This is the new Realme GT2 Pro, a flagship smartphone targeted at the youth segment and the third device to rock the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Take note that though it is targeted at the younger demographic, it is not cheap in China market.
With a starting price of 4,199 yuan (or about US$659), it is clear that the “youths” aren’t students. To put the price in context, similarly spec-ed competitors such as the new Xiaomi 12 start at 3,199 yuan. However, as far as the global market goes, a 600-ish flagship is a steal.
Being the first device in 2022 to be powered by the Snapdragon chip, it certainly has its “first” advantage but IMHO, the real selling point isn’t that; it is the so-called eco-conscious back cover.
Realme has teamed up with renowned designer Naoto Fukasawa, best known for his work with Muji’s products and who has previously collaborated with Realme for the GT Master Explorer Edition, and Saudi Arabia’s SABIC to design the back case that is made of paper pulp-based material.
The back cover is marketed as “paper” and we heard it does really feel like real paper. But in reality, it is bio-polymer material based on paper pulp. The material has obtained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) as proof of its eco-friendliness.
All told, 12 months of R&D were devoted to the development of the “Paper” and during this time, it has been through no less than 28 iterations and 63 prototypes.
Since it is not actually paper, paper, you can rest assured that it won’t go up in flames when things get heated up as it probably will because it is a Qualcomm chip. But the heat issue is addressed by Realme’s diamond ice core cooling system plus which is said to lower the core area’s temperature by up 19 degrees Celsius (66.2 Fahrenheit).
As far as the specs go, Realme GT2 Pro may be worth the asking price. Or at least, consumers in China should not feel short-changed. The specs are maxed out wherever possible.
It has the fastest memories there are today (LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1). Then, there is the 2K AMOLED panel which, for some reason, has become a rarity in the past year. Speaking of the display, the 6.7-inch screen is rocking 1 billion colors and has an adaptive refresh rate that tops out at 120 MHz.
And it has no less than 5 antennas to ensure strong connectivity via wireless networks or 4G or 5G networks no matter how you hold the phone.
On the imaging aspect, it gets a Sony 1/1.56” sensor (50 MP IMX766) with OIS, paired to a 50 MP 150-degree super wide-angle camera and a 40x macro camera. Meanwhile, the front flaunts a 32 MP Sony IMX615 sensor.
The Realme GT2 Pro comes with a 65W charging brick that could top up its 2x 2,500 mAh (typical) battery to full in just 33 minutes. It does not appear to have wireless charging, though.
Finally, there is the under-display optical fingerprint sensor that, apparently, has heart rate detection like the Mi 11. Anyways, it is not clear if the Realme GT2 Pro will make its way out of China. But if the Master Edition is available in Europe, I guess there is hope. The question is “how much”. The Realme GT2 Pro is available to order in China.
All images courtesy of Realme [CH].