Realme has silently introduced two new budget-friendly 5G smartphones in China - the V60 and V60s. Despite their different names, these devices are remarkably similar in design and specifications, leaving many to wonder about the strategy behind this dual release.
Key Features
- 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Single 32MP rear camera
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging
- Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0
Surprising Similarities
The V60 and V60s share identical core specifications, including the processor, display, camera setup, and battery capacity. Both phones feature a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 625 nits. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 powers both devices, offering decent performance for everyday tasks.
Camera and Design
Interestingly, both models sport a single 32MP rear camera despite having a module with four cutouts. An 8MP front-facing camera handles selfies. The design is minimalist, with a clean back panel featuring only the Realme logo.
Performance and Storage
The Dimensity 6300 chipset is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Both phones support virtual RAM expansion of up to 8GB, potentially improving multitasking capabilities.
Battery and Charging
A 5,000mAh battery powers both devices, which should provide good battery life. However, the 10W charging speed is notably slow by today's standards, which might be a drawback for some users.
Pricing Discrepancy
Despite their near-identical specifications, the V60 and V60s are priced differently:
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Realme V60:
- 6GB/128GB: ¥1,199 (~$175)
- 8GB/256GB: ¥1,399 (~$205)
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Realme V60s:
- 6GB/128GB: ¥1,399 (~$205)
- 8GB/256GB: ¥1,799 (~$265)
This pricing strategy has raised eyebrows, as consumers may struggle to justify the higher cost of the V60s given the lack of apparent differences.
Availability
As with previous V-series phones, the V60 and V60s are currently exclusive to the Chinese market. There's no information regarding a potential global release.
While the Realme V60 and V60s offer 5G connectivity at an affordable price point, the similarities between the two models and the puzzling price difference may confuse potential buyers. It remains to be seen how these devices will perform in the competitive budget smartphone market.