realme C75 Long Term Review - Can it perform as tough as it is?

In case you've missed it, we got our hands on the realme C75 earlier this year.

The realme C75: Tough as nails, but can it keep up with daily tasks?

In our previous unboxing video, I accidentally dropped the realme C75, proving that it’s drop-proof. Then, in a separate experiment video, I've placed it in various conditions, showing that the realme C75 is shower-proof, steam-proof, and even freeze-proof.

@gizguideph We tested the #realmeC75 to see if truly is #WaterproofWorryproof . Did it live up to its promise? Watch the video to find out! The realme C75 is available in two stunning color options: Lightning Gold and Storm Black. Get yours at realme physical stores, and TikTok & Shopee for online purchase. 8GB+128GB: PHP 8,999 SRP 8GB+256GB: PHP 10,999 SRP #GIZGUIDEPH #TechPH ♬ REBEL HEART - IVE

We know that the realme C75 is built to endure, but can its performance match its toughness? Let’s find out.

Unboxing / Accessories

The realme C75: Unboxed with all the essentials

Inside the signature realme yellow box, here’s what you get:

• realme C75 (ours came in the Lightning Gold colorway)
• SIM ejector pin
• User manual
• Silicone Case
• Type-C to USB cable
• 45W SUPERVOOC charger for fast charging

Note that it also has a pre-installed screen protector.

Build Quality/Design

The Lightning Gold colorway offers a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges.

Can't go wrong with the Lightning Gold colorway

The phone is equipped with a dedicated dual SIM tray, allowing for dual SIM functionality and expandable storage of up to 2TB via microSD.

realme C75's SIM tray

For security and convenience, it features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.

realme C75's side-mounted fingerprint sensor

For durability, the 6.72-inch LCD (IPS) display is protected by ArmorShell tempered glass, which boasts 260 percent improvement in drop resistance and 400 percent improvement in scratch resistance compared to its predecessor.

realme C75's display: vibrant colors, covered with ArmorShell protection

In terms of entertainment, the FHD+ screen displays vibrant colors, making it decent for binge-watching. It has up to 90Hz refresh rate, making animations and transitions smoother than budget phones in the past.

The panel will lack the color depth and deep blacks of the AMOLED panels found on some similarly priced phones, though. At least, the resolution is not HD+ only.

Don't be fooled: realme C75's mono-speaker packs a (SonicWave) punch

Though it only has mono speakers, it features SonicWave Water Ejection, which expels water from the speakers through vibration. The sound can be boosted up to 400 percent without major distortion, enhancing the viewing experience.

Cameras

At the back, the 50MP AI Camera takes center stage, and it's time to put it to the test.

realme C75's 50MP AI Main Camera

Camera Samples

Outdoor, Daylight - Main Camera (50MP AI)

Shot using realme C75's 50MP AI Main Camera in Photo Mode, outdoors during daylight

In Photo Mode, images are sharp with excellent subject focus and a naturally blurred background, almost mimicking Portrait Mode.

Shot using realme C75's 50MP AI Main Camera in Portrait Mode, outdoors during daylight

Switching to Portrait Mode, the subject remains crisp, and the background blur looks smooth and realistic—unlike the artificial bokeh seen on some other phones.

Outdoor, Daylight - Selfie Camera (8MP)

Shot using realme C75's Selfie Camera in Photo Mode, outdoors during daylight

In Photo Mode, selfies retain sharp details while keeping the background intact without overpowering the subject. There's a touch of AI processing, but it’s subtle and doesn’t feel excessive.

Shot using realme C75's Selfie Camera in Portrait Mode, outdoors during daylight

With Portrait Mode, the background blur appears natural, much like the main camera. AI processing is present but well-balanced.

Indoor, Well-Lit - Main Camera (50MP AI)

Shot using realme C75's Main Camera in Photo Mode, indoors

In Photo Mode, the camera captures fine details while maintaining a soft, natural background blur.

Shot using realme C75's Main Camera in Portrait Mode, indoors

In Portrait Mode, it delivers a well-blended background separation that enhances the subject without looking artificial.

Indoor, Well-Lit - Selfie Camera (8MP)

Shot using realme C75's Selfie Camera in Photo Mode, indoors

In Photo Mode, details are decent, but AI processing is slightly more noticeable compared to outdoor shots.

In Portrait Mode, the quality is comparable to higher-end selfie cameras. The AI processing is evident but remains acceptable.

Shot using realme C75's Selfie Camera in Portrait Mode, indoors

Outdoor, Nighttime

Shot using realme C75's Main Camera in Photo Mode, outdoors at night time

Low-light photography holds up well, with the main camera's image processing compensating for darker environments to produce clear and detailed shots.

Shot using realme C75's Selfie Camera in Photo Mode, outdoors at night. AI Clear Face was added later on

As for the selfie camera, AI processing becomes more apparent in Photo Mode, especially when dealing with low light sources. Enabling the AI Clear Face feature helps refine the image, but the result leans toward an over-processed look.

For videos, both the back and front cameras can record up to 1080p at 30fps. There's no OIS, so expect some shakiness if your hands are not stable. They are generally usable, but don't expect too much.

Performance

When it comes to speed, I put the MediaTek Helio G92 Max processor to the test. As a content creator, I'm more focused on video editing rather than gaming.

Smooth for basic social media tasks and decent for casual editing, but clearly not the fastest for the price...

Editing my TikTok video on CapCut was fairly smooth, but I noticed some gradual lag when playback included multiple clips and elements. However, exporting videos remained consistent.

Can handle CapCut editing, but don't expect a smooth experience all throughout

For multitasking, I used the floating window feature to research while writing my latest GIZGUIDE article on the go, and the experience was decent. The 8GB RAM + 128GB/256GB storage configuration helps keep the device responsive.

realme C75 does a pretty decent job at multitasking

The realme C75 runs on Android 14 with realme UI 5.0 by default. But likely, it has that it has been updated to Android 15 by now. It is a decent Android skin with minimal bloat. It supports Google Gemini AI as well.

Pros - Strong build with IP69 rating, long battery life, decent camera performance

Cons - Processor could be better, video performance is not that great 

realme C75 Specs

Display: 6.72-inch ArmorShell Glass protected LCD (IPS) screen w/ 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, FHD+ 2400 x 1080 resolution at 392 ppi

CPU: 2.0GHz 12nm MediaTek Helio G92 Max octa-core processor

GPU: Mali-G52

RAM: 8GB

ROM: 128GB/256GB expandable storage via microSD card slot up to 2TB

Back Camera: 50MP f/1.8 + LED flash

Selfie Camera: 8MP f/2.0

Battery: 6,000mAh w/ 45W SUPERVOOC

OS: Android 14 w/ realme UI 5.0

Connectivity: WiFi (2.4GHz/5GHz), 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC, LDAC), OTG, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS, dual SIM (nano)

Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic

Others: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP69 dust and water resistance, USB-C, Colors: Lightning Gold, Storm Black

Dimensions: 165.69 x 76.22 x 7.99 mm

Weight: 196 g

Price: PHP 8,999 (8GB/128GB), PHP 10,999 (8GB/256GB)

Verdict

With ArmorShell glass protection and SonicWave Water Ejection, the realme C75 offers impressive durability beyond the usual budget phone.

While it may struggle with more demanding tasks like video editing, it handles everyday multitasking and entertainment with ease.

For its price, the realme C75 proves to be a reliable daily driver that balances resilience and performance if you don't do demanding tasks.

Build/Design - 4.5

Multimedia Experience - 4.0

Cameras - 4.0

Performance - 3.75

Average - 4.06/5