Realme GT 8 Pro Puts Customization Front-and-Centre with Innovative Design and Premium Materials

The Realme GT 8 Pro is launching in India soon, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most distinctive flagship smartphones of the year. Initially touted as the first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered phone in the country, the GT 8 Pro brings more than just top-tier performance, it introduces bold innovations in hardware and design.

We recently got our hands on the Realme GT 8 Pro, although we’re only allowed to share aspects of its new design. One of the biggest highlights here is its industry-first switchable camera module, which redefines smartphone customization.

Industry’s First Switchable Smartphone Camera Bump

The standout feature of the GT 8 Pro is its Switchable Smartphone Camera Bump. Unlike conventional fixed camera housings, this design allows users to swap out the camera module to suit their preferences. By simply unscrewing the existing bump and securing a new one with a satisfying click, users can choose between three distinct designs – a circular, rectangular, or robot-themed module.

The device comes with a default circular camera module and an optional rectangular one, which can be swapped using a screwdriver. It can also be used without any module for a minimalist, robotic appearance, though users should note that a cover cannot be used with the rectangular attachment. Realme is also expected to sell additional modules with different materials and finishes separately, allowing for even deeper personalization.

This customization extends to Realme’s Color-Mix concept, particularly visible in the robot-themed module, which features a contrasting hue against the phone’s body. With this playful yet premium approach, Realme aims to set a new standard in flagship design, appealing to younger audiences who value creativity and individuality.

Balances Aesthetics, Ergonomics, and Sustainability

Beyond its modular innovation, the GT 8 Pro’s design achieves a fine balance between aesthetics and practicality. The device will be available in Diary White and Urban Blue colour options. Its refined body features streamlined curve transitions based on the golden ratio, along with dual 2.5D edges for a secure and comfortable grip. The matte metal frame and flat round-edged display further enhance both style and in-hand comfort during extended use.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of the GT 8 Pro’s construction. The Urban Blue variant features a Paper-like Leather back panel made from recycled plastics and textiles. This material offers a unique grain pattern and tactile texture while maintaining slimness and durability.

Realme employs natural organic dyes and an organic silicone coating to avoid harmful byproducts in manufacturing. The device uses Photonic Nano-Carving technology for precise engraving, certified by the Global Recycled Standard, merging quality with sustainability in flagship design.

Chase Xu, CMO and Vice President of Realme, stated: “Young users want devices that reflect their unique personalities, but the flagship market has forced them to choose between identical designs. The Switchable Camera Bump is a boldly different approach. It offers the joy of handicrafts and the freedom of combination, much like building blocks.”

Realme GT 8 Pro Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in Action

Beyond its striking design, the Realme GT 8 Pro also showcases serious performance muscle. While benchmark apps like AnTuTu and Geekbench weren’t permitted on the demo unit, real-world stress tests and gaming gave a clear picture of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s capabilities.

In the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test, the GT 8 Pro hit a peak score of 24,755 with an 11% stability rating, as frame rates ranged from 15 FPS to 183 FPS. The Solar Bay Stress Test showed more consistent results, with scores between 13,165 and 3,944 and about 30% stability, while temperatures stayed between 35°C and 45°C.

Gaming performance, however, was the real highlight. In BGMI (Smooth + Ultra Extreme) with GT Mode enabled, the phone averaged 111 FPS while drawing only 2.14W, with surface temps peaking at 40°C. Call of Duty: Mobile maintained a steady 120 FPS at Medium + Ultra settings, consuming just 1.52W and staying cool at 36.9°C.

Even in Genshin Impact-a demanding open-world RPG-the GT 8 Pro delivered an average of 44.5 FPS at Highest + 60 FPS settings, without noticeable lag. Power draw remained around 1.88W, and peak temperatures hovered near 38°C, underscoring the chip’s impressive thermal efficiency. For a more detailed breakdown, head on over to the link.

Realme GT 8 Pro India Launch

The Realme GT 8 Pro launch date in India is set for November 20 at 12 pm IST. It will debut as the second smartphone in India to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, following the OnePlus 15, which is coming on November 13.

Following the launch, the Realme GT 8 Pro will go on sale on the company’s website in India and Flipkart. We expect the Realme GT 8 Pro price in India to start from under Rs 60,000.

Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Which is the Best Affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Smartphone?

Realme GT 8 Pro Specifications

Here are the concise specifications for the Realme GT 8 Pro:

• Display: 6.79″ LTPO AMOLED, QHD+ (1440×3136) resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, peak brightness ~7000 nits
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
• RAM/Storage: Up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage (region-dependent)
• Rear cameras: 50 MP main (Ricoh-GR tuned) + 50 MP ultra-wide + 200 MP periscope telephoto
• Front camera: 32 MP selfie camera
• Battery & Charging: 7,000 mAh battery, 120W wired charging, 50W wireless charging
• Build & Extras: Dual SIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, IP68/69 dust & water resistance, swappable camera module design (round, square, robot-style)
• Software: Ships with Android 16 (Realme UI 7), 4 OS Upgrades, 5 Years Security Patches

In essence, the Realme GT 8 Pro isn’t just chasing flagship specs-it’s redefining how a smartphone can look, feel and adapt to user personality. With its swappable camera modules, premium materials, and the powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, it targets creators and power-users alike. If Realme delivers on its launch promise and maintains its performance and build quality in retail units, this could be one of the most inventive flagship phones of 2025.