After teasers, realme has confirmed the launch of realme GT 8 Pro, the company’s next flagship smartphone in India on November 20th. This device is positioned as a significant step forward in smartphone innovation, primarily due to its exclusive camera system.
Co-Engineered Imaging: The RICOH GR Camera System
The realme GT 8 Pro is set to debut the RICOH GR-powered camera technology, stemming from a partnership between realme and RICOH IMAGING. This collaboration aims to bring professional-grade optics and the signature photographic aesthetics of the RICOH GR series to smartphone photography.
Addressing a consumer trend towards personalized imaging tools, realme partnered with RICOH GR for a four-year co-development initiative. This collaboration aims to integrate RICOH GR’s street photography expertise into the GT 8 Pro, influencing the device’s optical design, shooting philosophy, and image aesthetics.
The imaging core of the GT 8 Pro is a full-chain customized system developed with RICOH GR. This system includes the 50MP Anti-Glare Main Camera, which is reportedly the first smartphone main camera designed to meet RICOH GR optical standards. It features an advanced 7P lens structure and a 5-layer anti-reflective coating, intended to reduce glare and ghosting, potentially improving image clarity under challenging lighting conditions.
A central feature of this collaboration is the exclusive RICOH GR Mode. This mode offers an interface that transforms into an immersive viewfinder, providing the two classic RICOH GR focal lengths (28mm and 40mm) and a signature RICOH GR shutter sound. It also introduces five classic RICOH GR film profiles—Positive Film, Negative Film, High-Contrast B&W, Standard, and Monotone—to replicate the “GR look,” alongside options for customizable toning and watermarking.
Segment-First 200MP Ultra Clarity Telephoto
The GT 8 Pro features a 200MP Ultra Clarity Telephoto Camera, which the company states is a segment-first. Equipped with a 1/1.56″ sensor, the camera is designed to offer enhanced light sensitivity for clearer distant details, even in low-light environments.
The telephoto camera supports 3x optical zoom, 6x lossless zoom, and up to 12x lossless zoom. These capabilities are intended to capture distant subjects, such as those in concert venues or sports stadiums, with notable detail.
Beyond long-range shooting, the 200MP telephoto lens is also optimized for portrait photography. Utilizing the latest Snapdragon platform and realme’s algorithms, the camera fuses multiple frames to achieve 200MP quality, aiming to restore complex lighting and textures accurately. The 3x “golden focal length” is specifically optimized for natural depth of field and expressive character in portraits.
The camera system also includes a newly upgraded 50MP ultra-wide camera with a $116^{\circ}$ field of view and $F/2.0$ aperture, designed for capturing landscapes and group photos.
Professional-Grade Video Capabilities
The GT 8 Pro extends its focus to professional-level video recording. For standard use, it supports 4K 120fps Dolby Vision on both the main and telephoto cameras, aiming to deliver clear and smooth footage with cinematic light and shadow transitions.
For professional creators, the device offers advanced formats, including 4K 120fps 10-bit Log and 8K 30fps ultra-high-resolution recording. These formats are intended to provide greater control and flexibility during post-production.
Through the integration of the RICOH GR partnership and the advanced hardware specifications, realme is positioning the GT 8 Pro as a dedicated street snap tool, aiming to cater to young users seeking creative expression through photography and videography.
Performance and Design Features
Continuing the legacy of the GT Series, the GT 8 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, complemented by the Hyper Vision AI Chip. This combination is expected to deliver high performance, enhanced visual processing, and efficiency. Powering the device is a 7000mAh battery supported by 120W SuperVOOC fast charging.
On the design front, the flagship introduces what realme calls an “industry-first design innovation”: the world’s first switchable camera bump, intended to allow users to customize their device’s appearance. The design also emphasizes sustainability with a unique paper-like Leather back panel, which is made from recycled plastics and textiles. The design utilizes Photonic Nano-Carving technology for detailed and a premium finish. The realme GT 8 Pro will be available in two color variants: Diary White and Urban Blue.
realme positions the GT 8 Pro as a device that merges powerful performance, a distinct design, and next-generation imaging technology to potentially redefine flagship standards in smartphone photography and design.
The realme GT 8 Pro will be available for purchase on realme.com and Flipkart.in after the launch.