It is not too often that simplicity catches my attention.  In a world full of excess and complexity, it matters when you see something simple yet attractive.  This was my first impression of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G.  

If there was something I would suggest Lily Collins add to her dynamic, bold and playful fashion sense in Emily in Paris, it would be the realme 13 Pro+ 5G.  And why not?  It is a DSLR in your pocket.  Slim and lightweight, this smartphone fits perfectly in one's hand or inside a fashionable purse.   Behind that Monet-inspired, gold satin-like glass back panel lies a world of features you wouldn't expect from a midrange smartphone.  But that's what's so good about it, right?  It’s the mystery that this smartphone exudes, waiting to be discovered because you know there is more to those good looks.

This review focuses on the defining character of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G.  I will focus on the standout features, so you can appreciate the device more deeply rather than just admiring it superficially.

More than good looks

"Good looks" is an understatement when it comes to this device.  If the Monet-inspired design didn't catch your attention, the gold-fluted Sunrise Halo on the camera module surely will.  Ribbed and grooved, when the Sunrise Halo catches light, it exudes nothing but luxury and distinction.  Inside, it houses the device's triple camera system.  And these aren't your ordinary cameras:  the upper right is a 50MP Sony LYT701 camera, the bottom right is a  50MP Sony LYT600 periscope camera and there's an 8MP 112-degree wide-angle camera - sensors that provide exceptional image quality.  

Sony LYT sensors or LYTIA are Sony's image sensors for mobile devices.  To understand its importance in smartphone photography, let us first understand what image sensors can do. 

Imagine the camera as our eyes and the image sensors are the retinas.  Inside the sensor are millions of light-sensitive spots called pixels that are working together.  When you take a photo, the lens gathers light and focuses it onto the sensor with each pixel absorbing tiny bits of light and converting it to electrical signals.  These signals are then processed by the camera's software to create a digital image.  Rule of thumb, the more pixels a sensor has, the more detail it can capture. So, imagine a high-definition painting:  the more tiny dots of color, the more intricate the image. 

Now let's dive into the realme 13 Pro+ 5G's triple camera system.  

This triple camera system is headlined by a powerful 50MP Sony LYT701 sensor with OIS.  As I have mentioned above, more pixels mean more detail.  So with the realme 13 Pro+ 5G, expect to capture intricate, crystal clear images that won't lose their sharpness even when you zoom or crop.

A standout feature is the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).  This feature combats camera shake and blurriness.  So, even if my hands were a little unsteady, my photos and videos remained sharp and smooth.  I didn't even have to worry about low-light conditions.  The LYT701 sensors boast a wide dynamic range so it can capture the most vibrant and subtle details even in challenging lighting conditions.

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G also features a 50MP Sony LYT Periscope camera with 3X optical zoom and 120X SuperZoom.  Ever wondered how a phone with such powerful zoom capabilities could be so slim?  The periscope design uses a system of mirrors to bend light at a 90-degree angle.   This allows the camera to fit longer lens horizontally, rather than vertically; hence, not compromising the phone's thickness.  This optical zoom lets you capture photos even from afar with stunning clarity, while OIS ensures stable shots even in low-light conditions. 

The third of the triumvirate is an 8MP, 112-degree wide-angle camera.  Unlike standard lenses, this camera captures a much wider scene.  It is perfect for landscapes, architecture, and group photos, allowing you to fit more of the world into your frame.

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G knows that a great selfie camera is essential.  That is why it features a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor that captures detailed, clear and vibrant photos even in challenging light conditions.  Perfect for video calls and vlogging, the camera also records high-quality videos.  Plus, with AI beauty features like skin smoothing, lighting adjustment and facial enhancements, you will always look your best in selfies.  

A DSLR in your pocket, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is a powerhouse of photography features.  With its versatile triple camera system, whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits or selfies, this smartphone delivers exceptional image quality.

And then there is AI

AI has transformed photography into something magical.  With AI, photography went leaps and bounds, revolutionizing and making it more enjoyable for everyone.  The realme 13 Pro+ 5G harnesses the power of AI to deliver these incredible features:

AI Ultra Clarity:  AI works its magic to eliminate blurriness and enhance image resolution. The result:  sharp, clear and vibrant photos that capture every detail.

AI Smart Removal:  Want to remove unwanted objects or people from your photos?  The AI Eraser tool makes it easy.  A photo of my pet would’ve been perfect if it weren’t for those black slippers behind him.  To remove them, just tap "Edit" and select "AI Eraser."  Then, circle or brush over the object you want to erase.  Watch as it magically disappears, leaving you with a perfect shot.  

AI Group Photo Enhance:  This tool optimizes group photos when there are at least four people in the shot. It adjusts the lighting and focuses on facial features, ensuring everyone looks their best. 

AI Pure Bokeh:  This AI algorithm creates a natural, blurry background effect that enhances portrait photography.

AI Natural Skin Tone:  This algorithm enhances the natural appearance of skin tones.  It adjusts and fine-tunes to make them natural and flattering.

AI Audio Zoom:  This feature enhances audio recordings by amplifying the sound coming from the subject you are zooming in on.

AI HyperRAW Algorithm:  This tool delivers clear and detailed photos across a zoom range of 0.6x to 6x.  With its enhanced dynamic range, you will capture stunning shots even in harsh conditions.

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is indeed a compelling choice for photo/travel enthusiasts or tech savvy individuals.  This midrange smartphone is packed with premium features starting with its advanced camera system.  Beyond that, it boasts a stunning 6.7-inch curved OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for smooth and lag-free visuals even under bright sunlight thanks to its 2000 nits peak brightness.  Powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and running on realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14 operating system, this device offers a powerful and efficient performance.

With a powerful 12GB RAM, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G effortlessly handles multiple apps simultaneously.  And with up to 512GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space for all apps, photos and videos.

Long lasting power is provided by realme 13 Pro+ 5G’s 5200mAh battery.  Need a quick charge?  The 80W SuperVOOC fast charging technology fills the battery to 50% in just 19 minutes and fully charges it in 49 minutes.

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is nothing but simplicity redefined.  It is where elegance and power coexist without compromise.  Beyond its striking aesthetics it offers a suite of features that cater to the discerning user.  And so, whether you are a photography enthusiast, a tech-savvy individual or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted device, then the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is a worthy choice.