Reasons to buy Realme GT 8 Pro

• The latest Realme GT 8 Pro features Bright and sharp 2K 144Hz HyperGlow display
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with strong real-world performance
• Distinct Ricoh GR-inspired camera modes
• Large 7000mAh battery with fast 120W charging
• Switchable camera bump for personal styling
• Good cross-ecosystem features including Apple device support

Realme is taking a serious shot at the flagship segment this year, and the Realme GT 8 Pro arrives as its biggest push yet. Priced at ₹72,999, the phone targets buyers who want top-tier performance without stepping into ultra-premium territory. Powered with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the phone stands shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like the OnePlus 15 and the Oppo Find X9 Pro. The GT 8 Pro brings a brighter 2K display, a new AI chip and a fresh camera philosophy inspired by Ricoh GR. It also tries to move beyond the “performance-first” label that defined earlier GT models. The question now is simple. Can Realme deliver a flagship experience that feels complete, mature and dependable for everyday users? Let’s take a closer look.

Design

Realme takes a bold step with the GT 8 Pro’s switchable camera bump. It is a playful idea, even though it may not impress everyone. The Urban Blue option adds a leather-like finish with a soft matte texture. It feels different from the more polished look of the OnePlus 15 or the Find X9 Pro. The phone sits comfortably in hand thanks to its curved sides and balanced weight. It doesn’t feel top-heavy, which is a relief for long use.

The front design is the most premium part of the phone. The thin bezels and flat edges give it a clean, modern presence. It finally looks ready to stand alongside true flagships. Although the modular camera island adds personality, the execution still feels a bit experimental. Realme may need one more generation to perfect the idea.

Display

The 6.79-inch 2K HyperGlow AMOLED panel is one of the brightest screens you can get today. Realme claims 7000 nits peak brightness. While you will see that number only in specific HDR highlights, the outdoor visibility is still excellent. Text stays clear under strong sunlight, and colours remain vivid.

The 144Hz refresh rate keeps everything responsive. Gamers will appreciate the 3200Hz touch response too. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision add depth to movies. Although Oppo still handles extreme low-light scenarios better, Realme wins in overall daylight visibility. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor also works quickly and reliably.

Software and AI

Realme UI 7.0 brings a lighter look with smoother animations. The new Flux Theme options offer more customisation. Navigation feels fast, thanks to better motion effects. However, the interface still lacks the tight polish of OxygenOS or ColorOS. Some transitions feel slightly loose, and the visual language is not fully unified.

The NEXT AI features add practical touches. AI Notify Brief summarises alerts, while AI Framing Master helps with photography composition. AI Gaming Coach also gives performance insights, which gamers may enjoy. Realme’s cross-ecosystem support stands out. The phone connects with the iPhone and Apple Watch for call sync and health data. It is rare to see this kind of flexibility. Still, Realme UI needs deeper refinement to challenge its rivals.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers strong performance across apps and games. The dual-chip system, paired with the HyperVision+ AI chip, keeps the phone responsive even under heavy tasks. Multitasking felt smooth, and editing high-resolution videos worked without slowdowns. Gaming performance is excellent as well. AI Super Frame boosts frame rates in supported games, and AI Gaming Super Resolution improves sharpness without heavy battery drain.

Thermals stay under control due to the improved VC cooling system. Long gaming sessions show stable performance, although the OnePlus 15 still maintains slightly better peak GPU consistency. For most users, the GT 8 Pro will feel fast, responsive and reliable.

Camera

The Realme GT 8 Pro’s camera system marks a major shift in the brand’s imaging style. The collaboration with Ricoh GR adds new character to the photos. The 50MP main camera captures natural colours and realistic tones. The Ricoh GR mode and film profiles give the images a grounded look that avoids heavy saturation.

Street photographers will appreciate the Super QPD Snap Algorithm. It pre-focuses scenes and behaves like Ricoh’s signature snap-shoot shooting. You lift the phone, tap the shutter and the photo is taken instantly. The 200MP telephoto handles 3x and 6x zoom well, while the 12x zoom still keeps good detail. Oppo still leads in extreme zoom, but Realme stays competitive.

Night photos look controlled with minimal noise. Portraits show natural skin texture and clean separation. The 32MP front camera also performs reliably with stable 4K video. Overall, this is Realme’s best camera system to date. It focuses on expression rather than over-processing.

Battery

The 7000mAh battery delivers excellent endurance. The phone lasts more than a day and a half with regular use. Even heavy social media, browsing and calls do not drain it quickly. Gamers should expect a 12 to 13 percent drop per hour, which is reasonable for this class.

Charging is fast and convenient. The 120W charger takes the phone from zero to full in about 43 minutes. The new 50W wireless charging adds flexibility. Realme sits between Oppo and OnePlus in battery size but charges faster than both.

Verdict: a confident leap toward true flagship status

The Realme GT 8 Pro shows how far the brand has come. It blends bold design, strong performance, a bright display and a unique camera identity. It may not match the pure refinement of the OnePlus 15 or the deep computational photography of the Find X9 Pro. However, it offers a fresh approach that many users will appreciate. The switchable camera bump still needs refinement, and the software could be smoother. Yet, Realme delivers a flagship that feels confident and distinct. At its price, it becomes a strong option for those seeking power, style and meaningful features.