The Realme GT 2 Pro: A Flagship Challenger With an Aggressive Price Tag
The Realme GT 2 Pro, launched in January 2022 in China, is finally available in India, joining a crowd of powerful flagships boasting Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. However, the GT 2 Pro sets itself apart with an aggressive price strategy, positioning itself against competitors offering last-generation chipsets, with the exception of the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. This bold move from Realme signals their ambition to conquer the high-end smartphone market, but does this phone have the features to justify its claim? We’ll delve into the Realme GT 2 Pro’s strengths and weaknesses to determine whether this phone is a true contender in the fierce world of premium Android devices.
A Touch of Paper, a Touch of Disappointment
The Realme GT 2 Pro arrives in a stylish box, much like its predecessors, containing the standard accessories like a charging cable and protective case. The phone’s back panel boasts a unique texture, aiming to mimic the feel of paper – a first for a smartphone, according to Realme. This eco-friendly material, designed in partnership with renowned designer Naoto Fukasawa, sets the GT 2 Pro apart visually. However, the Paper White color of our review unit, while aesthetically pleasing, doesn’t seem to resist dirt marks effectively, raising concerns about its long-term durability in various climates.
While Realme claims this "bio-based polymer material" is a breakthrough, a sense of disappointment washes over you when you notice the camera module design. It strikingly resembles that of the much cheaper Realme C35, giving the GT 2 Pro a less premium feel than its price tag might suggest.
A Worthy Display, But a Few Missing Flagship Features
Despite the camera module’s design faux pas, the Realme GT 2 Pro’s build quality is undeniably impressive. The aluminum frame, adorned with all the necessary ports and buttons, feels durable and well-crafted. Complementing the phone’s robust build is a flat display, a welcome change from the curved screens dominating the market. This practical choice doesn’t compromise on specs, offering a crisp 6.7-inch 10-bit AMOLED panel with a QHD+ resolution and a refresh rate that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, powered by LTPO 2.0 technology. This combination ensures both visual fidelity and battery optimization during everyday use.
However, a glaring omission from the GT 2 Pro’s features list is wireless charging, something becoming increasingly common among flagship devices. Additionally, the phone lacks an official IP rating, another feature that premium users value for added protection against water and dust.
Performance Potential and Hardware Prowess
The Realme GT 2 Pro packs the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, the same chipset found in many flagship rivals. Realme boasts of a sophisticated cooling solution using a "stainless steel vapour cooling chamber" and strategic antenna placements to optimize connectivity during demanding tasks, like gaming or calls. These optimizations, combined with the powerful chipset, suggest exceptional performance potential, which we’ll delve into during the full review.
Complementing the chipset is up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the top configuration, priced at Rs. 57,999. The entry-level variant, starting at Rs. 49,999, offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Fueling this powerhouse is a 5,000mAh battery, supported by 65W SuperDart charging technology. The GT 2 Pro runs on Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12, promising a user experience enhanced with the latest features.
Camera Capabilities: A Promising Array
No high-end Android phone in 2022 can truly claim the title of flagship without exceptional camera capabilities, and the Realme GT 2 Pro seems to be poised to deliver. At the heart of the camera system is a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for the main camera. The ultra-wide camera also boasts a 50-megapixel resolution, using the Samsung JN1 sensor with a 150-degree field of view, similar to the OnePlus 10 Pro.
The GT 2 Pro’s unique third camera, dubbed the "micro lens," distinguishes itself with a 2-megapixel resolution capable of up to 40X magnification, aiming to revolutionize macro photography. This innovative approach holds immense potential, and we eagerly await further exploration in the full review. Rounding out the camera set are a 32-megapixel selfie camera housed within the display.
The Competition: A Close Race for the Price
The Realme GT 2 Pro’s closest rival at this price point is the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While the GT 2 Pro offers a higher-resolution display, the Edge 30 Pro boasts wireless charging and an IP rating, features missing from Realme’s offering. This close match in price and performance makes the choice between these two phones a difficult one, especially since both hold strong claims for their respective advantages.
The full review of the Realme GT 2 Pro is just around the corner, offering a deeper dive into its camera performance, battery life, gaming prowess, and more. We’ll scrutinize these aspects to determine whether the GT 2 Pro can truly overcome its weaknesses and conquer the competitive landscape of premium Android devices.
