Realme 13 Pro+ Review: Pushing the Boundaries of Mid-Range Photography

The Realme 13 Pro+ has arrived, bringing with it a host of improvements and new features that aim to solidify its position as a top contender in the mid-range smartphone market.

Realme

Building upon the success of its predecessor, this new iteration focuses heavily on camera performance while also offering enhancements in display technology and AI-powered features.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into what makes the Realme 13 Pro+ stand out and whether it truly deserves the title of the best camera phone in its segment.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature Specification
Display 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits peak brightness
Processor Snapdragon 7s Gen 2
RAM Up to 12GB LPDDR4X
Storage Up to 512GB UFS 3.1
Main Camera 50MP Sony LYT 701 sensor
Telephoto Camera 50MP Sony LYT 600 sensor
Ultra-wide Camera 8MP
Selfie Camera 32MP Sony IMX 615 sensor
Battery 5,200mAh
Charging 80W fast charging
OS Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14

Realme 13 Pro+ Review

The Realme 13 Pro+ continues the brand’s signature transparent design aesthetic, featuring the iconic Glyph Interface that sets it apart from competitors.

This iteration introduces a new Grey color option and a glass back variant, offering users more choice in terms of aesthetics.

The Monet Gold color option, in particular, showcases a unique sand wave-like pattern on its glass back, adding a touch of elegance to the device.

Key design features include:

  • Curved edges for improved ergonomics
  • Large circular camera module with flute bezel
  • HyperImage+ logo on the camera module
  • IP65 dust and water resistance rating

While the frame remains plastic, the overall build quality feels premium. The button placements are intuitive, with volume and power buttons on the right edge.

The device’s dimensions and weight strike a good balance between screen size and portability, making it comfortable for extended use.

Display: Bright and Vibrant

The Realme 13 Pro+ boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED curved panel that offers a stunning visual experience. Key display features include:

  • Full-HD+ resolution
  • Up to 120Hz refresh rate (with adaptive options)
  • 2,000 nits peak brightness
  • 10-bit color depth
  • Gorilla Glass 7i protection

The increased peak brightness of 2,000 nits is a significant improvement over its predecessor, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility.

The display supports multiple color modes, including Vivid, Natural, and two Pro modes, allowing users to customize their viewing experience.

The curved edges of the display contribute to the phone’s premium feel and create an immersive viewing experience.

However, it’s worth noting that some users may experience accidental touch inputs due to the curved design.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, the Realme 13 Pro+ offers decent performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

While it may not top the charts in benchmark scores, real-world performance is smooth and responsive for most users.

The device runs on Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14, which brings a host of new features and improvements.

Realme promises two years of software updates and three years of security patches, ensuring longevity for the device.

Notable software features include:

  • AI Screen Recognition (similar to Google’s Circle to Search)
  • AI Smart Loop for easier sharing
  • Air Gestures for hands-free control
  • AI Eye Comfort for automatic screen temperature adjustment

While these AI features add value, some users may find the included bloatware and ad-filled keyboards less appealing. However, the overall user experience remains smooth and lag-free.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system is undoubtedly the star of the show for the Realme 13 Pro+.

Featuring a triple rear camera setup and a high-resolution selfie camera, this device aims to deliver exceptional photography experiences across various scenarios.

Main Camera

The 50MP Sony LYT 701 sensor serves as the primary camera, offering:

  • Excellent detail and sharpness in good lighting conditions
  • Impressive dynamic range
  • Accurate white balance and color reproduction
  • Strong low-light performance with a dedicated night mode

Telephoto Camera

The 50MP Sony LYT 600 periscope telephoto sensor is a standout feature, providing:

  • High-quality 3x optical zoom
  • Impressive detail retention at higher zoom levels
  • Natural bokeh effect for portrait shots

Ultra-wide and Selfie Cameras

While not as impressive as the main and telephoto sensors, the 8MP ultra-wide and 32MP selfie cameras are competent performers:

  • Ultra-wide: Good for landscape shots in well-lit conditions
  • Selfie camera: Sharp and well-lit self-portraits, with AI enhancements for group shots

AI Camera Features

Realme has introduced several AI-powered camera features:

  • AI Eraser: For removing unwanted objects from photos
  • AI Ultra Clarity: Enhances image detail and sharpness
  • AI HyperRAW: Advanced image processing algorithm
  • AI Audio Zoom: Improves audio focus when recording video

These features work well in practice, enhancing the overall photography experience on the Realme 13 Pro+.

Battery Life and Charging

The Realme 13 Pro+ comes equipped with a sizable 5,200mAh battery, which provides excellent longevity:

  • Over 32 hours in HD video loop test
  • 7+ hours of screen-on time with mixed usage
  • Comfortable all-day battery life for most users

The device supports 80W fast charging, which, while not the fastest in its class, still offers quick top-ups:

  • 0 to 100% charge in under 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Enough power for a full day’s use in just 20 minutes of charging

Audio and Additional Features

The Realme 13 Pro+ doesn’t skimp on audio quality, featuring a dual stereo speaker setup that provides loud and clear sound output.

While not class-leading, the speakers are more than adequate for casual media consumption and gaming.

Additional features include:

  • Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Dual 5G standby
  • Under-display fingerprint scanner

Pros and Cons

Here are the major pros and cons of the Realme 13 Pro+:

Pros:

  • Exceptional camera performance, especially the telephoto lens
  • Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Premium design with unique aesthetic
  • Useful AI features

Cons:

  • Moderate performance compared to some competitors
  • Presence of bloatware
  • No wireless charging support
  • Ultra-wide camera could be improved
  • Pricing and Availability

    The Realme 13 Pro+ is available in three variants:

    • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs. 32,999
    • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs. 34,999
    • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs. 36,999

    The device is available for purchase through major online retailers and Realme’s official website.

    In conclusion, the Realme 13 Pro+ builds upon its predecessor’s strengths, offering significant improvements in camera performance and display quality.

    While it may not be the perfect device for everyone, it certainly stands out as a top contender for those seeking an exceptional camera experience in the mid-range smartphone segment.

Verdict: Is It the Best Camera Phone in Its Segment?

The Realme 13 Pro+ makes a strong case for being the best camera phone in its price segment.

Its combination of high-quality sensors, versatile focal lengths, and AI-enhanced features deliver impressive results across various shooting scenarios.

While it may not be the most powerful device in terms of raw performance, it strikes a good balance between camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.

For users who prioritize photography and want a well-rounded device without breaking the bank, the Realme 13 Pro+ is an excellent choice.

It outperforms many of its competitors in camera quality, often rivaling devices that cost significantly more.

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