Realme XT : The first 64MP smartphone and a new Wear OS king

This week we got our first look at the Realme XT, the first device to sport Samsung’s 64MP camera sensor. In our hands-on time with the device, we were impressed with the Google Pixel-like images it produced. We’ll find out soon if the next device with the sensor, the Redmi Note 8 Pro, can produce similar results.

As for non-smartphones, we checked out several other devices, including a best-in-class Wear OS smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 with Amazon Alexa, an ultra-portable smartphone gimbal, and an affordable pair of true-wireless earbuds.

We also reviewed the entry-level Realme 5 and got some hands-on time with the modular Fairphone 3and the stylish Oppo Reno 2.

It seems like we’re in a new era of the megapixel wars, as 48MP cameras now give way to 64MPsensors. Both Xiaomi and Realme have confirmed plans for 64MP smartphones and we’ve now seen the first device launch in the Realme XT.

The Realme XT’s headline feature is of course the 64MP f/1.8 camera, forming part of its quad rear camera setup. The 64MP GW-1 sensor features the same 0.8 micron pixels as 48MP cameras, and is able to use pixel-binning to deliver shots comparable to a 16MP 1.6 micron camera.

As for the other three rear cameras, you’re looking at an 8MP ultra-wide snapper (119 degree field of view), a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. You’ll need to rely on the 64MP sensor to digitally zoom rather than a dedicated telephoto camera then.

Otherwise, the Realme XT is essentially the Realme 5 Pro in many ways. That means a Snapdragon 712 chipset, 4/6/8GB of RAM, 64GB to 128GB of expandable storage, a 4,000mAh battery with 20 watt fast charging (very similar to the Pro’s 4,035mAh battery with 20 watt charging), and a 16MP camera in a waterdrop notch.

The Realme XT also differs by offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen (FHD+) with an in-display fingerprint sensor, as opposed to the Pro’s 6.3-inch LCD screen and rear fingerprint combo.

Other notable specs worth knowing include a 3.5mm port, ColorOS 6.0.1 atop Android Pie, dual nano-SIMs, and Bluetooth 5 (don’t expect NFC here).

The Realme XT will be available from the second half of September, but the company hasn’t revealed pricing just yet. It’s too soon to say whether it’ll be a great deal then, although Realme usually offers bargain pricing.

Realme’s launch comes a day before Xiaomi is due to unveil the Redmi Note 8 series. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is expected to offer a 64MP rear camera as well.