This Redmi Note rival offers 64MP quad cameras, 90Hz screen for under $200

Realme has quickly become Xiaomi‘s arch-rival in the likes of India, offering plenty of bang for your buck. Now, the firm has launched the realme 6 and realme 6 Pro, targeting the Redmi Note range.

But realme says the realme 6 is actually a sequel to the realme 5 Pro, and claims that the realme 6 Pro is a follow-up to the upper mid-range realme X. This has implications in terms of pricing, but more on that in a bit.

Both phones offer 90Hz FHD+ LCD screens with punch-hole cutouts, 4,300mAh batteries, side fingerprint scanners, storage expansion, splash resistance, realme UI atop Android 10, and 30W charging. The latter feature means you can expect a full charge in an hour, according to the brand.

How do they differ from each other?

The realme 6 Pro differs from the standard model by offering a Snapdragon 720G chipset, dual-frequency GPS, and two selfie cameras (16MP + 8MP wide). Meanwhile, the realme 6 packs a capable Helio G90T processor, and a 16MP selfie snapper.

The realme 6 and realme 6 Pro both feature quad cameras with a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide snapper, and 2MP macro camera. But the Pro model features a 12MP telephoto camera as the fourth shooter, while the standard realme 6 sports a 2MP monochrome sensor.

realme 6 and 6 Pro price and release date

As for the all-important pricing? The 4GB/64GB realme 6 starts at Rs 12,999 (~$178), the 6GB/128GB device retails for Rs 14,999 (~$205), while the 8GB/128GB variant will set you back Rs 15,999 (~$219). The realme 6 will be available from Flipkart and participating retailers on March 11 in Comet Blue and Comet White.

Meanwhile, the realme 6 Pro starts at Rs 16,999 (~$232) for the 6GB/64GB option, Rs 17,999 (~$246) for the 6GB/128GB model, and Rs 18,999 (~$260) for the 8GB/128GB variant. The realme 6 Pro will be available from Flipkart and participating retailers on March 13 in Lightning Orange and Lightning Blue.

It’s worth noting that the realme 5 started at Rs 9,999 for a 3GB/32GB model and Rs 10,999 for the 4GB/64GB model. Last year’s Pro model retailed for Rs 13,999 for the 4GB/64GB model, and Rs 14,999 for the 6GB/64GB variant. So there’s definitely a price increase here.

This wasn’t the only announcement realme had, as it also announced the Rs 1,499 (~$20) realme Band. The Mi Band rival features a 0.96-inch color display, IP68 water/dust resistance, nine sports modes (e.g. running, cycling, cricket, yoga), and a real-time heart monitor. It also offers inactivity and water reminders, and notifications from your smartphone.

Would you buy the realme 6 series phones over devices from the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi?