Realme GT 7 Pro: Redefining Flagship Standards

The Realme GT 7 Pro marks a bold leap for the brand, entering the Indian market as the first smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. As the successor to the well-rounded Realme GT 6, it carries the weight of heightened expectations. Over a month of use revealed that Realme has addressed user feedback effectively, refining the device through updates to iron out initial issues. Marketed as a device that delivers “unmatched performance that exceeds all expectations,” the Realme GT 7 Pro aims to set a new standard in flagship performance and design.

Design-wise, the Realme GT 7 Pro impresses with its striking color options: Mars Orange and Galaxy Grey. The Mars Orange variant, with its subtle pattern, stands out, and its smudge-resistant finish makes it one of the rare devices that look great without a protective case. The flat edges and gentle curves on the front and back ensure a comfortable grip, while the IP69 rating offers strong resistance to dust and pressurized water. These features combine to create a phone that feels both premium and durable.

The display is another highlight, with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel featuring a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It’s designed as an ECO display for energy efficiency, contributing to the phone’s excellent battery life. The screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it an ideal choice for streaming content. It delivers sharp visuals with natural tones out of the box, though users can adjust the settings for a more vivid look. The display remains easily legible, even under direct sunlight, providing a reliable viewing experience in all conditions.

Under the hood, the Realme GT 7 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, coupled with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its benchmark scores are just shy of the iQOO 13’s on AnTuTu but remain impressive. In real-world use, the phone is snappy and responsive, easily handling demanding tasks and games like Genshin Impact at high settings. Realme has addressed early concerns about overheating, and while the phone still warms up during stress tests, it stays cool during regular usage. Features like Frame Plus for frame interpolation and AI Super Resolution further enhance the gaming and visual experience.

The camera setup is versatile, led by a 50MP primary sensor that captures sharp, vibrant photos with good dynamic range in daylight. The 3x telephoto lens performs well for portraits, delivering detailed images, though occasional overexposure can occur. The ultrawide camera, however, is a weak point, struggling in low-light conditions and producing average results even in optimal settings. Realme has improved color consistency between lenses through updates, resolving early issues with inconsistent tones.

Battery life is a standout feature of the Realme GT 7 Pro, thanks to its 5,800mAh battery, which comfortably lasts through a day of moderate use. The global variant, with its larger 6,500mAh battery, promises even better endurance for heavy users. The phone’s 120W fast charging is another major advantage, allowing it to charge from 20% to 100% in just 30 minutes, a convenience few competitors can match.

On the software front, the phone runs Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0. The interface feels polished and fluid, offering features like AI Ultra Clarity, Sketch to Image, and Touch to Share, which simplify data sharing with iPhones. The software is clean and intuitive, with minimal bloatware compared to other custom Android skins. However, Realme’s promise of three years of OS updates and four years of security patches falls short of iQOO’s four-year OS update commitment, a factor that may influence long-term buyers.

Priced at INR 59,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant and INR 65,999 for the 16GB + 512GB model, the Realme GT 7 Pro enters a fiercely competitive market. While it delivers exceptional performance, a vibrant display, and excellent battery life, the iQOO 13, priced INR 5,000 lower, offers similar power with a superior camera system, making it a strong alternative. For those who prioritize performance, a smooth user interface, and rapid charging, the Realme GT 7 Pro is a compelling choice. However, its average ultrawide camera and shorter software support may leave some users considering other options.