Realme is making its comeback in style with the announcement of the Realme 13 Pro+, featuring a color scheme and design inspired by renowned artist Claude Monet. Having spent a few hours with the phone, I can confidently declare that it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing devices I’ve encountered this year.
Before diving into the phone’s feel and usability, let’s examine its key features. The 6.7-inch OLED screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, averaging 600 nits. Visibility in sunlight has not been an issue during my testing. Running Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, the software shares design elements and functionality with Oppo’s ColorOS and OnePlus’ OxygenOS, all stemming from the same development lineage. In terms of cameras, Realme is the first to utilize Sony’s 50-megapixel LYT-701 main sensor, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS). This sensor is complemented by a 50MP telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom and an 8MP wide-angle sensor. The camera system benefits from various AI tools, including AI enhancements for blurred photos, object removal, and AI adjustments to skin tones, group photos, and portrait effects. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The 5,200mAh battery supports 80W wired fast charging, and the phone features a 32MP selfie camera, IP65 dust and water resistance rating, 5G connectivity, NFC, and dual speakers in the international version.
The Monet Gold and Monet Purple color schemes draw inspiration from the paintings of Impressionist master Claude Monet, developed in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston. I’ve been testing the Monet Gold version, and the phone’s artistic inspiration is subtle, requiring explicit knowledge of Monet’s work to recognize. Surprisingly, even a wallpaper depicting the source artwork, Monet’s ‘Grainstack (Sunset)’, is absent. I personally added a wallpaper (sourced from the MFA website) to complete the visual theme. The frosted, high-gloss glass back exhibits a unique, subtle shimmering effect that adds depth to the design. The gold bezel surrounding the camera module features beveled edges for an elegant touch, matching the gold accents of the chassis. Weighing in at 190 grams, the phone feels light, but the tapered sides and slightly raised rear panel create a sharp edge. While not uncomfortable, this edge is noticeable and may make the phone feel less premium than its appearance suggests. The overall balance in hand also feels slightly off, making the ergonomics less satisfying than the design.
The Realme 13 Pro+’s strength lies in its design and color choices, especially the Monet Gold version. The interplay of light on the glass surface is captivating, while maintaining a subtle and elegant appeal. The textured surface feels warm and provides a comfortable grip. Without a doubt, the Realme 13 Pro+ in Monet Gold is one of the most beautiful smartphones this year, and I can only imagine the Monet Purple variant is equally stunning.
While I’ve captured a few photos with the Realme 13 Pro+, it’s important to note that I’m using a pre-release device, and software updates may impact future performance. Historically, manufacturers have taken time to refine images from new Sony camera sensors, which might play a role in the Realme 13 Pro+’s slightly underwhelming photographic performance. The main camera doesn’t consistently emphasize colors as expected, resulting in washed-out images lacking vibrancy. This is particularly noticeable when comparing them to wide-angle shots. It’s disheartening when an 8MP wide-angle camera produces more appealing photos than the main camera on a phone. While the colors, contrast, and dynamism might be acceptable, the inconsistency is concerning. A similar situation arises with the 3x optical zoom, which sometimes diminishes the vibrancy of otherwise decent images. While the main camera and optical zoom don’t always disappoint, they exhibit an inconsistent performance that needs addressing.
The Realme 13 Pro+ has a counterpart, the Realme 13 Pro, for those seeking a more affordable option. Both offer the same color variations, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, and 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery capacity remains the same, but the charging speed drops to 45W. The most significant differences lie in the camera system, with the Realme 13 Pro featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor, an 8MP wide-angle camera, and no telephoto lens. Consequently, the phone is slightly lighter at 183 grams.
Realme will initially release the Realme 13 Pro+ and Realme 13 Pro in India on July 30, with a starting price of the local equivalent of $320 for the base 8GB/128GB Realme 13 Pro model. The price for the Realme 13 Pro+ has yet to be disclosed, and the global availability of both phones remains unclear.
Realme’s return to selling phones outside China is a welcome development. The company has always prioritized design, and the Realme 13 Pro+ is a testament to that commitment. Seeking inspiration from an artistic master like Monet is a unique and fitting choice for a tech product. While the design of the 13 Pro+ is commendable, the ergonomics and camera performance need improvement. This situation is reminiscent of Realme’s past before retreating to China, highlighting the need for timely camera software updates. With fierce competition in the smartphone market, Realme can’t rely solely on its beautiful gold and lilac colors to succeed.
