Realme C73 5G : The budget smartphone segment just witnessed a disruption that nobody expected. Yesterday’s launch of the Realme C73 5G in Mumbai proved that premium features don’t always demand premium prices. With a 120Hz display typically reserved for phones costing three times as much, this device challenges the notion that budget buyers must settle for choppy scrolling and sluggish screens. At a starting price that makes even feature phones look expensive, Realme has essentially democratized smooth display technology.

Display Technology That Steals the Show

The moment you pick up the C73 5G and swipe through the interface, something feels different. That buttery-smooth motion you’ve seen on expensive flagships? It’s here, on a phone that costs less than many people’s monthly phone bills. The 6.72-inch display refreshes 120 times per second, making everything from scrolling through Instagram to playing casual games feel remarkably fluid. Text doesn’t blur as you scroll, animations complete without stuttering, and the overall experience feels decidedly premium.

But Realme didn’t stop at just the refresh rate. The display uses an IPS LCD panel that, while not OLED, delivers respectable colors and viewing angles. Brightness peaks at 680 nits, enough to remain visible under harsh afternoon sun. The resolution of HD+ might seem modest on paper, but spread across 6.72 inches, pixels remain reasonably sharp for everyday use. Most users transitioning from older budget phones will find this screen a massive upgrade, especially when consuming video content or playing games.

Pricing Strategy That Disrupts Market Logic

Let’s address the elephant in the room – the price. Starting at just ₹9,999 for the 4GB RAM variant and ₹11,999 for the 6GB version, the C73 5G enters territory where smartphones barely functioned properly just two years ago. At this price point, finding a 5G phone is surprising enough. Adding a 120Hz display seems almost absurd. Yet here we are, with Realme somehow making the numbers work without obvious compromises elsewhere.

The pricing becomes even more attractive considering current market dynamics. With 5G networks expanding rapidly across India, buying a 4G-only phone today feels shortsighted. The C73 5G ensures buyers won’t need another upgrade when 5G becomes mainstream in their area. For students, first-time smartphone buyers, or anyone seeking a capable secondary device, this pricing opens doors that were previously closed.

Design and Build That Exceeds Expectations

Budget phones often announce their affordability through cheap-feeling construction, but the C73 5G takes a different approach. The back panel uses what Realme calls “Dynamic Glowing Design,” which essentially means a textured finish that shifts appearance under different lighting. While it’s still plastic, the execution feels thoughtful rather than cheap. The camera module, arranged vertically, integrates cleanly without the ungainly bump common in this segment.

At 190 grams, the phone feels substantial without being heavy. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, responding quickly to registered fingers. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack earns appreciation from users not ready to embrace wireless audio. Even small touches like the tactile volume buttons and the satisfying click of the SIM tray show attention to detail rarely seen at this price point.

Performance Built for Real-World Use

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset powering the C73 5G won’t top benchmark charts, but it handles daily tasks competently. Apps open reasonably quickly, multitasking with 4-6 apps works without significant slowdown, and the interface remains responsive. The 120Hz display actually helps here – even when the processor shows its budget origins, the smooth refresh rate maintains an illusion of snappiness that enhances perceived performance.

Gaming performance surprises for the price. Popular titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run at low to medium settings while maintaining playable frame rates. The 120Hz display doesn’t always hit its maximum refresh rate in games, but even 60-90fps feels smooth compared to the 30fps standard in budget phones. The phone does warm up during extended gaming sessions, but never uncomfortably so.

Camera System That Understands Priorities

The 50-megapixel main camera might sound impressive, but Realme keeps expectations realistic. In good lighting, photos show decent detail and accurate colors. The AI scene recognition actually helps, boosting colors and contrast appropriately without going overboard. Low-light performance predictably struggles, but the included night mode manages to salvage usable shots from challenging conditions.

The 8-megapixel front camera handles video calls and selfies adequately. Portrait mode works reasonably well, though edge detection occasionally falters with complex backgrounds. Video recording tops out at 1080p, which feels appropriate for the price point. Overall, the camera system won’t replace dedicated cameras but handles social media photography competently.

Battery Life and Charging Excellence

The 5,000mAh battery easily powers through a full day, even with the 120Hz display active. Realme includes intelligent refresh rate switching, dropping to 60Hz or even 30Hz when displaying static content to preserve battery. Heavy users might need a top-up by evening, but most will reach bedtime with 20-30% remaining.

The 33W fast charging inclusion at this price point deserves applause. A full charge takes about 70 minutes, while a quick 15-minute charge provides enough juice for several hours of use. In an segment where 10W charging remains common, this feels genuinely premium.

Software Experience That Stays Current

Running Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, the software feels modern and feature-rich. Yes, there’s bloatware, but most can be uninstalled. The interface remains clean and navigable, with useful additions like a system-wide dark mode, customizable always-on display, and gesture navigation that takes advantage of the smooth display. Realme promises two years of Android updates, ensuring the phone won’t feel dated quickly.

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Realme C73 5G The Bottom Line

The Realme C73 5G represents something special in the budget segment. By prioritizing one genuinely premium feature – the 120Hz display – while maintaining competence elsewhere, Realme has created a phone that feels special rather than cheap. For anyone seeking smooth performance, 5G connectivity, and modern features without stretching their budget, the C73 5G makes a compelling argument that premium experiences don’t always require premium prices.