Is the Realme 13 Pro+ the Top Camera Phone in its Category?
The Realme 13 Pro+ series has arrived, and I have been using the Realme 13 Pro+ for a few weeks now. While it doesn’t offer a significant upgrade over the Realme 12 Pro+ in terms of raw numbers, there have been some hardware changes that enhance the user experience. Additionally, new AI functionalities have been integrated to enhance user experience and the photography capabilities of the devices. Like its predecessor, last year’s 12 Pro+ model, the new Realme 13 Pro+ focuses primarily on the camera features.
In our assessment of the Realme 12 Pro+, we determined that the device was one of the top performers in its class, especially when it came to camera performance, specifically the telephoto sensor. The Realme 13 Pro+ now features an updated telephoto sensor, albeit at a slightly higher price point. The base model now starts at Rs. 32,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. The 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants are priced at Rs. 34,999 and Rs. 36,999, respectively.
With the introduction of new features, will the Realme 13 Pro+ maintain its status as the leading camera phone in its category? Let’s delve deeper to find out.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Design: Elegant Appearance
– Dimensions – 161.3×73.9×8.2mm
– Weight – 190g
– Colors – Monet Gold, Emerald Green
The design of the latest 13 Pro+ model closely resembles that of its predecessor, with the addition of a glass-back version. The Monet Gold variant we received features a glass back with a distinctive pattern resembling sand waves. The curved edges of the rear panel provide a comfortable grip, while the frame remains plastic.
Realme has retained the prominent circular watch-dial-like camera module with the flute bezel, now adorned with the HyperImage+ logo at the bottom. However, the leather variant lacks the vertical strip seen in the older model, resulting in a cleaner look at the back, with the camera module as the focal design element.
The phone’s button placements mirror those of the previous model, with the volume and power buttons located on the right edge. The top edge houses a speaker grille and a microphone, while the bottom edge contains another microphone, SIM tray, USB Type-C port, and a second speaker grille. The phone boasts an IP65 dust and water resistance rating.
Included in the box are an 80W charger, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a case, a SIM ejector tool, and documentation.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Display: Sleek with Minimal Bezels
– Display size – 6.7-inch
– Type – AMOLED LTPS
– Refresh rate – Up to 120Hz
The front of the phone features a familiar display setup, with a 6.7-inch AMOLED curved panel offering full-HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The display allows for a choice between 60 and 120Hz refresh rates, with an auto mode that adjusts the refresh rate based on on-screen activity. Slim bezels surround the display, which includes a hole-punch cutout at the top center. An under-display fingerprint scanner is positioned at the bottom and functions well without issues. Despite lacking HDR support, the display is a 10-bit panel, providing Vivid, Natural, and two Pro modes, along with screen color temperature adjustments.
While the display may seem similar to that of the previous Realme 12 Pro+, there have been enhancements. The updated phone now features a brighter panel with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it easier to read outdoors.
A protective film is pre-applied on the display, but it is recommended to replace it with a different screen guard. The display is safeguarded by Armor Shield Glass with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i, with the curved sides contributing to a sleek appearance.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Software: AI and Bloatware Integration
– UI – Realme UI 5.0
– OS – Android 14
– Latest Security Patch – June
The Realme 13 Pro+ offers numerous handy features alongside some bloatware. However, the inclusion of AI functionalities that operate system-wide adds value to the user experience. The phone runs on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14, with Realme committing to two years of software updates and three years of security patches. While the bloatware such as Hot apps and Hot games, along with the Glance lock screen and ad-filled keyboards may be off-putting, the UI itself is smooth and devoid of major lag during app transitions.
AI features include AI Screen Recognition akin to Google’s Circle to Search, an AI Smart Loop for easier content sharing, and Air Gestures for controlling certain apps through gestures. The phone also incorporates AI Eye Comfort for adjusting screen temperature based on eye fatigue detection. Additionally, the camera features AI Eraser and AI Ultra Clarity, which deliver impressive results. Realme’s new image processing algorithm, AI HyperRAW, enhances image quality. Other AI functionalities like AI Group Photo Enhance for selfies and AI Audio Zoom for video recording are also included.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Performance: Adequate
– Processor – Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
– RAM – Up to 12GB
– Storage – Up to 512GB
While the Realme 13 Pro+ offers decent performance for multitasking and gaming, there are more powerful options available in the same price range. The device retains the 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC paired with the Adreno 710 GPU from its predecessor, the 12 Pro+. Our review unit featured 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, utilizing LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
Daily tasks such as browsing with Chrome, running multiple apps simultaneously, using the camera, and scrolling through social media apps were handled well. Gaming performance was satisfactory, although graphic-intensive games may need to be played on medium settings, as observed with Genshin Impact and BGMI. The phone experienced slight heating during extended gaming sessions and prolonged camera usage, although it was not significant.
Synthetic benchmarks indicated performance similar to the Realme 12 Pro+, which may not be ideal for performance enthusiasts. However, the Realme 13 Pro+ caters to users seeking exceptional camera performance at a mid-range price point. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and standard GPS capabilities, with dual 5G standby using nano-SIM cards.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Cameras: Exceptional
– Main rear – 50-megapixel Sony LYT 701 1/1.56” sensor
– Telephoto – 50-megapixel Sony LYT 600 1/1.96” sensor
– Ultrawide- 8-megapixel
– Front – 32-megapixel Sony IMX 615 sensor
The Realme 13 Pro+ excels in the camera department, particularly with its telephoto capabilities. Equipped with three Sony sensors out of the four cameras, the device showcases Realme’s collaboration with Sony to integrate Lytia sensors in their flagship models. In addition to the dual 50-megapixel sensors, the phone features an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 32-megapixel front camera. The camera interface is user-friendly, providing easy access to five focal lengths ranging from 0.6x to 6x.
The primary camera with the 50-megapixel Sony LYT 701 sensor delivers exceptional results in favorable lighting conditions, offering detailed images with excellent dynamic range and accurate white balance. Low-light performance is also commendable, supported by a dedicated night mode. The camera maintains good detail even in shadows, with precise color saturation and exposure. Skin tones are accurately reproduced, enhancing portrait shots.
The telephoto camera, a standout feature from the Realme 12 Pro+, has been further improved in the Realme 13 Pro+. Images captured at 3x zoom exhibit rich detail, vibrant color saturation, and balanced contrast. The sensor also enables natural bokeh effects, enhancing the overall photography experience.
The ultra-wide camera performs adequately during daylight but struggles in low-light conditions. While a macro mode is available utilizing the ultra-wide sensor, focusing on close-up subjects may be challenging. Nevertheless, the camera remains functional for various scenarios.
Selfies from the phone are satisfactory, although low-light conditions may impact image quality. Video recording capabilities are robust, offering good performance in both 4K and 1080p resolutions, albeit with limited stabilization. The phone supports 4K 30fps recording with both the main and telephoto cameras, while the ultrawide lens is limited to 1080p 30fps. An ultra-steady mode is available for smooth video recording at 1080p 60fps.
### Realme 13 Pro+ Battery and Sound: Impressive
– Capacity – 5,200mAh
– Charging – 80W
– Speakers – Dual stereo
The Realme 13 Pro+ boasts impressive battery life, thanks to its larger 5,200mAh battery. In our HD video loop test, the device lasted an exceptional 32 hours, demonstrating its endurance. Normal usage, including video watching, social media browsing, calls, messaging, camera usage, and gaming, consistently provided over a day of battery life with screen-on times exceeding 7 hours.
Charging is swift with the included 80W fast charger, taking under 1 hour and 10 minutes to fully charge the device. The phone features a dual stereo speaker setup, with the bottom speaker delivering substantial volume and bass, resulting in a pleasing audio experience.
### Realme 13 Pro+: Conclusion
The Realme 13 Pro+ stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking a top-tier camera phone under Rs. 35,000, surpassing its competitors. While competing devices offer unique features in other areas, the Realme 13 Pro+ excels in camera performance, outperforming even higher-priced smartphones. If camera performance is your top priority, the Realme 13 Pro+ is a compelling option, offering a blend of exceptional cameras, AI features, a vibrant display, robust speakers, and an appealing design. Overall, it stands as the best camera phone in its segment.