realme brings the GT 8 Pro to Italy, an Android smartphone that aims to get noticed not only for its power, but also for a rather unusual element: direct compatibility with the Apple Watch.
Thanks to the Apple Watch Connect function of the new realme UI 7.0 interface, the phone can receive calls and messages and synchronize health data collected by the Apple smartwatch. A sign of how the border between the two ecosystems, historically separated, is slowly starting to thin.
On the hardware front, GT 8 Pro is among the first smartphones to feature the new one Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5the flagship chip of the American company.
It is made with a 3 nanometer production process and adopts a new octa-core architecture up to 4.6 GHz: translated, more power and greater energy efficiency, especially in heavy games and apps. realme supports the processor with the proprietary Hyper Vision+ AI chip and the GT BOOST 3.0 engine, designed to keep the frame rate stable even with very demanding titles such as PUBG and Genshin Impact, which the GT 8 Pro is able to run in parallel for about an hour.
Autonomy is one of the key points of the technical sheet: the 7000 mAh battery it is combined with 120W Ultra Charge wired charging and 50W wireless charging. In internal tests the device achieved up to 21.3 hours of video playback on YouTube on a single charge, a value designed to cover even the most intense days without anxiety.
The display points to the seeker content and gaming: 6.79-inch 2K panel with refresh rate up to 144 Hz, peak brightness declared up to 7000 nits in HDR and 2000 nits in daily use. Completing the immersive experience are upgraded speakers and an Ultra Haptic haptic engine for more precise vibration feedback, especially in-game. For keep temperatures down during long sessions, realme has integrated a 7000mm² vapor chamber for heat dissipation.
realme UI 7.0: new interface and bridge with the Apple ecosystem
The GT 8 Pro is also the first model to debut with realme UI 7.0, based on Android 16. The interface introduces a new visual language called Light Glass Design, inspired by the textures of glass: more “crystalline” icons (the new Ice Cube Icons), a semi-transparent Control Center and a redesigned “Breathing Dock” at the bottom of the screen.
For those who like to customize every detail there is the Flux Theme 2.0 theme, with larger texts, panoramic Always-On Displays, video backgrounds with AI-based dynamic subject blurring and the ability to change the size and color of the interactive icons.
The “intelligent” part is entrusted to various AI functions:
- AI Notify Brief, which collects non-urgent notifications and summarizes them in short reports shown at specific times of the day;
- AI Framing Master, which suggests better shots by explaining how they are composed, to help even non-experts take more accurate photos;
- AI Gaming Coach, which studies the user’s gaming style and offers optimizations and advice in real time.
The most curious new feature, however, is its compatibility with Apple Watch: while remaining an Android in all respects, the GT 8 Pro tries to communicate with the Apple world, allowing you to receive calls and messages and synchronize the fitness data collected by the Cupertino watch. A choice that aims to intercept those who already use Apple Watch but would like to try a top of the range Android without completely giving up your wearable.
On the general performance front, realme claims significant improvements thanks to the Flux Engine, which should increase system responsiveness by 15%, daily performance by 22% and app fluidity by 29%. The Multi-task Sidebar allows you to Quickly recall apps and tools without abandoning what you’re doing, while Seamless Animations promise more natural transitions.
Interchangeable camera module and sustainable materials
Next to the technical data sheet, realme places a lot of emphasis on design. The GT 8 Pro introduces the first interchangeable camera module on a flagship smartphone: the block that houses the cameras can be unscrewed and replaced with modules of different shapes and styles – round, square or inspired by the “robotic” world. The idea is to transform the camera “island” into an element of customization, overcoming the fixed design that many top of the range models have in common.
The philosophy also extends to colors and finishes. GT 8 Pro arrives in Diary White and Urban Blue: in the latter variant the rear body is made of paper effect leatherwith recycled plastic and fabrics and a 3D texture designed to be light but resistant. The device is Global Recycled Standard certified and uses natural dyes and an organic silicone coating, while the Photonic Nano-Carving process allows for high-precision engravings down to 0.02 mm.
The matte metal frame and 2.5D double edge curved design point to improve gripwhile the flat screen with rounded corners tries to reconcile prolonged use and a flagship look. The declared objective is to propose a phone that is at the same time powerful, recognizable and more attentive to environmental impact than classic glass-metal ones.
With the GT 8 Pro, realme therefore tries to carve out space for itself in the high-end by combining three axes: latest generation hardware, an interface full of AI functions and a very customizable design, which even includes an opening towards the Apple ecosystem. A move that could especially attract younger users and technology enthusiasts looking for a different smartphone than usual, without necessarily choosing a single “camp” between Android and iOS.