realme 13 Pro 5G, the brand's latest AI-powered smartphone, was launched in the Philippines on August 28, 2024, with a price tag of PHP 24,999, which, in my opinion, is still reasonable due to the inclusion of useful artificial intelligence (AI) features on its triple rear camera setup.
The realme 13 Pro 5G is part of the realme 13 Pro Series 5G. Among the highlights of the phone's flagship-level cameras are 50MP Sony LYT-600 OIS Camera (with 2x In-Sensor Zoom and up to 20x Digital Zoom), AI Ultra Clarity (under realme Next AI along with other features including AI Smart Removal, AI Group Photo Enhance, and AI Portrait Algorithms), and 32MP Sony IMX615 Selfie Camera.
realme Philippines also recently showcased the phone's high-end photography, featuring pictures taken by lifestyle content creators.
Check out my review of realme 13 Pro 5G (Emerald Green - leather variant) below to explore more of this latest upper midrange smartphone, which includes its features, Antutu benchmark score, gaming performance, and AI camera samples.
realme 13 Pro 5G Specs
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED Curved display with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2412 pixels, 394ppi), 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, 1.07 billion colors, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR10+, 2000 nits (peak brightness), Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and punch-hole
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm), Up to 2.4GHz octa-core processor
- GPU: Adreno 710
- Memory: 12GB RAM (up to 12GB Dynamic RAM Expansion)
- Internal Storage: 256GB ROM, no micro SD card slot
- Triple rear cameras: 50MP Sony LYT-600 OIS Camera + 8MP Ultra-Wide + 2MP Macro; LED flash, HDR, panorama, Up to 4K@30fps video recording
- Single front camera: 32MP Sony IMX615; Up to 1080p@30fps video recording
- SIM slot: Dual SIM (nano)
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, WiFi 6 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.2, USB OTG, NFC, GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
- USB port: USB-C
- Audio: Dual Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, OReality Audio, USB-C audio output
- Biometrics: Fingerprint scanner (in-display) and Face unlock
- Sensors: compass, light, proximity, accelerometer, gyroscope
- Operating System: Android 14 with realme UI 5.0
- Battery and Charging: 5,200 mAh non-removable battery, 45W fast charging (wired)
- Dimensions: 161.34 mm x 73.91 mm x 8.23 mm (glass) or 8.41 mm (vegan leather)
- Weight: 188 grams (glass) or 183.5 grams (leather)
- Materials: Glass front, glass/faux leather back; IP65 water and dust resistance; 3D VC cooling system
- Colors: Monet Purple (glass back) and Emerald Green (leather back)
Unboxing
On the front side of the iconic yellow-colored box of realme, I quickly noticed the inclusion of "Ai" on the upper left part. On the upper right part, there's "5G." Placed at the center is "13 Pro," and its texture is glossy. At the bottom is the realme logo.
What's Inside The Box?
Upon unboxing the realme 13 Pro 5G, these are the items I found inside:
- realme 13 Pro 5G (main unit) x1
- 45W SUPERVOOC Charging Adapter x1
- Type A to Type C USB Cable x1
- Quick Guide x1
- Safety Guide x1
- SIM Ejector Pin x1
- Gray Silicone Case x1
- Screen Protector x1 (pre-installed)
- Warranty Card x1
Design and Build Quality
My review unit is realme 13 Pro 5G in Emerald Green color variant. The initial moment I held the phone, I was impressed by the premium feel of its faux leather back, which is also as expected for a device in the P25K segment.
Its slim (8.41mm) and lightweight (183.5g) design, curved display (Armor Shield Glass with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i), rounded edges, and Premium Vegan Leather back panel (now without a zipper-like strip compared to predecessors) make it comfortable and satisfying to handle. After testing the handling of the realme 13 Pro, I must say it feels lighter compared to my realme 12 Pro+ and 11 Pro+ phones.
At the bottom part of realme 13 Pro 5G, you will see a four-holed speaker grill, USB Type-C port, mic, and a dual nano SIM card tray (with gasket). On the right side, there's the volume rocker and the power button. The left side is clear. Found on the top are a three-holed speaker grill and a mic. For those who prefer the 3.5mm audio jack, this might be quite disappointing as the device only supports USB-C audio output. You will need to use a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.
According to realme, the Premium Vegan Leather on realme 13 Pro 5G (Emerald Green) is made using silicon, has a silky feel, and is dirt-resistant. Further, the Sunrise Halo on the camera module was produced using a CNC process that produced 436 metal lines around the entire module.
Meanwhile, the other color variant of realme 13 Pro is Monet Purple. Its design was created by realme & MFA (Museum of Fine Arts Boston) and inspired by Monet's paintings of Haystacks and Water Lilies, which depict fleeting light and scenes of the subject at different times of the day and in passing seasons. Two of his most iconic works inspired the overall design of the phone. Using 'Miracle Shining Glass' with millions of shimmering particles brushed onto the high-gloss AG Glass - Monet Purple evokes the image of golden haystacks under sunlight and blooming purple water lilies in a pond.
Regarding durability, realme 13 Pro has an IP65 Dust & Water Resistance rating that ensures protection from dust, splashes of water, and low-pressure splashes from any direction, as per realme. The device was also given an SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance Certification (Emerald Green color variant only), given its resistance to damage after drops from a height of 1.65 meters from all six sides and corners, with no visible abnormalities, and it was still able to function normally.
Moreover, realme 13 Pro 5G has undergone 320+ Stringent Tests inclusive of clicking the power button (200,000 times), clicking on the volume rocker buttons (100,000 times), plugging and un-plugging the USB cable (20,000 times), long-term high temperature and high humidity at 65°C & 90% RH for 14 days as an aging test, storage in a 75°C high-temperature area for 7 days, -50°C ultra-low temperature exposure for 7 days, -40°C~70°C extreme temperature test for 300 hours, and 1,000 vibration and wear resistance friction tests (with no pressure – only using the weight of the phone) plus others.
Display, Speaker Quality, and Biometrics
The realme 13 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inch 120Hz Curved OLED Display, and speaking from my experience, I can say that it's really vibrant, smooth, and color-accurate. From watching YouTube videos to browsing Facebook, I am really satisfied with its sharpness, superb brightness levels, and deep blacks. By the way, the default screen refresh rate is set to "Auto select," which automatically selects the best screen refresh rate to achieve a balance between battery usage and smoothness. If you want to achieve optimal color accuracy, you can choose one of its screen color modes (vivid, natural, and pro). Check out its display quality below.
As for specifics, the 120Hz Curved OLED Display of realme 13 Pro 5G has the following features: display size of 6.7 inches, OLED display panel, screen-to-body ratio of 93%, FHD+ resolution at 2412x1080 px, contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, 1.07 billion colors, 100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling Rate with up to 2000Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate, ArmorShell Protection (Armor Shield Glass with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i), a manual 600 Nits of brightness (typ.) with maximum brightness of 1,200 Nits and a peak brightness of 2,000 Nits, and 2,000 levels of brightness.
Further, realme 13 Pro 5G supports Pro-XDR, which analyzes the contents of photos taken by the device's camera and adjusts brightness to help improve dynamic range, lights, and shadows for a more realistic image when being viewed. The device also uses DC Dimming in a well-lit environment at brightness levels of 70 Nits and above but switches to 2160Hz PWM Dimming when in low-light environments while the display is below 70 Nits for a more comfortable experience in order to reduce eye strain caused by flickers and avoid eye fatigue and potential eye damage. This is done while also maintaining the display's color accuracy. Additionally, its 20,000 Levels of Automatic Brightness feature adapts a proper amount of brightness according to any given ambient lighting condition for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Having an SGS AI Eye Protection Screen Certification, realme 13 Pro is equipped with several AI Eye Protection capabilities. Using AI, it can identify the frequencies of when the user yawns or blinks to identify fatigue and adjust color temperature and brightness for smart eye protection. AI Gaming Eye Protection combines AI Fatigue Detection and monitoring of prolonged gaming sessions from 10 PM to 7 AM for 1 to 2 hours daily) and adjusts color temperature to help protect the user's eyes as they play. Moreover, its special eye protection features are Bedtime Mode (For after sunset and before sunrise), Color Temperature adjustment, and a Paper Texture function that calibrates the display to recreate the image of a textured paper or "ink screen" for added eye comfort as if the user is reading from physical paper. Notably, the Rainwater Smart Touch feature is definitely useful due to its sustained accuracy when interacting with the device, even if the display or your hands are wet.
For audio, realme 13 Pro 5G features Hi-Res Dual Stereo Speakers. You can find the speaker grills located at both the top (with 3 holes) and bottom (with 4 holes so it's a bit louder). After testing the speakers by listening to music, streaming videos, and playing online games, I can confidently say that the sound quality is outstanding and impressive. The highs were sharp and well-defined, the vocals were clear (especially on online games), and the bass had a satisfying thump.
Meanwhile, biometrics include a snappy in-display fingerprint reader and face unlock. Security options include pattern (connect at least 4 dots), PIN (4-6 digits), and password (at least four alphanumeric characters). To access this, go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock.
Hardware and Software
The realme 13 Pro 5G has a massive 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage (not expandable ROM, given the use of a Dual-Nano SIM Card Tray). This big storage can store at least 970 series episodes, 60k songs, or 60k photos (given each video is 720p HD quality at 250MB per episode and at least 4MB per song or photo).
Further, it supports Dynamic RAM Expansion (Virtual RAM) with up to 12GB for up to 24GB Total RAM, which can improve the phone's performance and enable efficient multitasking. In my experience, there's no lag even when I open multiple apps at the same time. To extend the RAM of realme 13 Pro 5G, go to Settings > About device > RAM, toggle on the switch button for RAM expansion, and choose one of the options: 4GB, 8GB, or 12 GB. Restart the phone to apply changes.
Moreover, realme 13 Pro 5G is powered by a 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 octa-core processor (4x ARM Cortex-A78 Cores at up to 2.4GHz and 4x ARM Cortex A55 Cores at up to 1.95GHz), which is accompanied by an Adreno 710 GPU. The mobile platform is paired with a 9-Layer 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System that uses 4,500 sq mm tempered VC and 9,953 sq mm graphite to cover the device’s main heat sources and lower temperatures for ease of use. The area covered for VC has been increased by 32.5 percent versus the realme 12 Pro 5G. It also comes with an X-axis linear motor with strong vibrations for haptics and a better touch experience.
In the test I conducted, I experienced smooth performance on the realme 13 Pro 5G while playing popular MOBA games like Mobile Legends (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HOK) with no lag or stutter. I achieved seamless 60 frames per second (fps) gameplay on MLBB and 30 fps on HOK. Notably, the "Ultra" graphics setting is unavailable in MLBB, whereas it is accessible in HOK. Temperature records peaked at 38 and 33 degrees Celsius, respectively.
For connectivity, the realme 13 Pro 5G is equipped with Dual Carrier Aggregation Technology, which can support two 5G SIM Cards simultaneously. Moreover, it allows for 4G Internet access during phone calls. Additionally, it supports Dual-Channel Network Acceleration through WiFi/5G network for improved speed and stability. Its Antenna Array Matrix feature takes advantage of the device's multiple antennas to help provide a stable signal and reduce latencies, regardless of how the user holds the device as they use it. Further, it utilizes 360 degrees NFC technology and leverages the antenna layout of the device to facilitate NFC usage from any angle and position on the terminal. Particularly, it can be useful for Snap Cards/Access Cards, a function that uses NFC technology to support wireless transactions through cards that have been registered on the device.
Connected to a 75 Mbps internet connection via WiFi, the smartphone accurately recorded 75 Mbps of download speed.
realme 13 Pro 5G packs a massive 5,200mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging via USB-C. According to realme, the 45W SUPERVOOC Charge technology can charge the device from 0 to 50 percent in 27 minutes and full in 65 minutes. On a single full charge, the battery can last up to 410.04 hours of standby, 38.85 hours of voice calls, 18.17 hours for YouTube streaming, 77.88 hours for music listening, 21.13 hours of X (Twitter) browsing, 21.32 hours of WhatsApp messaging, 7.02 hours of FPS gaming (Free Fire), or 8.71 hours of MOBA gaming (MLBB). The battery was also given a 4-Year Battery Health Guarantee by realme Lab, given its structure (and pairing with Smart Charging functions in realme UI). It has realme's 38 Safety Protections, Intelligent Five-Core Chip Protection, and AI Smart Charging Functions (such as Automatic Charging Current Adjustment & Extreme Cold Mode 2.0). The charging adapter is also compatible with slower charging rates for safety and security.
With regards to the realme 13 Pro 5G battery charging test, I've charged it from 0 to 30 percent and recorded around 1 hour of charging time. In order to drain the battery to 30 percent, I conducted a video loop test, which recorded an impressive screen-on-time (SOT) of 13 hours.
When it comes to software, realme 13 Pro 5G runs on realme UI 5.0 skin based on the Android 14 operating system. As per the mobile brand, this OS is a new and improved version of realme UI, now having a more updated design and new features that are tailor-made for security, personalization, and performance. It has the full suite of features under realme UI 5.0 that were released across the realme 12 Series 5G and realme GT Series, such as AI Smart Loop, Air Gestures, Flash Capsule, File Dock, Smart Image Matting, and PhoneLink.
Here are the AI features and other useful tools I found on its "Accessibility & Convenience" menu.
I've tested realme 13 Pro 5G's AI Boost on the two mobile games I played (ML and HOK), and it significantly enhanced the phone's performance. Frame drops were noticeably lesser, especially during the unexpected 5v5 team clashes.
Antutu Score
I used the latest Antutu Benchmark app version 10 to test the performance of realme 13 Pro 5G, which took 21 minutes to complete (this includes downloading and installing the prerequisite Antutu 3DBench app).
The phone reached a whopping 672,882 points in the Antutu Benchmark. Here's the breakdown of its Antutu score: 216,990 (CPU), 121,529 (GPU), 177,466 (MEM), and 156,897 (UX). Initial temperature records were 35.3 degrees Celsius (for battery) and 38.8 degrees Celsius (for CPU). Final temperature records were 39.5 degrees Celsius (for battery) and 49.7 degrees Celsius (for CPU).
Camera Quality
The rear camera module of realme 13 Pro 5G features three lenses:
- The Sony LYT-600 is a high-level camera sensor under the Sony Lytia line. It has high resolution at 50MP, with a sensor size of 1/1.95" to capture more light and produce clearer photos, an aperture of f/1.88, 26mm equivalent focal length, and is paired with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for more stable captures and less blurry photos. It also supports 2x in-sensor zoom.
- The 8MP 112° ultra-wide angle camera has a sensor size of 1/4" and a 16mm equivalent focal length, plus an f/2.2 aperture.
- The 2-megapixel macro sensor has an f/2.4 aperture.
Meanwhile, it has a single selfie camera:
- A 32MP Sony IMX615 camera sensor with a sensor size of 1/2.74" and an FoV of 90°. It's aperture is f/2.45".
realme 13 Pro utilizes realme's AI Imaging Algorithm along with the Periscope Camera, which includes the following:
- AI HyperRAW Algorithm: For purer and sharper images
- Light and shadows are adjusted to enhance image clarity.
- 'AI Denoise' makes use of AI Noise Reduction to process RAW images with multiple frames while retaining the original image information to enhance image clarity and resolution.
- AI Portrait Algorithm: For DSLR-level optical bokeh
- AI Pure Bokeh: Accurately identifies the foreground, midground, and background of the scene taken and the subject of the photo for proper separation and processing.
- AI Natural Skin Tone: Optimizes different skin tones using AI-trained image recognition.
- AI Image Stabilization (AIS) & SuperOIS
- AIS: Software that works with OIS for further improved stabilization to further reduce blurring caused by shaky hands for clearer image captures. This feature applies to both the primary and telephoto lenses.
The device also supports AI Ultra Clarity and other features under "realme Next AI."
- AI Ultra Clarity improves blurred photos' resolution and clarity. This function improves the detail of images taken with the device's Telephoto or Periscope lens at 10x to 30x Zoom of buildings, plants, flowers, and other items with regular textured patterns. This capability works on device photos, old smartphone photos, low-quality web or social media photos, and photos from other sources that cannot be downloaded at high resolution. It improves sharpness on frames or screenshots from low-resolution movies or videos. This feature may not work well with scenes like text, especially if the content is unreadable to the human eye, since it may yield unsatisfactory results. Avoid super-resolving motion-blurred pictures.
- AI Smart Removal intelligently recognizes objects, removes circled targets such as passersby and clutter from photos, and utilizes AI's large modeling capabilities to more naturally complete the picture. Simplifying complex scenes, whether it's capturing portraits, architectural shots, or any style, this feature eliminates distracting clutter and enhances the cleanliness of the composition.
- AI Group Photo Enhance applies AI large model capability to analyze the visual information and optimize the clarity of the characters' faces. A group photo (triggered by four or more people) taken with the main camera or ultra-wide-angle can have clear facial details even for those located on the edge or in the back row. Possessing a unique attribute in the segment, but its practicality is limited due to slightly complicated usage conditions.
- AI Audio Zoom works by utilizing beamforming algorithms and AI noise reduction technology to achieve the capability of directional audio capture. By zooming in on the audio source, it can selectively enhance the sound, similar to capturing distant subjects in telephoto photography. Focusing on capturing the sound that users want to record, it will not be muffled, distorted, or too far away to be recorded. Enhance the video recording experience: follow the zoom in the video recording and synchronize the zoom sound for consistent visual and auditory sensation. Possessing a unique attribute in the segment, it outperforms competitors in terms of practicality and playability.
Check out the photos I have captured with realme 13 Pro 5G (HYPERIMAGE+) using the phone's default camera settings. I tested its Zoom, AI Smart Removal, AI Ultra Clarity, and selfie.
Final Thoughts
I really appreciated the improvements of realme 13 Pro 5G over its predecessors, especially the big 5200 mAh battery, the inclusion of AI features on the camera, and a more solid build thanks to the ArmorShell Protection (Armor Shield Glass with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i) and IP65 rating. For its P25K price tag, I can say that it's a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a well-rounded experience for travel enthusiasts of any age, digital natives like Gen Z and Millennials, and professional and aspiring content creators.
For gamers like me, I find its 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate really attractive as it produces vibrant visuals and smooth animations. Meanwhile, though Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 may not match higher-end models, this powerful octa-core CPU can handle multitasking and run most mobile games smoothly without any problems. Add to that, 45W quick charging and a 5200mAh battery provide extended usage. For photography lovers, the Sony LYT-600 sensor in the 50MP main camera takes stunning images, whether daytime or nighttime.
However, it has some downsides. CPU and charging speed could be improved, and the phone has several pre-installed bloatware apps that may not appeal to all users. Despite these minor flaws, the realme 13 Pro 5G's premium appearance, excellent display, and trustworthy camera make it a mid-range contender. If you are into a smartphone with AI cameras and a curved display, realme 13 Pro 5G is worth considering.
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