Realme GT 7 Pro Review: Flagship Performance Meets Affordability

Realme’s GT series has long been celebrated for delivering a performance-focused flagship. Just three months ago, in July, Realme re-entered the global stage with the launch of the global GT 6, marking its return to the global GT series after a two-year hiatus. Now, Realme is back with the GT 7 Pro, setting new benchmarks in the smartphone industry.

The Realme GT 7 Pro is the first flagship phone equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in more than ten markets, including India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Spain. But that is not the only thing going for GT 7 Pro. Beyond its powerful processor, the phone boasts a massive 6,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging, a super-bright display, and a unique underwater photography mode. The Realme GT 7 Pro is undoubtedly a device to be reckoned with. Just how impressive is it? We put it to the test.

Designer: Realme

Aesthetics

The Realme GT 7 Pro is available in two color variants: Mars Orange and Galaxy Grey. The Mars Orange variant, which we received for this review, is uniquely eye-catching. Its matte back panel features a subtle, sand-like pattern that adds depth and texture to the vibrant orange hue, creating a sophisticated and refined appearance.

The bronze-colored side frame with a matte finish complements this bold choice, setting it apart from the trend of subtle, pastel colors. This color option is perfect for those who want their device to make a statement. For those who prefer more subdued tones, the Galaxy Grey option offers classic, minimalist aesthetics.

The design of the GT 7 Pro goes beyond color, emphasizing thoughtful construction and attention to detail. In the top-left corner, a square camera island houses a triple camera setup alongside an LED flash. This island is elegantly positioned on a raised square base, finished in matte orange with shiny edges, providing a striking contrast and sophisticated touch. The “HYPERIMAGE+” branding is subtly placed on the slanted right side of the base.

The cameras are seamlessly integrated into a flat cover, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes it easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the back panel remains sleek and uncluttered. Realme also has paid attention to the smallest details, moving the CE marking to the side frame, resulting in a clean and uninterrupted back panel design.

Ergonomics

The Realme GT 7 Pro measures 162.45 x 76.89 x 55mm and weighs 222.8g. While it isn’t the slimmest or lightest device, considering its 6,500mAh battery and large Vapor Chamber, it’s impressive. The slightly curved edges of the back panel and the flat side frame ensure the phone doesn’t dig into your palm. Although the transition from the back panel to the frame is noticeable, it doesn’t significantly impact comfort.

The fingerprint sensor is conveniently located about 1.6 inches or 4cm above the bottom edge of the screen, making it easy to unlock the phone and navigate. However, due to the camera island’s position on the upper left, the phone wobbles slightly when placed on a flat surface. The textured back panel, sleek aluminum frame, and quad-curved display give the phone a premium feel in hand.

Performance

The Realme GT 7 Pro is a powerhouse, driven by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, featuring Qualcomm’s 2+6 Oryon CPU and Hexagon NPU. This is complemented by LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, and runs Android 15 out of the box, with realme UI 6.0 on top of it.

As a performance-centric phone, the GT 7 Pro delivers on its promise of an exceptional gaming experience. During intensive gaming sessions, the device only gets slightly warm, never hot, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency and the impressive 11,480mm² Iceberg Vapor Chamber—the largest in its segment according to Realme. Activating GT mode eliminates frame drops and lag, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience, exemplified by hours of seamless gameplay in titles like Genshin Impact.

The GT 7 Pro’s display is another standout feature. The 6.78-inch Eco² OLED panel, co-developed with Samsung, boasts a 2780×1264 resolution and can reach a peak brightness of 6500 nits (2000 nits in High Brightness Mode and 1000 nits of typical brightness). With a 120Hz refresh rate, 120% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and HDR10+ support, the display is not only bright and vibrant but also energy-efficient, thanks to 8T LTPO technology. This ensures a visually stunning experience, whether gaming or streaming videos. The stereo speaker delivers ample volume, but the sound quality is underwhelming.

The GT 7 Pro’s 6,500mAh silicon anode battery is impressive, easily lasting a full day of heavy use, including gaming, photography, and video streaming. The 120W fast wired charging is a standout feature, charging from 0 to 50% in just 13 minutes and fully charging in 37 minutes, according to realme.

While it lacks wireless charging, this is a reasonable trade-off given the phone’s large battery, fast charging, and competitive price. Realme includes a 120W charger in the box, allowing users to fully benefit from fast charging without extra cost. This makes the lack of wireless charging less of an issue for most. However, the phone’s USB 2.0 connectivity may disappoint some users as a cost-saving measure.

Main, 1x, 24mm

Telephoto, 3x, 73mm

Telephoto, 6x, 144mm

The rear camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with a Sony IMX 906 sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The main camera captures vibrant images with balanced exposure and dynamic range in daytime and nighttime. The telephoto lens, featuring a Sony IMX 882 sensor, supports 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom, also offering a macro mode. The telephoto takes pretty good 3x photos with nice details. The ultrawide camera’s performance is less impressive but maintains color consistency with the other lenses.

Main, 1x, 24mm

Ultrawide, 0.6x, 16mm

As for the video, the main and telephoto cameras support up to 4K at 60fps, while the main camera can also record in 8K at 24fps. The video footage from the main and telephoto are generally well-exposed with great stabilization. The front-facing camera is limited to 1080p at 60fps.

Telephoto (Macro), 3x, 73mm

Main, 2x, 49mm

One of the unique features of the GT 7 Pro is its underwater photography mode, enabled by its IP69 and IP68 ratings. While it’s not intended for deep diving, this mode is ideal for activities like swimming and snorkeling, with Realme recommending depths of 0-2 meters for up to 30 minutes.

This feature opens the door to creative underwater shots. I tested it by submerging the phone in a murky pond filled with koi fish. Even though I had to shoot with an awkward arm position and couldn’t clearly see the screen, I was still able to capture sharp, clear images of the fish.

A notable limitation, however, is that once you start recording video, you’re unable to adjust the zoom or switch between the rear and front cameras. Additionally, dual-view video is not supported in underwater mode. It would be great to have these features available while recording.

Another small inconvenience is the alert sound that plays when you exit underwater mode by holding the power button. It can be a bit jarring. Despite these minor issues, the phone performed exceptionally well, delivering impressive results overall.

Powered by its advanced chipset, the Realme GT 7 Pro offers a comprehensive suite of AI features, including AI Sketch to Image, AI Motion Deblur, AI Gaming Super Resolution, and AI Gaming Super Frame. The AI Sketch to Image feature is undoubtedly fun to experiment with. However, its practical applications may vary from user to user, and it remains uncertain how often it will be integrated into daily routines.

The AI Sketch to Image feature allows users to express their creativity in multiple ways. By opening AI Doodle from the side button, you can draw directly on your device or take a photo of your hand-drawn sketch for the AI to transform into a digital masterpiece. Additionally, you can add creative elements to existing photos in your album.

A more practical AI tool for enhancing your photos on GT 7 Pro is AI Motion Deblur. Previously, Realme’s AI Ultra Clarity, introduced with the GT6, focused on sharpening images affected by out-of-focus blur but was limited in addressing motion blur. The GT 7 Pro takes a significant step forward by enabling users to effectively unblur images impacted by motion blur.

This feature targets blur caused by subjects moving in a single-direction motion or from camera shake, addressing one of the most common photography challenges. In my experience with several test photos, the results were mixed. However, when the feature performed well, it successfully salvaged blurry photos without making them look artificially processed or over-edited.

Sustainability

While the Realme GT 7 Pro excels in several areas of durability and longevity, there is no specific information available regarding the use of sustainable materials in its construction. However, the device is built to withstand various environmental challenges, thanks to its IP69 and IP68 certifications. These ratings ensure robust protection against dust and water, allowing users to feel secure against the elements in diverse conditions.

In terms of battery longevity, Realme claims that the GT 7 Pro will maintain more than 80% of its battery health even after four years of use. This focus on battery endurance means users can expect consistent performance over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable use of resources.

The GT 7 Pro is supported by a promise of three major OS upgrades and four years of security patches. This level of software support is typical for Android flagship phones from Chinese manufacturers. Overall, while the Realme GT 7 Pro incorporates some elements of sustainability, it remains a step behind leaders in sustainability.

Value

The Realme GT 7 Pro offers a compelling blend of top-notch performance and features at competitive prices. In China, the base model starts at 3,699 CNY (approximately $510 USD) for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The top-tier model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is priced at 4,799 CNY (around $660 USD).

This is an incredible price for a phone powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, boasting a great display, a massive 6500mAh battery, and a stylish design. If you’re seeking a performance-focused smartphone, the Realme GT 7 Pro offers exceptional value for money.

Verdict

The Realme GT 7 Pro stands out as a strong contender in the smartphone market, particularly for those seeking a performance-driven device at an attractive price point. With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, massive 6,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging, and a bright, vibrant display, the GT 7 Pro delivers impressive performance across the board. The attractive pricing further enhances its appeal, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Overall, the Realme GT 7 Pro offers a well-rounded package with exceptional performance, impressive battery life, and beautiful aesthetics. Its value for money is undeniable, especially for those prioritizing cutting-edge performance and massive battery over other features. While it may not lead the pack in mobile imaging, it remains a highly competitive option in its price range, delivering a flagship experience without breaking the bank.