Revving Up Value: A Stalwart Review of Realmes GT 7 Series, Only Outshined by the Exclusive Dream Edition

The Dream Edition is a limited run smartphone, as stated by Realme

Performance of Realme GT 7 and GT 7T: A Power User’s Dream

• Chipset — GT 7 — Dimensity 9400e (4nm)
• Chipset — GT 7T — Dimensity 8400-Max (4nm)
• Operating System — Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15
• Software Support — 4 major OS updates and 6 years of security patches

The Realme GT 7 runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 9400e chipset built on a 4nm architecture (courtesy of TSMC). According to Realme, this octa-core chipset is comparable to both the Apple A18 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. I conducted several benchmark tests to compare the Realme GT 7 and GT 7T against competitors, and both models exhibited strong performance.

The GT 7T operates on a Dimensity 8400-Max chipset, which is paired with claims from the company that both the GT 7 and GT 7T can execute 120 FPS modes on over 20 popular games. I put this to the test with various games, such as BGMI, COD Mobile, and Standoff 2. Although the list lacks some notable titles, it’s commendable that Realme is upfront about which games have been verified for 120 FPS performance.

Both devices handle long gaming sessions quite well. However, I discovered that the GT 7 tends to get warm after extended use. Eventually, you might want to pause and let the device cool down before resuming gaming. This isn’t inherently bad; however, the purported benefits of Graphene in regulating temperatures could be slightly overstated. The material does allow for a temperature drop from over 40 degrees to under 30 degrees within a mere 20 minutes, which is impressive. Meanwhile, the GT 7T does also warm up following a lengthy 50-minute gaming session, but not to an uncomfortable extent.

Realme GT 7 and 7T are tailored for gaming enthusiasts capable of enduring extended gameplay

In everyday usage, the GT 7 stands up well against modern flagship Android phones when it comes to multitasking. Its haptic feedback motor provides satisfactory responses during gameplay. Moving on to audio, the phone features a well-balanced sound system with a bottom-firing speaker accompanied by another at the top. This setup is commendably loud, filling a medium room. In terms of connectivity, the GT 7 is equipped with all the essentials and then some. I found it reliable for regular phone calls, and it maintained good connectivity with 5G networks from Airtel and Jio. Interestingly, Realme has added its SignalCatcher Chip, which enhances the device’s ability to maintain signal connections across various bands, even in busy or isolated environments. I tested this feature while in an elevator, and the call remained connected—an impressive addition by Realme.

Conversely, the GT 7T proves to be an outstanding option for power users, adept at managing multitasking, gaming, photography, and much more seamlessly. The speakers deliver robust sound quality during games and multimedia sessions. It firmly positions itself for users looking for capabilities without breaching the sub-Rs. 40,000 tier.

Both the GT 7 and GT 7T include an under-display fingerprint scanner, which is responsive and preferable to the face unlock feature. However, I would have preferred an ultrasonic scanner, given the trend among newer premium smartphones.

Both models hold an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance

On the software side, the Realme GT 7 and GT 7T operate on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15. The company commits to providing four significant OS updates alongside six years of security patches for the GT 7 series. Although this commitment isn’t the most generous among competitors, it’s certainly respectable. Realme UI 6.0 introduces Flux Themes, which offer personalized lock screen designs, reminiscent of features seen in Xiaomi devices. Furthermore, this latest version supports live alerts and a touch-to-share feature akin to Apple’s AirDrop.

Overall, Realme UI 6.0 appears to be a refined experience with smoother animations and recognizable iconography from previous Realme devices. Notably, it incorporates numerous AI tools throughout the GT 7 series. From the camera application to practical functions, these AI features are woven cohesively into the overall user experience. The AI Travel Snap Camera is designed for capturing travel-inspired images, excelling in presenting mountain, city, and island landscapes, primarily focusing on color vibrancy for clear shots in diverse conditions. It includes various enhancements, like AI Glare removal and AI landscape+, among others. Additionally, users will find standard AI enhancements in the edit section, such as AI Eraser, AI Ultra Clarity, Unblur, Remove Reflections, AI Glare Remover, and AI Landscape.

The AI Eraser feature on Realme GT 7 is effective, with the original image on the left and the edited version on the right

Realme has also worked closely with Google to roll out AI Planner, a smart scheduling assistant that reads text from your screen and automatically adds events to your calendar. Upon activation in the settings, the AI Planner can function on any screen except the home page. A quick double tap at the back of the phone allows you to bring this feature to life, supporting the addition of events based on recognized screen content. This nifty feature proved invaluable during my review days, especially when it could even block out time for movies based on WhatsApp chats. You’ll need to double-tap to initiate this functionality within the app. Quite a quirky yet useful addition.

Connectivity features on the GT 7 include Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and more

Camera Performance of Realme GT 7: Captures impressive imagery

• Cameras — 50-megapixel IMX906 sensor, 50-megapixel S5KJN5 telephoto lens, and 8-megapixel ultrawide camera
• Selfie camera — 32-megapixel
• Video capabilities — 8K at 30fps, 4K 120fps slow motion, up to 4K 60fps with Dolby Vision

The camera hardware on the GT 7 is quite robust compared to its Chinese version, which features a dual-camera setup. Daylight images display decent quality with a good dynamic range, vibrant colors, and minimal noise. The details remain well-preserved in bright conditions. Below are some samples I clicked during the global launch event for the Realme GT 7 in Paris.

Realme GT 7 primary camera samples (tap images to enlarge)

Portraits also come out well, with efficient subject isolation. I appreciated the accurate exposure and depth estimation even in tricky lighting contexts. Furthermore, color reproduction is solid, and stabilization is effectively applied across various situations.

Realme GT 7 can produce admirable low-light photographs (click to enlarge)

Realme GT 7 shines in poor lighting situations (tap image to enlarge)

Capturing textures with impressive clarity, the GT 7 minimizes noise in its low-light images (tap images to enlarge)

The telephoto lens provides a powerful 2x zoom, and the results feature ample details with vibrant colors and a well-balanced dynamic range.

The telephoto sensor on the GT 7 is a solid performer (tap to expand)

The zoom capabilities are satisfactory on the GT 7, though it shouldn’t be relied on excessively. While low-light performance is decent, it’s not groundbreaking and doesn’t significantly outshine competitors in this aspect. The GT 7 also features 4K cinematic video capabilities with Dolby Vision, as well as 8K video recording support.

The ultrawide camera on the GT 7 is satisfactory but does not compare to the primary or telephoto cameras (expand for more)

Unfortunately, the 8-megapixel ultrawide camera leaves something to be desired. While it performs adequately for casual use, the quality falters in challenging scenarios. The 32-megapixel selfie camera captures pleasing images with smooth skin tones in good lighting conditions, but it doesn’t surpass some rivals in the same price bracket.

Realme GT 7 selfie camera captures quality images with decent detail, though they struggle in low-light (tap image to enlarge)

Bear in mind, the selfie camera results from the GT 7 are perfectly suitable for social media usage, as the resolution may not be preserved by respective applications.

Camera Performance of Realme GT 7T: Competent Dual Cameras

• Cameras — 50-megapixel IMX896 sensor, paired with an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera
• Selfie camera — 32-megapixel
• Video capabilities — 4K at 60/30fps and 1080 at 60/30fps

The Realme GT 7T is capable of snapping decent photos with accurate exposure, vibrant colors, and good detail. The dual-camera arrangement presents a favorable option for this model. Portraits appear natural and effortless, while background blur integrates smoothly.

Realme GT 7T primary camera samples (tap images to enlarge)

The camera supports Livephoto, akin to what iPhones offer, with the GT 7T featuring 2K quality for this functionality. The device also supports 4K cinematic recordings, which provide acceptable quality.

Realme GT 7T selfie sample (tap image to expand)

Selfie results are decent but lack standout qualities.

Reasonable low-light performance from Realme GT 7T; images maintain low noise levels (tap images to expand)

Low-light performance is satisfactory, albeit with potential for enhancement, as I noticed the phone struggled in very dim lighting conditions.

Battery Performance of Realme GT 7: Setting a New Standard

• Battery — 7000mAh
• Charging — 120W SUPERVOOC support
• Charging speed — 0 to 100% in less than 45 minutes

The battery stands out as a major highlight of the Realme GT 7 and GT 7T, owing to its impressive 7000mAh capacity. To top it off, the inclusion of 120W SUPERVOOC rapid charging makes the experience even better. During our HD loop test, the Realme GT 7 showcased a remarkable endurance of 33 hours and 34 minutes. Notably, both the GT 7 and GT 7T delivered nearly identical results in our video loop test, creating a benchmark for competitors in their segment. With the SUPERVOOC option, both devices can recharge from completely drained to full in under 45 minutes, which is quite remarkable.

The device supports rapid charging up to 120W, filling up in approximately 45 minutes

In everyday scenarios, the GT 7 comfortably lasts a day and a half on a single charge. My usage consisted of gaming (around 60 minutes), browsing, photography (30 minutes), streaming for about two hours, and various productivity, social media, and chat apps running in the background constantly.

With moderate use, the phone can stretch its battery life to nearly two days. It’s important to note that in this scenario, I did not engage in gaming. Realme also provides a Battery Health feature, which is an excellent addition for users. Additionally, they have introduced Smart charging to extend battery lifespan by adapting to user charging habits. A charging cap restricts charging to 80% for additional longevity. Overall, the battery backup of the Realme GT 7 and 7T establishes a high benchmark for smartphones below the Rs. 50,000 range.

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The Realme GT 7 series offers 4+6 years of software support

Final Thoughts on Realme GT 7 and GT 7T

The Realme GT 7 is branded as a flagship killer, and that assertion seems quite justified. In day-to-day activities, the GT 7 performs exceptionally well—whether it’s related to battery life, performance, or camera quality. The AI features introduced keep it competitive with what we can expect from others in this price segment.

From a design standpoint, the GT 7 could perhaps benefit from a unique proposition beyond the graphene back. Between the two models, the GT 7T clearly takes the title for «most aesthetically pleasing,» specifically when factoring in the Racing Yellow edition. However, when considering all three variants, the Realme GT 7 Dream Edition effortlessly eclipses the competition in design, although it comes at a higher cost.

The GT 7 caters to those reluctant to exceed Rs. 50,000 yet seeking superior performance and an outstanding battery. However, its camera ability leaves some room for enhancements. In contrast, the GT 7T presents a better value proposition, offering almost all features of the GT 7 but at an appealing base price below Rs. 30,000.

Regarding alternatives, consider the OnePlus 13R (Review) as a strong contender that encompasses a lot of the features available on the GT 7, alongside some additional perks. Then there’s the Nothing Phone 3a Pro 5G, offering a compelling overall package.