realme C20 is 5G support. It supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring future-proof connectivity as networks expand in India. With faster internet speeds, lower latency, and better network stability, this device makes 5G affordable for everyone.
Audio and Multimedia
The phone comes with a single bottom-firing speaker. While not the loudest, it’s clear enough for media and calls. The 3.5mm headphone jack remains, which is a bonus for budget buyers.
Security and Unlock Options
The Realme C20 5G offers:
- Face Unlock (software-based)
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Both are quick and reliable for daily use.
Price and Availability
The Realme C20 5G price in India (2025):
- 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage: ₹9,999
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₹11,499
At this price point, it directly competes with Redmi, Poco, and Infinix’s budget 5G offerings.
Competitor Comparison
- Redmi 12 5G: Better camera performance but slightly pricier.
- Poco M6 5G: Gaming-focused but with a smaller battery.
- Infinix Hot 40 5G: Larger display but heavier design.
The Realme C20 5G wins with its balanced performance, strong battery, and competitive pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable 5G smartphone
- Big 5000mAh battery with 18W charging
- Decent everyday performance
- Expandable storage
- Lightweight and practical design
Cons:
- Average cameras
- Basic LCD 60Hz display
- No stereo speakers
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
Who Should Buy the Realme C20 5G?
The Realme C20 5G is perfect for:
- Students looking for an affordable 5G phone
- Budget-conscious buyers who want long battery life
- First-time smartphone users
- Users who prioritize connectivity and practicality over fancy features
Conclusion
The Realme C20 5G proves that 5G connectivity doesn’t have to be expensive. It combines practical design, reliable performance, long battery life, and future-proof 5G support at an entry-level price point.
While it isn’t built for gamers or photography lovers, it’s a fantastic choice for everyday users who want a budget smartphone that won’t feel outdated in the coming years. For under ₹12,000, the Realme C20 5G is a solid budget 5G device that ticks all the right boxes for the masses.