Review: realme GT 8 Pro
The realme GT series has always been a playground for aggressive specifications, but the realme GT 8 Pro builds on that formula with three strong pillars: the most powerful chip ever used by the brand, unexpectedly long battery endurance, and a camera system born from a collaboration with RICOH GR.
Add to that an unusual modular back design, and you get a device that aims to be both a practical everyday tool and a statement of personal style.
Design: Modular Aesthetics and Sustainable Materials
The boldest design move is the world’s first replaceable camera section. It can be removed, swapped, and mechanically fixed using an actual screw mechanism that locks in place with a tactile click. This goes beyond visual flair — it delivers a tangible sense of personalization and mechanical aesthetics rarely seen in smartphones.
The surfaces are crafted using Photonic Nano-Carving (engraving precision down to 0.02 mm), producing sharp, tactile symbols and the GR logo through a “clean” process without harmful by-products. Some variants feature a paper-like leather finish made from recycled materials and certified by the Global Recycled Standard, with each device having a unique texture. The Diary White and Urban Blue colorways emphasize two distinct personalities — minimalist and urban.
The ergonomic Dual 2.5D Holding design ensures a smooth transition between the flat display and the matte metal frame with a Color-Mix effect. In hand, the phone feels secure, refined, and free of sharp edges.
Display and Hardware
The display is a 6.79-inch AMOLED panel with QHD+ resolution (3136 × 1440), a 144 Hz refresh rate, and an advertised peak brightness of 7,000 nits — a rare combination that delivers excellent outdoor visibility and esports-level smoothness for both content and gaming.
Additional features include Full DC Dimming, a Circular Polarizer to reduce eye strain, 3200 Hz instant touch sampling for ultra-fast response, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and Gorilla Glass protection.
In practice, this translates to high sharpness (508 ppi), excellent sunlight readability, and fine brightness control at night (including a 1-nit mode). Gamers benefit from more precise swipes and stable high frame rates, further enhanced by a dedicated AI chip.
At the core sits the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with realme’s GT Mode for maximum performance. The chip is supported by the Hyper Vision+ AI coprocessor, which works alongside the GPU to push rendering beyond native limits — up to 2K super resolution and 144 Hz super frame rates in supported games.
This results in stable high FPS in popular titles (MLBB up to 144 Hz, HOK/BGMI up to 120 Hz) and even an exclusive scenario of running two demanding games simultaneously — for example, PUBG in the foreground and Genshin Impact floating in the background for an hour without crashes. For these scenarios, realme recommends enabling GT Mode.
Cooling is handled by a 7K Ultimate VC system with a large vapor chamber covering critical components. Haptics are delivered by the 0816 Ultra Haptic Motor, finely tuned with 4D effects for gaming. Audio comes from Symmetric Master Acoustic Speakers (dual 1115E units), providing strong volume and dense sound for dialogue and footsteps — helpful for FPS positioning.
The dual 1115E stereo system with N’Bass enhances low frequencies and spatial localization, while the 0816 motor delivers clean, controlled vibrations across a wide range — pleasant for typing, notifications, and gameplay.
Battery and Connectivity
realme equips the device with a 7,000 mAh “Titan Battery” — a bold move in a segment where 5,000 mAh is still the norm. Combined with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, daily use becomes virtually worry-free. Laboratory figures cite 0–50% in ~15 minutes and 0–100% in ~43 minutes (screen off, 25°C), alongside long endurance for YouTube, TikTok, and gaming.
Wireless charging appears for the first time in the GT series globally and adds real convenience on desks or nightstands. There’s also 10W reverse wireless charging for accessories. Battery longevity is further supported by the 3 nm platform’s improved power efficiency.
A notable highlight is the five-antenna frame design with balanced left-right coverage and a dedicated SignalCatcher chip. The system dynamically locks onto the stronger Wi-Fi or cellular signal and switches within ~0.1 seconds, reducing gaming latency (claimed ~10% on cellular and ~20% on Wi-Fi) and improving weak-signal scenarios. Support for 21 5G bands ensures smooth international travel. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, 360° NFC, and dual-band GPS (L1 + L5).
Cameras: The Spirit of RICOH GR
realme and RICOH spent four years translating the GR philosophy — an “invisible tool” that never comes between the photographer and the moment.
The main camera uses a 50 MP Sony IMX906 sensor (1/1.56″, f/1.8) with 7P optics, dual-layer AR coating (reducing reflections to ~0.2% and enabling ~97% light transmission), and SuperQPD autofocus. A Snap Focus mode allows preset focus distances for instant, “raise-and-shoot” captures, echoing classic GR compacts. Supported focal lengths include 28 mm and 40 mm, plus virtual 35 mm and 50 mm.
Five GR film tones (Standard, Positive, Negative, Hi-Contrast B&W, Monotone) work in tandem with the Intuition Algorithm Engine, delivering 10-bit color depth, RAW-domain processing, and HDR Super-Sensing that preserves volume and contrast rather than washing out detail. Shots taken in GR mode can be stored in a dedicated album with customizable watermarks.
The second camera is a 200 MP Samsung HP5 (1/1.56″, f/2.6) with OIS and Super QPD, offering 3× optical zoom, while 6× and 12× are effectively lossless thanks to the high resolution. The real advantage lies in crisp portraits and clean zoom for concerts or sports without watercolor artifacts. A night telephoto mode preserves natural light and textures. The setup is completed by a 50 MP ultra-wide camera (16 mm equivalent). Video capabilities include 8K at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision, and 10-bit LOG recording.
The 32 MP selfie camera with a wide-angle lens performs as expected, delivering solid results depending on ambient lighting.
Software, UI, and AI: Smarter Daily Flow
realme UI 7.0 (Android 16) introduces the Light Glass Design — icy icons with depth, a Misty Glass control center, and a refined Breathing Dock hierarchy. Personalization options include Flux Theme 2.0, interactive icons, Live Photo and video wallpapers, full AOD support, and animated fingerprint effects.
AI features include AI Notify Brief (morning and evening summaries of notifications and tasks), AI Framing Master (composition assistance directly in the viewfinder), and an AI Gaming Coach with in-game Smart Replies and automatic AI Highlight recording of key moments. The Flux Engine promises up to 15% faster responsiveness and smoother transitions and scrolling.
The device is guaranteed four major Android updates.
Some Observations
- The modular camera section is distinctive, but its long-term value will depend on the availability of an ecosystem of interchangeable modules and covers.
- The real-world impact of the advertised 7,000-nit brightness is scenario-dependent (peak values in specific conditions), although outdoor visibility is excellent.
Final Verdict
The realme GT 8 Pro is a flagship unafraid to stand apart. It combines an outstanding display, top-tier hardware, a large battery with fast (and wireless) charging, and cameras with a distinct identity shaped by RICOH GR.
If you’re looking for a phone that shoots with character, games without compromise, and lasts longer than the typical flagship, the GT 8 Pro is among the most compelling devices of the year.
The model is bundled with the realme Watch 5 and is priced at €1,098.77 in open market sales.
