Realme U1 REVIEW: How Good/Bad Is The First Helio P70 Smartphone?

Agree, it’s nice to see how large mobile market projects come to life and have success. One of these projects was the sub-brand of Oppo – Realme. Although Realme began to release smartphones only in 2018, there are already some very interesting and high-quality devices. Realme smartphones are dramatically different from all their competitors with stylish design, powerful hardware and build quality. The only drawback of Realme phones is the price. Today it is quite difficult to compete with super cheap phones from Xiaomi and other Chinese brands.

In this article we decided to make first review of Realme U1. Its main feature is MediaTek P70 processor. We will definitely talk about the performance, benchmark results and its prospects for 2019.

Realme U1: Specifications

• Processor: MediaTek Helio P70, eight cores (4xARM Cortex-A73, 4xARM Cortex-A53, maximum operating frequency – 2.1 GHz, process technology – 12 nm
• Graphic subsystem: ARM Mali-G72 MP3, three cores, peak operating frequency – 900 MHz
• RAM: 3 GB, 4 GB, memory type – LPDDR4, frequency – up to 1600 MHz
• ROM: 32 GB, 64 GB
• Screen: IPS, diagonal size – 6.3-inches, resolution – 1080×2340 pixels, density – 409 ppi, 84.13% of the front panel area + Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Main camera: 13 + 2 MP, aperture of the lens of the main module – f / 2.2
• Front camera: 25 megapixel, lens aperture – f / 2.0
• Battery: 3500mAh + VOOC (fast charging)
• OS: ColorOS 5.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo
• SIM cards: 2, Nano-SIM
• Fingerprint sensor: yes
• Sound: Dirac HD
• Headphone jack: yes
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Mobile network: LTE Cat 13 (150.7 Mbit / s transfer, 391.6 Mbit / s reception)
• Body material: plastic and metal
• Color: black, blue, gold
• Size and weight: 74x157x8 mm, 168 grams
• AnTuTu: about 169.000 scores.

Realme U1: Design

If someone did not know, Realme creates its smartphones, focusing on young people. Therefore, the devices have bright colors and modern design. Realme U1 boasts a stylish waterdrop notch with front camera. There are no control buttons on the front panel, so the smartphone will be controlled by gestures.

The back panel is decorated with dual camera and flashlight. Realme did not invent something new and placed the fingerprint scanner in the center of the rear panel.

The body itself is made of plastic, but there are metal frames to protect the smartphone from damage.

Realme U1: Display

As you can see, the smartphone has large and bezel-less display. Let’s talk about its specifications. First, this is IPS panel. Yes, we would like to see AMOLED technology, but there is nothing wrong with IPS either, just a slightly weak 1500:1 contrast ratio.

The diagonal size of the screen is 6.3-inches. The image resolution is 1080 by 2340 pixels. Density of pixels per inch is 409 ppi, which is quite good for budget devices.

The display occupies as much as 84.13% of the front panel. The bezels are really thin. Realme didn’t forget about display protection. The screen is covered by shock-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 glass.

Realme U1: Performance

This is the first smartphone in the world on MediaTek Helio P70 chipset. What do we know about new processor, and why is it so good? First of all, the processor provides great photo opportunities. It supports one sensor with 32MP resolution or two sensors with a resolution of 24MP + 16MP. An advanced processor saves 18% of battery power. It says that Realme U2 has good battery life and cameras.

Let’s take a look at specifications of Helio P70 processor. It has eight cores from ARM: 4×2.1 GHz ARM Cortex-A73, 4×1.95 GHz ARM Cortex-A53. The operating frequency reaches 2100 MHz. The graphics is ARM Mali-G72 MP3 with three cores and maximum frequency of 900 MHz.

Perhaps, specifications don’t tell you anything, so let’s look at AnTuTu result. The first tests show 169.000 scores. It is excellent result, and we expect more budget smartphones on Helio P70 in 2019. The next smartphone on this chipset should be Ulefone T2 Pro.

There are two memory configurations to choose from: 3 GB and 32 GB or 4 GB and 64 GB. The type of RAM is LPDDR4X. The frequency of operation is up to 1600 MHz. You can increase the internal memory with microSD memory cards up to 256 GB.

Realme U1 Performance Test Video

Realme U1: Camera

We have already mentioned that the manufacturer positions its new product as a camera smartphone. The front camera of Realme U1 has Sony IMX576 Rxmor RS sensor. The lens allows taking selfies in maximum resolution of 25 MP, which is very incredible.

Realme U1 also has a number of functions to make fantastic photos. However, they are not disclosed before the official release. So far, we only know about Face Unlock function.

The main camera is not as impressive as the front, but also deserves attention. Here we can see two sensors with a resolution of images of 13MP + 2MP. An additional sensor is needed only for bokeh effect or portrair mode. The aperture of the main sensor is f/2.2, while the auxiliary lens is f/2.4.

Realme already published some good photos on the main camera, but there are no samples in low light conditions. From other side, Realme said that U1 is a selfie smartphone, and it is really so.

Realme U1 Camera Test Video

Realme U1: Battery

We are very pleased that Realme take care about battery life. Realme U1 has 3500mAh battery capacity, which is standard for 2018, but it has some new innovations.

The smartphone has good optimization and new chipset, so we can expect about two days of battery life on a single charge. In addition, there is support for fast charging technology VOOC (5V/2A). The battery is a lithium-polymer type and, of course, non-removable.

Realme U1 Battery Test Video

The smartphone comes with its own user interface ColorOS 5.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo. It supports advanced LTE bands. There is also Wi-Fi 802.11n 5GHz and 802.11ac.

Realme U1 has headphone jack, and it is big advantage. From other side, there is only microUSB port. Also new smartphones isn’t equipped with NFC.

Realme U1: Price

Realme U1 release date on Indian market is expected on December 5. The version 3 GB and 32 GB will cost $170, while model with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage will be $215.

Realme U1 Review Video

Realme U1 vs Realme 2 Pro Compare

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXj_T-gQCWg

Source: realme