Smartphones with quality photography capabilities are now not only available in the flagship segment. The mid-range class, at least since last year, has started to offer full-fledged sensors, high resolutions and more. realme 13 Pro+ 5G is arguably trying something different, as it strengthens two main aspects, namely hardware and software.
Yes, a few weeks ago, the Gizmology team was invited to Bangkok, Thailand to try out Realme’s camera innovation with its latest algorithm that utilizes AI. These innovations are embedded directly into the realme 13 Pro+ 5G, the first smartphone in its class to feature two latest-generation Sony sensors, both as main sensor and periscope.
This makes the photography experience offered through realme’s latest smartphone a next-level one. Not only the camera, the overall experience is also quite satisfactory. What are the upgrades like? Here’s the full realme 13 Pro+ 5G review.
Camera
Of course this part is the most interesting part in this realme 13 Pro + 5G review article. All in all, realme refined its latest Number Series camera, bringing a combination of best-in-class hardware, as well as a new processing algorithm that is said to make heavy use of AI. Let’s talk about the hardware side first. What are the improvements?
First in its segment, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G sports two Sony LYTIA sensors at once. The main sensor is the Sony LYT-701, the latest and first in the industry, with sensor dimensions of 1/156-inch and a diaphragm of f/1.88. Meanwhile, the periscope sensor uses the Sony LYT-600. Yes, while many mid-range smartphones use the sensor for main sensor, realme utilizes it as a 3x optical zoom periscope camera (up to 120x digital zoom).
Both sensors are equipped with OIS, while the third sensor on the back is an 8MP ultra-wide with a 112-degree viewing angle. In front, a Sony IMX615 sensor is also embedded, with a resolution of 32MP and a wide enough angle for group selfies.
Aside from hardware, on the image processing side, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G has been reinforced with HYPERIMAGE+, which includes the latest camera algorithms to enhance image results-even making this smartphone the first to achieve the new TUV Rheinland standard for certification of high-resolution cameras with guaranteed quality.
Of course, the above claims need to be proven directly. Overall, the camera quality of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G improved, compared to the previous generation which was already satisfactory. The new hardware and software are really capable of making image capture better.
Starting from color reproduction, noise levels that are more controllable in low-light conditions, lighting on the face area that stays just right even in backlight conditions, and skin tones that are now more perfect-fitted, sharp, with more accurate skin tones. Zoom quality up to the 6-10x range is also still very usable.
Using the realme 13 Pro+ 5G camera to capture portrait photos feels very pleasant. The separation between the main object and the background looks smooth and neat down to each strand of hair. And when lighting is low, portrait mode automatically activates night mode, so users only need to focus on taking photos.
Of slight note is the difference in color reproduction between the main sensor and the periscope-this is a common issue in smartphones, and in realme 13 Pro+ 5G, it only shows up in certain lighting conditions. Another note is on the image processing time-no annoying shutter lag. But when viewing the resulting photo, it is necessary to wait a few seconds for the processing to finish.
Gizmo friends can certainly see for themselves the various photo results from the realme 13 Pro + 5G camera through the following album.
Both the main sensor and periscope of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G can record videos in 4K 30fps and 1080p 60fps resolution. But for more stable footage, in 1080p 30fps resolution, both OIS and EIS can be active, and you can switch between sensors during recording, including the ultra-wide sensor.
The quality of video footage is reliable, with satisfying colors, including from the periscope sensor-this one can produce a deeper depth of field, which when combined with Movie mode in 21:9 ratio, gives an interesting cinematic video effect
Design
Wanting to look more stylish, the design of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is now made fresher, with a rear body surface design inspired by Claude Monet’s signature paintings. Yes, in the Monet Gold color option which is the hero color of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G, the smartphone looks quite luxurious, coupled with curves on some sides.
In presenting this new design, realme collaborated with MFA Boston to replicate one of Claude Monet’s best works, the haystacks painting. The surface of the rear body feels smooth, slightly shiny in certain inclinations when exposed to light, but with a frosted surface, making it free from fingerprints.
The rear camera module of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G remains very large and centered, bringing premium accents to its bezel surroundings, and now carries printed text “HYPERIMAGE+” which is the latest AI-based camera algorithm. Comes in a thin profile of less than 83mm, weighing just 190 grams.
In addition to the Monet Gold option, there is also an Emerald Green variant that uses a textured vegan leather surface. Not only stylish, realme has also strengthened the body structure of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G. More scratch-resistant, also more drop-resistant, even with claims of remaining undented from a drop height of 165 meters. Plus, the IP65 certification makes it resistant to dust and water splashes.
Screen
In addition to the rear cross-section, the front view of the realme 13 Pro + 5G is also still stylishly designed, already using a quality 3D curved AMOLED panel with a dimension of 67 inches. Because it has Armor Shield Glass, aka glass that has been strengthened.
The panel itself has also been increased in brightness, now up to 2000 nits. This keeps the realme 13 Pro+ 5G screen looking bright, like when I used it for photos on the beach of the Thousand Islands when the sun was bright during the day. Of course, combined with the right color profile.
Supporting 1 billion colors and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, there are a number of color profiles that you can choose from via the Settings menu. They range from vivid for maximum saturation that is a feast for the eyes, to special profiles for P3 standard accuracy, for a better fit when viewing color-accurate captured images. The rest is up to flagship standards, including a high contrast ratio and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Features
realme 13 Pro+ 5G comes with realme UI 5.0 Android-based 14. What about the future of the software? realme itself promises that there will be at least two OS version updates, and three years of regular security updates. There are a number of interesting AI features embedded in this latest smartphone-including being derived from the realme GT series.
The AI Smart Loop can help you multitask faster, intelligently predicting what apps will be accessed next. Lalu ada dua fitur spesial pada editor foto, yakni AI Smart Removal dan AI Ultra Clarity. As the name implies, AI Smart Removal allows you to remove objects and fill them in very intelligently. The algorithm is really very mature.
As for AI Ultra Clarity, this feature serves to clarify photos that are slightly blurry. Aside from smartphone cameras (perhaps when taken while the hand is shaking), Gizmo friends can also use it to restore old photos. This feature is still in Beta, and realme will continue to improve its capabilities in the future.
The Air Gestures option is also present on realme 13 Pro+ 5G to control a number of smartphone functions with just hand gestures, facing the front camera, fitting to receive/hang up calls when hands are dirty. The rest, such as the vibration motor and stereo speaker setup, are quite satisfactory for a smartphone in its class.
Performance
realme has chosen one of Qualcomm’s popular chipsets, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, to power the realme 13 Pro+ 5G. Being relatively new, this chip is claimed to be equipped with the right NPU for AI processing-an important point, considering that the realme 13 Pro+ 5G camera algorithm is now more complex with AI.
On the plus side, this chipset has used a 4nm fabrication process, so it is already power efficient. Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR4x RAM, plus 512GB UFS 3 storage.1, the performance of realme 13 Pro+ 5G can be said to be quite comfortable for daily use. Starting from light scenarios to multitasking, it feels quite fast, although there is occasional lag, it is not so annoying.
To keep performance in check, there is a 3D VC Cooling System with up to 9 layers and a coverage of 4,500mm square. The smartphone body is relatively stable-it does get hot when you really access the camera intensively for a long time. The rest, such as activating the hotspot, is not warm. Except when playing games, which is also very natural.
Battery
Interestingly, compared to the previous generation, the battery capacity of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is made to increase slightly, where it is now 5,200 mAh. In fact, dimensionally there is no difference, aka more or less the same. Of course, it makes use more comfortable, no need to worry about running out of power quickly.
On a day where I mostly used the realme 13 Pro+ 5G camera, the battery lasted from morning until the next morning, without even activating the power saving mode. So if it is used more lightly, or utilizes additional battery modes, of course the realme 13 Pro + 5G can last up to two days easily.
Although the battery capacity of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is getting bigger, charging is still instantaneous. Because it is paired with 80W SUPERVOOC support, plus a charger adapter that is already available in the sales package. 30 minutes of charging, can already increase the power from almost depleted to around 75%. While when charging to full, it takes approximately 50 minutes.
realme also dares to claim that the battery capacity will remain more than 80% after 1600 cycles-generally translated into the equivalent of four years of normal use. Smart charging mode is present to carefully study charging habits. Want to limit charging to 80% only? There is a special option that can be enabled in the Settings menu, if necessary.
Conclusion
Realme’s claim to bring significant improvements, especially in the camera aspect, has proven to be able to produce a satisfying photography experience. It’s easy for me to say that the realme 13 Pro+ 5G offers the best photo quality in its class today, especially through the combination of two Sony LYTIA sensors.
The AI features brought in are not just gimmicks either. All are packaged in a stylish design, carry a larger battery capacity, and have a price tag that is still competitive. Successfully delivers flagship-class photography experience.
realme 13 Pro+ 5G is officially available in Indonesia with two memory variants, namely 8GB+8GB*|256GB (Online Exclusive) and 12GB+12GB*|512GB. realme will hold a special promo during the Flash Sale period with a price cut of 400 thousand rupiahs. The 8GB+8GB*|256GB variant will be available exclusively on Shopee and realme.com, while the 12GB+12GB*|512GB variant can be purchased through realme.com and realme Official Store on various authorized e-commerce platforms throughout Indonesia. The Flash Sale period will take place on September 25, 2024 starting at 00:00.00 PM.
Specifications realme 13 Pro+ 5G
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