Realme XT Full Review: Premium on a Budget

True to the brand’s promise of well-valued, affordable smartphones, realme is again set to amaze with its first 64 MP offering in the Philippine market. At a mid-range price, it promises flagship-grade specs and a premium build. We’ve previously released some sample shots and a quick look at its specs and so far it has all been very promising. Now, let’s dive into the specifics and see if the realme XT is truly worth getting excited about.    

What a Stunner

Realme didn’t skimp on the looks when it made the XT. It thoughtfully included Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and rear that gives it a glossy, premium finish while keeping it tough and protected from hits and falls. It comes in a pearl white and pearl blue variant that both feature a muted gloss finish. I also really loved the color on my pearl white unit as it doesn’t sport the same holographic sheen (which can get boring after a while, honestly) that other brands have but instead presented a luminescent gloss that subtly shifts shades when light hits it. At the back, realme encased the phone’s 64 MP Samsung GW1 main sensor in yellow along with a small label.

The realme XT offers a good grip and fits comfortably in one’s hands. I only have one very minor thing against it aesthetics-wise, my pearl white test unit came with a dark grey jelly case. One question: why dark grey? No points lost here, though.   

64 MP Magic

Does anyone still print out their photos these days? Well, whether you want to digitally zoom in on the details (sample shots below) or turn your shots into hard-copy prints, the XT’s 64MP rear camera can get the job done. Supplemented with an 8MP ultrawide lens + 2MP macro lens + 2MP depth sensor, the realme XT produces stunning shots with ultra hi-resolution when using the 64 MP shooting mode. It was great to shoot with it as you have the option to switch between modes if you need a hi-res photo or just a regular one.  

At the front, its 16 MP Sony IMX471 camera set in a waterdrop notch produces stunning shots even in low-light. As realme is owned by the same company that owns both OPPO and Vivo, it shares the selfie prowess of the two brands and come with a whole host of beautifying features.

Work and Play

The XT features a 6.4 inch FHD+ display that makes a great entertainment medium. It is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 that also runs on the recently released realme 5 Pro and paired with an Adreno 616 GPU. Playing hard hitting games set on the highest settings is nothing the realme XT can’t handle. It runs smoothly and lag-free thanks to its 8GB RAM.

Inside is a 4,000 mAh battery, which won’t take a beating even with heavy gaming sessions. But if you do run low on power, the USB type-C 30W VOOC fast charge can easily bring you up to charge in no time.

The speakers at the bottom of the phone have good sound but strains a little when maxed out. It projects well, too. Plus, the realme XT also still sports a 3.5mm jack but a type-C earphone can be used with it if you’ve stocked up on those already.

Our Opinion:

The realme XT’s main selling point is its 64MP quad camera set-up but it’s also not all that different from the realme 5 Pro which shares nearly the same specs at a lower price. If you just want to take good shots for social media then you won’t need the 64 MP boost. But, if you’re willing to shell out a little bit more for the XT’s 64 MP cam and the more premium look and features, then it’s a great phone to consider.    

Full Specs:

Display:  6.4-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) Super AMOLED display
SIM: Dual SIM
Operating system: Android 9.0 Pie + Color OS 6.0.1
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712
GPU: Adreno 616
Memory: 8GB
Storage: 128GB internal (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
Cameras:  rear-64MP Samsung GW1 F1.8 (main); 8MP F2.2 (ultrawide); 2MP (macro); 2MP (depth) rear cameras, EIS; front-16MP Sony IMX471 F2.0 front camera, EIS
Connectivity & I/O ports: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot; Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE; dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS; NFC; USB type-C, 2.0; 3.5mm jack;
Security: In-screen Fingerprint Scanner, Face Unlock  
Battery: 4,000mAh with VOOC 3.0 flashcharge  
Colors: Pearl White, Pearl Blue
Price: P16,990