The Realme 13 Pro+ 5G was launched today for the global market with it being an updated device to the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G which was launched just last February. On paper the difference between the two devices is not that significant. This is a review for Realme 13 Pro+ 5G to make it easier for you to make the most accurate choice.
Specifications
Realme 13 Pro+ 5G
Screen 6.7″ AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor (4nm)
4x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78
4x 1.95 GHz Cortex-A55
Adreno 710 Graphics Chip
RAM 8/12 GB LPDDR4X
12 GB Virtual
Storage 256/512 GB UFS 3.1
Primary Camera 50MP, f/1.9, OIS (Wide Angle)
8MP, f/2.2 (Ultra Wide)
50MP, f/2.7 (Periscope Telephoto)
Front Camera 32MP, f/2.5
5200mAh battery
80W (Wired)
5G Dual-SIM Sim/Telephony
Stereo Speaker Audio
WiFi network 6,
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC
Infrared None
Waterproof IP65
Fingerprint Scan System under the screen
Face scan
Sale Price RM1999 (12/256 GB)
RM2299 (12/512GB)
Screen
The screen is a 6.7″ AMOLED with the same 120Hz refresh rate as used on the 12 Pro+. It is curved on the side and can be seen well even under the scorching sunlight. The display of content looks alive with vibrant colors.
The downside to this screen is that it doesn't support any HDR standard in the Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video apps open. It's a bit of a shame this gorgeous AMOLED screen doesn't have HDR support officially.
Biometrics
The fingerprint scanner system under the screen is of the optical type with its location a little further down so that it makes the process of unlocking the device a little tedious. I realize this OLED panel with a low-lying fingerprint scanner is used by most devices under the BBK Electronics umbrella. Although a little annoying, it's a very fast fingerprint scanner. There is also a facial scanning system that unlocks faster and is less intrusive.
Design
The design is also another similarity of the 13 Pro+ with the 12 Pro+ as there is not much difference. The metal frame is matched with a back panel that has a vegan leather finish. On the right side is placed the audio adjustment button and also the power button. There is a speaker grille on the top and bottom that provides a balanced stereo audio experience. Meanwhile below there is also a USB-C charging port and also a SIM tray that supports two nano-sized SIMs.
The buttons used feel sturdy and pleasant to press. The camera bump on the rear panel is circular with it housing three camera lenses and a flash in a symmetrical 2×2 arrangement. On the hump parameters there is a metal ring which is again the same as the 12 Pro+. The only difference is that there is no horizontal metal line on the vegan leather surface on the back.
I prefer the design of the 13 Pro+ because the continuous vegan leather without the distraction of metal lines makes the device more comfortable to hold. The surface of this vegan leather is soft and most importantly does not trap any dirt easily.
Although the 13 Pro+ is a mid-range device, its finish makes it feel more luxurious. I say this because in the hand it feels the same as the Realme GT 6 which is an affordable flagship device. The only downside in my opinion is the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack and an infrared emitter that is usually included on devices in the affordable class.
Fortunately, the device still has NFC support and IP65 waterproof capabilities. Through the NFC system there is no issue to add value to the TnG NFC card and also use the phone as a digital key instead of a physical card to enter the office.
Usage – Realme UI 5.0
Realme UI 5.0 is based on Android 14 so there are many standard features included such as multi window, child mode, gestures and one hand mode. This is the same version of the operating system as the GT 6 and hence both devices have comparable features. Realme UI 5.0 interface is similar to ColorOS. It is minimalistic, easy to understand and operates smoothly even though the 13 Pro+ is only equipped with a mid-range processor that is not very powerful.
The model I reviewed is equipped with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM which can be increased up to 24GB using virtual memory mode. RAM size of 12GB in my opinion is more than enough for various common applications. I didn't notice any scrolling issues, the app was slow to launch and the app had to be refreshed frequently.
Because we are now in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), there are some smart features included. The first is the AI Smart Loop that shortens the process of doing some trivial tasks. For example, the edited picture can be directly shared to WhatsApp or Gmail by simply pressing it in the Photos application and then dragging it to the side to enter the AI Smart Loop interface. The process of sharing images is as simple as dragging & dropping.
Then if the text of the address is received, press the received text and drag it to the Google Maps icon in the AI Smart Loop. There are slots for five favorite apps in the AI Smart Loop. If other applications want to be used, there is a wheel that rotates allowing all applications installed on the phone to be used in the AI Smart Loop.
Photos can also be edited automatically using AI Smart Removal. Tap on unwanted objects in the Gallery app and Realme's AI will delete them. For those who are less fond of AI, there is an Air Gesture feature that allows the device to be controlled with just hand movements without touching the screen.
Benchmark
Let's see the performance of Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip on Realme 13 Pro+ 5G. It's a mid-range chip equipped with four old Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores and Adreno 710 GPU. I compared this chip with Dimensity 7300 (CMF Phone 1), Dimensity 7020 (Infinix Note 40 Pro) and Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (Infinix GT 20 Pro).
AnTuTu 3D
Realme 13 Pro+ 5G – 613,504
CMF Phone 1 – 644,913
Infinix Note 40 Pro – 450,320
Infinix GT 20 Pro – 933,015
Geekbench 6
Realme 13 Pro+ 5G – 899/2763
CMF Phone 1 – 1044/2927
Infinix Note 40 Pro – 1120/3338
Infinix GT 20 Pro – 1244/3516
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Realme 13 Pro+ 5G – 809
CMF Phone 1 – 851
Infinix Note 40 Pro – N/A
Infinix GT 20 Pro – 1736
The performance of running common applications is satisfactory as they can be opened quickly and do not get stuck. Playing simple 3D game apps like Temple Run 2 can also be done without any issues. Then when playing heavier games like COD Mobile, I can play on medium-high settings with a satisfactory frame rate.
No overheating issues were detected after playing five rounds of multiplayer mode. I can't recommend the 13 Pro+ 5G if you want to play games like Genshin Impact and COD Warzone Mobile. Both of these games require a more powerful chip to provide a smoother gaming experience.
CAMERA
If you look at the camera specifications, it looks like there is a shortcoming because the sensor size is smaller when compared to the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G. But actually the sensor used on the 13 Pro+ is better. The wide-angle lens is paired with a 50MP Sony LYT-701 sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a telephoto lens with a 50MP LYT-600 periscope.
This is an improvement over the previous OmniVision and IMX-800 sensors. On the front, the selfie camera is also larger with a 32MP sensor. Here is a sample of photos I took using the 13 Pro+ camera.
In a good lighting situation, the picture taken is sharp with the production of a slightly yellow color compared to the actual situation. The OIS system ensures that pictures taken using the main lens are always satisfactory. In night mode also the OIS system helps to reduce the softness of the captured image.
Portrait mode with animals
With the periscope system, I feel the zoom quality is satisfactory up to 10X. It is true that the camera can zoom up to 120X but at this setting the image taken is blurry, looks like a watercolor painting and the colors start to look washed out.
1X zoom
2X zoom
4X zoom
Zoom 60
120X zoom
Telephony, WiFi and GPS
Cellular performance is excellent with still network bars when in the elevator. In Malaysia I feel the issue is the 5G network by the telecommunications company which is not consistent and not the phone's fault if the 5G speed is less than encouraging. WiFi is also very fast if you have a WiFi 6 modem at home. The GPS performance also does not disappoint with the location being tracked in less than two seconds.
Audio
With both speakers firing to the sides, the audio thrown sounds more balanced than on other devices that use a configuration of one firing to the front and one to the side. There is no Dolby Atmos system but an OReality Audio audio system is included. I feel the audio quality is just average. At higher settings it starts to crack a bit. There is no 3.5mm audio jack but this is becoming the norm even on mid-range devices.
Battery
The included 5200mAh battery is capable of lasting all day. On average if the charger is unplugged at 6:30am, there is still 15-20% left at 10pm before I go to bed. I am not a heavy user as it is practically all day at the office. With an 80W charger, this battery can be fully charged in about 40 minutes which is very fast. This SuperVOOC charger comes with every purchase of the device.
What's in the Box
Here are the components included with each purchase.
1x Realme 13 Pro+ 5G
1x Plastic protective frame
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable.
1x 80W USB-A Charger
1x Guidebook and safety.
1x SIM Pin
Conclusion
The Realme 13 Pro+ 5G is a device that offers iterative improvements when compared to the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G. The camera is better, the battery is bigger, and charging is faster. Although the 13 Pro+ 5G is a good device in the mid-range category, it is less competitive when compared to devices such as Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, Vivo V40 and Redmi Note 13 Pro for example.
All three devices offer more powerful processors, larger cameras and more affordable prices. So it's a little difficult to recommend buying the Realme 13 Pro+ 5G when there are better devices in the same price range (or cheaper) unless you're a die-hard fan of the Realme ecosystem.
In Malaysia Realme 13 Pro+ 5G is sold at a price of RM2299 for 12/512GB in Monet Gold and Emerald Green colors. Realme is offering a free gift of Realme Buds T01, 1+1 year device warranty and 730-day cracked glass replacement warranty worth RM1137.
PRO
Interesting design, especially the vegan leather version.
Beautiful screen, responsive and fast.
The battery is long-lasting and supports 80W fast charging.
IP65 waterproof protection.
Satisfactory camera performance with OIS support.
CONS
Prices are less competitive.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is not that powerful.