realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition review
The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is the second flagship device from Realme, offering high-end features at an affordable price. The smartphone's design is simple and elegant, with a frosted glass back and metal frame that provides a comfortable grip. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display boasts full HD+ resolution and 120Hz frequency, making it fast, smooth, and pleasant to use. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen1 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.18 storage. The performance is impressive, with high scores in benchmark tests and seamless gaming experience at high settings. The smartphone also features a quad-camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP microscope camera. The camera app offers various modes and filters, but the image quality could be improved in low-light conditions with software updates. Video recording is available at up to 4K resolution and 60fps, with both optical and electronic stabilization. The front camera takes decent selfies and video calls. Other notable features include a 5000mAh battery that lasts around one to one-and-a-half days on moderate use, fast charging support (F100W), and dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound. Biometric authentication is available through an under-display fingerprint scanner and facial recognition. While the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition has some minor drawbacks, it offers excellent performance, good build quality, and decent cameras at a competitive price point of around $550 for the top-end variant. Overall, this smartphone provides great value for those looking for a balanced flagship experience without breaking the bank.
Build Quality and Design
The Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition boasts an impressive build quality that sets it apart from other smartphones in its class. The device's external design is minimalist yet elegant, with smooth edges that make it a pleasure to hold. The case materials are top-notch, featuring frosted glass on the back and a metal frame in the center. The smartphone's dimensions are average for 2023, making it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. However, its compactness is not compromised by the premium build quality, which feels solid and reassuring in the hand. One of the standout features of the Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition is its excellent case materials. The frosted glass on the back provides a tactile experience while the metal frame adds a touch of sophistication to the device's design. The smooth edges ensure that the phone does not cut into your hand, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. While some might find the design to be unremarkable, the attention to detail and use of high-quality materials elevate the Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition above its competitors. The smartphone's build quality is a testament to Realme's commitment to delivering premium devices at an affordable price point. In conclusion, the Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition's build quality and design are truly impressive, making it a strong contender in the flagship segment. While some might prefer more dramatic designs, the simplicity and elegance of this smartphone will appeal to those who value functionality and aesthetics.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is its impressive battery life. This smartphone boasts a 5000mAh power-packed battery, making it perfect for users who need a device that can last all day. In my tests, I found that the phone's battery lasted anywhere from one to one and a half days with moderate use, including 120Hz enabled light same and always-on display. The autonomy table is impressive, showcasing the smartphone's ability to sustain a long lifespan even with demanding tasks. The charging speed is also noteworthy, thanks to the included F100W fast charger. A full charge of the smartphone takes just 26 minutes, making it perfect for users who need a quick top-up on-the-go. While I was pleased with the battery life, some potential drawbacks to consider include: * The phone's large size may make it uncomfortable to carry around. * Some users might find the camera app's optimization issues in low-light conditions off-putting. However, these minor concerns are easily outweighed by the phone's impressive battery life and overall performance. If you're looking for a smartphone that can keep up with your daily demands without requiring constant charging, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is definitely worth considering. 4.5/5
Display
The display is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition does not disappoint in this department. The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with full HD Plus resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures that scrolling and navigating through the interface is fast, smooth, and a pleasure to experience. One of the notable features of the display is its support for DCI-P3 color profile, HDR, and SRGB. The result is a vibrant, contrasty, and saturated display with excellent color reproduction. The margin of brightness is sufficient for use indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Additionally, the display has separate processor for the screen, which further enhances its performance. Users can also customize the display settings to their liking. The only minor drawback mentioned in this review is the presence of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and DC dimming, which may not be ideal for users with sensitive eyes. However, it's worth noting that both features can be enabled or disabled through the developer options. Overall, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition's display is a significant highlight of this smartphone, offering an excellent visual experience without breaking the bank.
Camera
The camera on the Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition is a notable feature that deserves attention. This flagship smartphone boasts three modules, including a primary 50-megapixel sensor with an IMX 766 sensor and optical image stabilization. The camera system also includes a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens without autofocus and a 2-megapixel microscope lens capable of up to 40x magnification. In terms of performance, the camera delivers good results in various scenarios. The primary lens is capable of capturing detailed images with excellent color reproduction. However, it's worth noting that low-light performance could be improved with future software updates. The ultra-wide-angle lens allows for a broader field of view and can capture interesting perspectives. One notable feature of the microscope lens is its ability to take close-up shots, making it ideal for showcasing small details. Unfortunately, this capability can only be utilized when in camera mode, which might limit its use cases. Despite this, the microscope lens shows promise and could be improved with further development. Video recording capabilities are also noteworthy, as the primary camera can shoot video at up to 4K resolution (30 or 60 FPS), with both optical and digital stabilization available. The front-facing camera captures decent selfies in full HD (30 FPS) with video stabilization, but may not impress in terms of image quality compared to other flagships. Overall, while the Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition's camera is good, it could benefit from optimization and future updates to reach its full potential, particularly in low-light situations. Despite this, the primary sensor and ultra-wide-angle lens deliver decent results, making them suitable for everyday photography needs. The microscope lens adds a unique feature to the smartphone, but its limitations may restrict its use. 4/5 The Realme GT2 Master Explorer Edition's camera is a solid addition to an already impressive flagship device. While it falls short in some areas, its strengths make it suitable for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone.
Price and Value
In the realm of smartphones, value for money is often a crucial factor in making a purchasing decision. The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is a device that checks all the right boxes, offering top-notch features at a price point that's hard to ignore. Priced starting at $550 for the top-of-the-line variant with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this smartphone offers an incredible value proposition. When compared to its peers in the same league, such as the Google Pixel 6, Samsung S21 FE, and OnePlus 10 Pro, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition emerges as a strong contender. While it may not be the cheapest device on the market, the price tag of $550 is remarkably low considering the specifications. The smartphone boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, up to 12GB of LPDDR5x memory, and a fast charging system that can juice up the 5000mAh battery in just 26 minutes. In terms of performance, this device delivers, with smooth scrolling, rapid app launching, and seamless gaming experiences. The AMOLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, high contrast ratios, and excellent brightness levels. The camera setup, comprising three modules including a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP microscope lens, also turns in some impressive results. Considering its price point, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition offers an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and value. It's a must-consider option for those seeking a flagship smartphone without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is a flagship device that boasts impressive performance at an affordable price. At the heart of this smartphone lies a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.18 storage. In our tests, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition delivered outstanding performance. It scored over 1 million points in AnTuTu benchmarks, making it one of the fastest smartphones on the market. Launching applications, loading games, and switching between them was seamless, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. Games ran smoothly at high and maximum settings, with frame rates never dipping below 60 FPS. The phone's performance remained stable even after extended gaming sessions, with temperatures rarely exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. One of the standout features of this smartphone is its ability to be optimized for performance. Through a software update, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition can further boost its performance by enabling AGT mode, making it an excellent choice for gamers and heavy users. In summary, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition's performance is exceptional, offering fast and smooth operation even with demanding tasks. Its ability to be optimized through software updates makes it a great value for money, especially considering its competitive pricing.
Pros
1. The smartphone has excellent performance with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, making it fast and smooth for all tasks.
2. The display is great, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with full HD Plus resolution, 120Hz frequency, and support for DCI-P3, SRGB, and HDR color profiles.
3. The battery life is good, lasting around one to one and a half days on a single charge, depending on usage.
4. The camera is good, featuring a 50MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP microscope for up to 40x magnification.
5. The software is well-optimized, running smoothly with Android 12 and Realme UI 3.0.
6. The smartphone comes with fast charging support (F100W), allowing for a full charge in just 26 minutes.
Cons
1. The smartphone's design may not be to everyone's taste, featuring a simple style with smooth edges but no compact dimensions in 2023.
2. Some users may find the camera optimization process lacking, particularly in low-light conditions.
3. The front camera is unremarkable, producing only full HD resolution and 30 FPS video.
4. Setting up the smartphone can take around 20-30 minutes, which may be a drawback for some users.