The realme 13 Series 5G has officially debuted in the Philippines, continuing realme’s mission to push the boundaries of mobile gaming performance. During the launch event on October 24, 2024, realme Philippines introduced the realme 13 5G alongside its more powerful sibling, the realme 13+ 5G, both designed to cater to gamers and tech enthusiasts. With an emphasis on high-performance gaming features like GT Mode and the Vapor Chamber Cooling System, realme is making a bold statement in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.
I had the chance to test the realme 13 5G (12GB + 256GB in Dark Purple), and here’s my full review after putting it through its paces.
Design & Build Quality
The realme 13 5G strikes a balance between sleek design and durable construction. At 7.79mm thin and weighing just 190 grams, the phone is lightweight and comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions. The Dark Purple colorway adds a premium touch, while realme’s ArmorShell™ Protection and IP64 Dust and Water Resistance ensure that the device can handle daily wear and tear.
While not submersible, the IP64 rating provides peace of mind against accidental splashes or exposure to dust.
Display
One of the realme 13 5G’s standout features is its 6.72” FHD+ 120Hz Eye Comfort Display. The 120Hz refresh rate makes every interaction smooth, whether you’re navigating through the UI or playing fast-paced games. The high refresh rate, paired with the Eye Comfort Mode, ensures reduced eye strain during long use, making it perfect for extended gaming or content consumption.
The display also offers a brightness level of 580 nits, peaking at 690 nits, providing excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Performance
Under the hood, the realme 13 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, offering a seamless experience for gaming and multitasking. With 12GB of RAM, which can be expanded up to 26GB with Dynamic RAM Expansion, this phone handles high-performance tasks effortlessly. During my testing with games like Mobile Legends, Honor of Kings, and Asphalt 9, the realme 13 5G maintained 60fps, even in high-action scenes, thanks to GT Mode.
This phone is also equipped with Dual 5G Standby, ensuring fast and stable connections for online gaming and downloads.
Gaming Features
GT Mode & Vapor Chamber Cooling
The GT Mode and Stainless Steel Vapor Chamber Cooling System work hand-in-hand to enhance gaming performance. GT Mode boosts the phone’s CPU and GPU to maximize gaming power, while the 9-layer Vapor Chamber Cooling System reduces device temperatures by up to 12°C during intensive gaming. This allowed me to enjoy long gaming sessions without experiencing performance dips or overheating.
120Hz FHD+ Eye Comfort Display
The 120Hz refresh rate of the FHD+ display ensures that animations, movements, and in-game effects appear fluid and sharp. Games like Asphalt 9 and Honor of Kings benefited greatly from the smooth display, which significantly enhanced the overall gaming experience. The Eye Comfort Mode also played a huge role in making long gaming hours easier on my eyes.
AI Boost 2.0 & Gaming-Specific Features
The AI Boost 2.0 lets you prioritize either productivity or gaming performance with options like Smooth Boost and Game Boost. Additionally, realme packed in features like Game Focus Mode, which blocks interruptions during gameplay, and a Voice Changer for added fun in multiplayer games. The 6-axis hypersensitive gyroscope also improves aiming precision, especially in FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile.
Battery Life & Charging
The realme 13 5G’s 5000mAh battery offers up to 7 hours of gaming on a single charge. Even with heavy use, the phone lasted a full day comfortably. When the battery finally runs low, the 45W SUPERVOOC Charge comes in handy, providing 50% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 80 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge even gives you up to 90 minutes of gaming, ensuring minimal downtime.
Camera
Despite its focus on gaming, the realme 13 5G still performs well in the camera department. The 50MP main camera with OIS produces clear, stable images, even in challenging light conditions. The 16MP front camera is perfect for selfies, and the built-in beautification options offer plenty of customization. Here are some sample photos with realme 13 5g:
While it’s not the best camera for professional-level photography, it’s more than capable for everyday use, and it captures sharp photos and smooth 1080p videos.
Audio
The dual stereo speakers on the realme 13 5G deliver impressive sound quality. The UltraBoom 200% feature amplifies the sound, ensuring clear audio for gaming, watching videos, or listening to music. Even without headphones, the sound remains loud and clear, providing an immersive experience during gameplay.
Price and First-Selling Offers
The realme 13 5G launched alongside the realme 13+ 5G during an exclusive event on October 24, 2024, which was livestreamed on realme’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Priced at P16,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, the realme 13 5G is available in Speed Green and Dark Purple colorways.
From October 25 to November 3, customers who purchase any smartphone from the realme 13 Series at realme physical stores nationwide will receive a FREE realme Buds T110 worth P1,399. Additionally, select realme stores will offer a Spin the Wheel activity for a chance to win prizes, including the realme Pad X, TechLife Robot Vacuum, and more.
Online shoppers can also enjoy discounts on Shopee and TikTok. Until October 27, the realme 13+ 5G is available with P3,000 off on Shopee, while the realme 13 5G comes with P1,400 off on TikTok.
Final Verdict
The realme 13 5G is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment, offering excellent gaming performance with features like GT Mode, Vapor Chamber Cooling, and a 120Hz display. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just need a reliable phone for everyday use, the realme 13 5G delivers on performance, battery life, and fast charging.
At P16,999, the realme 13 5G is an attractive option for students, young professionals, and gamers looking for a powerful yet affordable device. If you’re looking to upgrade, now’s the perfect time to snag one during the first-selling offers.
