Realme Narzo 60x Review: Stylish Budget Phone for Young Users

Budget smartphones are no longer just about offering the basics at the lowest possible price. Today’s young users want more — stylish looks, smooth performance, and features that fit their fast-paced lifestyle. The Realme Narzo 60x is designed to strike that balance. Positioned as an affordable 5G phone, it aims to bring premium design and reliable everyday performance to a segment that often feels overlooked.

With its sleek finish, capable hardware, and youth-focused software tweaks, the Narzo 60x wants to be more than just another budget option. Instead, it’s marketed as a trendy device that blends fashion and function without stretching your wallet. But does it live up to the promise? Let’s find out.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Realme Narzo 60x doesn’t immediately give off the impression of being a budget phone. Realme has put noticeable effort into making this device look stylish and modern, a move clearly aimed at younger users who see their smartphone as both a tool and a fashion statement.

The phone is slim, lightweight, and has gently curved edges that make it sit comfortably in the hand. Even after long hours of scrolling or gaming, it doesn’t feel bulky or tiring to hold. The rear panel is made of polycarbonate, which is common at this price point, but Realme has given it a textured finish and unique color options that elevate the overall look. Instead of the plain, glossy backs we usually see in affordable devices, the Narzo 60x feels fresher and more premium in its design language.

Button placement is also practical: the power and volume keys are within easy reach, and the fingerprint scanner is positioned in a way that feels natural during one-handed use. The phone also manages to strike a good balance between durability and looks. While it’s not made of glass or metal, it feels sturdy enough to handle everyday knocks and slips without worry.

For young users who care about aesthetics as much as performance, the Narzo 60x definitely checks the right boxes. It’s the kind of phone you wouldn’t mind showing off, and for a budget device, that’s already a big win.

Display Experience

A stylish phone is only as good as the screen you spend hours looking at, and the Realme Narzo 60x doesn’t disappoint for its category. It features a 6.6-inch Full HD+ display that immediately feels roomy, whether you’re watching Netflix, scrolling through TikTok, or gaming. The bezels are slim enough to give it a modern look, though the chin at the bottom is still a reminder that this is a budget device.

One of the highlights here is the 120Hz refresh rate. Many phones in this price range still stick to 60Hz or, at best, 90Hz, but the Narzo 60x goes a step further. The difference is noticeable—swiping through menus feels smoother, animations are more fluid, and casual gaming benefits from the extra responsiveness. For young users who are used to fast, snappy devices, this upgrade makes the phone feel more premium than its price suggests.

Brightness levels are decent, with the panel reaching up to 680 nits. Indoors, it’s more than adequate, delivering vibrant colors and sharp text. Outdoors under direct sunlight, it’s usable, though you may find yourself cranking up the brightness to the maximum for comfortable viewing. Color reproduction leans slightly towards the saturated side, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—social media content and videos look punchy and engaging.

Of course, being an LCD panel rather than AMOLED, you don’t get the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratios that some slightly pricier competitors offer. However, for everyday use, especially for a target audience that streams, scrolls, and games, the display gets the job done very well.

In short, the Narzo 60x’s display feels like one of its biggest strengths. The combination of a large Full HD+ screen and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate makes it stand out in the budget category. It’s the kind of feature that not only improves day-to-day usability but also makes the phone feel more expensive than it actually is.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Realme Narzo 60x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. On paper, it’s a solid mid-range setup for a phone that positions itself in the budget category, and in day-to-day use, it delivers exactly what you’d expect—smooth, reliable performance for most common tasks.

For everyday activities like browsing, messaging, and switching between social media apps, the phone rarely struggles. The 120Hz refresh rate display works hand-in-hand with the chipset to make navigation feel snappy, giving the impression of a more premium experience than its actual price bracket. Multitasking is handled decently too, especially with the inclusion of Realme’s Dynamic RAM expansion, which uses a portion of storage to supplement the RAM when needed.

When it comes to gaming, the Narzo 60x can handle popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends, or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings without major hiccups. The Dimensity 6100+ is not built for high-end gaming, so you shouldn’t expect max graphics or perfectly smooth frame rates in demanding titles, but for casual gamers, it does the job well enough. Heat management is also commendable; the phone gets warm during longer sessions but not uncomfortably so.

Storage-wise, the 128GB variant should be sufficient for most young users, especially with cloud storage options available. There’s also support for expandable storage via microSD, which adds flexibility for those who want to keep a large library of photos, videos, or offline media.

Overall, the Realme Narzo 60x offers a well-balanced performance package. It’s not aiming to be a powerhouse, but it gives young users the confidence that their phone can keep up with social apps, study tools, casual games, and even some light productivity tasks without much compromise. In this price range, that’s exactly what most buyers are looking for.

Pros & Cons

Software and User Experience

The Realme Narzo 60x runs on Realme UI 4.0, based on Android 13, right out of the box. Realme UI has grown into one of the more polished Android skins in the budget segment, offering a good balance between customization, ease of use, and overall stability.

For young users, the software experience feels engaging and straightforward. The interface is colorful without being overwhelming, and Realme includes several customization options—like themes, wallpapers, and icon packs—that allow users to give their phone a personal touch. Navigation gestures are fluid, thanks in part to the 120Hz refresh rate, and everyday tasks like switching between apps or pulling down the notification shade feel smooth.

That said, there are still a few compromises. Realme UI comes with some pre-installed apps and bloatware, which might not be everyone’s favorite. The good news is that most of them can be uninstalled, leaving you with a cleaner setup. Notifications from certain preloaded apps can also get spammy if not managed properly, so users may need to spend a few minutes tweaking their settings at the beginning.

On the brighter side, Realme includes useful features like Game Mode, which optimizes performance while gaming, and Smart Sidebar, a quick-access panel for shortcuts and tools. These add genuine value to the day-to-day experience, especially for young users who multitask a lot between social media, entertainment, and school or work apps.

In terms of updates, Realme has promised at least two years of software support and three years of security patches for its Narzo lineup. While that’s not as long as what Samsung offers in the same range, it’s still reassuring for budget-conscious buyers who want to keep their phone running smoothly for a couple of years.

Overall, the software experience on the Narzo 60x is clean, customizable, and user-friendly. With a little effort to manage bloatware, it delivers a smooth Android experience that complements the phone’s hardware well.

Camera Capabilities

Cameras are one of the most important features for young users, and Realme knows it. The Narzo 60x comes with a 64MP main sensor paired with a 2MP depth sensor on the back, and a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies. On paper, this looks like a solid setup for a budget phone, and in practice, it delivers decent results—though with some compromises, as expected at this price.

In daylight, the main camera captures sharp images with good detail and vibrant colors. Photos are bright and lively, which makes them instantly shareable on Instagram or TikTok without heavy editing. The AI scene optimization tends to boost saturation a little, especially with greens and blues, but that actually works in its favor for social media appeal.

In low-light conditions, the story changes. While the phone does include a Night Mode, results can be hit-or-miss. Images are usable, but noise becomes more noticeable, and details tend to get lost in darker areas. For casual nighttime snaps, it’s fine, but it won’t compete with mid-range phones that have larger sensors or OIS (optical image stabilization).

The portrait mode, powered by the depth sensor, does a decent job of separating the subject from the background. Edge detection isn’t perfect—stray hairs or complex outlines can confuse the software—but for the price, it’s more than acceptable. The front camera is reliable for selfies and video calls, with natural skin tones in good lighting, though low-light selfies suffer from the same issues as the rear camera.

Video recording is capped at 1080p 30fps, which keeps it within budget territory. Stabilization is purely electronic, so while casual clips for social media look fine, anything involving fast movement will show noticeable shakiness.

Overall, the Narzo 60x’s camera system feels tailored to its audience: young users who want quick, good-looking snaps for social media. It won’t replace a dedicated camera or challenge more expensive devices, but for its price, it offers more than enough versatility to capture everyday moments.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the areas where budget phones often shine is battery life, and the Realme Narzo 60x is no exception. It packs a 5,000mAh battery, which has become something of a standard in this price range, but still remains a huge selling point—especially for young users who spend hours streaming, gaming, and scrolling through social media.

In everyday use, the phone easily lasts a full day and often stretches into the second day with lighter usage. Streaming video for a couple of hours, browsing, messaging, and casual gaming only bring the battery down gradually. For heavy users who spend a lot of time on mobile data and gaming, the Narzo 60x should comfortably get through the day without reaching for the charger.

Charging speeds are decent thanks to the included 33W SuperVOOC fast charging. It can top up the phone from 0 to around 50% in about half an hour, and a full charge takes just under 90 minutes. While it’s not the fastest in the segment—some competitors now push 67W or even 120W charging—Realme’s 33W solution strikes a good balance between speed and battery health.

There’s no wireless charging, but that’s not something to expect in this price bracket anyway. What matters is that the Narzo 60x makes it easy for young users to stay connected all day without battery anxiety. Whether it’s a long day at school, work, or commuting with heavy entertainment use, this phone has enough stamina to keep up.

Overall, the combination of a large 5,000mAh battery and reliable 33W charging makes the Narzo 60x one of the more dependable options for long-lasting performance in the budget segment.

Connectivity and Extras

A budget phone in 2023 isn’t just about performance and cameras—connectivity has become just as important, especially for young users who rely on fast internet and seamless communication. The Realme Narzo 60x comes prepared with 5G support, making it future-ready as more networks continue to expand globally. For users in regions where 5G is available, the phone delivers stable speeds for streaming, gaming, and downloads, ensuring it doesn’t feel outdated anytime soon.

On top of that, the Narzo 60x includes all the essentials: dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS. Calls are clear, and network reception is stable, even in areas with weaker signals. Bluetooth connectivity is strong enough for wireless earphones or speakers, which is almost a necessity for young users who prefer going wireless.

Audio is handled through a single bottom-firing speaker. While it gets reasonably loud, it lacks the depth and richness of stereo speakers. It’s fine for casual use—like watching short videos or gaming—but headphones will give a much better experience. Thankfully, Realme has retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, a small but significant detail for budget-conscious users who don’t want to invest in wireless earbuds just yet.

Security is covered with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to reach, even for one-handed use. Face unlock is also available and works well in good lighting, though it’s less reliable in dim environments.

There’s also support for expandable storage via microSD card, which is a welcome addition for users who store lots of offline videos, music, or photos. While 128GB of internal storage is decent, this flexibility ensures the Narzo 60x doesn’t feel limiting.

Overall, the Narzo 60x ticks most of the right boxes in terms of connectivity and extra features. It may not have flashy additions like stereo speakers or NFC in all regions, but the essentials are covered well, and that’s exactly what matters in this segment.

Competitors and Alternatives

The budget smartphone market is one of the most competitive spaces, and the Realme Narzo 60x has no shortage of rivals. While it brings strong features like 5G support, a 120Hz display, and stylish design, it’s worth comparing it to what else is available in the same price bracket.

One of its closest competitors is the Redmi Note 12 5G. Xiaomi’s budget champion offers a slightly brighter AMOLED display and stereo speakers, which give it an edge in multimedia consumption. However, the Narzo 60x holds its ground with a higher-resolution 64MP main camera and a design that feels sleeker and more youth-oriented.

Another contender is the iQOO Z7, a device focused on performance. Powered by a more gaming-oriented chipset, it offers smoother gameplay at higher settings compared to the Narzo 60x. That said, the iQOO Z7 comes at a slightly higher price point, making the Narzo 60x the more affordable all-rounder.

Samsung also has its budget options in the Galaxy M14 5G and Galaxy A14 5G. These devices are known for reliable software support and larger batteries, but they fall behind in terms of display fluidity since they usually stick to lower refresh rates. For young users who prioritize smooth scrolling and stylish looks, the Narzo 60x comes across as the trendier option.

Overall, the Narzo 60x positions itself as a balanced device: not the most powerful, not the most feature-packed, but one that successfully blends style, performance, and affordability. If you’re after AMOLED panels or stereo sound, rivals like Redmi might be a better fit. But if design, smooth display, and reliable all-day use matter more, the Narzo 60x is hard to ignore.

Verdict: A Youth-Focused Budget Pick

The Realme Narzo 60x isn’t trying to be a flagship killer—it knows its place in the budget 5G category, and it plays that role well. By combining a sleek design, a smooth 120Hz display, reliable day-to-day performance, and a large 5,000 mAh battery, Realme has built a phone that ticks most of the boxes young users care about.

Here’s how its pricing looks in different markets (for the 6 GB + 128 GB variant, or equivalent) to give you a sense of the global value:

The camera performance is solid in good lighting and perfectly adequate for social media use, even if it struggles in low light. Gaming performance is good enough for casual titles, though heavy gamers may want to look at alternatives like the iQOO Z7. Software is user-friendly, with plenty of customization options, though Realme still needs to reduce the amount of pre-installed apps.

What really makes the Narzo 60x stand out is its style-first approach. It looks and feels more premium than its price suggests, which matters to young buyers who want a device they’re proud to show off. Add to that dependable battery life and the reassurance of 5G connectivity, and you get a package that feels modern without being expensive.

Who should buy it? If you’re a student or young professional looking for a phone that balances looks, smooth usability, and reliable everyday performance on a budget, the Narzo 60x is an easy recommendation.

Who should skip it? If you want the absolute best camera in this price range, crave stereo speakers or AMOLED panels, or plan to play demanding games at high settings, you might be happier with alternatives like the Redmi Note 12 or iQOO Z7.

In short, the Realme Narzo 60x delivers what it promises: a stylish, dependable budget smartphone made with young users in mind. It may not be perfect, but it nails the basics while adding just enough flair to feel special in a crowded market.