Realme 13 Pro Plus Review: A Mid-Range Stunner with AI-Enhanced Cameras
Realme is often identified with affordable yet capable Android smartphones, with its bread and butter being the Number Series. The brand’s latest "flagship" midrange handset is the Realme 13 Pro Plus, which has hopped aboard the artificial intelligence bandwagon.
Design
Place the 13 Pro Plus beside its predecessor and it can be difficult to tell them apart. The glass back with sandblast finish is a hit-or-miss affair since, despite looking classier than plastic, you would waste time wiping fingerprints off it. Look closely under the glass and you can see a very subtle pattern that Realme’s marketing department claims to be inspired by Claude Monet’s masterpieces.
With Emerald Green, Monet Gold, and Monet Purple shades to choose from, those who are clumsy might want to settle for the green since it comes with a vegan leather back in lieu of glass panels, making it feel far more secure in your hands.
The glossy, plastic frame of the handset betrays the sense of sophistication Realme tries to portray. If your palms sweat profusely, it is going to be rather slippery gripping the handset. Also, the curved edges will chafe against your fingers if a protective case is not used. Thankfully, Realme includes a basic protective case with the handset.
Display and Cameras
The display hardware is very similar to the Realme 12 Pro+, with some improvements in the brightness department. The 6.7-inch (17cm) Amoled display boasts 2,000 nits peak brightness, FHD+ resolution, and up to 120Hz refresh rate, making it easy to view content under direct sunlight. Widevine L1 certification enables you to enjoy video streaming in Full High Definition resolution. HDR support is missing here – though when you consume movies on a screen this small, the drop in picture quality is probably negligible.
The circular camera module clearly announces the presence of AI, with the Hyperimage+ logo featuring a dual-tone finish. As with all other smartphones these days, the circular camera bump behind makes it impossible to lie the handset completely flat on the table. While there may be concerns that the glass protecting the lenses might get scratched too easily, using the included protective case should allay any fears.
Processors & Software
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC powering the handset is good enough for everyday tasks without any lag, photo processing and gaming aside. That said, don’t expect mind-blowing performance. Modern games will run well on the 13 Pro Plus, but you should expect to play them with medium graphical settings. Armed with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, there is no need for a memory card.
Battery and Charging
A beefier 5,200mAh battery powers the handset and features 80W SuperVOOC Charge, requiring under 50 minutes to fully power up the handset from empty. Realme includes a charger and a cable in the box.
Conclusion
Ultimately, having too much bloatware is always a huge turn-off for those who want a clean Android experience. The RM2,299 price tag does not justify the amount of bloatware, shorter duration of software updates and security patches, middling camera performance, and the lack of practical AI features. For a superior alternative in this price segment, you could opt for the OnePlus Nord 4 or the Nothing Phone 2(a) Plus instead.
FAQs
- What is the price of the Realme 13 Pro Plus in Malaysia?
- The Realme 13 Pro Plus will be released in Malaysia tomorrow.
- Is the Realme 13 Pro Plus a flagship phone?
- No, it’s a midrange smartphone.
- What is the display resolution of the Realme 13 Pro Plus?
- The 6.7-inch Amoled display boasts FHD+ resolution.
- How much storage does the Realme 13 Pro Plus have?
- The handset is available with up to 512GB storage.
- What is the camera setup of the Realme 13 Pro Plus?
- The 13 Pro Plus sports a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP periscope telephoto shooter.
- How long does it take to fully charge the Realme 13 Pro Plus?
- It requires under 50 minutes to fully power up the handset from empty using 80W SuperVOOC Charge.
Edwin Kee