The Realme 10 Pro Series: A Tale of Two Mid-Rangers
Realme has finally unveiled its latest mid-range offerings – the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G and Realme 10 Pro 5G – in India. These successors to the popular Realme 9 Pro series boast impressive specs and eye-catching designs, making them strong contenders in the competitive mid-range market. But are they just incremental upgrades, or do they offer enough to warrant an upgrade? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
Unveiling the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G aims to be the head-turner of the series, and it certainly makes a statement with its curved AMOLED display. This makes it one of the most affordable smartphones with a curved screen, a feature usually found in premium handsets. It comes in three variants, starting at ₹24,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration.
The Hyperspace colorway of the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G is a spectacle in itself. The mirror-like finish beautifully captures light, shifting from a golden hue to a captivating blue depending on the angle. The Realme logo on the back, with its glittery finish, adds a touch of flair. However, the glossy finish is prone to fingerprints, so you might want to consider the provided transparent case for protection.
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G boasts a comfortable in-hand feel despite its tall stature, thanks to its curved back and lightweight design (173g). At just 7.78mm thick, it’s also remarkably slim. The power and volume buttons are conveniently placed on the right edge of the phone, while the bottom houses essential ports, a speaker grille, and a dual-SIM tray.
A Glimpse into the Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G shines with its 6.7-inch AMOLED display, touted to have a 61-degree curvature on the sides. Thankfully, accidental touches seem to be a non-issue, a common concern with curved screens. The display is further enhanced by features like HDR10+ certification, 120Hz refresh rate, and a staggering 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Realme boasts of having a thinner chin bezel than the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra at 2.33mm, which is impressive at this price point.
The Realme 10 Pro 5G: A Solid Mid-Range Contender
The Realme 10 Pro 5G adopts a more straightforward design with a polycarbonate casing and back panel. The flat sides provide a secure grip, and the matte finish on the frame helps keep fingerprints at bay. The back panel, however, might still see fingerprints depending on the chosen color variant.
The Realme 10 Pro 5G features a large 6.72-inch IPS LCD with very narrow bezels on three sides, except for the chin. It punches above its weight with a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers decent color reproduction. The phone also boasts a 16-megapixel front-facing camera and a front-firing top speaker.
Taking a Deeper Dive into Specifications and Performance
Both phones pack a punch when it comes to performance. The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, supporting up to eight 5G bands in India. On the other hand, the Realme 10 Pro 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, a popular choice for mid-range devices.
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G houses a 5000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging, promising a quick charge to 50 percent in just 17 minutes. The Realme 10 Pro 5G shares the same battery capacity but only supports 33W fast charging.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing the Moments
Both phones sport a distinct camera setup. The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G boasts a triple-camera system, featuring a 108-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Realme 10 Pro 5G opts for a dual-camera arrangement – a 108-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel portrait camera.
Initial comparisons show a notable difference in front camera quality between the two models. The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G produces more natural-looking colors, while the Realme 10 Pro 5G leans towards a high-contrast look. However, a more definitive verdict on camera performance will require thorough testing.
Software: A Familiar Touch with New Enhancements
Both Realme phones run on Android 13 with the latest Realme UI 4.0 overlay. The new UI brings a refreshed design, including a redesigned control center, textured icons, and an improved Always-on Display (AoD). The update also introduces Realme’s Dynamic Computing Engine, which aims to optimize performance while conserving battery life.
The Verdict: An Exciting Duo with Distinct Appeal
The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G and Realme 10 Pro 5G cater to different needs within the mid-range segment. The Realme 10 Pro+ 5G sets itself apart with its impressive curved AMOLED display, fast charging, and a strong camera setup, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a premium look and feel. The Realme 10 Pro 5G, on the other hand, is a more affordable option with a solid display, decent performance, and a good camera system.
Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual preferences and budget. Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of these new additions to the Realme lineup.
