Featuring a dose of AI and Monet, the Realme 13 Pro Plus surprises with its camera performance

Realme has steadily advanced its number series by focusing on premium design and enhanced camera capabilities to differentiate itself in a crowded market. The Realme 13 Pro Plus is a prime example of this approach, urging consumers to spend a bit more for additional features, a trend that’s becoming common among various brands. Moreover, this model signifies Realme’s efforts to integrate AI technology beyond just its flagship lineup.

However, do these upgrades and the corresponding price hike make the Realme 13 Pro Plus a worthwhile choice, especially with its highly promoted camera features? After evaluating the device, we have some insights to share.

Realme has undoubtedly put effort into the design of the 13 Pro Plus, and it shows. The phone has a premium feel, with a unique sand-like texture on the glass body and a light flow pattern that enhances its visual appeal. Despite weighing 190 grams and measuring 8.2mm thick, the device remains comfortable to use daily, providing a secure grip that minimizes the risk of accidental drops. The large camera module is hard to miss, but it adds to the phone’s balanced aesthetic, making the Realme 13 Pro Plus stand out in terms of design.

The Realme 13 Pro Plus is equipped with a capable trio of cameras. The primary 50MP Sony LYT series sensor, coupled with a 50MP periscope lens and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, meets the brand’s expectations. Photos taken in daylight are sharp, with natural color reproduction that doesn’t overly boost contrast. The periscope lens is particularly effective for close-up shots, performing better than the depth or macro sensors often found in other devices. Even in low-light conditions, the camera holds its own, reducing noise and enhancing details, aided by an additional light source. AI-driven tools like Magic Eraser also enhance the photography experience, making it easy to remove unwanted elements from photos.

The Realme 13 Pro Plus maintains the 6.7-inch AMOLED display from its predecessor but with a notable increase in peak brightness to 2000 nits. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, though the lack of HDR support, available in some competitors within this price range, is a slight downside.

In terms of performance, the Realme 13 Pro Plus uses the same chipset as the 12 Pro Plus, sufficient for everyday tasks but potentially disappointing for power users. Benchmark comparisons show a performance gap between this device and rivals like the OnePlus Nord 4 and Honor 200.

Realme’s tendency to preload devices with bloatware persists, with over 50 apps cluttering the experience. While Realme UI based on Android 14 functions well, the excessive pre-installed apps can be a nuisance. The device comes with a promise of two OS upgrades and three years of security updates, which is slightly less than what some competitors offer.

One area where the Realme 13 Pro Plus excels is battery life and charging. The 5200mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, offering more than a day of use and quick recharging when needed.

Overall, the Realme 13 Pro Plus impresses with its design and camera capabilities, but its stagnant performance and persistent bloatware may be concerns for some buyers.