With smartphone competition tougher than ever, brands are now putting durability front and center. This is great news for the entry-level and mid-range segment, where budget phones have evolved from flimsy to almost “buy-it-for-life” worthy.
realme adds another durable and affordable option with the launch of the realme C85 5G, promising a long-lasting device – both in terms of battery and build. We listed down its top features that you can get for P14,999.
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| realme C85 5G in Peacock Green |
Big battery – with add-ons
The realme C85 5G runs on a 7000mAh battery, positioning it as a good go-to smartphone for power users. This battery capacity is well-above what flagship devices carry, which commonly averages up to 5,400mAh only.
Since the realme C85 5G is all about durability, this extends to its battery. The brand claims that the device's battery works just as it would under normal conditions when used in extreme temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius and up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Related: Realme C85 5G - the New Budget Endurance Champion
While some may consider this feature trivial, it provides a practical benefit to those who rely on their smartphones for heavy outdoor work, including riders, delivery workers, and others. Plus, protection from extreme temperatures helps prevent battery swelling, battery degradation, and reduced charging speed – overall resulting in longer battery lifespan.
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| Despite a large battery, the realme C85 5G is light and easy to hold. |
With a big 7,000mAh battery, it makes sense that the realme C85 5G can be used as a power bank. According to realme, the C85 5G can spare one full charge for a smartphone, more than 10 full charges for a pair of wireless earphones, and up to 16 full charges for a smartwatch.
Larger batteries often come with concerns about longer charging hours. The realme C85 addresses this with a 45W SuperVOOC charging support, which should complete a single full-charge at under an hour. We'll share a detailed charging log in our review.
'Ultra waterproof'
realme went all out in waterproofing the C85 5G, equipping the device with protection not only from accidental water spills but to 36 kinds of liquids, such natural water: rainwater, melted snow, dew, river water, lake water, glacial water, spring water, and well water; beverages and food liquids: juice, tea, coffee, soda water, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, white liquor, beer, wine, rice wine, yellow wine, and sake; dairy products: milk and yogurt; liquid seasonings: vinegar, soy sauce, cooking oil; soups and broths: meat broth, vegetable juice, curry; cleaning and household liquids: soapy water, laundry water, dishwater, shower gel water, shampoo, mouthwash, makeup remover; and industrial liquid: gasoline.
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| The realme C85 5G has a Pulse Light which lits up for different functions. More of this in our review. |
The smartphone's 50-megapixel AI main camera can even be used in underwater adventures. According to realme, the C85 5G has a 60-day maximum submersion time at 0.5 meter and can survive up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes.
See also: realme 15T 5G Sleek Design Meets 7000mAh Power for Only Php12,869
All of these are supported with the realme C85 5G-s triple rating – IP69K, IP69, and IP66 certifications for industrial-grade water resistance, submersion resistance, high-pressure water jet resistance, and rain and splash resistance.
In case of water troubles, the realme C85 has a water eject feature that's easily accessible via its Control Center.
Ready for everyday drops
Built with MIL-STD 810H military-grade shock resistance, the realme C85 5G is made to take on daily bumps, slips, and surprises. It’s tough enough to survive 14,000 micro-drops, with 300% bend resistance and a multi-layer shock-absorbing structure that lets it withstand up to 25 kg of bending force.
Everywhere AI
The realme C85 5G isn't just AI-powered – it's AI-loaded. realme sprinkled in plenty of clever features that make everyday tasks feel easier.
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| realme C85 5G |
Paired with its durable and adventure-ready build, the realme C85 introduces AI Outdoor Mode – a suite of intelligent features that ensure effortless smartphone use for when you're on the move. These include AI Brightness Boost with up to 1,200 Nits maximum brightness, AI Network Boost with up to 22% improved network speed, AI Performance Boost which optimizes up to 90% smoothness, and AI Volume Boost.
Read: realme 15 Series 5G; Flagship Features for the Real-Life User, Starting at Php18,999
Users are also in for a more intuitive experience with the realme C85 and its AI Smart Loop, a side panel where frequently used apps are easily accessible with just a swipe.
Photography gets an AI upgrade, too, with tools like AI Edit Genie, AI Eraser, AI Ultra Clarity, and AI Unblur.
Related: realme GT 7T Review; The Flagship Killer To Beat?
Fluid Glass Design
Out of the box, the realme C85 5G runs Android 15 with realme UI 6.0, featuring a fresh interface highlighted by Fluid Glass – realme's take on Apple's Liquid Glass design.
.webp "realme C85 5G Fluid Glass UI") |
| realme C85 Fluid Glass UI |
The sleek, semi-transparent elements make icons, widgets, and notifications appear more visually appealing.
realme retails the realme C85 for P14,999 via its official online and offline stores. Stay tuned for our full review.